TOP 17

Three architectural directions for a historic vaulted apartment in Neuberg an der Mürz — developed around warmth, winter living, intellectual retreat and minimal intervention.

Peter Zumthor Inspired

Warm contemplative architecture focused on silence, tactility and spatial calm. Historic vaulted ceilings remain untouched while the apartment becomes an alpine intellectual refuge.

Zumthor bedroom

Bedroom

Warm indirect lighting, pale lime plaster, tactile linen, psychologically protective winter atmosphere.

Vaulted ceilings
Warm oak
Quiet retreat
Zumthor kitchen

Kitchen

Minimal intervention kitchen with communal table, restrained materials and warm winter light.

Monastic warmth
Natural materials
Thermal refuge
Zumthor corridor

Hallway

Light-reflective vaulted passage emphasizing calm movement and psychological warmth.

Soft light
Historic calm
Silence

“The apartment should feel suitable for everyday living during long alpine winters — calm, bright, warm and psychologically healthy.”

Japanese Ryokan

A softer and more reduced interpretation emphasizing stillness, ritual, low furniture, warm floor atmosphere and quiet daily routines.

Ryokan sleeping room

Sleeping Chamber

Low bedding, soft natural textiles, warm timber and restrained visual calm.

Low furniture
Warm textiles
Quietness
Ryokan living

Tea & Reading Space

A contemplative room for tea, reading and winter retreat with minimal interventions.

Tatami mood
Warm light
Stillness
Ryokan bath

Bathroom

Warm bathing atmosphere inspired by Japanese inns and thermal retreat culture.

Warm stone
Quiet bathing
Winter comfort

“Reduction should create warmth and calm — never emptiness or coldness.”

English Country House

The most realistic direction for TOP 17: preserving most existing furniture and atmosphere, improving warmth mainly through layering, lighting, textiles and books.

Country living room

Living Room

Warm rugs, bookshelves, table lamps and collected furniture create lived-in comfort.

Layered textiles
Books
Warm lamps
Country kitchen

Kitchen

Traditional English warmth with minimal renovation and emphasis on atmosphere.

Country kitchen
Warm wood
Tea rituals
Country bedroom

Bedroom

Layered bedding, warm fabrics and inherited objects create psychological comfort.

English warmth
Winter refuge
Comfort

“The rooms should feel collected over decades, not newly designed.”