Named for the historic Metzleinstal, now Matzleinsdorf, the Metzleinstaler Hof stands as a testament to Vienna’s social housing experiment. Let’s explore this pioneering Gemeindebau.
The Metzleinstaler Hof is more than just an apartment complex. It represents a pivotal moment in Vienna’s history. After World War I, Vienna faced a severe housing shortage. The social democratic government sought innovative solutions.
The Metzleinstaler Hof emerged as one of the first “true” Gemeindebauten. It set the standard for future social housing projects.
Architect Robert Kalesa designed the first section. Construction began in 1919 and finished in 1920 under Mayor Jakob Reumann. This initial phase consisted of five buildings with 101 apartments.
What made it so revolutionary? Unlike previous tenements, every room had direct sunlight. There were no dark Gangküchen or shared kitchens. A kindergarten was integrated into the ground floor.
Later, architect Hubert Gessner expanded the Metzleinstaler Hof between 1923 and 1925. Gessner’s design included rich ceramic decorations. Colorful Majolica reliefs adorned windows and facades. The expansion added eight staircases and 143 apartments. This expansion enclosed the building into a courtyard design.
The completed Metzleinstaler Hof comprised 244 apartments. It became a model for subsequent Gemeindebauten across Vienna. Its design influenced the layout of stairwells and access to the inner courtyard.
Beyond apartments, the Metzleinstaler Hof offered many social amenities. Residents enjoyed a central bathhouse, a laundry, and a library. There were also club rooms and a workshop for apprentices.
The location of the Metzleinstaler Hof is also significant. Nearby, the Reumannhof, Matteottihof, and Herweghhof were built between 1926 and 1927. This concentration of social housing earned the area the nickname “Ringstrasse of the Proletariat.”
Interestingly, there is some debate about whether the Metzleinstaler Hof or the Mareschsiedlung was the first Gemeindebau. Both projects were conceived during World War I and completed around 1919/20. However, the Metzleinstaler Hof is often considered the first “true” Gemeindebau. This is because its structure and appearance align more closely with the typical Gemeindebau style of Red Vienna. Unlike the single-story Mareschsiedlung.
The Metzleinstaler Hof has received several accolades. It won the City of Vienna’s Renovation Prize in 1997 after being modernized between 1993 and 1996.
Consider the legacy of the Metzleinstaler Hof. It represents the vision of Red Vienna. A vision where housing was a right, not a privilege. The Metzleinstaler Hof provided affordable and decent homes. It improved the lives of countless Viennese residents. As you stand here, imagine the families who lived and thrived within these walls. The Metzleinstaler Hof is not just a building. It embodies social progress.