Zen House / JAN TYRPEKL

Architects: JAN TYRPEKL
Area: 30 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Jakub Hrab
Manufacturers: 2MAD Building s.r.o., DÍLO.work, Okna Jánošík
Lead Architects: Jan Tyrpekl
Structure Engineer: 2MAD s.r.o.
Project Manager: 2MAD s.r.o.
Program / Use / Building Function: Zen House
City: Hainburg an der Donau
Country: Austria

Zen House, designed by Jan Tyrpekl, is located in a remote area of a farm complex used for animal husbandry and social events. The house, elevated on pillars at the border of a young orchard and mature trees, offers a unique experience in nature with glass walls connecting it to the landscape. The living area, about 4 meters above the ground, features built-in furniture, a bar, a bed, and a fireplace. The structure is made of glued laminated larch and spruce timbers with a CLT panel platform. Future additions include a sauna, shower, and toilet.

The Zen House was designed to offer a unique experience in nature, allowing for relaxation, sleep, and meaningful activities such as debating around a fire.

The structure is located in a remote area of a farm complex, which is used for both animal husbandry and social events. Positioned on the border of a young orchard and mature trees, the house has an archetypal shape and is elevated on pillars along with its terrace, allowing the landscape to flow freely beneath and through it.

The design concept focuses on a total connection with the surrounding landscape, achieved through glass walls. The living area is situated about 4 meters above the ground, akin to a bird’s nest, providing a sense of security and intimacy. The interior features built-in furniture, including a bar connected to a bed and a fireplace. A transition zone with two opposing HS portals leads to either the terrace or the orchard.

The lower part of the structure and the terrace are constructed from glued laminated larch timbers. The building itself uses a timber frame made of glued laminated spruce timbers, placed on a solid wooden CLT panel platform. CLT panels are also used for the roof structure’s supporting shell.