The Viennese architectural practice GERNER GERNER PLUS. has demonstrated its expertise in working with an existing building through a new project on Porzellangasse in Vienna’s 9th district.
The original building, dating from 1998, was to be retained for a variety of reasons. However, it had a number of shortcomings that needed to be addressed. Following detailed planning, the residential building was handed over to the client in May 2024, after just over a year of construction. Originally built in the 1990s, the building was used as an office block; it now houses 24 flats that meet the contemporary standards of city-centre living.
The building, which dated from around the turn of the millennium, was not particularly remarkable either visually or technically, and only partially complied with regulatory requirements. Demolition was never an option and would have proved extremely difficult given its location on Porzellangasse, a street served by a tram line. A contemporary approach to the existing structure, for environmental reasons, was a strong argument in favour of preserving and refurbishing the building. Reusing existing structures rather than building new ones helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and waste production, which are known to be particularly high in the construction industry. For the building’s new residents, the preservation of the original structure offers several advantages: nowadays, a ceiling height of 2.70 metres would rarely be afforded when constructing a new building.
This project has succeeded, despite challenging circumstances, not only in preserving what already existed, but also in improving and enhancing it, whilst meeting contemporary requirements. Most of the 24 flats open out onto both sides of the building, which allows for cross-ventilation and provides additional outdoor space in the form of balconies and small terraces. Creating additional outdoor space was a key priority for the architectural practice. The view to the outside and the ability to open up the flat not only enhance the quality of life, but also make the flat appear larger. The terraces facing the courtyard are made possible by steel shelving units with graphically structured metal railings; other materials would not have been feasible here for structural and fire safety reasons. Large windows were installed facing the north-facing courtyard. The existing rear building is accessed via the spacious inner courtyard, which has been fitted with play equipment and a sandpit.
When designing the street-facing façade, particular attention was paid to its appearance, taking into account the colour and materials used in the neighbouring buildings. Light grey clinker brick slips, laid horizontally and vertically in alternation with the storey lines, give the front of the building a classically structured appearance. Care was also taken to ensure that the colour of the dark window frames harmonised with the streetscape. The building’s old gable roof was removed. The top floor now comprises two high-quality flats with a two-storey terrace offering views of Vienna in all directions.
For a building dating from the 1990s, the house had a generously wide staircase; this was retained and complemented by an elegant grey stone floor and wooden handrails. It connects the building’s six storeys. These were also structured differently in their original form: three storeys each house four flats, whilst the other three house only three flats each. Attention was also paid to quality and the highest standards inside the building. The aim was to refurbish the challenging existing structure – such as the rooms without any finishing work, where there was no screed or sound insulation – using high-quality materials. Consequently, brick and timber were the materials of choice. The flats themselves are fitted with parquet flooring, timber-aluminium windows and porcelain stoneware. Well-designed built-in cupboards provide additional storage space and enhance the quality of living, even in the smaller flats.
