Conserving resources through densification
- Topic
- Inspiration & Information
- Date
- 07.02.2023
- Share
At the Victoria, living space with a high quality of life was created by adding on to the existing building. The old building also benefited from a thorough refurbishment, although we paid careful attention to preserving the old historic flair.
Old meets new and modern top-floor apartments now crown the revitalized historic structure. Facing towards the bustling city, the newly renovated 100-year-old corner building fuses with its extension to make a striking architectural statement—while inside one finds peace and quiet. The Victoria is a prime example of how to save space while creating new living and working opportunities.
Facts & Figures
- Budget: EUR 16 million
- Total floor space: 4,420 m²
- Use: Residential, commercial
- Completion: 2019
From Old
to New
In 2016, we purchased an apartment building in dire need of renovation within walking distance from Schönbrunn, the Technical Museum, Raimund Theater, Westbahnhof, and Mariahilfer Straße. Located in the middle of Vienna’s up-and-coming 15th district, the structure was no longer up to today’s living standards: toilets in the hallways, no elevator, no private outdoor areas, a tangle of outdated heating systems—it was no way to live! Now fully renovated and expanded, The Victoria shines in full splendor today. Almost all the dwellings are barrier-free, accessible by elevator, and almost all have private outdoor areas. The floor plans of the single and multi-room apartments are founded on modern-day living needs, and the new building services and central energy supply systems are state of the art. The inner courtyard, formerly paved with concrete, has been greened with care and is now a really nice place to spend time.
Careful
use of
resources
Space is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in urban centers, and this project is a great example of densification done well. There are many advantages: No additional space was used and there was no new lot development. The necessary infrastructure is already there, and if anything is still needed, it can be introduced using a mixed-use concept. As a result of the refurbishment that accompanied the new addition, the neighborhood is becoming friendlier, more modern, brighter, busier, and thus more attractive—for those who live there as well as those moving in.
- “If you do it right, old and new come together to create something better—and this has been done fantastically at The Victoria.”
Gerhard Binder and Andreas Pichler t-hoch-n ARCHITEKTUR
