Landscape fence

Where: Wien, Austria

The architecture office heri&salli from Vienna conceived a steel structure similar to a cocoon round a swimming pool in the garden of a private builder-owner in Austria. With mounted panels and interior constructions which are more or less depending on their function the parametric spatial element describes possibilities of a usable surface.

Proceeding from the task to redefine an existing garden property with view of the lake, the theme of the classic rustic fence was taken up. In the simplest case a fence functions as protection or demarcation, a visualization of a line that wasn’t visible before. In the further contest it serves as esthetic element or a representative sign and separates as a 2-dimensional element different areas. The architects formulate the fence based on different requirements as a 3-dimensional description of an existing garden. The fence itself becomes- proceeding from a diagonal constructional arrangement therefore a possibility of space. With this in mind it doesn’t demarcate the space, but creates it, the function as a demarcation slides into the background and is only a byproduct.

The aim of the opening element similar to a cocoon is to create different spatial qualities and experience space. Partly covered, withdrawn and protected, then opening in the middle of the pool where you can swim out of it. Several integrated constructions like stairs, seats, lying areas and pool covering are in a geometrical relation with the original construction. In this case, architecture is an accumulation of possibilities in a described space and creates only the edges for a vast land in between.