Townhouse Linz

In Linz’s Lederergasse, the architects from mia2 Architektur recognized the idle qualities of an old townhouse. They took the time to test some prototypical special solutions during the renovation. Now the house shows how to respect the existing substance and make it a living part of the city.

While looking for a brighter office, Sandra Gnigler and Gunar Wilhelm, the masterminds at mia2, came across this house. At first glance, nothing special. Three floors, a perforated façade, plastic windows, a flat gable roof with tiny dormers. At second glance, you discover something remarkable. For example, that a ground-floor window directly abuts the neighbouring house to the east, a listed gem with a sgraffito façade. “These two buildings were the first on the square,” says Gnigler.

The house can be seen on a cast model of the city from the early 18^th century, and its oldest components date from the 16^th century.

Recognizing Potentials and Highlighting Qualities

The house was family-owned, rented out long- and short-term, completely worn-out, partially mouldy and massively dilapidated. The plumber on the ground floor had used the quiet, south-facing courtyard for storage. But mia2 immediately recognized its potential as a green oasis where plants, offices and households could thrive, and bought the property in 2011. As project developers, builders, architects and users in one, they were able to decide on virtually everything themselves. They turned it into a test object for innovative and special solutions in the renovation of old buildings. When developing their prototypes, they worked with craftsmen who were eager to experiment, and did some of the work themselves.