New life for the Funkhaus: Vienna's sustainable living dream is born!

New life for the Funkhaus: Vienna's sustainable living dream is born!

In the heart of Vienna, on Argentinierstrasse, there is a lot going on in the iconic Funkhaus. Work on the new “Solo” building will begin at the end of January 2026. This ambitious project will enrich the time-honored location with a six-story wooden hybrid building, which includes 35 apartments and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028. The experienced BWM architects are responsible for the design and attach great importance to a harmonious connection to the existing building.

The new building will be realized using the innovative “CREE” construction method, which uses industrially prefabricated wood hybrid elements. This approach not only offers static advantages, but also actively contributes to climate protection. Wood hybrid construction is used, which combines wood with stabilizing materials such as concrete and steel. This combination helps reduce the carbon footprint, reduce noise emissions and shorten construction time.

A look at the construction work

Before the actual construction work begins, root protection for the trees surrounding the new building will first be installed. 55 geothermal probes will then be used, followed by the construction of an underground car park. The sustainable construction approach is also underlined by the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), which has excellent insulation and fire protection properties and is easy to handle.

The facade of the new building will be designed with minerals in order to meet fire protection requirements. More than 60% of the building elements are prefabricated, which contributes to a reduced use of materials and an environmentally friendly construction method. “Wood is becoming the main building material to optimize climate friendliness, prefabrication, as well as moisture regulation and thermal insulation,” is a look at the current wood hybrid construction method.

Living in the radio house

There is also significant investment in the existing building of the radio station, which itself dates back to the 1930s. 22 apartments will be renovated and built in the “Echo” and “Coda” sections. This not only preserves the historical charm of the building, but also takes modern living comfort into account. High-ceilinged rooms, wooden floors and spacious floor plans are intended to offer future residents a comfortable home.

A very special detail will be the planned balcony scaffolding on the “Coda” extension, which will be closely interwoven with the new building. In order to increase the quality of stay in front of the radio station, the forecourt will be unsealed and transformed into a green meeting area. A hotel and cultural offerings are also integrated into the plans, which rounds off the overall concept of living, working and culture in this urban oasis.

Prices and outlook

The modern apartments in the new “Solo” building will range in size from 42 to 201 m² and are available from around 10,500 euros per m². In comparison, new condominiums in the 4th district cost an average of around 8,000 euros per m². Anyone looking at rental apartments should expect to pay around 15 euros per m². The developments in the Funkhaus are not only a benefit for Vienna's architecture, but also an opportunity for future residents.

While construction work will begin shortly, it remains to be seen how the project will develop and what positive impulses it will bring to the neighborhood. One thing is certain, however: the Funkhaus will become a real “stacked neighborhood” and reinforce Vienna's position as a pioneer in sustainable urban development.