House without site. On a site that was entirely obstructed with garages and storage rooms the Aigner family acquired not the site itself but the right to build a new house on it. Without any open space, next to the church in the medieval center of Ybbsitz. Trust. Since this was the second project made by the owners and the architects in Ybbsitz, a solid mutual trust including the mayor and public authorities had already been developed. Without any long discussions the unusual form of the building could be decided on and accredited. New on top of old. Two apartments were put on the existing base of a garage. The risky wooden construction was then covered with copper – a metallic membrane as reference to a region that has been known for its blacksmith tradition for centuries. Double single. The atmosphere inside the building is differentiated. The first floor is generously vitrified and in direct contact to the dense surrounding. The second floor however is introverted with narrow windows, only the western facade is open through diagonal fins. The two apartments with sizes of 65 sqm and 95 sqm can be used as two independent apartments, separated by a big partition, or as one big unit. In the latter case the big table and a 16-meter long bench offer ample space for parties. Ensemble. The ‚Aigner’ together with three other houses defines a small semi-public village square, whereas the transparent first floor becomes part of this public space. On the other side of the building the facade bends away from the street, thus enlarging this narrow space and paying homage to the neighbouring church. New life. The ‚Aigner‘ adds to the vivid center of Ybbsitz. Design and materiality sharpen the distinct character of the old town center.

Fotos: Andreas Buchberger