korneuburg care center

analysis of the existing building
the site of the lower austria special education center korneuburg is defined by an impressive park with mature trees, including some rare species. a clearly structured network of paths connects the existing residential buildings with the old dining hall and docks onto the “four-square” with the workshop wing. this existing path network is covered like a loggia, allowing sheltered circulation. beyond the functional advantage of protection from sun and rain, these covered paths convey a sense of spaciousness, a sympathetic elegance, and evoke the atmosphere of a spa or holiday resort.

covered circulation
the numerous large trees define the placement of new residential wings; these can only be sited where demolition of existing structures frees space. other locations would require significant intervention in the park and tree removal. the chosen positioning of the new buildings preserves the entire tree population, and the covered path network remains coherent. for these reasons and the qualities described above, the covered paths are largely retained, and the new buildings are integrated with them.

ground floor zone
“social interactions require concrete spaces. in the context of institutional structures, we must create spaces where privacy is lived, community is promoted, encounters are enabled, and society can be experienced—only then do we serve the human being.” this premise, prioritized in the competition brief, underpins the architectural design. the various living spaces for participation and social exchange, relationship building and encounters, family-like community, and privacy are implemented structurally and spatially. an important interface between public and private is the ground floor zone. while clearly associated with the two residential groups above, it provides a transition to a larger living space for relationship building and social encounters. here, in extension of the common room, a variety of sheltered outdoor activities can take place. the office of the social pedagogical management and the visitor wc are located at the interface between the public park and the residential groups. differing color schemes in the ground floor zone ensure the distinct identity of the three houses and foster identification.

residential groups
all residential groups are located on the upper floors to ensure comparable qualities; no group has a preferential direct garden-level exit. the covered path network forms a coherent unit with the ground floor open spaces, while the residential groups remain elevated and protected within the tree canopy. each group is clearly divided into two care areas, with fluid transitions from semi-private to private. centrally located atria provide natural light and ventilation. the covid-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of private outdoor spaces, balconies, and terraces directly linked to living units.
each room receives a small outdoor space protected by vertical wooden slats; each group has direct, level access from its living room to a covered, generously sized, enclosed terrace garden, from which ground-floor outdoor areas are easily accessible via an external staircase.

structural concept
to allow maximum flexibility inside the building, load-bearing wall panels are used only to the extent necessary for horizontal bracing of the building and for transferring loads to a minimal number of supports in the open ground floor. the load-bearing elements consist of reinforced concrete columns and slabs arranged in an economical grid.

material concept
material selection prioritizes ecological considerations, including embodied energy, co₂ emissions from production, transport, and deconstruction. all living spaces are fitted with wooden floors to enhance the floor as a seating or play surface. other spaces receive coatings according to functional requirements. ventilated façades use vertical wooden cladding; windows are wood-aluminium constructions. transparent areas are equipped with effective external solar shading. the large trees in front of the façades additionally contribute to shading.

fire protection and escape routes
the entire load-bearing structure is reinforced concrete. from any point in the buildings, exterior access is achievable within 40 m walking distance, with escape possible in at least two directions. the secondary escape route leads via terraces and external stairs directly to ground-floor level.

energy concept
heating and cooling are provided using groundwater for free cooling and heat generation via a central water-to-water heat pump, distributed to the three houses. room heating and cooling utilize surface temperature systems, concrete core activation, and/or underfloor heating. optionally, central mechanical supply and exhaust systems with heat recovery are installed in the houses, supplying air to public areas of the core zone and extracting via wet areas. semi-central hot water systems supplied from the central heating plant consist of a buffer tank and fresh water station, with temperature control via electrical trace heating.
the energy concept relies on passive optimization, including avoiding suspended ceilings to maximize thermal mass (concrete slabs and walls). acoustic elements are designed to activate the thermal mass. green roof areas with thick humus layers absorb and delay energy input, providing additional thermal stabilization; evaporative cooling produces a latent heat effect.
roof areas are available for photovoltaics.