Society is ageing, and more and more elderly people live alone: a third of population over 65 already lives as singles in a household. How can we lead a fulfilling and self-determined life in our later years without social isolation? In the Lower Austrian city of Mödling, we have built a residence for senior citizens that promotes active participation in the community, combines comfort and needs-oriented care, and also ensures ample privacy.
Details
Photography
Andreas Buchberger
Client
ARE (Austria Real Estate) Development GmbH
State
Completed
Net Usable Floor Area
5.669 m²
Awards
klimaaktiv Silber
Cornerstone in the New Neighbourhood
On the site of the former Gendarmerie school in Mödling, a new neighbourhood with diverse housing typologies and green spaces has been under construction for several years. Our residential facility for senior citizens is located in the south of the area, directly opposite Austria’s largest school, a technical college. The compact, four-storey building with its timber façade has an assured presence next to the monumental Gründerzeit school building.
Care as a Service
A key aspect of the operational programme is to provide care as a flexibly available service. On weekdays, a team is on duty to offer help and advice and assist the seniors in their everyday lives. Depending on their needs, residents can also book additional services – from pet-sitting during holidays to maintenance and help assembling furnishings. 24-hour supervision is also available for care-dependent persons. On the first floor, there is a therapy room and an infrared sauna for soft wellness. Two communal rooms can be used for group activities such as cooking, playing games, or making music and celebrating together.
Dynamic Functional Mix
The local supermarket on the ground floor is easily accessible on foot for students and neighbourhood residents alike. On the top floor, we have designed flexible spaces for doctors’ practices or offices. This dynamic mix of functions enhances the amenities accommodated in the building and open for the neighbourhood.
Room for Refuge
The upper floors have a U-shaped layout centred around a central open space facing the north. The 33 units are oriented towards the outside of the building with weather-protected loggias as private open spaces. The low window parapets also ensure bedridden residents a view of the surroundings. The communal spaces, in turn, open out onto the protected courtyard, where offset terraces and bridges invite you to take a stroll and linger for a while – including a magnificent view of the neighbouring orchard. As such, the house offers plenty of comfort and security, incentives for communication and exchange, and attractive rooms where residents can find their solitude. For us, this pilot project is an exemplary model for living on your own and ageing together with dignity.
»Our aim was to empower senior citizens to lead a self-determined life in the community while at the same time creating space with ample personal privacy.«
Karin Brandstötter, Franz&Sue project manager
Type Of Commission
geladener Realisierungswettbewerb
Client
ARE (Austria Real Estate) Development GmbH
Construction
2023-2024
Scope Of Commission
Architekturplanung
Location
Mödling, Niederösterreich
State
Completed
Design
2020-2024
Net Usable Floor Area
5.669 m²
Team
Karin Brandstötter (PL), Elisabeth Nobl, Katarína Martoňáková, Lucie Najvarová, Norbert Peller
Awards
klimaaktiv Silber
Structural Engineer
Pilz und Partner
Building Physics
Pilz und Partner
Thermal Building Simulation
IPJ Ingenieurbüro P. Jung
Building Services
Zentraplan
Landscape Planning
tilia staller.studer og
Fire Safety Planning
Retter und Partner
Photography
Andreas Buchberger