ews - erstes wiener strohhaus

roof extension of an existing rear building to create living and working space. the design is based on economical considerations using sustainable materials and was to be realised  low-cost and environmentally friendly. straw bales were used as insulation for the roof and cellulose for the walls and floors.

the materials used are loam final rendering for the walls, untreated larch wood for the floors, tadelakt in the bathrooms, linoleum, steel grating for the stairs and galleries and bricks in the entrance area.

the rooms are open plan with demountable shelf-partitions which allow adaption to the needs of the residents. split level situations allow a maximum use of the available space. small rooms with low ceilings alternate with the main rooms going all the way up to the apex. moving your position through various levels allow ever changing views inside and out.

one of the challenges was opening the building - floor-to-ceiling and wall to wall glazing to one side, opening to the balcony going all round - and preventing undesired insights from the neighbouring buildings.

adding high quality living at moderate costs in densely populated area was the main intention of this project.