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Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Voestalpine AG
Linz, Austria.
The Voest steelworks recently completed its new, representative sales and finances head office in Linz.
Photo: Josef Pausch
The project outlines a wasteland area to the north of the company headquarters, in what is called the “non-core zone,” creating an expansive, yet clearly bordered open space that extends to the visitors centre in the south. The green fields cover the one story parking deck.
The dynamically curved new building, and the existing "Blue Tower," form the entry way to the voestalpine plant.
Photo: Josef Pausch
The main entrance, at the north-eastern end of the new building, is situated below a daring cantilever that exploits steel’s structural possibilities.
The gentle slope under the cantilever leads into a spacious glass enclosed lobby which overlooks the impressive landscape of cranes, waste heaps, and chimneys. The ground floor is dedicated to services for all employees, shops, travel agency, library.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
The gentle slope under the cantilever leads into a spacious glass enclosed lobby which overlooks the impressive landscape of cranes, waste heaps, and chimneys. The ground floor is dedicated to services for all employees, shops, travel agency, library.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
A conference area, directly accessible by a lift from the lobby, is located on the upper floor. A large wooden deck offers expansive views over the industrial site.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Transversally the building is divided in 3 zones: Individual offices are situated close to the facades. A central zone serves for meetings, provides space for team work, including copy facilities and small coffee areas. Inner atriums, enclosed by glass roofs, are open to all stories. The atriums provide natural light, and ventilation, for the inner zones and divide the building into sections. The color scheme of gentle shades of grey are complemented by the light brown of the wooden floors and by the strong primary colors in the area of the tea kitchens.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
The relatively narrow subdivision of the facade into full-height opening steel panels and fixed glass elements, also full-height, allows different size offices to be made in accordance with the different requirements. Sliding shade elements of frameless expanded metal on the outside face of the facade and the textile glare protection on the inside ensure agreeable lighting conditions.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
The ground floor of the Blue Tower has been renovated and a large glass canopy added above the entrance area, its steel structure anchored in the structure of the tower.
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Photo: Josef Pausch
Linz does not owe its reputation as a location of industry solely to “the Voest”, as this business is known in Upper Austria, but the perception of the city is closely linked with the steel company. Therefore there is in “the Voest” an awareness of the responsibility that this brings with it.
Drawing courtesy Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Site Plan
Drawing courtesy Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Plan
Drawing courtesy Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Section
Drawing courtesy Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Climate Chart
Model courtesy Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Model
Site Area: 36,700 square meters
Built-up area: 23,160 square meters
Completed: 2009
Client: Financial and commercial department of Voest Alpine Stahl GmbH
Architect: Dietmar Feichtinger Architectes
Team Leader: Gerhard Pfeiler
Project Team:
Team Leader: Gerhard Pfeiler
Philipp Hugo Urabl
Dorit Böhme
Roland Basista
Albert Moosbrugger
Ulli Gabriel
Andreas Trampe-Kieslich
Ralitsa Kafova
Camille Duperche
Katharina Düsing
Nemanja Kordic
Competition Team:
Claire Bodénez
Benni Eder
Simone Breitkopf
Barbara Feichtinger-Felber
Vicentiu Sopterean
Silviu Aldea
Markus Himmel
Ruth Pofahl
Rupert Siller
January 18, 2010