The White House in Graz demonstrates how a residential building from the 1970s can be transformed into a clearly structured, contemporary piece of architecture. Architect Maria Richter-Trummer preserved the basic form of the existing building while completely reorganising the interior, creating two independent residential units. Enlarged openings, new visual connections and an integrated homelift improve daylight, comfort and usability.
The steep south-west facing site was deliberately incorporated into the design concept. Terraced outdoor spaces on several levels strengthen the relationship between the building and its topography, creating clearly defined areas for use and retreat. The calm, monolithic appearance of the house results from the precise articulation of roof and façade.
Swisspearl Largo Carat panels in light and dark tones were used for the façade cladding. The large-format elements emphasise the building’s clear lines and underline its reduced architectural expression. The interplay of the two colours responds subtly to light and shadow on the sloping site. The roof-integrated PV system, Sunskin Roof Lap, is discreetly incorporated into the overall design and supports the project’s ambition for a contemporary and energy-efficient building envelope.
With energy-efficient timber-aluminium windows, wood-fibre insulation and carefully detailed construction, the project successfully connects the existing structure with a contemporary, precise architectural language.