The Sargfabrik is an innovative housing project located in Vienna's 14th district, built on the site of a former coffin factory. Established in 1996 by the non-profit association "Verein für Integrative Lebensgestaltung" (VIL), it represents a unique blend of communal living and cultural engagement.
The complex consists of 112 living units housing approximately 200 residents across the original Sargfabrik and its extension, Miss Sargfabrik, completed in 2000. The project offers a variety of housing options, including sheltered housing and accommodations for people with special needs, fostering an inclusive community.
What sets Sargfabrik apart is its extensive range of shared facilities and services. These include a cultural center, restaurant, kindergarten, seminar rooms, and a public bathhouse. The project also features a roof garden, playground, and communal spaces that encourage social interaction and community building.
Sargfabrik operates on principles of self-administration and participatory decision-making. Residents are members of the VIL association and actively contribute to the community's management and cultural programming. This approach has created a vibrant, socially diverse environment that promotes intergenerational living and cultural exchange.
The project's architecture, designed by BKK-2 Architects, emphasizes flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability. Large windows, high ceilings, and adaptable living spaces characterize the units, while the overall design promotes resource sharing and energy efficiency.