For a long time, the legero shoe factory in Marburgerstraße was based in Graz. Even after the move to the new headquarters in Feldkirch, the property remained in family ownership. The desire arose to create high-quality living space, and so an architectural competition based on the Graz model was launched in 2018. The architectural firm “balloon” won the competition and was able to build on the client's well thought-out project preparation (phase 0). Between the five newly constructed residential buildings, spacious green areas and meeting spaces invite people to linger and promote neighborly coexistence.
Urban villas
The five point blocks in the character of an urban villa are surrounded on all sides by green spaces and balconies. Open spaces and the opening to the urban environment ensure permeability, identification and enliven the neighborhood.
Traffic-calmed
The residential quarter opens up to Marburgerstrasse in several places, the traffic-calming effect of which provides additional quality of life. Distances in the neighborhood are covered on foot or by bicycle.
Market square
Residents and visitors meet at the market square on Marburgerstrasse. A bakery with a café has moved in, and there are also non-consumer seating options opposite.
Space in between
The open spaces were designed together with landscape planners. Ground floor apartments also have small private gardens. In particular, the varying storey heights of the buildings provide a sense of variety.
Materials
Exposed concrete, wood and coated steel give the buildings a clear, minimalist aesthetic. The spacious entrance areas, raised on a plinth, are fitted with high-quality wooden portals.
Balconies
The hundred or so rental apartments consist mainly of two- and three-bedroom units. Two-meter-deep balconies extend the living space outwards and provide welcome shade in summer.
Factbox
Invited competition, 1st prize, 2018
Client: STP Wohnungserrichtungs- und Immobilien GmbH
General planning: Wendl ZT-GmbH
Open space planning: koala landscape architecture
Completion of construction 02/2022
New construction 104 rental apartments, café-bakery, offices, underground parking garage
Gross floor area 8,360 m2
Architectural awards:
Client:interior prize 2023
Nomination GerambRose 2024
Projectlead: Arch. DI Andreas Gratl
