The NVZ Itzling in northern Salzburg serves as a functional and symbolic gateway to the city. Designed to meet the area’s commercial needs, this project by architect Johannes Schallhammer and Lechner & Lechner combines bold architectural form with integrated landscape elements, connecting it seamlessly to its surroundings and embedding it within Salzburg’s urban fabric.
NVZ Itzling Technical Information
- Architects1-6: Johannes Schallhammer and Lechner & Lechner
- Location: Raiffeisenstraße 20, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Photographs: © Julian Höck
Its bold architectural form, combined with its strategic alignment along the street, enables the building to seamlessly integrate with the topography while simultaneously generating a distinct presence
– Johannes Schallhammer and Lechner & Lechner
NVZ Itzling Photographs
The NVZ Itzling Center Urban Context
Situated along Raiffeisenstraße, NVZ Itzling occupies a key position within Salzburg’s northern urban landscape, serving as a prominent local supply center and a modern commercial landmark. The structure aligns closely with Salzburg’s topography, seamlessly connecting with the urban streetscape and offering a sense of cohesion between architecture and environment. The building’s ground floor, with its 200-meter-long glazed façade, mirrors the traffic flow and creates an active visual connection with the street, allowing the building to “speak” to its surroundings through transparency and interaction.
A highlight of the building’s design is its public green terrace, which provides a much-needed green space within the commercial area. Located on the first floor, this terrace has over 40 trees and 2,000 plants, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling district. Free from vehicle traffic, this green space connects NVZ Itzling with the pedestrian and bicycle paths, offering seamless access to the neighboring Goethesiedlung. Bicycle parking for 250 bikes is strategically positioned near the entrances, reinforcing the building’s commitment to sustainability and user-friendly urban mobility.
Architectural Design and Form
NVZ Itzling’s design is characterized by bold, dynamic forms that set it apart in Salzburg’s architectural landscape. The building’s massing is skillfully broken into a glass-enclosed ground level supporting the more sculptural office floors above. This design creates a floating effect, where the upper floors hover over the transparent base, adding a sense of lightness to the structure. The angled façade elements further emphasize this sense of dynamism, aligning with visual axes and highlighting critical views of the surrounding streetscape. These three-dimensional elements, combined with the mullion and transom façade, create a rhythm that reinforces the building’s visual identity.
Materiality plays a vital role in the building’s architectural impact. The reinforced concrete structure, paired with the refined detailing of the mullion and transom system, enhances the building’s durability while reflecting a modern aesthetic that aligns with its urban surroundings. This careful material selection and the nuanced façade detailing contribute to an architectural statement that integrates effortlessly into the northern Salzburg context while asserting its identity.
Sustainable Landscape and Public Integration
NVZ Itzling’s most notable contribution to the area is its green terrace, a sustainable urban feature designed by Idealice Landschaftsarchitektur. This publicly accessible rooftop garden introduces over 2,000 plants and 40 trees, creating a serene, nature-infused environment in a commercial zone’s heart. This terrace, conceived as a community-centric space, brings a refreshing ecological presence to the commercial district, offering a place for relaxation and social gatherings. The terrace transforms into a green oasis for visitors and locals alike by providing a car-free zone dedicated to pedestrian use.
The building’s landscape design extends beyond its footprint, with a green slope visually connecting NVZ Itzling to the nearby Goethesiedlung. This connection not only enhances the sense of community but also reinforces the ecological integration of the building into its surroundings. The green roof serves as both an aesthetic and functional feature, contributing to biodiversity, improving air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect. The sustainable landscape design exemplifies how commercial buildings can actively support urban sustainability, contributing to climate resilience while enhancing the quality of life for the community.
NVZ Itzling Plans
NVZ Itzling Image Gallery
About Johannes Schallhammer
Johannes Schallhammer is an Austrian architect known for his innovative approach to urban design and sustainable architecture. With a deep commitment to integrating buildings harmoniously within their surroundings, Schallhammer’s work often balances bold architectural forms with sensitivity to local topography and community needs.
About Lechner & Lechner
Lechner & Lechner is an Austrian architecture office that was founded by Christine and Horst Lechner in 1987. The company is based in Salzburg and has been involved in numerous architectural projects both within Austria and internationally. Over the years, the company has gained a reputation for its innovative and sustainable designs, which have been widely recognized for their quality and creativity.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Architect: Johannes Schallhammer
- Collaboration: Lechner & Lechner Architects
- Execution Planning: Architekten Scheicher ZT GmbH
- Landscape Design: Idealice Landschaftsarchitektur
- Structural Engineering: Dipl.-Ing. Johann Lienbacher
- Developer/Owner: Raiffeisenverband Salzburg
