TrIIIple: Vienna’s New Architectural Ensemble on the Danube

reading time 4 min

Located on the banks of the Danube in Vienna’s 3rd district, nestled between the bustling city center and the green expanse of Prater, stands a new symbol of innovation and sustainable construction: TrIIIple. Yes, you read that correctly – three “I”s, one for each of the buildings in this ensemble. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Henke Schreieck, TrIIIple seamlessly blends spaces for living, working, and recreation.

The development includes three towers, each approximately 100 meters tall, offering over 1,000 residential units, two rooftop pools, a lounge with a library, party and barbecue areas, a children’s playground, restaurants, and a supermarket, all on a total usable area of around 70,000 m². Together, these amenities create a vibrant atmosphere for residents, fostering a sense of community rather than just adding more housing.

A High-Rise Ensemble Replaces the Former Customs Office

After Austria’s EU membership, the main customs office on the Danube Canal, which had been there since the 1970s, lost its significance and was relocated. To prevent the building from standing empty, the decision was made to breathe new life into the site. In collaboration with the City of Vienna, SORAVIA, and ARE Austrian Real Estate, a project was launched to enhance the urban landscape.

Following an architectural competition, the jury selected Henke Schreieck’s design, which impressed with its unique approach. According to the architects, TrIIIple represents “strong sculptural buildings that, through their differentiated cubature, seem to engage in a dialogue and form a significant high-rise ensemble along the Danube Canal.” Viewed from any angle, the architects have achieved an interactive effect among the towers, avoiding a sense of isolation for each building through their strategic positioning and the open spaces between them.

An Award-Winning Project

This ensemble is notable not only for its green approach – no green spaces were destroyed during the planning phase; rather, the project created additional green recreational areas like the 4,000 m² TrIIIple Park by clearing sections of the motorway. It also features carefully designed spaces, excellent transport links, and an economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable, CO2-neutral cooling and heating system. Using water from the Danube Canal, the building is heated and cooled resource-efficiently, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. This eco-friendly energy solution saves an amount of CO2 emissions equivalent to the yearly consumption of an average Austrian municipality with around 10,000 inhabitants.

Thanks to this innovative solution, the Chicago Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) awarded TrIIIple the “Systems Award 2022” as well as the internationally recognized “Best Tall Residential Building 2022” award. With its remarkable design, harmonious integration into the urban environment, and cutting-edge energy concepts, TrIIIple sets a new standard for urban living and showcases how city spaces can be reimagined and revitalized to meet the needs of present and future generations. TrIIIple exemplifies the symbiosis of modern architecture and sustainable urban development, serving as a prime example of forward-thinking construction.