An excellent team: that's the strength underlying the Casa D project - an example of synthesis between green design (based on the use of wood) and architectural pioneering (emphasised by the use of art).
It's a single-family house on four floors, incorporating a studio-gallery and set into the side of a mountain not far from Bressanone.
The project was handled by the Pauhof architectural studio of Vienna, and is based on the collaboration between Micheal Hosfatter and Wolfgang Pauzenberger who have created a composition that embraces and combines two building methods.
The foundation structure is in reinforced concrete and includes central load-bearing elements but, already from the first floor and then upwards, it is made entirely of wood. The characteristic of this project lies in the choice to cover the façade with a special textile pattern, produced by putting together oak strips treated with a particular burning technique.
The process to obtain this dark shade is detailed and linked to very precise design choices, which is why Bolzano artist Manfred Alois Mayr was also involved. The result is not only aesthetic, but makes the wood more resistant to bad weather conditions too. Another distinguishing feature of this project is the presence of curved walls, producing dynamic movement around the house.
The foundation structure is in reinforced concrete, but the other levels are made entirely of wood. Spread over four disjointed levels, this home offers large, welcoming areas. The lowest level houses the garage and studio-gallery.
On the next floor up, a "filter area" formed of a studio-library is the starting point for two circular pathways. The first is on the same level and includes the kids' rooms, some service areas and a sauna. The second leads to the living room on the floor above.
On the second floor, the layout includes a large living area with kitchen and dining room, plus the main bedroom and en suite bathroom.
The terrace level has a relaxation area designed above all to emphasise the contact with the mountain. On the top level, the architects of Pauhof Studio have designed an isolated, box-like area that is partly "suspended". This has become the warmest and most welcoming part of the home as it has a room with a fireplace, large windows looking out onto the landscape, and an area given over entirely to wine-tasting.
The design approach took into account not only the structural level and the distribution of the rooms, but also some details of interior design.
Wood is the key to the entire home. It's the primary element for the furnishings as well, used not only in the living area but also the service zone and bathrooms.
The curved pathways are lined in oakwood strips too. The dark shade of the wood, suggested by Bolzano artist Manfred Alois Mayr, plays a dual role: on the one hand it distinguishes the aesthetic style of the project, and on the other it's a technique that offers greater resistance over time.
