Wienerstraße
Wienerstraße
A-lp architektur
ARCHITECTS
A-lp architektur
BUDGET
$500K - 1M
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
YEAR
2016
LOCATION
Krems an der Donau, Austria
TYPE
Residential › Multi Unit Housing
The building is situated in the historic center of Krems an der Donau with its characteristic closed building structure.
The entire street is protected as a Historic Ensemble, therefore it was necessary to approach the restoration and revitalization of the building, especially the street façade, in a sensitive way.
The existing building dates back to the 18th century and was originally used as a winemaker’s home and bar. The building’s solid materials, stone and brick, were contributing to a suitable climate for this function by serving as a thermal mass storage.
Those materials are still valued for the same qualities nowadays.
The challenge of the project was to create livable flats in a historic building in Krems, which meet today’s standard of living but still preserve the historic building’s character.
The roof of the building was expanded into two light-flooded loft apartments.
The courtyard, which is framed on one side by a natural rock wall, was upgraded to a high quality outdoor space.
By lifting the existing roof and increasing its slope, 2 spacious apartments could be fitted into the loft area.
The entire building was restored based on the criteria of klima:aktiv. (Austrian standard for energy efficiency, ecological quality, comfort and execution quality).
The existing flats in the first floor were modified in order to meet current living requirements. The second story of the courtyard building, which had been added after World War 2, was removed in order to allow more light into the courtyard and the main building.
Thermal solar collectors support the gas heating system and cover the complete hot water supply in the summer time. The courtyard building now serves as a storage room and features a terrace on the rooftop with views of the rock wall.
Underfloor heating in the whole building reduces the total energy consumption. Generous windows in the roof area enable passive solar gains.
