A strikingly elegant landmark development. A corner plot with a number of older buildings at the junction of Stadtstraße and Kreuzgasse – a strategically significant location on the edge of Dornbirn city centre – was scheduled for redevelopment and a striking newbuild. The result is a solid, upmarket construction that sets its stamp on the surrounding urban fabric. The height of the polygonal structure, which comprises two linked volumes, descends in staggered levels from its high point on the city side to the two-storey connecting section. The mid-rise blocks form a U-shape that extends towards the rear of the plot with the dominant eight-storey corner volume nudging the weight of the development towards the road junction, so marking the entrance to the city proper. Three floors lower, the second volume signals the transition to the lower heights and building density of Kreuzgasse. A clinker-brick punched-window facade with deep metal window reveals that generate a lively play of light and shade underscores the elegance of this strikingly located development.

A sturdy, energy-efficient construction: Built using solid construction techniques, the mid-rise blocks feature floor slabs, load-bearing staircase cores and exterior walls in reinforced concrete with some solid brick masonry. The outer shell consists of a classy, rear-insulated clinker-brick facade whose materiality draws the two mid-rise buildings together in a harmonious whole and reinforces the impact of the ensemble as an important component within the structure of the city. The development provides space for 39 apartments and commercial units, its 1-, 2- and 3-roomed apartments all enjoying functional layouts, optimum orientation and a covered loggia or roof terrace. Other facilities include a spacious underground carpark and a secure cycle storage area on the ground floor. Alongside its solid construction and good thermal insulation, state-of-the-art heat pumps and PV arrays on the flat roofs ensure energy efficiency and a comfortable living experience. The outdoor spaces offer generous green areas landscaped with flowers, shrubs and trees and play spaces for children as well as planted areas on the main roof surfaces.

Realisation: The result is a solid, upmarket construction that sets its stamp on the surrounding urban fabric. The height of the polygonal structure, comprising two linked volumes, descends in staggered levels from its high point on the city side to the two-storey connecting section. The mid-rise blocks form a U-shape that extends towards the rear of the plot. A clinker-brick punched-window facade with deep metal window reveals underscores the elegance of this strikingly located development. Features: Built using energy-efficient solid construction techniques, the development provides space for 39 apartments and commercial units, its 1- to 3-roomed apartments all enjoying functional layouts, optimum orientation and a covered loggia or roof terrace. Other facilities include a spacious underground carpark, a secure cycle storage area, generous landscaped areas and play spaces for children. Alongside its solid construction and good thermal insulation, state-of-the-art heat pumps and PV arrays on both flat roofs ensure energy efficiency and a comfortable living experience.