Studio Gugger | Papieri Areal

Urban planning and architectural concept

The topography sloping from north to south, the Ringstrasse as the central access element, the newly built long house as well as the silo building and boiler house characterise and define the immediate urban space. With the silo building and the Kesselhaus, two powerful and expressive architectures mark the north-south axis. In subtle reaction to this, the indicative project for housing proposes twin towers in the reduced form of standing blocks. Arranged diagonally and staggered, the high-rise buildings mark the north-south axis and, in interaction with the long building, the silo building and the Kesselhaus, form a spatially staggered square figure.

From this specification we derived the task to design quiet, regularly structured twin towers, which draw their lively expression from the diversity of living. On the other hand, a new silo building is to be created, which forms an expressive vis à vis to the Kesselhaus and self-consciously manifests its public function.

The reduced architectural form of the residential buildings thus derived goes hand in hand with the rational and efficient structure that is mandatory for high-rise buildings, and in particular high-rise buildings in timber construction.

The program provides for a wide range of different types of housing, from micro apartments to spacious condominiums. In accordance with the urban planning and economic requirements, it was our concern to develop a structural and constructive concept for the high-rise residential buildings that can meet the different needs with minor adjustments and that is valid for both Residential Tower K (rental) and Residential Tower I (ownership). In this way, efficient and economical processes can be established in the planning, production and construction of the high-rise buildings.

Consequently, the footprints of the two high-rise buildings are almost identical, with slight deviations in length and width due to the different axle dimensions. Especially in their length, the high-rise buildings fall short of the possible extension of the construction sites. This results in a generous overlap of the two halves of the square. At the same time, a colonnade in Residential Tower I emphasises the north-south axis and, as a covered square, creates a further, welcome quality of outdoor space. The rear entrance façade of Residential Tower I leads into a retaining wall, which in turn leads to a generous external staircase. This external staircase leads to a balcony facing the square and connects the square level with the important urbanistic junction of the Ringstrasse.

The balcony has many functions: It creates a covered entrance zone to the shop and a covered bicycle parking area at the level of the square, serves as an access level to the offices and the kindergarten and reproduces the original volume of the silo building. The outer courtyard of the nursery also reproduces the footprint of the original building and at the same time creates a secure outdoor space for the small children.