House Schmieder, a compact 8x8 meter cubic concrete residence in Fraxern, Austria, represents a distinctive response by Fischer Schmieder Architekten to its alpine setting. The house is situated on a gently sloping meadow, surrounded by cherry trees, and is accessed via a small steel bridge. The design process was centered on creating an appropriate and contemporary architectural statement that respects its rural, traditional surroundings.

The raw, monolithic design features thick, 50cm-wide insulating concrete walls, with all surfaces left untreated. This choice, combined with the use of raw steel and silver fir, creates a robust and elemental interior and exterior. The living spaces are distributed vertically across three floors, linked by an open staircase, which contributes to the building's open and spacious feel despite its compact footprint. Heating is integrated directly into the concrete core, supplemented by a central furnace for additional warmth. The project balances a minimalist, brutalist aesthetic with the surrounding landscape, providing a striking yet functional refuge.

Credits

Architecture: Fischer Schmieder Architekten

Photography: Adolf Bereuter