"THE NEW NEVER JUST FOR THE SAKE OF BEING NEW!"

The architectural approach, summarized by Magdalene Felgenhauer

Traces of time as an architectural signature
Tp3 Architekten do not apologize for crooked walls, for interventions that may seem provisional, or for blunt edges. The architects from Linz even declare the erasure of traces of time to be an "undesirable" goal when working with existing structures. This raises a provocative question: Does this architectural language prevent beauty? No! – because Tp3 Architekten have an exciting answer to that.

"Architectural Gloss," says architect Andreas Henter, "is one of many criteria that planning and execution can and should follow. However, when working with existing buildings, our architectural language is focused on transitioning a building into a new phase of use and doing so as economically as possible.
From this perspective, a crooked wall or the perfect and pedantic precision of the new elements is of no overriding importance."

Tp3 Architekten do not strive to blend the old and the new in such a way that no distinction is possible, but instead aim for a tension-filled coexistence—perhaps complementary, occasionally overlapping, but always "side by side!" Even if this leads to their projects seemingly not adhering to a classic image of architecture.

With their critical approach, Tp3 Architekten question the current architectural trends and realize their own architectural stance. A consistent decision to bring this holistic language to life.

At the start of a building renovation, the in Linz based architecture firm focuses on the existing qualities of the building. The architects are not interested in overlaying the old with the polished new. Instead, they aim to build intelligently on the existing structure, further developing it. Air, light, function, and materiality are the guiding principles that shape their planning in order to give the existing building substance a second chance.

The result is often surprising and, in the sense of the much-quoted merging of "old and new," may even appear imperfect...

Simplicity as a Principle
Even if the result might not meet expectations and appears imperfect, the approach of Tp3 Architekten is very pragmatic – it reflects their view on the interaction between the existing and the new. After all, it’s not about a complete reevaluation, but rather about adaptations that grow out of function.

Architect Markus Rabengruber appreciates this tension-filled uniqueness: "Often, our intention is only recognized upon a second look, when one realizes that it’s not important for everything to be perfectly straight, clean, aligned, or smooth. Peter Zumthor once said that architecture is exposed to time and, in general, to life. We love to depict the entire life of a building and the traces that result from it, rather than always showing the best, flawless version of itself." Upon closer inspection, one can see that our architectural interventions are always legible. This is one of our main goals, alongside strengthening the existing qualities.

For most of the renovation projects, the clients aim to adapt the building to current requirements so it can continue to be used. Tp3 Architekten promise that their architectural approach will not sacrifice a single square meter due to costs. "Form follows function was once the guiding principle!! For Tp3 Architekten, the added value of the functions and the quality of materials are always the priority.

The architectural concept underlying Tp3 Architektens' projects is not about glorifying the existing structure (even though typical features of the building remain influential), but rather about carrying it forward into something new – giving it a second chance!