Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts
This black wooden house in Austria by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten is raised off the ground on wonky metal stilts to frame views of the landscape and allow room underneath for a sheltered garden (+ slideshow).
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_6.jpg)
Austrian firm Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten designed S House for a pair of school teachers in Vorderweissenbach, northern Austria, who asked for a floor area of 130 square metres arranged on a single storey.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_2.jpg)
There was no requirement for a basement floor, so the architects were able to position the building at the highest point of the sloping site. The front of the structure meets ground level, while the rear is lifted several metres into the air.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_1.jpg)
Rooms are arranged on a U-shaped plan that wraps around an elevated terrace. Bedrooms and a study run along one side and the other half contains a large living, dining and kitchen space.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_3.jpg)
"We tried to combine the requirements and the qualities of the plot in a very cost-effective design. The U-shape of the house made a very familiar and protected terrace with stunning views," architect Dietmar Hammerschmid told Dezeen.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_4.jpg)
The architects gave the building a timber structure, meaning construction could be completed in just four months.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_5.jpg)
Exterior walls are clad with roughly sawn spruce and were painted matte black using traditional Swedish Falu Rödfarg paint.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_7.jpg)
"We chose the black paint because the U-shaped building has a very large surface and a dark building integrates better into the surrounding landscape," added Hammerschmid.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_9.gif)
Wooden floors run through the house, while large windows frame views towards the surrounding hills.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_8.gif)
Here's a brief description from Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher Architekten:
S House - Vorderweissenbach
Initial situation was a steep, rather small plot of land with excellent views.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_10.gif)
The owners required a cost-efficient house with a maximum of 130 square metres of living space. A basement was not necessary. These requirements led to the decision, to base the whole building on pillars.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_11.gif)
The U-shaped floor plan responds to the neighbouring settlement. Living rooms and bedrooms are oriented to a terrace that offers great views of the surrounding hills.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_14.gif)
Because of the chosen typology the natural terrain could be untouched over the whole plot.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_13.gif)
In the garden the building offers a large, weather-protected area.
![Black-painted S House by Hammerschmid Pachl Seebacher raised up on stilts](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/02/House-S-by-Hammerschmid_dezeen_12.gif)