Living in the Watchtower

An architect family has renovated a very special property in the Linz area – a defense tower from the 19th century. An apartment contained in the historic building has now been equipped with a sustainable, modern, and energy efficient heating.

Living in a watchtower? In Upper Austria, north of Linz, an architect family has realized this very special living dream. The formerly warlike object has now become a peaceful home. Living amidst stories and history while having all modern conveniences available is truly a challenge. 

Thanks to the custom-made products from Variotherm, an apartment in the watchtower is now even equipped with a sustainable and absolutely energy efficient heating system. A special feature – especially when you consider that the watchtower was built in the 1830s and was originally intended for a completely different purpose. 

General renovation: Only individual solution possible

The nearly 200-year-old defense tower was built in the first third of the 19th century as part of a belt of fortifications around the city of Linz. As the name already suggests, the line of towers served the defense of the city. Today, in much more peaceful times, many of the towers have fallen into disrepair. The defense tower, which the architect family acquired in 1956, is still in family ownership today.

Now, an apartment located in the defense tower has been completely renovated. A challenge, because after all, the tower has neither standard dimensions nor can off-the-shelf standard renovations be easily adopted. Installing a new and energy efficient heating system is no simple task.

Thanks to Variotherm's decades of experience with special projects like these, the owners of the defense tower were able to switch to low temperature systems!

Super slim construction height: VarioComp makes it possible.

For the approximately 60m2 apartment, the super-slim VarioComp Modular Floor Heating was used. The low construction height of only 20 millimeters is perfect for all living spaces where the room height should be preserved despite the subsequent installation of heating. Due to the old and thick walls of the watchtower, the VarioComp is particularly well-suited. The room height is maintained despite the underfloor heating.

For example, no adjustments need to be made to doors. An additional bonus is the lightweight VarioComp modules, which allow for easy installation and at the same time a worry-free subsequent installation. The most important thing, however, is the pleasant and cozy warmth that is now possible with the energy-saving surface heating system. Despite thick and defensive walls, the residents can now live peacefully and relaxed in a unique historical building.

System.

- Underfloor Heating in Drywall Construction: approx. 60 m2