Messequartier Graz / Markus Pernthaler

Curated by ArchDaily

Architects: Markus Pernthaler
Year: 2011
Photographs:Paul Ott

Text description provided by the architects. The "Messequartier"- housing project represents an essential contribution to the issues of living in city’s centres and their re-densification. Highest quality in urbanistic, architectural and functional terms has been achieved through a well-balanced mix of functions and the regard to latest ecological standards. The project offers multi-generation-housing, office spaces, a kindergarten and gastronomy services. The roof-scape includes a large-scale intensive roof garden, swimming pool and sauna overlooking the city.

Messequartier Graz / Markus Pernthaler - Windows — © Paul Ott

"The Messequartier" ( trade fair district )is a high-quality contribution to living in urban centers. The project was developed as part of the restructurization plan for the local trade fair district, whose attraction gradually lost substance within the past years. The architectural concept of this residential complex aims at a decidedly well-balanced mix of functions. Various typologies of rental apartments, condominiums for private property, student residences and assisted living for elderly are complemented by office-areas, a kindergarten and space for service industry and gastronomy.

The ensemble is organized in shape of a wave around the “Moserhofschlössl “, a 16th century building, which is listed as a heritage building. In combination with a slanting area, the dually bent building-structure creates an open space-sequence of different qualities, while within the range of the historical building a centralizing square forms an anchor point. The structural concept reacts to local circumstances by keeping the levels close to existing buildings low, as the height of the building rises to ten levels in opposite ends, due to the inclining area. The construction in the middle region is elevated on columns, thus cross-connecting singular courtyards from north to south, possible to experience continuous green-space.

Essential motivation for the design was to create a self-sustaining city district, properly functioning with public service facilities for daily requirements. With regard to social sustainability, a widely diversified range is offered, connecting generations, including particular attention for people with special needs.

Messequartier Graz / Markus Pernthaler - Image 13 of 18 — © Paul Ott

A contemporary ecological footprint was top priority since the pre-planning phase of the project.

- only pollutant free materials
- apartments achieve passive house standard
- annual heating requirement:9,2 kWh/m2a
- final energy demand: 27,14 kWh/m2a
- over 700 m2 of solar-collectors (26 % of requirement fulfilment for heating and hot water)
- over 500 bicycle stands, mostly covered
- roof-terrace with pool 25x5,5m and sauna area, total area 4.400m2