Modern wooden construction in a curved position

Kitzbühel | Issue 56 | Winter 2024/2025

Whoever said that a house had to be straight-lined? The architecture of “The Feather” designed by Studio Precht demonstrates just the opposite and entices hardwood into a soft, gently curving state – as we are accustomed to, turned to reality by Holzbau Maier.

This idyllic property lot lies ensconced in the beautifully shaped hilly landscapes in the far reaches of the Salzachtal. Equally beautiful is the shape of the building which is erected on it: a longish, barn-like structure of massive wood with weatherproof shingles of larchwood and a gentle slope to rest on. “Ecology and regionality walked hand-in-hand in materials, building technology with geothermic heating, photovoltaics and natural pool, as well as with the companies involved,” underscores Christian Precht. In order that the unusual, innovative design and planning concepts could be realised and come to light in ideal ways, Holzbau Maier was contracted to complete the job.

“We finished all the building components in our own workshop, and then installed them on the final location. The exterior walls and inter-mediate ceilings were completed in solid wood, the inner walls are constructions of nogging pieces,” as CEO Birgit Maier describes it. A particular challenge was the elaborate roof truss with a doubled curvilinear axis. But Holzbau Maier is not said to number among the leading specialists in the province of Salzburg for nothing when it comes to wood construction. Thus, even these complex curves were mastered with ease.

And Holzbau Maier went a step further, for the extra mile: beautiful larchwood shingles to decorate the roof and the facade. Even the conservatory and the terrace floors are finished in the selfsame weatherproof wood. Stylish details such as the embossed, cambered wood columns bring the light-hearted, exhilarating concept to ultimate perfection. “Each aperture is directed at a mountain summit. And in between, views deep into the green landscape. Due to the curves, the building lies like a languidly dropped feather between the hills,” summarises Precht poetically. To that, nothing can be added.