Red Cross HQ Vorarlberg

This fascinating yet unassuming building sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in a small industrial estate on the outskirts of Feldkirch. The plan of the building is square. Each of the three floors is a tri-partite arrangement of two parallel strips of accommodation separated by an open space. Things are made spatially interesting by turning alternate floor plates through 90 degrees. This creates a cross-shaped atrium (presumably inspired by the organisation's logo) spread over the three levels. The top-lit central portion passes vertically through all three storeys and is used as the primary vertical circulation core. The arrangement also creates two open break-out areas on each floor. Things are further enlivened by the use of rich terracotta and bright red colours. Externally things are more sober, with the primary material being a grey concrete.