SchloR in Simmering: Sustainable housing project receives prize at wienwood 25!

SchloR in Simmering: Sustainable housing project receives prize at wienwood 25!

Things are going well in Simmering: The SchloR - an innovative residential project located on Rappachgasse - wins the special prize at the renowned wienwood 25. This extraordinary project combines living spaces, a workshop, a circus hall and serves as a cultural meeting place for the community. It is a prime example of sustainable construction that relies on the use of wood and shows how social responsibility and environmental awareness can go hand in hand. Recently reported this Vienna district newspaper about this award.

The SchloR, whose name stands for “Beautiful Life”, was built using wood and clay. This experiment in self-organization is based on the principle of the tenement syndicate, where committed people purchase and design a property together. The whole thing was architecturally implemented by GABU Heindl Architektur in collaboration with other partners such as Hödl Ingenieurholzbau, LOPAS and the TRAP Center for Contemporary Circus and the Art of Movement.

Sustainability in focus

What makes the concept so special? The jury praised the participatory approach and social responsibility integrated into the project. This example of building culture radiates beyond Simmering and could serve as a model for future projects in other districts and regions. It shows that sustainability and social innovation are inextricably linked and offer a vision for climate-friendly cities.

The use of wood is not just a fashion choice these days. The use of the material in urban construction projects is becoming increasingly commonplace. Wood not only acts as an external shell, but also as a structural component of the building. It has become a favorite material for public and private construction projects. Loud proholz More and more players are recognizing the advantages of wooden construction: from the new aesthetics to the possibility of combining alternative materials such as clay.

In recent years, timber construction has also established itself as ecologically compatible, especially in the context of so-called green buildings. These buildings are designed to be environmentally friendly and resource efficient. Statista shows that the number of green buildings worldwide is expected to increase by 2030. In Europe, more and more wooden buildings are being approved every year, which is also seen as a response to climate change. In 2024, the proportion of approved residential buildings using this construction method was already 24 percent.

Building with a future

The SchloR in Simmering is not just a residential project, but symbolizes a change towards innovative ways of building and thinking. The revitalization of the existing circus hall and the extension of the workshop building - all of which are characterized by shared use - shows how new living spaces can be created through clever planning and social commitment.

At a time when environmentally friendly construction methods are of utmost importance, the SchloR project is a shining example of the potential that lies in combining sustainability, community use and modern design. This type of building could have a decisive and lasting impact on the direction of our cities in the future. The SchloR not only offers a beautiful home, but also a space for creative development and social exchange.