“Together, a village can thrive: People need people—to feel a sense of belonging, to exchange ideas, to feel safe, to grow, and, of course, to have a good time. Not just within the family, but beyond. As a hub for young and old alike, Mikado is a place where community is at the heart of everything.“

Hub for all Ages

The MIKADO Multifunctional Centre in St. Johann im Pongau, born from a winning architectural competition by Tp3 Architekten, rethinks the idea of community in an Alpine village. As a hub for all ages, its goal is to foster belonging, exchange, and growth, extending the notion of togetherness beyond the family into the broader social fabric. Here, people of all generations find a space to connect, share, and thrive.

Two Volumes, One Space

The project’s design elegantly addresses a complex, heterogeneous programme—kindergarten, daycare, senior day centre, commercial kitchen, medical practice, and office spaces—by dividing it into two distinct building volumes. This separation ensures functional order while maintaining a human scale in the urban context. A central outdoor space between the buildings acts as a connecting element, reinforcing the project’s public character and creating a dynamic heart for the community.

The Ortsplatz: A Social Catalyst

The “Ortsplatz” (village square) serves as the heart of the complex, linking the two main buildings and functioning as a public communication and meeting zone. Mineral flooring extends from the forecourt into the entrance areas, emphasising the public nature of the foyers. Streamlined traffic management, including a two-level underground garage, ensures clear access paths, particularly benefiting the daycare area, while fostering a safe and connected environment.

Design Shaped by the Context

The buildings and their floors are strategically staggered in relation to each other and the existing terrain. This approach allows for mimicking the terrain and organising the complex programme, while enabling a cost-effective two-level underground garage shared by both structures. Differentiated entrances and clear addresses for each function emerge from this design, with a generous terrace cut in the ground floor of the “Stadthaus” improving lighting and creating quality outdoor spaces.

Mass Timber, Modern Values

MIKADO prioritises ecological responsibility through its mass timber construction, which defines both the above ground structure and the warm interior atmosphere. This natural, renewable material contributes to a healthy indoor climate, while a comprehensive energy and building services concept achieves high energy efficiency. The project’s klimaaktiv Gold certification exemplifies its commitment to resource responsibility and sustainable building practices.

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