Austria's 'In der Mellen' Wins Three Awards for Innovative Sustainable Housing
The 'In der Mellen' development in Mellau, Bregenzerwald, has scooped three awards for its innovative blend of €500,000 apartments and subsidized rental units. This project is a testament to the growing trend of sustainable construction in Austria.
Univ.-Prof. Arch. DI Hermann Kaufmann from Hermann Kaufmann + Partner ZT GmbH designed the passive-house-standard residential complex, which is unusually constructed from wood. Morscher Bau, the developer, aims to promote social diversity by combining owner-occupied and rental homes, preventing stigmatization of social housing.
In the nearby Hittisau, Morscher Bau is constructing another passive-house residential complex, this time using a mix of concrete and wood. The complex will also feature a blend of private properties and nonprofit rental homes. This shift towards multi-story residential construction challenges traditional views on homeownership, as more municipalities seek to meet growing housing demand.
The Bregenzerwald region in Vorarlberg, known for its tourism, architecture, design, and agriculture, sees newly built condominiums costing around €5,300 per square meter in prime locations. Morscher Bau incorporates sustainable building technologies such as photovoltaic systems, ground-source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their homes.
Günter Morscher, senior director of Morscher Bau, recognized the potential of passive-house construction in the early 2000s, shifting the company's focus away from single-family homes. The 'In der Mellen' project and others like it in Hittisau demonstrate Morscher Bau's commitment to sustainable, socially responsible home construction in the Bregenzerwald region.
Read also:
- German Workers Log Record Hours in 2023, Expert Warns of Counterproductive Behaviors
- Home Safety Experts Warn Against Using Extension Cords for High-Wattage Appliances
- Rare Wryneck Breeds in Regensburg for First Time
- Coalition of 20 Associations Presents 12-Point Plan for Sustainable German Agriculture
