Kaufhaus Tyrol Innsbruck, Austria : Architecture

24 Jul 2009 Topping Out Ceremony for David Chipperfield Architects' department store Kaufhaus Tyrol The topping out ceremony for David Chipperfield Architects' department store Kaufhaus Tyrol in Innsbruck will be held on 24 July. rendering © Wolf Kommunikationsagentur GmbH The new building covers the site of the former Kaufhaus Tyrol along Maria-Theresien-Strasse. The neighbouring existing building, the former 'Schindlerhaus', will provide space for offices and meeting rooms and, after its restoration, for the former Schindler Café. The facade of the Kaufhaus reflects the irregular structure of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse. Facade pillars form the main tectonic characteristic of the building. Room-height window apertures cover all storeys and act as mediators between the new Kaufhaus Tyrol and the historic environment. Completion is planned for the beginning of March 2010. Kaufhaus Tyrol Austria images / information from David Chipperfield Architects 27 Nov 2008 David Chipperfield Architects - Laying of The Foundation Stone of the 'Kaufhaus Tyrol' department store The official start of construction of the 'Kaufhaus Tyrol' department store in Innsbruck, Austria, will be celebrated today with the symbolic act of laying the foundation stone. In a prime downtown location on the Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the Kaufhaus Tyrol will be the largest city centre department store in Tirol. The new building will cover the site of the former Kaufhaus Tyrol that expands from Maria-Theresien-Strasse over the whole block to Erlerstrasse. The neighbouring existing building, the former 'Schindlerhaus', is being carefully integrated into the project while conserving the overall ensemble. Kaufhaus Tyrol – Department Store Innsbruck, Austria 2007-10 In a prime downtown location, the largest city centre department store in Tirol is emerging on the Maria- Theresien-Strasse. The new building covers the site of the former Kaufhaus Tyrol that expands from Maria-Theresien-Strasse over the whole block to Erlerstrasse. The neighbouring existing building, the former ‘Schindlerhaus’, is being carefully integrated into the project while conserving the overall ensemble. The new department store fits into and respects the existing context of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse. With three façade areas at a slight incline to each other, the long, stretched front of the new building is structured without losing its artistic and creative appearance. The structure of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse, which has grown irregularly since the Middle Ages, is reflected in the façade line-up of the new department store. The main entrance, situated in the centre, is subtly emphasised by the central part of the building being positioned forward and facing the Old Town and the pedestrian zone. Façade pillars form the main tectonic characteristic of the building. The supporting façade structure is made of prefabricated concrete sections offset with natural stone. Room-height window apertures cover all storeys and act as mediators between the new Kaufhaus Tyrol and the historic environment. The neighbouring ‘Schindlerhaus’, dating back to the 16th century, was frequently modified over the course of the centuries. After careful restoration work and the addition of a further floor it will provide space for offices and meeting rooms and for the former Schindler Café. The east façade of the Kaufhaus Tyrol along the Erlerstrasse picks up the theme of the main façade with its room-height window apertures. Due to the free space and the supporting concept however, it is executed as curtain-type post strongback construction in anodised, brushed aluminium. An additional entrance on this side allows shoppers to walk all the way through the building from the Maria-Theresien-Strasse to the Erlerstrasse. A five-storey, naturally lit atrium opens up all the floors, offering glimpses of other departments and enabling orientation when on a shopping trip. Kaufhaus Tyrol Austria images / information from David Chipperfield Architects