Social Housing Karl-Wrba-Hof
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Location number: 1100011
Gemeindebau
Innenhof
Spielplatz
Straße
Wiese
Wohnhausanlage
1970er
1980er
Innen- & Außenbereich
The Karl-Wrba-Hof, named after district head Karl Wrba, is a monumental housing complex for around 3,000 people (about 1.8 % of Favoriten’s population) and includes 1,048 apartments, a primary school, two kindergartens, a senior citizens’ club, social facilities, shops, and medical services. The extensive site between Sahulkastraße, Neilreichgasse, Sibeliusstraße, Vivaldigasse, and Kornauthgasse was built in several phases on the grounds of a former allotment garden under the architectural direction of Rupert Falkner. Since its first occupation in 1981, the complex has featured open spaces, green areas, pedestrian zones, and schools, with its intricate pathways giving it a labyrinthine character. The tall outer façades, low-rise inner buildings, and yellow-beige exterior give the complex a fortress-like appearance, earning it the nickname “Mustard Building.” Construction of the large housing complex on Sahulkastraße 3–5 began in the 1970s in three stages, originally comprising 1,052 apartments across 35 sections. Under Rupert Falkner’s leadership, a monumental design emerged with varying building heights, divided by row houses, low-rise structures, balconies, loggias, and terraces. The courtyards flow into one another and are connected by passageways, ramps, stairs, and arcades, while the main access route and a drivable path ensure supply and circulation. The expansive inner grounds include playgrounds, sports areas, green spaces, seating, and an underground parking garage. Karl Wrba (1900–1973) began his career as a mechanic and later became a works council member, tram conductor, and staff representative at the Favoriten depot. In 1945/46 he served as deputy district head and city councilor, and subsequently as district head of Favoriten. After 20 years in office, he stepped down in 1966, succeeded by Emil Fucik.
