Red Cross Rescue Station
Vienna, Austria
The new rescue station for the Vienna Red Cross occupies a site where two very different urban conditions meet. To the south, the dense block-edge fabric of Vienna defines the street with continuous façades, while to the north, a patchwork of small garden plots introduces an informal scale and looser structure. This contrast shaped the central idea behind the project: to create a building that can mediate between these contexts and form a civic presence without dominating its surroundings.
The proposed volume follows the elongated shape of the site, aligning itself with the street to create clarity and orientation. Its silhouette, marked by a sloping roof and a continuous skylight, signals its public role and makes the building recognisable from a distance. The concept aims to combine the functional needs of a rescue station with an architectural expression that strengthens its place in the neighbourhood.
The internal layout is driven by the need to clearly separate fast operational functions from quieter staff areas while maintaining efficient circulation. This is achieved through a vertical division of the program.
The ground floor contains all rescue-related facilities. A garage for twelve ambulances is arranged in a linear sequence, reducing the need for excessive manoeuvring space and allowing direct access to the outdoor service yard. Adjacent to the garage are washing bays, storage areas, and support rooms, ensuring smooth daily operations.
The upper floor is dedicated to staff use and includes offices, meeting rooms, and a large communal space. This space, defined by the exposed timber roof structure and lit by overhead skylights, acts as the social heart of the building. It opens onto a sheltered loggia that can be used throughout the year, providing a rare outdoor space for moments of rest during demanding shifts.
The architectural expression of the building is closely tied to its materiality. The ground floor is constructed in exposed concrete, providing the durability and stability required for emergency operations. Its weight and solidity communicate a sense of security, grounding the building within its context.
Above, the upper floor is wrapped in vertical timber slats that bring warmth and tactility to the façade. This lighter construction reflects the more open and communal character of the spaces within. Prefabricated timber and concrete elements allow for precise detailing and efficient assembly on site, reducing construction time and environmental impact.
The structural rhythm is visible throughout the building, particularly in the timber roof frames of the upper level. These frames, combined with the continuous skylight along the central axis, create a spatial sequence where structure and light work together to define the character of the interior.
Sustainability is not treated as an addition but as an integral part of the design. From the outset, the project aimed to minimize environmental impact during construction and operation. The use of prefabricated elements reduced waste and shortened building time. Timber was prioritized as a renewable material, both for the structural frame and for interior finishes.
The building envelope was designed to achieve high energy performance through robust insulation, triple glazing, and shading provided by vertical timber cladding. Green roofs across three of the roof planes enhance biodiversity, contribute to water retention, and protect the building from overheating in summer.
Energy generation is supported by a roof-integrated photovoltaic system that works alongside Vienna’s district heating network. Together, these measures create a building that responds to contemporary demands for energy-conscious public infrastructure while maintaining a high level of comfort for its users.
Client: Die Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. (BIG)
Location: Vienna, Austria
Year: 2025
Services: Competition
Size: 2.270 m2
Team: Ventsislav Kartselin, Georgi Marhov