Amorph Living Sculpture

Amorph Living Sculpture | Salzburg, Austria | 2013
[lechner & lechner architects]

At the core of our architectural endeavor lies a design philosophy centered around seamlessly integrating our structures with the natural splendor of the surrounding environment. Employing technological tools, such as Google Earth, we embarked on a strategic journey to discern key vantage points that would fundamentally inform our design layout. The illustrious landmarks of Leopoldkron Castle, Leopoldskorner Pond, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the majestic Untersberg acted as our guiding beacons, guiding the project’s essence.

To optimize sightlines and celebrate the beauty of the significant areas, we embraced a free-flowing floor plan.The line of sight is further strengthened by the view-leading window sills. These architectural elements deftly guide the observer’s gaze, orchestrating a visual symphony that seamlessly harmonizes with the landscape. The outcome is an awe-inspiring composition of slender structures artfully positioned at angles to one another, forming a captivating central opening that beckons exploration. The entrance area is designed to be intimate due to the spatial narrowing. Inside one’s gaze is immediately captivated by the sculptural staircase, further enhancing the view towards the enchanting garden and water area.

Our meticulous attention to detail extended to the ground floor spaces, purposefully designed to establish a harmonious connection with the great outdoors. The thoughtful arrangement of these spaces and the exterior garden design coalesce to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a hobbit cave. Drawing inspiration from the natural wonders that envelop us—such as the garden, Leopoldkroner Pond, and the magnificent Untersberg—we crafted an ambiance that exalts the inherent beauty of our surroundings.

At the heart of our design philosophy lies the outdoor space, acting as a vital mediator between the structure and its environment. The water surface gracefully directs one’s gaze towards the adjacent pond, delicately elevated within the terrain. Seamlessly blending the two water surfaces, we sculpted a living artwork that can be experienced through an elegant external spiral staircase. Moreover, our selection of design elements and carefully curated plantings strengthen the connection between the project and the landscape, forging a symbiotic relationship that enhances the overall experience.

Ascending to the first floor, our emphasis on connectivity to the outdoors persists, as we introduce two expansive terraces flanking the living area. One terrace offers breathtaking vistas of the pond, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the magnificent Schloss Leopoldskron, while the other is thoughtfully oriented towards a more private sphere. This living sculpture, a testament to our unwavering commitment to artistic innovation, beckons exploration through a circular journey facilitated by two vertical openings, both within and outside.

In our relentless pursuit to manifest this vision, we wholeheartedly embraced the art of timber frame construction. With precision and skill, wooden supports were thoughtfully shaped using state-of-the-art CNC milling machines and adorned with exquisitely crafted boards. The individual wooden studs composing the outer wall were generously insulated to ensure unparalleled comfort and energy efficiency. As for the facade coating, we selected Polyurea, a material renowned for its rustic appearance, frequently utilized in the construction of rhinoceros tanks in zoos. Text description by the architects.