Woody M Buildings Tivoligasse by Freimüller Söllinger Architektur – A Sustainable Mixed-Use Landmark in Vienna

In the heart of Vienna, Freimüller Söllinger Architektur has redefined sustainable urban living with the Woody M Buildings Tivoligasse — a five-story solid wood mixed-use development seamlessly blending residential, commercial, and public spaces. Completed in 2022, this 10,084 m² project transforms a once underutilized parking lot and single-story supermarket into a vibrant architectural ensemble featuring 85 modern apartments, a supermarket, and a parking garage, all set within lush landscaped gardens.

From Parking Lot to Sustainable Urban Community

The project was born from multiple urban demands — to introduce eco-conscious housing, integrate green spaces, and create a lively mix of uses in a dense urban context. The result is a multi-functional wooden complex designed for community interaction, privacy, and environmental responsibility.

Four stepped solid wood residential blocks are arranged crosswise on a solid base that aligns with neighboring buildings. This base not only houses retail and parking but also mediates between surrounding structures, incorporating zig-zag expansions to form attractive access points and inviting public plazas.

Urban Design Meets Landscape Architecture

Collaborating with Carla Lo Landschaftsplanung, the design integrates landscaped gardens, public green decks, and tree-lined pathways, ensuring high-quality outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike. The green plateau atop the base serves as a communal oasis, while open spaces between the buildings frame views, enhance ventilation, and maintain privacy for residents.

Strategic north-south orientation of the new buildings and east-west orientation of neighboring structures maximizes sunlight exposure and natural shading while ensuring minimal visual intrusion.

Innovative Timber Construction

The Woody M Buildings are an exemplary model of large-scale timber architecture in Austria. Every floor, wall, and ceiling is built from locally sourced solid wood, with untreated planed boards forming the exterior façade. Inside, ceilings are left exposed to highlight the natural warmth and texture of the material.

A total of 2,300 cubic meters of domestic wood were used — an amount that Austrian forests can regrow in just 40 minutes. Prefabricated elements allow for efficient on-site assembly, reduced construction time, and the possibility of future disassembly and material reuse.

Adaptive, Flexible Living Spaces

Apartments are designed as open-plan lofts with generous glazing from wall to wall, flooding interiors with daylight and framing expansive urban views. Predetermined “break points” in partition walls allow units to be easily reconfigured, supporting long-term adaptability as residents’ needs evolve.

Each block features balcony frameworks, arcaded walkways, and elevator towers, creating a vertical village feel. Terraced setbacks bring in light, create private outdoor spaces, and ensure neighboring buildings also benefit from sunlight.

Sustainability and Urban Value

The Woody M Buildings Tivoligasse exemplify Vienna’s forward-thinking urban development strategy — blending environmental responsibility, architectural quality, and community enhancement. By replacing an asphalt parking lot with green terraces, mixed-use functions, and wooden architecture, the project not only reduces the carbon footprint but also adds long-term cultural and ecological value to the neighborhood.

All photographs are works of Kurt Hoerbst