holodeck architects: Urban Topos - best architects 14

holodeck architects

Urban Topos

best architects 14

multi-family homes

Place

Wien/Österreich

Photos

Hertha Hurnaus

Description

The hillside location with sweeping views over the Vienna Valley, as well as the corner situation as connection between a tower block and adjacent row of houses are crucial parameters in viewing the apartment house as if it were an urban landscape. All six residential floors have surrounding planted areas, balconies or terraces and hence fulfil the wishes of the urban residents for directly accessible outdoor space. The four apartment types each have bidirectional orientation and floor-to-ceiling glazing to extend the interior space into the private outdoor areas. The façade is articulated horizontally to harmonise with the rhythm of the neighbouring rows of houses, its appearance determined by two main design elements. The outdoor spaces are enclosed in softly reflective anodised expanded aluminium that lets the sun’s rays through but blocks curious glances from the street. Together with the lava-coloured façade panels behind them, these shimmering aluminium bands shape the look of the building. In terms of energy efficiency, the building conforms to low-energy house class A+.