Living Campus Leoben

PORR Design & Engineering GmbH (PDE) was involved in the project from the outset and applied their expertise to optimise the plans significantly. The structural engineering and construction management teams were decisive factors in the successful erection of the structure in its final shape using prefabricated components, brick construction and semi-finished concrete elements. This close collaboration from an early stage made it possible to maximise the use of prefabricated components, thereby minimising the need for time-consuming cast-in-situ concrete. Intensive, in-depth planning was required to achieve the highest international building certificates as demanded by the client. These considerations ranged from energy performance, resource efficiency and the origins of the building components, consumables and laying materials used through to indoor air quality, safety and comfort, as well as the ability to convert the building for alternative uses. The end result of these efforts is DGNB Gold Certification, which was officially awarded as part of the building’s opening ceremony.

At its longest point, the building is 115m in length. To compensate for this length, three structural expansion joints were integrated in the building’s structure, dividing the overall building into four construction stages. Both the construction schedule and the site facilities – and therefore, in effect, the entire construction process – proceeded according to these building sections. Construction work was first completed in the western section, before the focus shifted from the southern section to the central area and, finally, to the northern section. All subsections followed the same sequence, meaning that the northern section was the final construction stage to be completed. As the building site was organised in such a well-considered manner, only one rail-mounted fast-erecting crane was required during the entire construction period – despite the building’s considerable size.

This project showed once again the importance of the topic of sustainability for the construction industry. The support from the PDE Sustainability department – from the start of the project through to handover of the finished building – ensured a high degree not only of resource efficiency and energy performance but also of comfort for the building’s occupants and economic viability throughout the building’s life cycle.

As the general contractor, PORR was required to place particular importance on technical quality and process quality in the execution of the project. In particular in collaborations with subcontractors, it was necessary both to specify the use of appropriate materials and products and to carefully examine and approve the materials and products used to execute the project. PORR’s ability to rely on support from PDE throughout the entire construction period greatly facilitated this work. PDE served as a consultant in the project’s infancy, in the planning stages and throughout the project as a whole. Furthermore, PDE conducted a life cycle assessment of the construction and usage phase and carried out all building physics examinations, tests and measurements required for the Austrian Sustainable Building Council (ÖGNI) to issue certification. This work included, for instance, daylight simulations, pollutant measurements and an on-site blower door test. This work all had to be scheduled and the technical aspects planned during work to construct the building.

Obtaining DGNB Gold Certification not only called for clear thinking in the planning phase but also required all parties to consciously work to ensure sustainable construction work throughout the project. Intensive collaboration between the planning office and specialists from all fields involved in the project – as well as the engagement of one or two expert committees – made this sustainable vision a reality with a minimum of fuss. All PORRians involved in the building’s construction can now look back on an exciting and ultimately wholly successful project.