The Sargfabrik was constructed in the late 19th century and was used as a coffin factory until the 1970s. Then it was abandoned and got into decay. In 1987, an association was formed to refurbish and repurpose the building into a collective living arrangement combining private accommodation, communal areas and public functions. The Sargfabrik became a housing project with strong social goals, focussing on social equality and integration, both among residents and in the wider neighbourhood. Sargfabrik has 73 residential units, with several communal spaces and facilities. Next to that, the building also offers a range of publicly available services, like a cultural house with regular performances, a restaurant, a childcare facility, an event hall, a conference room and a bathhouse. In 2000, the association took over a neighbouring building and opened 39 additional residential units.
The coffin factory was built at the end of the 19th century and was the largest coffin factory in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The factory remained in use until the 1970s when the production of coffins stopped. In 1989 the ‘Association for Integrated Lifestyles’ purchased the facilities and renovated it as a residential building for co-habitation. In 1996 it reopened as a renovated concept. In 2000 the association opened the neighbouring ‘Miss Sargfabrik’ which is an extension of the original Sargfabrik. [1;2]
The main aim of the initiators of Sargfabrik was to create an open and self-defined co-living structure, with a strong social focus. To do so, they have renovated the former factory buildings combining private accommodation, communal areas and public functions. Sargfabrik has 73 residential units, with several communal spaces and facilities. Next to that, the building also offers a range of publicly available services, like a cultural house with regular performances, a restaurant, a childcare facility, an event hall, a conference room and a bathhouse. These services provide an income for the association, that is reinvested in the maintenance of the building and further development of (additional) services. In 2000, incited by high demand, the association took over a neighbouring building and opened 39 additional residential units. [1;2]
The Association for Integrative Living is the landowner and operator of the residential complex and acts as a landlord. The residents make up the members of the association. There is an internal contract, largely similar to a cooperative, stipulating the rights and obligations of the residents. There are 10 -12 meetings a year in which general operations are discussed. Important decisions are made via the general meetings of the association, which are held twice a year. During these general meetings, the association board, comprised of six volunteers, is also selected. The board is supported by a professional management team. The management team is responsible for the operational implementation of the work program and manages individual business areas (culture house, bathing house, etc.). There is also a small range of office workers. The association currently employs around 20 people. [1;2;3]
Purchase and renovation:
The pruchase of the site (€1 million) was financed by a 25 year mortgage, with collateral provided by members of the association. The construction costs (around €13,6 million) was financed through a combination of a general subsidy from the Municipality of Vienna, a long-term bank loan and equity provided by the members of the association. [2]
Operations:
Income is generated through rent, fees from the childcare, bathing house, event spaces etc. Next to that, the municipality of Vienna supports certain aspects of the organisation through subsidies. [1;2]
Website Sargfabrik, sargfabrik.at/, accesses on 9/2/2021
Open Heritage Observatory Case, openheritage.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3_OpenHeritage_Vienna_observatory-case.pdf, accessed on 9/2/2021
van der Putt, P., & Klijn, O(2013)Miss Sargfabrik Wenen/Vienna: BKK-DASH| Delft Architectural Studies on Housing, (08), 116-123.