Juri troy architects: velux sunlighthouse

'velux sunlighthouse' by juri troy architects in pressbuam, austria
all images courtesy juri troy architects
image © adam mørk


'velux sunlighthouse' by vienna-based practice juri troy architects is austria's first CO2-neutral 
single-family house located in the small town of pressbaum, austria. developed as a part of
the velux company's pan european experiment - 'model home 2020' - the project explores progressive 
and sustainable building methods for a greener living. 



exterior view
image © adam mørk


one of six houses in five european countries, the multi-storey design is site-specific to austria, 
drawing from the full potential of the plot such as the views, exposure to sunlight, and proximity to 
adjacent structures. the slender site features a natural decline in its topography as well as a grouping 
of tall mature trees to the southeast; two neighbouring houses flank the plot, leaving a small scope of 
privacy in between. the design responds by offering a large, sheltered aperture that opens up at 
the bottom of the hill with a dramatically angled roofline that collects solar energy from the south.
wrapped in a skin of spruce planks, the resulting volume exhibits a dynamic identity and aesthetic. 



interior view of kitchen
image © adam mørk
developed in collaboration with the danube university of krems, the energy concept of the house
include a high performing heat pump, 43 m2 mono crystalline photovoltaic roof panels, 8 m2 thermal
solar panels for hot water and a controlled air system with heat recovery. the interior benefits from
an abundant level of daylight from generous stretches of glazing and sky light, reducing the overall 
demand for energy consumption. in addition, the strategically placed windows aid in optimal natural 
ventilation during the summer as well as minimal thermal loss during the winter. the project's total 
window area is equal to 42% of its floor area. continuing on the language of the facades, the interior is 
finished with spruce wood  that has been treated with white-pigmented natural oil to maximize on
the daylighting effect. 



window seating 
image © adam mørk

view of surrounding trees
image © adam mørk

staircase
image © adam mørk

(left) roof light over hallway
(right) entrance at night
images © adam mørk



night view
image © adam mørk

sectional energy diagram



floor plan / level -1



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



roof plan



cross section



cross section



longitudinal section