Children's House Sibratsgfäll

The existing situation is characterised by the settlement typology of a heterogeneous and mature scattered settlement with hamlets as the characteristic building structure of the location. The hamlet to be developed is centrally located, and its moderate density and the star-shaped arrangement of the buildings create a special spatial situation within the settlement structure. The concept follows the approach of ‘SIMPLY CONTINUE BUILDING’, with the existing gymnasium being retained. The new children’s house will be rebuilt as a solitary structure in almost the same position and with almost the same cubic volume. The square building structure responds to the rising topography with a split-level system. In addition to the possibility of connecting different height levels, this generates minimal access areas through the use of stair landings, short distances, flowing spatial relationships and generous spatial effects. A central core forms a horizontal division into three parallel layers, which develops a simple and flexible basic structure that forms the basis for both the static and organisational systems. An open stairwell allows for beautiful views, and by connecting all levels, it becomes a communication space. The design eliminates the separation into individual floors and thus into individual functions, creating a building that is perceived as a spatial continuum, a building in which children grow up and age from bottom to top. A real children’s house. The consistent adoption of the roof landscape communicates with the language of the location and supports its scale.

Design team: Michael Mayer, Theresa Hölz, Andreas Cukrowicz, Anton Nachbaur-Sturm.
In cooperation with Merz Kley Partner GmbH Dornbirn, IBS GmbH Linz, Martin Stocker Modellbau Hohenems.

Client: Municipality of Sibratsgfäll AT
Competition 2025 1st prize
Photography: Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architects