x architekten: pastoral care centre in linz

'pastoral care centre' by x architekten in linz, austria
all images courtesy x architekten
image © david schreyer


austrian practice x architekten has completed ' pastoral care center', a two-storey secular complex in
linz, austria. located on the site of the steel company voestalpine, the design seeks to bridge the gap
between the main roads and industrial estates with a new identity and purpose.



exterior view
image © david schreyer


using the existing woodlands as the conceptual starting point to the design, the project creates a
'built landscape' by cutting into the adjacent hillside towards a wooded slope. the embankment,
finished with dark slag-stone, provides a dark graphic contrast to the lush plot while creating a shallow
bowl around the building. the resulting effect enables the structure to be read as if it was emerging out of
the land, revealing its presence in dramatic landscaping. the climbable roof serves as a link between
the nearby steel car port and gardens.



entrance
image © david schreyer



approach
image © david schreyer



car port
image © david schreyer



facade
image © david schreyer



view of embankment
image © david schreyer



image © david schreyer



main entrance
image © david schreyer


resembling a crystal in its geometry, the interior features an array of facets and angles that obscures
its proportion and shape. the stark white finish of the walls, ceiling and floor creates a light and illuminated
atmosphere within the chapel. sliding partitions enable the chapel to be either open or closed from
the adjacent event room and bar.



interior view of chapel
image © david schreyer



faceted roof and ceiling
image © david schreyer



closed sliding partitions
image © david schreyer



view towards meeting space
image © david schreyer



image © david schreyer



entrance
image © david schreyer



bar
image © rupert asanger



catwalk connecting offices on second level
image © david schreyer



meeting room
image © david schreyer



office room
image © rupert asanger



courtyard
image © rupert asanger



night view
image © david schreyer



image © david schreyer



scheme



site



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



section



elevation



elevation




elevation



project info:

client: diocese linz
site: 4,843 m2
built-up area: 840 m2