Caramel Carage

The architectural concept places the principle of re-use at its core. Workspaces are organized on a single level, deliberately avoiding hierarchical spatial divisions,,. Meeting rooms, workshops, and retreat areas are arranged along the perimeter, while the center serves as an open, communal space. To minimize material consumption, the design follows a "less is more" approach: raw surfaces—including the preserved 1930s concrete barrel vault—and all technical installations remain exposed and uncladded,,,. For room acoustics, an ecological acoustic sprayed plaster made from unbleached waste paper and bound with natural glue was applied directly to the surfaces,,. The remainder of the interior fit-out was assembled using reclaimed secondary building materials,. Old iron and steel beams, railings, garage doors, floor coverings, and glass blocks were salvaged from dismantled buildings,. The planning team sourced additional materials from existing stock or via the internet. In terms of color, only corn-yellow accents complement the otherwise raw structure.

During the demolition phase, construction teams uncovered historical relics, including old wall paintings and a ramp dating back to the pre-war period,,. This incline, which formerly served as an access route for carriages and horse stables, was preserved,,. In the new concept, it functions as a central podium and a terraced tribune for meetings, lectures, and group activities,.

Text: ZAB | Sources: Caramel architektInnen zt-gmbh, Baumeister Nela Bau, werkraum wien, Baumit, bestworkspaces.com, BIG SEE