Telegraf 7 in Wien, Austria by BEHF Architects

Article source: v2com

BEHF Architects has received five prestigious architecture awards for the Telegraf 7 project, a former telephone exchange of the K. u. K. Post- und Telegrafendirektion (postal and telegraphic administration) in Vienna:

The “best architects 18 Award” in the category “Interior Design”, the Iconic Award 2017 in the “Architecture” category, the German Design Award 2018 in the “Architecture” category, and two additional awards in the categories “Architectural Design / Heritage Architecture” and “Restoration & Renovation”.

Entrance, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

• Architects: BEHF Architects
• Project: Telegraf 7
• Location: Lehargasse 7, 1060 Vienna, Austria
• Photography: Hertha Hurnaus
• Software used: Archicad 19
  
• Client: JP Immobilien, Lehargasse 7, 1060 Vienna, Austria
  
• Design and concept: Armin Ebner
  
• Project Manager: Ramin Maschayechi
  
• Head of Design: Ingo Hartmann
  

Contemporary office building, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

• Planning: Ellen Gehrke, Samuel Netocny
  
• Lighting design: Desingbüro Christian Ploderer GmbH
  
• Planning of Furnitures: PFAU Objekteinrichtung u. Innenraumgestaltung
  
• Curtains: Kohlmaier GesmbH
  
• Restorers: Team akademischer Restauratoren
• Area: 6500m², 12 office units
  
• Office JP Immobilien: 1390m²
  
• Event space on the gallery: 164m²
• Project end date: March 2017
  

Meeting room, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Conference room, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Not only had the integral design of the listed building, which BEHF created in cooperation with the client JP Immobilien, made an excellent impression on the jury—the jurors were also convinced by their outstanding architectural achievements.

„It was our aim to connect the two historical halls and to create offices with highly modern infrastructure in the middle of the existing historical environment. The awards confirm that we were more successful than expected,” says Daniel Jelitzka, founding partner and managing director at JP Immobilien a Viennese real estate group.

Historical hall with reception, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Event area on top of office spaces, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Armin Ebner of BEHF Architects describes the concept: „The room itself is already a great experience due to its impressive height, ceiling frescoes, and pilasters,” he says. “An additional highlight are two office areas that seem to be removed, appearing almost spherical. It is the contrast which makes the appearance and atmosphere so special.”

The architectural centre is an elaborate room-in-room construction with two minimalistic “boxes” that seem to be completely detached from the existing historical inventory: Opulent telegraph halls featuring stucco restored true to the original, and colourful wall paintings. As a result, the historical fabric remains unaffected and finally becomes visible after years of being hidden from the public. There are office spaces and conference rooms, as well as an area on the indoor roof which is intended for events.

Historical hall and meeting room, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Reception and waiting area, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

The idea of connecting the building’s historical substance with modern components is already achieved in the entrance area of Telegraf 7, where minimalistic and historical elements are combined. While the original concrete steps were uncovered and refurbished, the architects chose a light-coloured terrazzo flooring harmonising perfectly with the richly ornamented wrought-iron banister with a wooden handrail. On the other hand, you reach the individual office units and lifts by going through doors featuring an extremely linear design combined with the brass coating’s warm surface.

Bridge, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Team office, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

About Telegraf 7—Office Building Vienna

Architect Eugen Fassbender designed the building in the 19th century as a telephone exchange for K. und K. Post- und Telegrafendirektion (postal and telegraphic administration). Back then, Fassbender established an exemplary connection between functionality and representative architecture in Lehárgasse No. 7. This historical heritage and the way the building is currently being used were therefore a crucial factor when choosing a new name: Telegraf 7—Office Building Vienna. Telegraf 7 is a classic revitalisation project, where a former telegraph office was converted into premium office real estate. The property now serves as company headquarters for JP Immobilien Group.

Team office, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Room-in-room construction, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Hall Ground Floor, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Entrance hall, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Office entrance and staircase, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Rest room, Image Courtesy © Hertha Hurnaus

Tags: Austria, Wien

Categories: ArchiCAD, Office Building, Offices

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