Sublime alpine home in Upper Austria marries modern and vernacular design

One major challenge architects face when designing for the world's last beautiful places is to ensure the smallest possible footprint. For HAUS KW, designed to replace a former building in Upper Austria, <a href="http://paulbaut.com/" target="_blank">Paul Kweton</a> opted for a hybrid guest home and studio that incorporates elements of both <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/vernacular/" target="_blank">vernacular</a> and modern design. The small alpine structure would include a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/sauna/" target="_blank">sauna cabin</a>, bathroom, storage area, and an outdoor terrace.

The home has glazed openings on two sides, maximizing views and natural light.

The home is clad in reflective and insulated metal panels.

The home has the pitched roof of a vernacular home, and the boxed shape of a modern one.

The interior was kept "deliberately stark" according to the architect.

The sauna cabin is separated from the main house.

Diagram of HAUS KW by Paul Kweton.

Diagram of HAUS KW by Paul Kweton.

Diagram of HAUS KW by Paul Kweton.