Housing a library and seminar centre, an impressive digitized timber construction by SWAP Architekten ZT GmbH has been completed on the campus of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna. The climate-neutral project accommodates 3000 m2 of usable floor area within a compact, energy-efficient timber skeleton structure. The build celebrates not only the atmospheric qualities of wood but highlights the environmental merits of timber construction.
A total of four storeys, the wood structure was prefabricated from cross-laminated timber elements. The basement, which is partly underground and the staircase are made from reinforced concrete. The untreated timber skeleton serves as a key design element and is not only expressed on the exterior of the building but continues to the interior entrance level and library as well as the structural grid of the ceiling.
Modern digital technologies were used throughout planning and construction. This included in particular a comprehensive BIM model developed by the design team. The model was used to extract relevant information to manufacture individual CLT elements.
The CLT elements came from Stora Enso Wood products complete with digital sensors to continuously capture the temperature and humidity during transport and assembly. This information is used to ensure no environmental thresholds were crossed.
Full height glazing was also incorporated to create a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The glazing is featured in the open entry level and opening up to a public terrace that serves as a meeting point for students and faculty members.
Recognized for its sustainable design, the project earned 965 out of a possible 1000 points of the Austrian klimaactiv building standard and was thus awarded the gold certificate.
