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