In Winzendorf-Muthmannsdorf, Austria, a private eco-friendly residence is setting new standards for sustainable and revolutionary design. Nestled within a vineyard and spread across approximately 1,600 square meters, the home harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Every floor of this distinctive house reflects a design innovation, reaching its pinnacle in the bathroom.
The home’s unique architecture is evident from its exterior, where charred wood cladding defines the facade, embodying a nature-inspired aesthetic. Sustainable construction methods are featured throughout the bright and open house, especially in the bathroom. To align with the home's eco-conscious concept, architect Oliver Steinbauer, from STEINBAUER architektur+design, selected Kaldewei's Conoduo bathtub. Made from sustainable steel enamel, the Conoduo is 100% recyclable and renowned for its durability.
On the lower floors, the home’s rooms feature concrete ceilings, sand-blasted steel, exposed flooring, and large windows. The decor combines white Corian, naturally oiled oak, and discreetly placed east-facing lighting accents. Custom-built furniture crafted from brushed wild oak is paired with unique elements made from locally sourced Anglesberg marble. The wine cellar, deeply embedded into the earth, is another design highlight, providing optimal temperature control.
"Given that the property has been a family vineyard for generations, creating a structure that is both timeless and in harmony with nature was a priority from the start," says architect Oliver Steinbauer.
The client sought elegance and sustainability in every aspect of the home, including the bathroom. Located on an intermediate level, the bathroom centers around the recessed Conoduo bathtub from Kaldewei, offering a framed view of the northwestern Anglesberg mountain. This eco-friendly focus extends to the material used for the bathtub, crafted from Kaldewei’s signature steel enamel, a seamless fusion of steel and glass made from natural raw materials. At the end of its life, it can be fully recycled, ensuring a sustainable lifecycle. The bathtub's enameled surface is exceptionally durable, hygienic, and easy to clean, with Kaldewei backing this resilience with a 30-year warranty.
"The steel enamel bathtub seamlessly integrates with the open, varied spatial design and the property’s understated natural materials," says Steinbauer.