residential building rankengasse

initial situation
the zoning plan 4.0 of the provincial capital graz specifies a building density of 0.8 – 2.5 for the area under consideration, and the competition aims to utilize the maximum possible density of 2.5.
the spatial development concept of perimeter block building seeks to transform the currently heterogeneous building structure into a homogeneous urban fabric.
the site lies within a designated noise remediation area.

building mass and facade concept
the transformation of karlauerstraße from a heterogeneous transitional zone into an area of urban density is supported by a building volume that is structured into a base zone with commercial and gastronomic uses, four residential floors, and two additional residential floors set back by three meters.
along the street, the facade from the 1st to the 4th floor is articulated through a rhythm of projections and recesses.
a clear building mass with a continuous thermal envelope is expanded through the serial addition of prefabricated winter gardens. the staggered “loggias” on each floor provide additional climate and noise protection for the residential spaces behind them. this articulation allows for facade greening, creating a dust and heat filter along the heavily trafficked karlauerstraße.
the ground floor is recessed in the manner of an arcade, offering covered outdoor seating areas for the commercial and gastronomic spaces.
vitality, lightness, usability, and freshness are the key motives of the facade design, derived from the city’s architectural tradition, with a focus on interaction, activation, and greening of the street and neighborhood.
in keeping with the perimeter block development, the courtyard-facing facade is designed as a softer, quieter surface that interacts with the calm open space. a wide range of private terraces and communal balconies are placed in front of the apartments.

community concept
supportive elements are offered to encourage and strengthen a positive house community and user identification:
a spacious entrance hall extending over several floors, which can be used as a winter garden and communal area. to provide all apartments with quiet inner courtyard terraces, wide communal balconies are integrated along the vertical circulation. the active use of this “green staircase” is supported by two external steel escape staircases.

without fire safety concerns, this “staircase” can be furnished with strollers, plants, and seating.
the small number of apartments in the residential block on rankengasse likely promotes a high level of interaction among residents. this is further supported by a circulation system that fosters contact among inhabitants, encouraging a stable community and resilient liveliness.
the shared courtyard, designed for all generations, offers adventurous play areas for children, movement spaces for everyone, and large tables for communal gatherings.

apartment mix concept
the small apartments of 50m² are primarily located on the 1st to 4th floors along karlauerstraße. the size of these units makes single-sided orientation practical — either toward the street with winter gardens in front or toward the courtyard with adjoining loggias and balconies.
all other apartments are dual-oriented, featuring quiet zones toward the courtyard and calming winter gardens toward karlauerstraße.
on the 6th and 7th floors, maisonette apartments are offered, which could potentially be connected to the smaller units in between.
on rankengasse, four apartments per floor are provided, each with both west and east orientation.

courtyard concept – green staircase – raised beds in gries
the courtyard encourages play and movement. communal games for children and adults can take place under shade-providing trees. areas planted with ruderal vegetation support biodiversity and introduce residents to plant species rarely seen in over-cultivated urban environments.
a large “snack garden” is available to all residents. vegetables, herbs, and spices are cultivated in the courtyard and, above all, in raised beds on the terrace above the 4th floor — ideally to be used for communal meals in the garden.
the courtyard vegetation and facade greening serve as a statement against urban overheating.
the provision of shared spaces and the opportunity to grow and share food together stand as a statement against social isolation.

structural concept
the above-ground floors are aligned with the underground parking garage and its supporting grid. the ideal axis spacing of 7.75 meters for parking spaces becomes the defining structural module for the entire building.
this allows loads to be transferred into the ground economically without complex redirection.

escape route concept
two external escape staircases with ice- and snow-free grating steps are intended for emergency use only. this allows the green staircase to serve as a communal “living room” for all residents.
on rankengasse, the second escape route is ensured through fire department ladder access from the street.