HOF THANN
History and Assignment
The initial starting point was an existing Dreiseithof in the Upper Austrian Traunviertel, which had been empty for some time after a long and eventful history. The property was first mentioned in the Theresianische Fassion of 1750. The Franziszeische Kataster shows that the solid part, still preserved today, was originally closed on the south side in the 18th century with a wooden structure to form a four-sided courtyard.
After a fire in the western part of the building, the property was no longer inhabited. The vacant building was worth preserving not only because of its history: the solid construction, with mixed masonry, partly unfired clay bricks, and beautiful timber ceilings, offered a good starting point for creating a successful combination of old structure and new living requirements for a young family.
Concept
When reusing the existing building, the focus was on the interpretation of found elements: old masonry, timber-beam ceilings, and box-type windows were recognised as high-quality resources and reused. Only in the western part of the building was the damage caused by the fire too severe. In this area, the original form is completed with a new timber-frame construction within the original outer contours.
The aim is to uncover the old qualities in a minimally invasive way.
Implementation
The exterior and interior walls of the building remain largely as they are, while the heavily damaged area to the west was removed and replaced with a timber-frame construction. A new roof follows the original shape and connects the old and new areas. The historic parts of the building are refitted with box-type windows.
At the centre of the living space is a staircase-sculpture leading to the upper floor, which incorporates a storage stove and creates a new core. In addition to the residential use, part of the former stable is converted into medical practice premises. Living and working under one roof becomes possible.
A former door in this area becomes a double-wing door, bringing generous light into the rooms.
