The geometric shape of the circle has a long tradition in architecture. It appears in details of individual building components as well as in large-scale gestures. In the new global headquarters of the biotechnology company SAN, this elemental form is the conceptual starting point and runs consistently throughout the office and laboratory building. Alongside this circular Building A, a research and production facility, Building B, was constructed. This building is ÖGNI Gold-certified and houses the first
green hydrogen production facility in Lower Austria. A distinctive feature of the SAN Biotech Park is its sustainable energy supply and energy efficiency. The park relies on innovative technologies to minimize energy consumption while maximizing the use of renewable energy.
Building A: Circular Structure with Wooden Façade
The circular building has a radius of about 22.2 m and a height of 13.2 m (parapet). The round shape is evident both from afar and upon entering. The forecourt: circular. The reception: semicircular. Even the ground-floor furniture is nearly free of edges and corners. At the heart of the building lies an atrium, illuminated by 200 m² of sun-shading glass roof, with a large circular light fixture suspended at the edge. Around this three-story multifunctional atrium, offices and laboratories are arranged, accommodating about 180 workplaces across a total area of 8,620 m² (gross floor area). A spiral staircase connects the floors.
The open structure creates a central meeting zone. The ground floor also houses a staff restaurant, an 80-seat auditorium, and a childcare facility. CEO Kai Lie Stacher explains:"The circular architecture of our headquarters represents our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. This form enables optimal use of natural light and energy efficiency, reinforcing our approach to green energy and our vision of creating a better, more sustainable
future through science-based solutions."
The main building was built using a timber-concrete hybrid method, with prefabricated wood-frame façade elements assembled in just two weeks. The untreated wood surface will naturally age over time. The green roof is covered with photovoltaic panels, except for a small section reserved for kitchen exhaust.
Building B: Research & Production with Hydrogen Station
The research and production hall (3,393 m²) was built with a reinforced concrete frame filled with wooden elements and clad with wooden slats. Its green roof carries a 1.5 MW photovoltaic system. Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, fueling the first hydrogen station in Lower Austria, while also serving as energy storage and backup power. Heat generated during electrolysis is reused for heating and hot water. The building is ÖGNI Gold-certified.
Sustainable Energy Concept
The SAN Group aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2027. Accordingly, the headquarters was designed to be climate-friendly and resource-efficient. The energy concept, developed by Larix Engineering, features:
• Surface systems for heating/cooling with draught-free comfort.
• Renewable sources including geothermal energy and waste heat recovery.
• Photovoltaics covering green roofs to supply clean power.
• Heat pump system with eco-friendly refrigerant R1234ze and 40 boreholes of 150 m each.
• Synergy use via a shared thermal network with seasonal storage.
• Cooling by free cooling with the ground and supplemental chiller support.
Key Data:
• Name: SAN Biotech Park
• Address: Industriestraße 20, 3130 Herzogenburg, Lower Austria
• Client: SAN Venture Service GmbH
• User: SAN Group GmbH
• Architecture: SWAP Architektur ZT GmbH
• Site Supervision: iC consulenten ZT GmbH
• Energy Concept & Certification: Larix Engineering GmbH
• Planning Start: Spring 2021
• Completion Building A: 02/2024
• Completion Building B: 09/2023
