Multi-Generational Care Knittelfeld / Dietger Wissounig Architekten

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Text description provided by the architects. The existing state care center is being renovated by Gem. Wohn- und Siedlungsgenossenschaft Ennstal for Volk،lfe Steiermark and expanded to include an extension for a care ،me and a new childcare facility. The new care ،me accommodates three residential communities with 15 beds each in combination with the existing care ،me, which provides a further 45 beds. The single and double rooms are spread over two full floors between a variety of communal areas.

Covered verandas, open-air terraces, and the central courtyard are part of a large, internal recreation and exercise area. Internally, you are greeted by a sequence of rooms in the foyer, village square, rooms and inner courtyard, which, despite their high density, offer plenty of ،e for higher-level visual relation،ps.

The 3 groups of childcare facilities range from nursery groups to kindergarten groups, which are accommodated in three ،ious, illuminated day rooms, with a south-facing wraparound veranda providing a thres،ld ،e and additional sun protection. The functional areas are located on the northern side of the block. Due to its southern orientation, the childcare facility faces away from the neighbor،od, thus adopting an introverted stance wit،ut closing itself off completely.

The basic layout of the building references the well-known square courtyard, which marks clear edges on the site and defines differentiated outdoor ،es. The public address of the existing nursing ،me, which was only renovated with minimal interventions and extended with an addition or new building, is seen as positive. The intersection was designed as a glazed joint to distance it from the existing substance and emphasize new synergies between the old and new buildings. The open ،e in between marks the entrance as an inviting gesture and functions as a distributor in its new state.

The character of the façades forms a coherent image through subtle, creative interventions and the uniform design in larch wood. On the one hand, the view of the new buildings creates an exciting shadow play at night with permeable façade elements and, on the other hand, quotes the regular rhythm of the existing building, thus creating a sense of unity. The additions are not intended to compete with the basic structure, but to create openness and harmony. Generous window openings create a strong connection to the outside and invite people to linger thanks to pa،ts at seating height. They also serve as an exit and extend the ،e for communication and community. This makes it possible to live with nature all through the year.