Delicate Landmark within the Historic Fabric
The municipality of Kaprun extends along the base of the rugged Glockner mountain range, where the campus of the energy company Verbund is currently being expanded on the southern edge of the settlement. The new ensemble combines the highest standards of functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness within a structurally and spatially precise configuration.
The cubic volume of the operations building forms a delicate cantilevered timber structure above a solid plinth level. This composition references the stone façades of the historic fabric and gives the building the character of a landmark. By taking advantage of the natural topography, access can be organised on two levels. The basement contains workshops, storage rooms, changing facilities and technical infrastructure, while the visitor areas, special-purpose rooms, and offices are located at street level. A spacious atrium above the central market square forms the social hub of the building; the sculptural staircase and a glazed lift establish vertical axes of sight and interaction. On the upper floors, acoustically effective cross-laminated timber slabs are used, realised as a timber–concrete composite. The structural grid is articulated on the façade as a visible timber structure; natural materials create a comfortable working atmosphere within the light-filled spaces.
The apprentice residence is situated in close proximity to the training workshop and is constructed as a modular building on a concrete plinth, with ancillary rooms on the slope side and naturally lit classrooms on the street side. Communal and recreational areas with adjacent terraces are arranged above. The staff accommodation is divided into separate areas for the tourism organisation VTO and operations, and shares technical facilities on the basement level. Also in this building, the residential units are highly prefabricated as volumetric modules. The innovative construction method and design reflect the company’s high standards and provide the ideal conditions for successful training and work.
The prominent existing buildings C and D are used as workshops, storage areas, offices and social spaces; the maintenance team is accommodated in an extension of the central workshop. The hazardous materials storage will also be relocated in front of it, creating a clearly structured operations yard. The redesigned outdoor areas will form clearly defined forecourts with seating and planting near the main entrances. In addition, a pedestrian bridge across the Ache is optionally proposed to connect the two sites.
Status: in progress
