Architects: Lechner & Lechner Architects
Area: 224 m²
Year: 2019
Photography: Melissa Zgouridi
Manufacturers: Archicad, Baumeister Steiner, Binderholz, Bruckner, Holzform
Lead Architect: Christine Lechner
In Cooperation With: Michael Trixl
Statics: Thomas Forsthuber
Building Physics: Denise Gappmaier
City: Salzburg
Country: Austria
Above the Trees, a residential project by Lechner & Lechner Architects in Salzburg, Austria, engages with the site’s steep terrain to create a structure that merges with its surroundings. The compact design integrates exposed concrete, timber, and steel, emphasizing material authenticity while framing panoramic views of the Salzburg mountains. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, cantilevered terraces, and a carefully tapered floor plan enhance spatial relationships with the landscape. The upper floor, housing the main living spaces, extends outward to form a canopy over the forecourt, reinforcing the sense of elevation. Completed in 2019, the house captures the experience of an observatory floating above the treetops.
We appreciate materials that feel raw and “authentic.” This includes a variety of wood surfaces, raw iron, and exposed concrete—used where required for fire protection or in contact with the ground. Nothing is concealed; rather, we deliberately showcase the inherent beauty of materials in their raw state.
Interview with Christine Lechner of Lechner & Lechner Architects
Above the Trees, perched on a steep slope in Salzburg, Austria, the residence takes advantage of its elevated position to engage with multiple levels of the terrain. Accessed via a narrow mountain road, the structure integrates interior and exterior spaces while framing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Except for the covered forecourt at the ground level, the house is conceived as a compact volume. This forecourt, positioned beneath the overhanging top floor, creates a defined horizontal plateau within the rugged terrain. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, strategically aligned with balconies and terraces on the east, south, and west, strengthens the connection to the outdoors while modulating natural light throughout the day.
The floor plan gradually narrows toward the view, directing focus to the distant mountain panorama, even from private areas like the bathtub. From the city-facing approach, the residence appears as a slender and unobtrusive structure, subtly embedded within the terrain. The design is arranged across three levels: entry is through the forecourt, leading to an anteroom on the first floor, which functions as both a transitional space and a buffer due to the site’s incline. This level also includes guest rooms and a translucent bathroom, where views are intentionally withheld to enhance the element of discovery. The main living spaces are located on the upper floor, where the structure extends outward to form a roof canopy above the forecourt.
The architects envisioned a living space that evokes the feeling of a raised observatory, floating above the treetops. The material palette remains exposed, creating a dialogue between raw and refined textures. A composition of timber construction, exposed concrete walls, and cast iron elements generates a balance between warmth and structural clarity. Load-bearing components in direct contact with the ground, as well as the core of the building, are made of reinforced concrete, while the walls, ceilings, and upper floors are constructed entirely of wood. Steel girders and supports, deliberately left visible, emphasize structural honesty by showcasing rather than concealing material authenticity.
At the center of the upper floor, the kitchen and living area unfold into an expansive panoramic space, offering unobstructed views of the Salzburg mountain range. The material interplay between concrete and wood extends into the kitchen, where a monolithic concrete island and open fireplace serve as focal points, fostering a space for gathering. Positioned toward the mountain backdrop, the freestanding kitchen unit strengthens the home’s connection to its surroundings.
A series of cantilevered canopies and terraces provide solar shading while modulating the openness of the large glazed surfaces, ensuring both climatic comfort and enclosure. Integrated apertures in the canopy introduce a dynamic play of daylight throughout the interior. One such opening leads to the rooftop sauna terrace, where residents can experience the shifting alpine atmosphere and take in sunset views over the mountains.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Salzburg, Austria
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
