The
concept of the overlapping spatial structure, open to the outside as well as
inside, with symbiotically conjoined resitential and office accomodation units
is not merely a lip service here, it runs throughout all parts of the building
- the spatial solution appeared that beneficial to the architects to occupy it
by themselves.
The
site Neuwaldegger Straße 31 combines the „city“ with the “country” within a
narrow strip of land. The building, erected on the plot 15-17 meters wide and
82 meters deep, is an attached design,
with
its north facade facing a high traffic street and its south side favoring the
unspoilt view to the adjoining Vienna
Woods.
The concept was to create a four-level diaphanous
structure, which integrates all functions of living and working and yet offers
enough privacy. All rooms and apartments are interlaced into each other and
open not only to the outside but to the inside as well. This radically breaks
with the classical scheme of a cube, which is bordered by four walls.
The center of the house is an open-top 30m2
dimensioned courtyard, the glass panes of which connect the rooms of all levels
optically and supply them with daylight at the same time. Both outer apartments
on the above floors are configured over two storeys, that are glazed at the top
and thus deliver light to the underneath. All of the apartments have spacious
double-storey south terraces, that open up the structure of the house to the
garden. Due to the open window areas of the ground floor the street space is as
well provided with a vivid and exceptional scenery.
The surface of the house facing Neuwaldegger
Strasse is rigide. It´s “fish-scale” facade is coated in white aluminium
folding shingles that cover the whole of it - from the roof ridge to the
ground. Thanks to the front garden there is no need for a gutter, the building
cleans itself by means of the channelless eaves every time it rains.
The building was wholly developed and financed by
the architect office SUPERBLOCK, beginning with the land purchase. After the
completion the accommodation units were sold to like-minded people, the garden is
used collectively. At the moment the house NEU 31 accommodates 22 working and
residing persons, 1 dog and 2 cats.