The office building of the European Patent Office (EPO) in Vienna was to be transformed into a state-of-the-art “Green Hub” that meets the highest standards of sustainability, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. After winning the competition in 2021, ATP was commissioned with the renovation and refurbishment.

General Renovation

Built in 1972, the building had reached the end of its operational life. Instead of opting for demolition, the EPO made a forward-thinking decision to preserve the original reinforced concrete structure and carry out a comprehensive renovation. ATP completely stripped the existing building down to its structural framework, redesigned the vertical access, and renewed the facade both aesthetically and in terms of energy performance. The building services were also modernized and aligned with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. A decisive factor in the success of this project as the integral, cloud-based communication of all stakeholders within the BIM model, ensuring seamless coordination from planning through execution to facility management.

Climate-Neutral Building with BREEAM “Outstanding” Certification

The use of circular materials, a highly efficient timber-element facade, ecological rainwater utilization, acoustic climate panels for heating and cooling, and the supply of renewable energy have all contributed to the building’s BREEAM “Outstanding” certification.

Architecture

The office building, designed like a pavilion, situated in a unique green setting between Belvedere Palace, the Salesian Convent, and the Botanical Garden. With its atrium as a communicative core, a public ground floor, a cafeteria on the rooftop, and flexible office layouts on the upper floors, the building is characterized by transparency, openness, and adaptability.

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