pitched roof volumes animate a vienna apartment block designed by BFA x KLK

BFA x KLK — an interdisciplinary architecture practice made up of two collaborative austrian studios — has completed a mixed-use project on an empty lot in vienna. comprising six offices and 50 business apartments, the new building is characterized by a pattern of extruded pitched roof volumes and balconies that animate the façades, bringing the architecture to life. 

images courtesy of BFA x KLK

the brief from the client was to create modern, temporary and affordable ‘micro-apartments’. in response, BFA x KLK resolved to optimize light, space and comfort. to achieve this, the team orientated all of the apartments to face south-east, affording optimal natural light. this orientation also reduces noise as the block faces onto a quieter side street, which acts as a sound abatement, instead of the busy main road. 

residents access the apartments via a covered walkway and external staircase. inside, each dwelling is composed of a generous main corridor, bedroom accommodation, sanitary facilities, and a living space with a pitched roof oriel and balcony. BFA x KLK decided to minimize the other rooms to create a bright and generous living space that meets the dynamic needs of future inhabitants.

the extruded pitched roof volumes and balconies give the building its external character while echoing traditional viennese schrebergardens (small, intimate garden communities). when stacked together, the 3D forms create a dynamic pattern, making the new development stand out in a neighborhood characterized by flat commercial blocks.

project info:

name: gudrun business apartments

location: vienna, austria

architects: BFA x KLK

design team: jürgen depaul, fabian lutter, xaver kolleger

gross floor area: 3,900 sqm (41,979 sqft)

year: 2021

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.