BWM Designers & Architects

A loft in a centrally located residential building was converted to create three premium freehold and rental flats with outside spaces. The building is part of a historical ensemble between the famous Ringstrasse and the Natural History Museum. The flats all have a conservatory that affords a spectacular view of Vienna’s historical centre. The large hinged windows, which can be tilted outwards to open fully, add extra space to the interior and create a connection to the outside without interfering too much with the roof landscape of the heritage-protected building.

Lighting and ceiling heights are the two main challenges when converting a loft. Sufficient natural light sources and spaciousness are, however, key components of a well-designed layout.

The original situation in the attic storey provided the ideal point of departure for the conversion: this 380m2 space in a Gründerzeit building located between the Burggarten park and the MuseumsQuartier has an impressive ceiling height of 3.5m as well as three light wells, one of which is centrally positioned. The loft is a prime example of the roof architecture of the Gründerzeit era by virtue of its dimensions and well-balanced proportions, and its clear structure and symmetry. These “strong” existing elements formed the basis of BWM’s initial concept. They were “unearthed and enhanced”, as project manager Ferdinand Bischofter puts it. The clever recesses and openings in the roof transform its closed structure to create a modern, bright and airy space within. The flats’ symmetrical, H-shaped layout is particularly suited for residents wanting a clear separation of parents’ and children’s zones.

The Federal Monuments Authority’s strict provision that no substantial alterations be made to the roof landscape ultimately had a stimulating effect on the design process and engendered an innovative solution for the window zone of the top two storeys. The unusually large, broad openings incorporated into the slanting roof are flush with its surface. The 3x6m windows were specially developed for this project in collaboration with MDE Metal Design Engineering GmbH and allow a great amount of natural light into the interior, as well as affording a stunning view of the nearby museums thanks to their inclination. The mechanical hydraulic system with which they operate allows them to be adjusted steplessly to any desired position. In this way, the tilted windows create open areas beneath that expand the living space all year round. In the winter months these terraces become conservatories. As architect Erich Bernard explains, “We aimed to achieve a strong interplay between inside and outside.”

Overall, the loft space was converted into three premium freehold and rental flats across three floors that are partly joined by means of internal stairs.