The Austrian Bauherr:innenpreis 2023 was awarded in mid-October to the ensemble designed by Bernardo Bader in the center of Hohenems. The Vorarlberg architecture firm developed the first phase of the revitalization by means of renovation and new construction together with the client Markus Schadenbauer.
The Austrian Bauherr:innenpreis 2023 was awarded in mid-October to the ensemble designed by Bernardo Bader in the center of Hohenems. The Vorarlberg architecture firm developed the first phase of the revitalization by means of renovation and new construction together with the client Markus Schadenbauer.
Every year, the Bauherrenpreis honors clients of high-quality architecture that take social and innovative aspects into account. The Central Association of Architects thus recognizes the important and potentially fruitful collaboration between clients and architects, which can result in exceptional projects.
The jury consisting of Angelika Fitz(Director of the Architekturzentrum Wien), Regula Harder and Florian Nagler (architect) selected three winning projects from the 25 submissions pre-selected by the nomination juries of the federal states. Among them is the revitalization of the old town of Hohenems on behalf of Schadenbauer Projekt- und Quartierentwicklungs GmbH. From the client’s point of view, the historical building mass was relevant, on which a new concept for the revitalization of the site was based. The design included not only the construction of two new houses, but also the renovation of five old buildings. The Marktstraße/Harrachgasse project began back in 2010 and persistently pursued the goal of a vital and bustling town center in the Vorarlberg city. It represents the first phase of project development until 2022.
The initial situation in Hohenems is typical of small Austrian towns. The renovation of the historic buildings is only possible at great financial and technical expense, the stores are empty and living space in the old walls is also unattractive. The traffic has not led to more footfall, as is often claimed, but on the contrary has resulted in a deserted row of stores in Harrachgasse and Marktstraße.
A bypass and the intervention of the Federal Monuments Office were the first steps towards upgrading the town center. The client and architects made use of the abundant existing buildings and developed an overall concept that included both traffic planning and the renovation of the buildings. The main focus is now on pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A connection between the two streets and the development of formerly private courtyards and gardens also lead to a spatially qualitative public space.
With gentle redensification, Bernardo Bader Architekten created an addition to the historic ensemble, which is now attracting people back into the center of Hohenems with a variety of uses. Stores and opportunities to work are bringing life to the formerly busy streets. A start-up center with restaurants and service providers, as well as small stores, ensure a steady flow of visitors. The client Markus Schadenbauer and Bernardo Bader Architekten were not the only ones to coordinate carefully.
The Federal Monuments Office was also involved in the planning. Attention was paid to a harmonious color scheme for the buildings and substantial details such as natural stone floors and historic vaults were sensitively restored. In the newly created meeting zone on Marktgasse, locals and “Zuagroaste” (i.e. new Hohenems residents and visitors) can now enjoy the newly revived architecture, with old and new in literally perfect harmony.
Rural balancing act: Bernardo Bader in Andelsbuch reinterprets the Vorarlberg farmhouse with a modern reduction of stylistic elements and forms.
