kirchner kaserne residential development

initial situation
the land use plan 4.0 of the city of graz defines a building density of 0.6–1.4. the city and the client aim for a residential area of so-called “medium density,” offering high urban living quality while integrating existing green spaces. economically, the lower limit of 0.6 is not targeted; instead, a significantly higher density is required. the task operates in a tension between economic efficiency, maximum exploitation of building density, the desired quality of living in green surroundings, and the urban framework plan, which recommends “point buildings” in the park.

open space
the existing park-like areas in the northern part of the site are continued as a generous green space, incorporating existing trees and introducing relatively dense new plantings to emphasize the concept of “living in the park.” shading, cooling, and dust filtration, besides responding to climate change, are achieved through dense tree cover.

the terrain is gently undulated, subtly delineating private and public areas. the arrangement of the buildings as terraced houses continues the concept of the urban green island into private spaces, offering every resident the opportunity to participate in the visual identity of the urban park.

building positioning
the “point buildings” as defined by the framework plan are organized in pairs. two point buildings share a common open staircase, which also serves as a social interaction space for residents. the buildings are angled around the staircase to maintain visual connections to the green spaces. the ground floor is partially used for residential purposes and partially for house- and neighborhood-related functions. to provide privacy and a sense of ownership for the ground-floor apartments, the buildings are raised 80 cm above terrain.

building structuring
the massing of the eight-story residential buildings is visually moderated through volumetric structuring:
a three-story terrace base rests on a recessed, partially open ground floor. the recessed corridor level on the 4th floor creates a separation between the base and the above 5th and 6th floor volumes. penthouse apartments on the 7th floor are articulated through projections and recesses, distinguishing them from the lower floors. the silhouette of the terraces at the end façades follows the required boundary distances, with the upper floors recessed relative to the base using the same design motif.

floor plans
the structural system of the buildings is designed to allow changes, reductions, or expansions of apartments. a continuous vertical support and shaft system enables easy modification of apartment sizes and partitions with separate access. different residential atmospheres are offered: garden apartments on the ground floor, terrace apartments on the upper floors, corridor apartments with large outdoor areas on the 4th floor, and penthouse apartments on the 7th floor.

terraced house
the focus on green surroundings is carried through in the residential buildings. all apartments are surrounded by continuous balconies, terraces, and gardens. large planter boxes provide opportunities for cultivating edible plants, seasonal flowers, and lush vegetation. climbing cables allow plants to grow over multiple floors, shading terraces with greenery. an automated irrigation system ensures a fresh green atmosphere for each apartment. these greening measures contribute significantly to preventing summer overheating.

CO2 reduction
parking requirements could potentially be reduced through an electric car-sharing system. surface traffic is limited to emergency vehicles and authorized deliveries. the service road doubles as a walking path, playground, or tricycle route and should be paved without curbs.

apart from the park north of the neighborhood, the entire site is interspersed with large and small parks offering playgrounds, common areas, water features, and urban gardening. partially open ground-floor zones host communal areas for activities both within the terraced house (cooking, self-organized after-school care, parties) and neighborhood-wide (cinema nights, neighborhood festivals, meetings).

fire safety and escape route concept
the eins+eins=eins concept treats the emergency staircase not only as an “escape space” but also as a communication zone and open, covered area, offering additional outdoor space. the open escape staircase, synonymous with the “terraced house,” is unmatched in construction and operation. a second escape route is not required according to OIB, as the staircase is reachable within less than 40 meters. nevertheless, a second escape route is possible via ladder access by the fire department.