Kronaus Mitterer Architekten

The new municipal housing building reinterprets the traditional perimeter block typology with open, semicircular courtyards that create generous open spaces and foster a strong sense of community. The project connects harmoniously with nature, minimizes soil sealing, and provides well-lit green spaces. Its curved form and refined design emphasize residential quality, while differentiated facades of timber and plaster give the building a distinctive architectural character.

A New Interpretation of the Perimeter Block
The new municipal housing development reinterprets the typical perimeter block structure and responds precisely to the corner site. Semicircular recesses create articulated forecourt situations and generous semi-open spaces towards the center of the plot. The classical courtyard typology of Vienna’s municipal housing is further developed: the semicircular courtyards open outward, forming forum-like spaces that emphasize communal life. At the corner of Rebhanngasse and Stichstraße, a rounded square emerges that harmonizes with the architecture of the education campus opposite and creates a generous entrance situation to the Nordwestbahnhof area. The top floor is designed as a setback level, making optimal use of the maximum permitted building height.

Minimal Footprint, Connecting with Nature
The building outline continues into the basement levels and minimizes the sealing of the site, allowing for extensive tree planting within the open courtyards. This supports an improved microclimate and enhances summer comfort. The open, curved courtyards create well-lit outdoor spaces that connect harmoniously with the future neighboring developments to the north and west without compromising their daylight access. The aim is to establish a continuous green space that extends across property boundaries.

Municipal Housing with Character
The curved form establishes a strong architectural identity rooted in the tradition of Vienna’s municipal housing and encourages residents to identify with the building. The volume is designed to be simple yet elegant, with architectural means deliberately employed to create an economical building while strengthening its relationship with the surroundings and enhancing the quality of living spaces.

An Elegantly Structured Volume
The facades of the building are articulated by semicircular recesses that structure the overall volume. Towards the street, these recesses form forecourts that lead to the two main entrances. Towards the center of the plot, they create sheltered outdoor areas while ensuring optimal daylight for both the building and neighboring plots.

Differentiated Facades
Architecturally, the facades within the recesses are designed as warm timber façades with a deep loggia layer, forming a contrast to the smooth facades along the building lines, which are finished in plaster with projecting balconies. The plinth zone facing the street features large glazed surfaces and, with a ceiling height of four meters, allows for a variety of potential uses.