Austria is one of the most unique architectural hotspots in the world. When most people think about the country they naturally imagine beautiful villages in the Alps with an abundance of timber frame buildings and mountainous backgrounds. Although Austria does boast an abundance of historic buildings, this does not tell the whole story. The country is also home to a vibrant collection of modern contemporary architecture too.
Many of the examples of modern architecture in the country take their inspiration from the traditional properties and heritage of the region. The impact of the beautiful landscapes can regularly be seen in the design of buildings, whether it is the materials used to build them, their shape or how they sit on the landscape. There are also numerous exhibitions of ecological and sustainable practices.
One of the most unique buildings in Austria is the Kunsthaus in Graz. The impressive structure is a home to a modern museum for art, a really great choice considering that the building itself could be considered to be a piece of artwork. It stands out from very far off with its unique flowing shape, panel cladding and a roof that resembles tentacles.
In Linz, yet another Austrian city with a strong artistic, scientific and technological history, the Lentos Museum of Modern Art and Ars Electronica Centre are enduring testaments to contemporary architecture. They both have fantastic shapes and are clad with lighting that makes them truly stand out.
Cities are not the only places you can see unique contemporary architecture in Austria though. Wine growers across the country have been embracing new architectural ideas too. Loisium Wine Experience World in Langenlois is a particularly impressive example. The partially buried Leo Hillinger winery in Jois, Burgenland is also an eye catching structure.
Even the skiing sector has jumped on board. Contemporary architecture looks amazing in snowy settings, particularly when a multitude of glass and metals are used. Ice Q at Solden is truly breathtaking and adds a unique dimension that skiers love.
Austria has a wealth of stunning domestic and commercial architecture to enjoy. In just one trip you can see some breathtaking properties that use cutting edge techniques and really enrich their environments. You can also see how much well designed properties can add to landscape. As architects in London, this is just one of the many countries which regularly inspire us in our architectural endeavours.