Designed by Fink & Thurnher from Bregenz, the new occupational centre will bring the Altmünster AgrarBildungsZentrum (ABZ), and the agricultural vocational school in Altmünster (boys) and Weyregg (girls), under one roof. It combines the old existing 1954-built building with a new structure into one unit, resulting in a new traditional four sided courtyard. The educational centre is constructed mainly of timber and is a landmark visible from a distance due to its light and transparent structure.
The ABZ building covers 12,300 square metres floor space over three floors and was erected as a 70 x 70 m four sided building with an addition of timber. Lending a rural look to the building, timber has been employed on the exterior as well as interior. In the interior, the timber has been installed untreated, reflecting light throughout the building as well as offering a pine scent to enhance the occupants’ well being.
A comprehensive fire protection strategy was adopted in the construction by using Pyranova – a special fire protection glass. A floor to ceiling glass wall was erected with a fire protection rating of EI30, which separates the hallway from the administration area. A 3m high fixed glazing was also installed which consist of four 1400 mm wide special glass panes connected using butt joints with an almost invisible silicone seal.
Pyranova is a clear, multi-pane composite for fire protection meeting requirements for fire resistance classification EI (integrity & insulation). It is designed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and thermal radiation. Depending on the fire-resistance classification, Pyranova consists of at least two panes of float glass with a transparent fire protection interlayer. In the event of fire, the pane facing the fire cracks and the interlayer foams up creating a heat shield.
Pyranova can be used as fire protection glass in the resistance categories from EI 15 up to EI 120. The flexible product also makes it possible to meet additional requirements with special designs. For the ABZ project at the junction of two fire screens, the floor to ceiling glazing of the meeting rooms was combined with safety glass on the side facing the hallway for additional safety.
The transparent fire protection glazing was specially tested and approved for the building by the Materials Testing Authority of Vienna, while the 2.7 m high wooden fire protection doors were also tested and approved.
Due to the shape of the terrain, the bottom floor is below ground level one side. Its walls and columns are built as a reinforced concrete structure with high quality finishes and a concrete composite floor. The ceiling, also made of concrete, was fitted with a false ceiling of split panels for enhanced sound insulation, creating a link to the timber structure of the upper floors.
The ABZ building received Austrian Timber Construction Prize 2012 in the category ‘Commercial and Public Buildings and a special prize of Energy Efficiency and Regional Value Creation.
