The grounds of the Khevenhüller military base are characterised by linear structures and therefore have a clear order. The construction site for the new accommodation building is located in the immediate access area of the barracks. The structure of the new accommodation building picks up on the design language of its surroundings and blends in carefully with the existing ensemble thanks to its linear shape.
A central feature of the barracks area are the listed stone plinths that define the construction sites of the crew buildings. As in the existing building, the new accommodation building is located in the centre of the site, which is lined by the stone plinth.
The structure of the new accommodation building is characterised by urban continuity. It picks up on key features and carefully blends in with the existing building in terms of its appearance.
A central aspect is the structuring of the structure through the positioning of the two staircases with the intention of taking up and continuing the axes of the neighbouring crew buildings. The resulting east-west thoroughfare ensures a pleasant flow of pedestrians between the accommodation buildings and the parade ground.
Design and organisational elements of the building’s positioning, storeys, access, circulation and plinth design are taken up from the neighbouring existing buildings and interpreted in a contemporary way. By optimising the module sizes, both the overall height and the roof pitch of the new accommodation building are almost identical to the existing building.
The positioning of the two entrances is based on the continuation of the access axes of the neighbouring crew building. This allows for a clear view and a clear route through the entrance area.
Pleasantly large window openings, some with wooden louvres in front, provide sufficient natural lighting, while external shading elements also allow the accommodation rooms to be darkened. Thanks to the low parapet heights, the front-facing and rear-ventilated timber façades can be harmoniously structured using horizontal formwork joints. The general common areas are each equipped with a kitchenette from which you can step out onto a covered terrace and thus find a sheltered outdoor area.
Replacement planting is planned for the outdoor areas, as it is assumed that the existing trees cannot be preserved due to the central location of the accommodation building on the site.
