Caught between the architectural heritage of the 1970s and the Wilhelminian-style buildings of the 9th district, a contextual approach with moderate height development is proposed for the Althan Quarter. Further developing the design principles of previous plans for the renovation of the Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof (Epsilon building), the present design concentrates most of the volume in the lower floors, which are set back from the 5th floor onwards in reference to the Epsilon building and the Gründerzeit buildings. On the ground floor at the elevated car park level, a lively mix of high-profile programmes guarantees urbanity and thoroughfare. Two high points, one of which is equipped with a publicly accessible panoramic restaurant, complement the new high point of the Epsilon building to form a triad. The result is a coherent, exciting ensemble that is embedded in the neighbourhood without exceeding the scale.

Urban development

As a logical continuation of the Epsilon building and in response to the Wilhelminian-style buildings, the structures close to the street are set back from the 5th floor upwards. This allows a large part of the required gross floor area to be organised in a compact manner. The gap on the ground floor at the high-rise car park level allows unobstructed passage in an east-west direction. In response to the neighbouring buildings, the heights of the new building are adapted to the existing structures. A terraced, habitable roof landscape is created. Analogous to the projected high point of the Epsilon, the street-side development is complemented by two further high points of moderate height, which are moved towards the centre of the site.

Mix of uses

High-quality apartments with south-west views of the Vienna Woods along Althanstraße, hotel and office uses to the north-east along Nordbergstraße. Each floor has communal areas for the residents. The hotel tower will have a public panoramic restaurant on its top floor.

High park and green space

Continuing the planned base construction, the ground floor at high park level will feature a dense mix of public programmes in a loose arrangement, allowing for maximum urbanity and accessibility. In addition to the public green space of the courtyard park, terraces and roofs will be used as private or communal outdoor areas and intensively planted.