Traisengasse Vienna

Housing
Gesiba

Competition 1st. prize
Completed in 2006
Traisengasse 12, 1200 Vienna

Photos: Studio Krauss.

The special north-east corner of a perimeter block development
Each of the 33 apartments benefits from a special position in the building: projecting elements provide various views of the street space, each of the two outermost flats run from front to back of the building, corner position and privileged south-facing yard situation.
As the loggias to the apartments are not in front of the living rooms (as is usually the case) but to one side, the glazed rear walls cleverly provide light for the staircases. The three tall and airy voids at the rear of these loggias offer views through and into the building and underline the identity of the house community.
A colour scheme, in which the corridors on the different floors are painted in different colours, ensures that no two floors look alike, and thus simplifies a person?s sense of direction in the building. The double-height entrance blends with one of the voids to create an imposing foyer.
On all floors the layout of each floor is alike but no two apartments look the same: this is achieved by varying fenestration which creates a different quality of light and allows different ways of furnishing the space. Individuals need individuality - Individuality makes individuals.
The result is enjoyable: a house front with a distinctive personality of its own, reflecting the individuality of the residents.

Glamour in social housing by Isabella Marboe