considerations on reconstruction and new construction
the existing building lacks the qualities that would justify preservation and renovation given the foreseeable high cost:
poor and partially damp structural condition, level changes, lack of escape routes, poor lighting, no accessibility for people with disabilities, and lack of clarity.
diverse building volumes prevent a structural organization based on functional areas; safety aspects (orientation to the outside) are not naturally given.
renovation, conversion, and the additionally required extension would at least meet the given cost framework including 15% for contingencies.
a reduction of the spatial program by approx. 15%, optimization of individual areas such as the kitchen or office spaces through shared use or consolidation (as confirmed in hearing and Q&A), simplicity in material selection, and the most economical use of circulation areas make new construction possible at comparable cost.
women who have fled from violent situations need a bright, friendly environment with clear orientation that offers a high degree of safety and a sense of protection—without evoking a prison-like atmosphere.
the new building responds to the terraced nature of the plot, covering the open entrance area with the cantilevered residential floor and forming a courtyard / “residential courtyard” accessible on the same level as the living areas. with only two floors, the structure is significantly lower than the existing building and aligns with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood. the existing trees in the play garden are largely preserved.
the existing building lacks the qualities that would justify preservation and renovation given the foreseeable high cost:
poor and partially damp structural condition, level changes, lack of escape routes, poor lighting, no accessibility for people with disabilities, and lack of clarity.
diverse building volumes prevent a structural organization based on functional areas; safety aspects (orientation to the outside) are not naturally given.
renovation, conversion, and the additionally required extension would at least meet the given cost framework including 15% for contingencies.
a reduction of the spatial program by approx. 15%, optimization of individual areas such as the kitchen or office spaces through shared use or consolidation (as confirmed in hearing and Q&A), simplicity in material selection, and the most economical use of circulation areas make new construction possible at comparable cost.
women who have fled from violent situations need a bright, friendly environment with clear orientation that offers a high degree of safety and a sense of protection—without evoking a prison-like atmosphere.
the new building responds to the terraced nature of the plot, covering the open entrance area with the cantilevered residential floor and forming a courtyard / “residential courtyard” accessible on the same level as the living areas. with only two floors, the structure is significantly lower than the existing building and aligns with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood. the existing trees in the play garden are largely preserved.
living situation: rooms oriented to the protected courtyard – a “veil” to the outside
the arrangement and configuration of the building ensure protection from the outside and a sense of security while maintaining a high degree of openness. communication is encouraged while retreat remains possible. all apartments face the U-shaped, introverted, and secluded courtyard, which offers safety, protection, and a feeling of shelter. the roof layout in the living areas allows both morning and evening sun to enter the apartments. adjustable, openable niches in the rooms allow mothers and children to create separate sleeping areas. the furnishings aim for flexibility and space-saving use (e.g. fold-out desks integrated into storage walls). each apartment has a covered terrace facing the courtyard with adjustable privacy elements, allowing residents to shape their private outdoor space as needed. young children play together in the courtyard, while mothers can observe them from private or communal terraces. to the outside (corridors, dining and kitchen areas), a “veil” of wooden slats blocks views from the lower street level while allowing uninterrupted views into the landscape. tree plantings provide additional visual filtering.
dining area, kitchen, children's playroom
the central area of the residential level consists of the dining room, kitchen, and children's playroom, partly separated by glass walls. the communal areas open to the covered terrace in the courtyard. child supervision is possible both outdoors and indoors without noticeable monitoring. adolescents can withdraw into their own spaces, beyond maternal oversight. the courtyard incorporates the theater forum with green seating steps leading to a movement area beneath the communal rooms.
security levels
entrance area: first access control from the external parking spaces
secured exterior zone with bicycle and two car parking spaces
second access control at the visitor room entrance
level 1: third access control to the office and children's areas
level 2: residential area – protected internal courtyard
the arrangement and configuration of the building ensure protection from the outside and a sense of security while maintaining a high degree of openness. communication is encouraged while retreat remains possible. all apartments face the U-shaped, introverted, and secluded courtyard, which offers safety, protection, and a feeling of shelter. the roof layout in the living areas allows both morning and evening sun to enter the apartments. adjustable, openable niches in the rooms allow mothers and children to create separate sleeping areas. the furnishings aim for flexibility and space-saving use (e.g. fold-out desks integrated into storage walls). each apartment has a covered terrace facing the courtyard with adjustable privacy elements, allowing residents to shape their private outdoor space as needed. young children play together in the courtyard, while mothers can observe them from private or communal terraces. to the outside (corridors, dining and kitchen areas), a “veil” of wooden slats blocks views from the lower street level while allowing uninterrupted views into the landscape. tree plantings provide additional visual filtering.
dining area, kitchen, children's playroom
the central area of the residential level consists of the dining room, kitchen, and children's playroom, partly separated by glass walls. the communal areas open to the covered terrace in the courtyard. child supervision is possible both outdoors and indoors without noticeable monitoring. adolescents can withdraw into their own spaces, beyond maternal oversight. the courtyard incorporates the theater forum with green seating steps leading to a movement area beneath the communal rooms.
security levels
entrance area: first access control from the external parking spaces
secured exterior zone with bicycle and two car parking spaces
second access control at the visitor room entrance
level 1: third access control to the office and children's areas
level 2: residential area – protected internal courtyard
- location:
- kapfenberg, austria
- architecture:
- fasch&fuchs.architekt:innen
- competition:
- 2003