Platform L

A Living Concept for a Lifetime

Based on the plans of architects Delugan Meissl, the Austrian Housing Association (Österreichisches Siedlungswerk) constructed a residential building with 92 subsidized apartments in the new urban development area of Sonnwendviertel. Vasko+Partner was responsible for building physics, planning coordination, electrical installation, HVAC systems, and execution planning. The project name "platform L - Lebensstationen" (platform L - Life Stations) is a reference to the former use of the site, while also describing the vision of the developer, which aims to provide residents in this residential building with optimal conditions for all stages of life from their "platform." The project's goal was to offer a wide range of housing options that could be embraced by all generations. With its diverse and barrier-free housing offerings, singles, couples, families with children, and seniors could choose any desired living arrangement and adapt it sustainably to their varying individual wishes and needs throughout their lives. "We are delighted to be part of the urban development area around the new Vienna Central Station with the 'Platform L' project, where we can offer affordable living space with high-quality architecture," explains Michael Pech, ÖSW Board Member.

The distinctive feature of this project is the loft-like residential units, which have private access through a direct lift entrance to the apartment and feature an open and flexible floor plan that accommodates residents' living needs by allowing the separation of one to three neutral-use spaces in nearly all life phases. The L-shaped windows and balconies not only give the project's facade its architecturally unique appearance but also provide the rooms with more light and warmth. For the design of the spacious staircase, the artist Manfred Erjautz was commissioned to create a visible light artwork across all floors of the staircase area, visible from both the interior and the exterior, even during the night. This art installation aims to give the residential building an additional unique identity and thereby foster a stronger sense of identification with the building among its residents.

Cross-Generational Concept

In collaboration with the architecture firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects and the sociologist team Havel & Havel, a cross-generational residential concept was designed. Diverse communication zones promote community engagement. Along with the generous communal area with a roof terrace, the idyllic garden and the "marketplace" in the foyer, serving as a meeting place and exchange hub, provide ample opportunities for community building. In addition to being built as a low-energy house plus with aluminum windows, an energy-optimized building envelope was implemented.