Building Technology Centre – Graz University of Technology (TUG)

Construction of a laboratory for Graz University of Technology.

The design was based on the idea of a spacious laboratory glazed on both sides, with the apposite addition of the office wings. Interdisciplinary communication, the possibility of extension, and light-flooded rooms are the pillars of the overall concept. The institutes for concrete, wood and steel construction are attached to the new laboratory building, thus ensuring ideal link-up. Common interior courtyards and terraces encourage and expand internal communication. Generous innovative shade glazing on the east and west sides light the buildings. This creates light-flooded work rooms, while the south façades are closed so as to prevent overheating in summer. “Spoilers” on the institute buildings protect the wooden façade from the weather, accommodate the solar collectors, shade the glazed areas, and accentuate the interior courtyard spaces. The exterior wall and roof structure of the laboratory and institute buildings consist of timber elements. The appeal of the timber structure (l=84m, w=22m, h=13m) is its great clarity of form and choice of materials.

adresss: University of Technology Graz,  Infeldgründe, 8010 Graz - Austria
client: University of Technology Graz (TUG)
planning: Nussmüller Architects
Bauzeit: 1999-2001

award: Styrian Timber Construction prize 2001