Generational House Josef-Huter-Straße, Bregenz (AT)
Building in existing structures,
Refurbishment
Client: Families Frühstück, King, Spiegel
Location: A-6900 Bregenz, Josef-Huter-Straße 20
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Design: Helmut Dietrich
Construction: 2022 – 2024
Area: 1.235 m² BGF
Capacity: 4 Residential units
Photos: Nico Rauchenwald, Christian Schramm
Team
Selina Breuer, Elke Delvoye, Felix Kruck (Projektleitung)
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Partners
Statics: DI Manfred Plankel, Bregenz
Building services: Steurer Installations, Andelsbuch
Electrics: Kremmel & Schneider Lustenau
Building physics: DI Günter Meusburger, Bregenz
Geology: 3P-Geotechnik West, Bregenz
Landscape: Landrise, Egg
Construction management: Baukultur Management, Schwarzenberg
The architecture of our time requires a conscious and contemporary approach to existing buildings. Preserving existing structures and developing them in a future-oriented way makes a significant contribution to conserving resources and at the same time preserves the cultural identity of a place.
This project transforms an existing villa by Willibald Braun from the 1920s, previously a detached house, into a generational house with four residential units. Precise extensions and careful interventions have now added the necessary space to the existing building. The new components stand out from the old building with their independent, contemporary architectural language, but are in a harmonious dialogue with it.
The Generation House is an exemplary contribution to redensification in established structures. It shows how contemporary architecture not only creates new living space, but also respectfully rethinks and upgrades existing buildings.
The special hillside location characterises the concept: the west extension makes a striking appearance towards the street. In contrast, the east extension is discreetly integrated into the slope. Its full effect only unfolds on the garden side, where it skilfully incorporates the topographical features and emphasises the relationship between architecture and landscape. This interplay of visibility and restraint creates a special dynamic and a sensitive integration into the surroundings.
Old and new enter into an exciting dialogue with their own architectural language.
The most sustainable building is the one that is already there. Converting and extending buildings is an exciting challenge that requires creativity and empathy, but also courage.
