JOIN USConstruction of the world’s tallest wooden high-rise building, designed by Rudiger Lainer & Partner Architects (RLP), will begin shortly in Vienna, Austria. When completed in 2017, the HoHo building will stand 24 storeys tall, surpassing the 14-storey Treet residential building under construction in Bergen, Norway.
According to architect Rudiger Lainer, the technical and financial readiness of wood construction makes it possible to accomplish the project. Their innovative goal is synergy in the architecture, ecology and the building’s usage value for its residents and other occupants. In addition, wood offers an important visual and tactile impact.
The architect also feels that wood is a natural choice in Austria, because more of it grows than is used. Wood is cost-effective, it saves resources, has high acceptability, and wood
surfaces create a natural atmosphere in indoor spaces. They have developed a technical wood construction system that enables construction of tall buildings.
The Vienna building’s multi-faceted uses and the flexibility of its structures complement each other, according to Rudiger. In addition to flats, the building will house a spa, offices and restaurants. Structures that can be combined and the diversity of room spaces created the building’s high usage value. In fact, one can make changes later to how the building is used, depending on the market situation and occupants’ needs.”
Rudiger is of the opinion that the flexible and user-friendly floor plan division gives the building a long usage life. A long life cycle is an important factor in efficient sustainability when the aim is to find a balance between economy and ecology. Use of room space is usually inflexible due to fixed, massive walls. He wanted a flexible construction system and passive building status.