Pernthaler Architekt as recently finished his latest project in Graz / Austria (Unesco City of Design). The “Messequartier“- housing project represents an essential contribution to the issues of living in city's centres and their re-densification. Highest quality in urbanistic, architectural and functional terms has been achieved through a well-balanced mix of functions and the regard to latest ecological standards. The project offers multi-generation-housing, office spaces, a kindergarten and gastronomy services. The roof-scape includes a large-scale intensive roof garden, swimming pool and sauna overlooking the city.

courtesy Pernthaler Architekt

“The Messequartier” ( trade fair district )is a high-quality contribution to living in urban centers. The project was developed as part of the restructurization plan for the local trade fair district, whose attraction gradually lost substance within the past years. The architectural concept of this residential complex aims at a decidedly well-balanced mix of functions. Various typologies of rental apartments, condominiums for private property, student residences and assisted living for elderly are complemented by office-areas, a kindergarten and space for service industry and gastronomy.

courtesy Pernthaler Architekt

The ensemble is organized in shape of a wave around the “Moserhofschlössl “, a 16th century building, which is listed as a heritage building. In combination with a slanting area, the dually bent building-structure creates an open space-sequence of different qualities, while within the range of the historical building a centralizing square forms an anchor point. The structural concept reacts to local circumstances by keeping the levels close to existing buildings low, as the height of the building rises to ten levels in opposite ends, due to the inclining area. The construction in the middle region is elevated on columns, thus cross-connecting singular courtyards from north to south, possible to experience continuous green-space.

courtesy Pernthaler Architekt

Essential motivation for the design was to create a self-sustaining city district, properly functioning with public service facilities for daily requirements. With regard to social sustainability, a widely diversified range is offered, connecting generations, including particular attention for people with special needs.

A contemporary ecological footprint was top priority since the pre-planning phase of the project.

• only pollutant free materials
• apartments achieve passive house standard
• annual heating requirement: 9,2 kWh/m2a
• final energy demand: 27,14 kWh/m2a
• over 700 m2 of solar-collectors (26 % of requirement fulfilment for heating and hot water)
• over 500 bicycle stands, mostly covered
• roof-terrace with pool 25×5,5m and sauna area, total area 4.400m2

By keeping the whole area free from still and moving traffic, the grade of sealing was highly optimized.

+ Project facts

Project: Messequartier Graz
Location: Graz, AUSTRIA
Architecture: Markus Pernthaler Architekt ZT GmbH | http://www.markus-pernthaler.at
Usable floor space: 20,000 m2 (215.278 sq ft)
Start of construction: 2009
Completion: 2011
Construction costs: 40.000.000 Euros (USD 53.448.000,–)

+ All images and drawings courtesy Markus Pernthaler Architekt