Grand Central, Vienna | Austria
A timber hybrid construction office building with six storeys was built in Vienna in immediate proximity to the Floridsdorf train station. An underground line running directly under the building required a lightweight construction from solid wood to save on loads. Some 1,400 m³ of binderholz CLT BBS were installed. Thanks to timber-concrete composite ceilings and parapet walls from CLT BBS, we were able to achieve the necessary weight savings. The use of timber as a building material saved some 200 tonnes and stores 1400 tonnes of carbon.
FACTS
Project New timber hybrid construction office building
Location Vienna, Austria
Completion June 2024
Client ORCA Development GmbH & Haring Group Bauträger GmbH
Construction company PORR Bau GmbH
Architecture & superstructure planning ATP architekten ingenieure
Material use 1,400 m³ binderholz CLT BBS
The building's timber hybrid construction saves weight and carbon emissions
The building measures 175 m x 20 m and boasts 12,000 m2 of usable office space as well as a large, two-storey parking garage. The new building was built on an existing parking lot / underground complex which meant that no new greenfields were sealed.
The site's challenges such as an underground line running underneath and regional train tracks close by were overcome with a combination of binderholz CLT BBS, steel and concrete. The required total weight savings were achieved by using timber concrete composite ceilings and parapet walls from CLT BBS. The use of timber saved some 200 tonnes of weight and stores 1400 tonnes of carbon. Moreover, the new building had to be erected quickly, efficiently and at low cost due to its location in the inner city. This favoured a construction method with a high degree of prefabrication.
The logistical challenges were also immense, as storage areas were few and there was only one unloading zone. Using wrapped packages of system format CLT BBS 125 with pre-installed lifting system, simple manipulation and flexibility in case of delays, we were nonetheless able to overcome these challenges in the best possible way.
New office building in the heart of Floridsdorf
Recessed storeys were a response to strict urban building stipulations while window strips provide lots of daylight. Terraces and loggias allow tenants to spend time outside. Additionally, a greened roof was realised. The main entrance is located in the front wing, whose ceiling is recessed on the ground floor, creating a large forecourt. Recessed arcades lead to additional entrances and from there, to the upper office storeys via several stairwells. Thanks to skeleton construction with timber composite ceilings, reinforced concrete supports and a plastered cross-laminated timber facade the rooms could be divided flexibly and adapted to different demands.
Heat is supplied through district heating. The heating and cooling ceilings as well as trench heaters are supplied with heat by heat exchangers. Conversely, the building is cooled by means of compact chillers. Ventilation units provide fresh air to the offices. Additionally, solar panels deliver some of the power consumed by the building. Thanks to energy efficiency, ecological quality, comfort and execution quality, the building was awarded a klima:aktiv certificate and marks a pioneering office complex.
Photos: © PORR Bau GmbH © binderholz
