SPECIAL – Austria

Modern Living in Austria: Six Iconic Homes and Their Stories

Discover six outstanding modernist houses in Austria and Vienna—each a unique architectural vision with a remarkable history. From Josef Frank’s timeless Villa Beer to Günther Domenig’s experimental Steinhaus, these homes reflect the richness and diversity of Austrian modernism. The selection includes masterpieces by Raimund Abraham and Gerrit Rietveld and sheds new light on domestic space as a cultural and social expression, as seen in the apartment of Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. A recent discovery is the newly restored museum home of the previously little-known architect Hans Glas, now open to visitors for the first time. All houses are part of the Iconic Houses Network and accessible to the public—as museums, research venues, or extraordinary places to stay.

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We’re always looking out for new and inspiring examples. So, if you know a unique and unmissable house from the 20th century, please tell us about it by mailing info@iconichouses.org. Thanks for your suggestions!

Note: Plan your visit(s) well in advance, as house museums can have irregular visiting times and often require online reservation.
Tap on the links or photos to read further.

Villa Beer, Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach, Vienna, 1930

Icon of Viennese Modernity
Built between 1929 and 1930 by Josef Frank (1885–1967) and Oskar Wlach (1881–1963) for the Beer family, Villa Beer is regarded as one of the most significant examples of interwar Viennese architecture. Architecture critic Friedrich Achleitner described it as “probably the most important example of Viennese domestic culture from the interwar period.” Despite its generous dimensions, partially open-plan layout, and large garden-facing windows, the house exudes an extraordinary sense of homeliness.
Frank’s concept of the “house as path and place” remains palpable. His approach to modernism—structured yet lively interiors—makes Villa Beer a singular experience. Protected as a historic monument since 1987, the house has remained largely in its original condition.
Currently undergoing extensive restoration in collaboration with Austria’s Federal Monuments Office, Villa Beer will open permanently to the public in spring 2026 as a museum home, featuring cultural programming, symposia, and a “research in residence” initiative.
In 2022, Villa Beer joined the international Iconic Houses network, gaining the recognition it deserves—as a living space where architecture becomes tangible.

Rietveld House in the Werkbundsiedlung, Gerrit Rietveld, Vienna, 1931

Living in a Landmark
In Vienna’s Werkbundsiedlung stands a remarkable row house designed by Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964) in 1931. This modernist landmark was recently restored with support from Vienna’s Urban Renewal Fund and the Federal Monuments Office. Rietveld’s original five-level split design has been meticulously revived, including lighting, colour schemes, and spatial layout. A photovoltaic system was discreetly added in 2022 to fit the home’s historic character.
The sculptural layout reflects De Stijl principles, centred around a narrow Dutch spiral staircase that required special approval. The north side holds smaller rooms, while the south side opens into a striking double-height living area. Large windows and glass doors create a bright, open atmosphere.
Wall-to-wall windows can be fully opened, giving the impression of a garden salon. Living here feels like inhabiting a spatial artwork.

Villa Rezek, Hans Glas, Vienna, 1934

Functional Elegance in Pre-War Vienna
Villa Rezek is a rare example of Viennese interwar modernist architecture. Designed in 1933 by Hans Glas (1892–1960) for a Jewish doctor couple who later fled the Nazi regime, the villa shows strong influences from Adolf Loos, Josef Frank, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe—clean lines, functional layout, and understated elegance define the structure.
One standout feature is the fully retractable glass façade that opens the living space to the garden—like Villa Tugendhat—creating an airy, almost sanatorium-like atmosphere, fitting for its physician clients. The southern façade is bright and transparent, with large windows, terraces, and sweeping views.
After years of neglect, the villa was restored by architect Max Eisenköck to closely match its original design. Inside, the layout and furnishings reflect refined Viennese domestic culture of the 1930s, offering an authentic view into modernist ideals. Villa Rezek provides a rare and valuable glimpse into pre-war architecture and lifestyle.

The Dellacher House, Raimund Abraham, Burgenland, 1969

Timeless Architecture in Southern Austria
The Dellacher House is an icon of Austrian postwar architecture, designed by Raimund Abraham (1933–2010) for his childhood friend Max Dellacher. Located in the rolling hills of Oberwart, the white, symmetrical structure—with its cubic forms and grand staircase—radiates timeless strength.
Interior space is reduced to essentials, yet the strict structure and dramatic geometry create a monumental presence. Abraham emphasized a deep connection between architecture and place: “Every architectural creation is a confrontation with its site.”
Listed as a historic monument in 2007, the house was meticulously restored in 2016 by architect Johannes Handler in collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office.
Since 2020, it has been open for guided tours and overnight stays—offering a rare chance to experience this architectural landmark firsthand.

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky’s Apartment, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, Vienna, 1970

A Tribute to the Designer of the Frankfurt Kitchen
Since October 2022, the former apartment of Austria’s most influential female architect, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, has been open as the MSL Center. Located in Vienna, it gives visitors intimate insight into her life and legacy.
Best known for the Frankfurt Kitchen, Schütte-Lihotzky (1897–2000) lived here for the last 30 years of her life in a space she designed herself. Her vision blended traditional Viennese domestic culture with modernity and functional spatial design—emphasizing independence for women. The apartment, including original furniture and bathroom, has been partly reconstructed and listed as a historic monument since 2021.
The MSL Center is more than a museum—it is a research hub focused on documenting and honouring women pioneers in Austrian architecture. By showcasing their contributions, it fosters greater recognition of women’s roles in the public realm.
Visitors can experience the atmosphere of this thoughtfully designed, compact home. Its interior reflects Schütte-Lihotzky’s ideals: a small dwelling with big ideas about living, autonomy, and social engagement.

Domenig’s Steinhaus, Günther Domenig, Steindorf, Kärnten, 2008

A Life’s Experiment
The Domenig Steinhaus on Lake Ossiach is an iconic and experimental masterpiece by Austrian architect Günther Domenig (1934–2012). Over three decades, Domenig developed this expressive building as a personal and artistic search for architectural essence. He transformed elements of the Carinthian Alpine landscape and traditional farmhouses into a complex spatial composition of “architectural fractures” and dramatic forms.
A sculpture of steel, glass, and concrete, the Steinhaus became a landmark of Austrian architectural history—often associated with deconstructivism. Its custom-built details even led to innovations in building technologies.
Declared a protected monument after Domenig’s death and added to the Iconic Houses network in 2016, the Steinhaus sustained mudslide damage in 2020. Since 2021, it has been carefully restored by Domenig’s student, Georg Wald.
Today, the Steinhaus is more than a museum. The foundation Domenig established in 2008 carries on his legacy, offering the house as a knowledge hub, creative lab, and space for artistic exchange—keeping his architectural spirit alive.

Posted July 10, 2025