A Vision in White: Koolhaas' Compact House in Austria Poses questions for UK infill development

I do love an infill plot…and the world of architecture rarely fails to surprise, and the latest project by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas certainly lives up to that expectation. On a site nestled amidst the rolling hills of Vorarlberg, Austria, stands a striking white monolith:

A compact, minimalist house, stepping down the hill - designed for a young family. For me, besides its visually arresting, and some might say ‘marmite’ form, the project raises intriguing questions about the nature of infill development, particularly in the context of the UK's growing housing needs.

A Site Steeped in Tradition:

The plot itself is of historical significance. It was part of a traditional farmhouse complex…carved out as a narrow strip of land on a hillside. This presented a unique challenge for Rem Koolhaas (incidentally – the perfect name for an architect!) and his firm, OMA. How to respect the heritage of the site while simultaneously creating a distinct, contemporary space for the future occupiers. The design solution would be seen by many as a clever juxtaposition of old and new.

Minimalism with a Twist:

The house itself is a study in minimalist forms. It has an almost clinical white exterior, without ornamentation or unnecessary details. In the summer it inevitably stands proud from its surroundings, in the winter, surrounded by snow, it largely disappears!

Large windows punctuate the facade, offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape and blurring the lines between inside and out. This minimalist approach extends to the inside, where clean lines and open spaces predominate. Koolhaas has injected a degree of warmth through the use of natural materials like wood and subtle colour.

Compact Living, Reimagined:

With a footprint of just 140 square meters, the house embodies the concept of compact living. Yet, it avoids feeling cramped or restrictive. This compact design aligns perfectly with the growing trend towards sustainable living and the efficient use of resources.

A Model for UK Infill Development?

So, can we learn something from a design like this for the UK setting?

Looking at the site in Austria, it might be assumed on a typical plot we might expect a planning authority to be sceptical at best about the prospects of success in delivering a successful contemporary design. However, we know the UK faces a significant housing shortage, and utilizing existing urban spaces for new development is crucial. Navigating the challenges of integrating contemporary designs into established neighbourhoods can be complex. The ‘safe’ traditional design will succeed in many LPA’s where a contemporary design like the Koolhaas version, or the ones above will (sadly) fail.

At the same time the Koolhaas house demonstrates how innovative design can strike a balance between respecting the existing built environment and introducing exciting new architectural expressions.

Questions for the UK:

The project raises several questions for the UK's attempt to address small scale plots within smaller, narrower infill sites:

• Can we embrace bolder, more innovative designs while respecting the character of existing setting?
• Can we ensure that compact living doesn't translate to compromised quality of life or living conditions?
• Can architects and planners collaborate to find creative ways to deliver infill developments on hard to develop plots?

A Catalyst for Discussion:

The Koolhaas house in Austria is more than just a stunning piece of architecture; it's a conversation starter.

This house asks questions about how we design and build in our towns and cities, particularly when faced with space constraints, difficult plots and potential sustainability issues.

Would this be granted planning permission in the UK?

That’s debatable. However, it pushes boundaries and opens doors for innovative approaches to infill development, and should spark a discussions about the future of smaller scale housing in our communities.

Below a few urban examples from the UK.