Kaufhaus Tyrol

Colonnade-like façade columns with a large cross section form the main architectural characteristic of the building. Through their deep reveals the columns continue the shadow play of the neighbouring buildings with their protruding bays and projections. The façade is made of pre-cast concrete elements with natural stone aggregates, which have polished and sandblasted surfaces. Room-height window openings distributed over all floors mediate between the new Kaufhaus Tyrol and the historic environment.

The neighbouring Schindlerhaus, dating back to the sixteenth century, has been frequently modified over the course of the centuries. After careful restoration work of the façade and the addition of a further floor it provides 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 openings. Because of the overall spatial concept and bearing concept, which already existed prior to the design, it is built as non-bearing post and beam 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 Erlerstraße. A five-storey, naturally lit atrium provides a central access to all the floors, offering glimpses of other departments and enabling orientation when on a shopping trip.