Apartment building Ragnitzstrasse

The realization of relatively affordable, small yet high-quality apartments is one of the biggest challenges for contemporary residential construction. The project on Ragnitzstrasse 36 responds to this challenge in the following way: a simple, systematically and efficiently designed volume providing all residential units with quality conditions. The resulting building is generously adorned with balconies on the southern side. On the northern side, an entry gallery is hidden behind a mesh of expanded metal. The final appearance of the building was achieved by composing relatively inexpensive elements. The entire building comprises fifteen small apartments (40 – 50 m²) and one rooftop penthouse. Below the residential part, there is an underground parking garage. All apartments have a southern orientation and feature a wide balcony or terrace facing the greenery by the Ragnitzbach stream. Balconies and outdoor spaces span the full width of the apartment, are partially covered, and have an area of at least 17 m². The residential part is lifted into open space, making both the living room and bedroom feel much larger. The larch wood balcony railing responds fan-like to the undulating rhythm of the protruding balcony slabs. The chosen material and craftsmanship create a pleasant atmosphere. The northern gallery prevents the spread of traffic noise from Ragnitzstrasse. The façade made of expanded metal is installed in such a way that when approaching from the western side, the building appears transparent. Conversely, from the east, the façade and the entire volume of the house close off, creating a visual effect of inversion as one passes by the building. The resulting house has a sculptural impression and is also capable of dramatically transforming.