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Densification of the Gründerzeit

year: 2026 | typologie: restructuring | status: complete

Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.

@ Julian Höck

A Gründerzeit residential building is further developed within its existing structure and carefully transformed. The point of departure is an attic space whose conversion had already been envisaged in the original design, yet was never realized. The transformation builds upon this latent condition, understanding the intervention not as an addition , but

as a continuation of the existing logic. The primary roof structure—rafters, tie beams, collar beams, and posts—is fully preserved and revealed as both a load-bearing and spatially defining framework. New elements are inserted in a way that integrates them into this structure without compromising its legibility.

Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.
Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.
Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.

The internal organization of the attic is achieved through the deliberate removal of subordinate insertions and the precise placement of new spatial volumes. These define the necessary functions—circulation, sanitary areas, and ancillary spaces—while allowing the overarching roof structure to be experienced as a continuous space. The interventions are conceived as consciously additive and reversible: lightweight partitions,

clear junctions, and a restrained material palette distinguish between old and new.Daylighting follows the principle of integration rather than addition. Instead of heterogeneous dormers, the roof surface is precisely perforated by a series of small-scale, flush-mounted openings. Positioned within the plane of the roof skin, they minimize the external appearance while creating differentiated lighting atmospheres within.

Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.
Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.
Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.
Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.

In this way, the homogeneous roofscape is preserved as a continuous surface, while a multilayered spatial quality unfolds within. The structural upgrading is implemented as a second, scarcely visible layer within the existing framework. Insulation, ventilation, and fire protection measures are integrated so that they only minimally alter the appearance of the roof, preserving the proportions and geometry of the

building volume.The roof skin is matched to the existing structure in both material and color, and is continued as a calm, coherent surface. The historic staircase is preserved in its spatial and material integrity and is upgraded only through targeted measures. Existing doors are retained, supplemented, and integrated into new contexts.

Architektur in der Salzburger Altstadt. Architekten Lechner & Lechner ( Architektin Christine Lechner, Horst Lechner, Paul Lechner, Lukas Ployer). Bauen in der Salzburger Altstadtschutzone. Bauen in der Altstadt von Salzburg.

he interventions focus on what is technically necessary, while the existing fabric remains legible as an identity-defining element. The semi-basement is reactivated through minimal interventions. Existing spatial structures are taken up, selectively opened, and reorganized. New uses do not emerge from fundamental transformation, but from precise continuation within the existing fabric: level adjustments, targeted additions, and the reuse of existing components lead

to a transformation that evolves from within. The project understands densification not as maximization, but as the further development of inherent potentials. By revealing, organizing, and supplementing, additional space is created without overriding the building’s characteristic structure. Old and new do not compete; instead, they form a shared, continuous layer—an architecture that is conceived as an extension of what already exists.

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