Old and contemporary meet with a striking result in the small village of Fahndorf, in the Weinviertler area of Lower Austria. Here is where a 200 year old traditional farmhouse has been enhanced by the addition of a distinctly modern extension which respects the original structure while also complementing its character. The new building has been designed by Propeller Z, an architecture and design studio based in Vienna, Austria. The topography of the site enabled the creation of a unique relationship between the two buildings, as a section of the old farmhouse is built into the slope, making the pitched roof reach ground level on the upper garden and orchard area, right where the sleek rectangular starts to rise from the ground. The extension is partially suspended, creating a sheltered outdoor space in the lower courtyard and providing access to the rest of the property through an external staircase made of light steel. The addition to the main farmhouse features prefabricated aluminum panels and boasts glazed walls on the south and east side, allowing natural light to fill the interior. While the older building was designed to offer protection from the summer heat thanks to thick brick walls, the new structure is made of lightweight aluminum and has a cellulose insulation, to make the space easy to heat during the colder months. The small kitchen, bathroom, dining and living room feature a minimalist design with clean lines and a warm color palette. Wood ceilings and furniture enhance the rustic allure of the interior; glass doors and concrete floors infuse the space with contemporary style. But the most visually striking feature is located on the north side of the new structure, which features an entire wall of stacked firewood logs, cleverly linking the modern extension to the rural surroundings. Photography by Hertha Hurnaus.
