Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - WindowsVorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 3 of 18Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - ColumnVorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Windows, FacadeVorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - More Images+ 13

  • Team Competition: Andreas Cukrowicz, Anton Nachbaur-Sturm, Christian Schmölz, Martin Ladinger, Michael Abt, Stefan Abbrederis, Emanuel Gugele
  • Team Project: Anton Nachbaur-Sturm, Andreas Cukrowicz, Stefan Abbrederis, Martin Ladinger, Philipp Schertler, Martina Berlinger, Vera Hagspiel
  • City: Bregenz
  • Country: Austria
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Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Windows, Facade
© Adolf Bereuter

Text description provided by the architects. The new Vorarlberg museum completes the row of several culture buildings at the waterside of Lake Constance. The extraordinary concept is based on the principle of architectural continuity and it expands a listed building vertically and horizontally generating a new building form not by contrast but by contact of all parts differentiating them only by their surface structure.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 9 of 18
Ground Floor Plan

The Museum occupies a site at the transition from the open landscape of Lake Constance to the compact urban structure of central Bregenz. At the edge of the otherwise impermeable urban fabric stands an insular row of detached landmark buildings. Their placement, as well as the gaps between them, creates a spectrum of different exterior spaces with unique character open to views of Lake Constance. As a whole, the quarter can be read as a continuous sequence of public squares.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Windows
© Adolf Bereuter

The Museum responds to the local conditions completing the row of stand-alone landmarks. An assertive urban and architectural intervention provides the ideal vehicle for restoring the Vorarlberg Museum’s stature alongside the Kunsthaus and theatre in Bregenz’s culture quarter. The concept of the Vorarlberg Museum is based on the principle of architectural continuity. The listed building, which originally housed the District Council, was substantially preserved and assimilated into the new architecture.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 18 of 18
Section

The original building was expanded upwards by two storeys, in addition to the five storey extension onto Kornmarkplatz. These three different components are unified in a clear and compact new form. The different stages of the Museum’s history are rendered visible through varying facade composition and surface textures, but a singular colour palette of chalky white and champagne tones unites all components into a discrete whole. This colouring breathes new life into the facades, warmly diffusing natural light into the surroundings. The Museum’s combination of newfound height and colouring exerts a strong presence across the urban context and Lake Constance.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 3 of 18
© Adolf Bereuter

All functions are arranged around a central atrium, with a ring of circulation connecting each internal area. The open and inviting ground floor, containing the foyer and café, joins the inner court to the public space outside. The first floor holds two function rooms, which can also be used as flexible exhibition spaces. The Museum’s entire administration team is accommodated on the first floor of the building. The top three floors are specialised exhibition spaces which prioritise flexibility of use. Varying views to the atrium and outside provide subtle differences in the spatial experience, without compromising the spaces’ flexibility.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 10 of 18
First Floor Plan

The area in front of the panoramic window on the fourth floor can serve as a contemplative or relaxing space. The atrium provides generosity of space and a means of orientation within the building, and is furthermore a versatile space well suited to hosting installations and events.                                                                                            

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Column
© Hanspeter Schiess

The re-use of an historic building and giving it a second life is a very important aspect of sustainability. All materials and themes are derived from the historic substance and were transferred into a new language. Every exterior building part is made in passive house quality.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 17 of 18
Elevation 4

The use of all materials is sustainably untreated and chosen after ecologic criteria. By using clay as an material for walls and ceilings in the entire building the installations for ventilation could be reduced to a third. LED-technology is used for the whole lighting system.

Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte - Image 7 of 18
© Hanspeter Schiess

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Project location

Address:Kornmarktplatz 1, 6900 Bregenz, Austria

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: "Vorarlberg Museum / Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekte" 09 Jan 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/585185/vorarlberg-museum-bregenz-austria-cukrowicz-nachbaur-architekte> ISSN 0719-8884

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