Conversion instead of demolition: This Viennese project saves 10,000 tons of CO2

Renovation instead of demolition

The building, planned in 1984 by architect Heinz Neumann, was used by the ÖBB as an office building until 2023. The new owner, Art-Invest Real Estate, decided to renovate and modernize the property in 2024 instead of demolishing it. The core of the building was preserved, the structure was thermally renovated and equipped with a photovoltaic system.

Around 60 percent of the existing materials were reused. The aluminum facade panels were recoated and reinstalled with additional insulation. New are ceiling panels for heating and cooling that are powered by district heating. The roofs and inner courtyards were planted and transformed into attractive open spaces.

“Especially in urban areas, it is worthwhile to preserve existing buildings that are well connected to the local infrastructure and to use them for as long as possible,” emphasizes Karlheinz Boiger from Hohensinn Architektur, according to whose plans “enna” was revitalized.