# MWArchitekten's Mixed-Use Revitalization in Hohenems Austrian urban gap filled with innovative wood-glass design - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-09-11 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/38a2dc31-aeed-4e11-90ca-f3f0f6fe791e ## Project Overview MWArchitekten's Market Street 52 revitalizes an urban gap in Hohenems, Austria, completing the market street development. The 370m² mixed-use project features innovative wood and glass materials from VELUX Group. Located in the second building line, it addresses urban density while maintaining architectural harmony. Photographer Dominic Kummer documented the contemporary design led by architect Lukas Peter Mähr. The project represents thoughtful urban infill within Austria's architectural landscape. ## Architectural Approach The design strategically closes a gap in Hohenems' building line through careful redensification at the rear. MWArchitekten employed a material palette emphasizing transparency and warmth, combining glass expanses with wood elements. The 2025 completion showcases how small urban interventions can enhance streetscapes. The firm's approach demonstrates sensitivity to existing urban fabric while introducing modern elements. This balance between old and new creates visual interest along Market Street. ## Material Innovation VELUX Group products feature prominently in the project's material selection, particularly in the glass components that maximize natural light. The wood elements add texture and warmth to the contemporary design. This material combination addresses both aesthetic and functional requirements of mixed-use spaces. The architects selected durable, sustainable materials suitable for Austria's climate. The choices reflect current trends in European urban architecture favoring natural material expression. ## Urban Context Situated in Hohenems' market district, the project contributes to the area's ongoing revitalization. Its position in the secondary building line maintains streetscape rhythm while adding density. The design responds to surrounding architectural styles without mimicking them. This approach demonstrates how new construction can respect historical context through scale and massing rather than stylistic imitation. The project sets a precedent for sensitive urban infill development in Austrian towns. ## Design Team Lukas Peter Mähr led MWArchitekten's team in delivering this compact yet impactful project. The firm has established a reputation for thoughtful interventions in existing urban fabrics. Their portfolio demonstrates consistent attention to materiality and context. Dominic Kummer's photographs capture the project's architectural qualities effectively. The collaboration between architects, manufacturers, and photographers resulted in a cohesive design presentation. ## Technical Specifications The 370 square meter development required precise planning to fit its constrained urban site. Construction completed in 2025 after careful coordination with local authorities and suppliers. The project's modest scale belies its complex urban design challenges. Every square meter was optimized for mixed-use functionality. The technical execution demonstrates how small projects can achieve architectural excellence through careful detailing and material selection. ## Community Impact By filling a gap in the building line, the project enhances Market Street's continuity and vibrancy. The mixed-use program supports neighborhood activity throughout the day. The design contributes to Hohenems' architectural diversity while respecting its character. Such interventions demonstrate how architecture can strengthen urban communities through thoughtful design. The project shows how even small buildings can have outsized urban impact. ## Architectural Significance Market Street 52 represents contemporary Austrian architecture's response to urban infill challenges. Its material innovation and contextual sensitivity offer lessons for similar projects. The design proves that limited square footage needn't constrain architectural ambition. As cities worldwide address density and sustainability, such projects demonstrate how to build thoughtfully within existing fabrics. MWArchitekten's work contributes to ongoing discussions about responsible urban development. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1184624/market-street-52-mwarchitekten — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._