Österreichische Volkbanken AG Headquarters

Renovation and expansion

The headquarters of the Austrian Volksbanken AG is located in a core zone of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in the ninth district of Vienna. The existing building required renovation, and an extension was needed to meet the bank's new requirements. Architect Carsten Roth won the competition organized by Volksbanken AG in cooperation with the City of Vienna and the district. Vasko+Partner was responsible for the local construction supervision. Meticulous planning and perfect coordination among all stakeholders were particularly demanded during the preparatory measures, as water seeped in from all directions at the site. Roth's design envisioned preserving 51 percent of the Gründerzeithaus (historic building) while demolishing the remaining structure and replacing it with an extension featuring a perforated façade. Certain parts of the existing building were removed without compromising its stability. The tight urban space situation presented an additional challenge for the entire construction logistics. Approximately 750 people have moved into the new building. The 26-meter-high atrium is covered with a membrane cushion roof, creating a light, open space and providing a sense of expansiveness.