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Nestled in the picturesque hills of Vienna, the Villa Minimale is a remarkable project by Clemens Kirsch Architektur that redefines the concept of a tiny home. Built as a summer retreat and allotment house for a family of four, the 35-square-meter structure demonstrates maximum efficiency and thoughtful design within strict building limitations. The project harmonizes a deep connection with nature and draws inspiration from architectural masterpieces, creating a space that feels both innovative and timeless.
The Villa Minimale's design concept was born from a unique fusion of two architectural inspirations:
Villa Rotonda (Andrea Palladio): The Palladian influence is evident in the project's centralized plan and symmetrical layout.
Kings Road House (R. M. Schindler): The Los Angeles home's spirit is echoed in the use of four distinct volumes and the creative spatial arrangement.
The house is composed of four identical, prefabricated wooden "sheds" arranged in a windmill-like formation around a central, circular air space. This innovative layout maximizes natural light and ventilation while blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. A prominent central oculus or skylight allows for views of the starry night sky from the upper-level sleeping areas.
Despite being constrained by local regulations that limit its footprint to 35 m² and its height to 5 meters, the Villa Minimale achieves exceptional spatial efficiency.
The interior is expertly planned to serve a family of four. The central area features a dining space, surrounded by a kitchen, a bathroom, a toilet, and a cozy reading alcove. A staircase provides access to the upper level. The upper level contains three bunk beds, offering a "camping-like" feel that is accentuated by the skylight views.
The exterior features prefabricated timber construction with light-glazed timber battens and a copper roof.
The inner surfaces are lined with veneered marine pine plywood, creating a warm, natural, and inviting atmosphere. The design creates a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, allowing views of the surrounding landscape in all four directions.
Project credits
Architects: Clemens Kirsch Architektur (Lead Architect: Clemens Kirsch).
Client: Family K.
Location: Vienna, Austria.
Year of Completion: 2023.
Area: 35 m².
Photography: Herta Hurnaus.
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Clemens Kirsch Architektur
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Clemens Kirsch Architektur:
Clemens Kirsch Architektur is a Vienna-based firm founded by Clemens Kirsch, known for creating intelligent and customized designs for residential, public, and educational buildings. The firm emphasizes creativity, efficiency, and a holistic approach to architecture, with a focus on sustainable and technically sophisticated projects, often involving timber construction and low-energy methods. Their work seeks to distill a project down to its essential character, responding to the poetry of a place and the sensuous qualities of materials.
