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From two 200-year-old Biedermeier houses, a dilapidated inn, a vintner’s house, and two unfinished 1980s buildings, a project blending history and innovation was created. Linked to the legend of Agnes of Waiblingen, the site features her image at the entrance. As the structures began to collapse during construction, complete demolition and faithful reconstruction of the historic façades became necessary. The project achieved a 90% improvement in energy efficiency, a full transition to renewable energy sources, and a careful integration of modern technologies such as solar panels and geothermal systems, while preserving the historic character of the site.
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The project is located in a conservation zone in Vienna, subject to strict regulations regarding cityscape, building volume, and construction methods. It covers three plots that originally included two over-200-year-old Biedermeier houses, a dilapidated inn, a vintner’s house, and two unfinished 1980s structures. A spacious residential complex with historic character and private terraces or gardens for each unit was created. Modern dormer windows blend old and new elements. Due to catastrophic wall and ceiling conditions, a complete demolition was approved during construction, with a faithful reconstruction of the historic façades ensuring the preservation of the site’s character.
The project sets a new standard for sustainable construction in conservation zones. Historic façades were faithfully rebuilt, improving energy efficiency by 90% (from 319 kWh/m²a to HWB 34 kWh/m²a). Renewable energy strategies include 24 geothermal probes (150 m deep) beneath the underground garage, reversible heat pumps for heating and cooling, and a PV system integrated into the loft extension. Underfloor heating/cooling and fan coils ensure high comfort year-round. Smart controls optimize energy use. Despite high construction costs, the project achieves major CO₂ savings. No comparable eco-friendly new-build project exists on this scale in Vienna.
This project represents a careful balance between heritage preservation and sustainable innovation. Located in Vienna’s conservation zone, it revitalizes a historically significant site that once housed two Biedermeier residences, a former inn, a vintner’s house, and two unfinished 1980s structures. Respecting strict planning constraints, the project preserves the identity of the original site while providing contemporary, high-quality living spaces. Rather than opting for a minimal intervention, a full reconstruction of the historic façades was realized after structural failure made preservation impossible. The new design blends tradition with modernity: discreet glass dormers introduce generous light and views toward the surrounding vineyards without compromising the historic streetscape. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability. Innovative energy systems, including deep geothermal probes and integrated photovoltaic panels, drastically reduced energy consumption and transitioned the project to renewable sources. The building’s heating and cooling systems are managed intelligently to ensure comfort year-round with minimal environmental impact. This approach not only lowers carbon emissions but also creates added social and architectural value. Residents benefit from private terraces or gardens, and the neighborhood gains a project that honors its rural character while setting a benchmark for future eco-conscious developments in protected zones.
Witnessing the transformation of a historic site into a sustainable, modern living space has been profoundly rewarding. Balancing heritage preservation with cutting-edge technology wasn't easy, but the outcome—enhanced energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and revitalized community spaces—surpassed our expectations. This project stands as a testament to what's possible when tradition meets innovation.
Armin Mohsen Daneshgar was born in Iran in1968. He earned his master's and PhD degrees in architecture from Vienna University of Technology in 1999 and 2002, respectively. While studying, he became a lecturer in architecture. In 2002, he opened his office "Daneshgar Architects". Participation in international competitions led him from Munich and Berlin to London and Stockholm, where he was actually able to realize projects. Armin Mohsen Daneshgar is an architect at heart. Architecture is not his profession, but his life, as he himself says. Despite all the difficulties he has had to face, he has never lost his optimism. He doesn't see himself as an optimist at all. Rather, it is his profession from which he draws strength.
Today is Daneshgar Architects an international architectural firm focused on creating high quality space with unique design. Many projects deal with the urgent need for re densification in the inner city as well as social aspects of architecture.
