With the fifth construction phase (BE5), the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz is entering the next major step in the comprehensive modernisation of its surgical complex. Construction work began in January 2026, and the handover/takeover of the new areas is scheduled for the third quarter of 2028.
The original basic structure of the surgical complex at LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz is the old building from the time the hospital was built, which was built in the early years of the 20th century. In the 1960s to 1970s, a ten-storey high-rise surgery building followed in the immediate vicinity. Over the last few decades, numerous conversions and extensions as well as renovation measures have been carried out within the surgical complex. Construction phase 5 now forms the final part of this overall project and includes the construction of eight new operating theatres for urology, general, visceral and transplant surgery, as well as cardiac surgery. This is a replacement building for the existing surgical centres A and C in the inner courtyard of the old surgery, which will be attached to and connected to the existing building.
Lorenz Consult, together with the consortium partner DI Markus Pernthaler, is responsible for the general planning and is responsible for the integrated overall planning across all departments. Lorenz Consult directly supports the areas of general planner project management, overall coordination and structural engineering. Other specialist disciplines such as building engineering, control engineering and electrical engineering, medical technology and building physics are controlled by specialised subcontractors.
Planning of the project started in mid-2023, construction started in January 2026 and handover/takeover is planned for the third quarter of 2028.
Construction during operation
A particular challenge arises from the fact that medical operations must be maintained during the entire construction period. Since operating theatres, patient rooms and other areas will continue to be used adjacent to the new building, only low-noise and low-vibration construction methods are permitted. In addition, there are strict hygienic requirements, especially with regard to ventilation technology and surfaces, which must meet the high standards of modern operating theatre infrastructures. The cramped construction site, the protection of the different interests of all project participants (installers, operators, users), as well as the creation of the best possible compatibility of the highest technical requirements and economically limited framework conditions are further challenges.
Lorenz Consult and the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz
Lorenz Consult can now look back on 40 years of cooperation with the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz. To the implemented projects at the LKH-Univ. Klinikum Graz includes, among other things, the surgery construction phases 1 and 2, a tunnel system for the overall logistics, a pneumatic tube system for climate-neutral sending of samples and various renovations of the historic buildings.
“New buildings and renovations in a hospital require the utmost care. They are part of very complex construction tasks. Technical, hygienic and organizational requirements must mesh perfectly,” explains DI Christian Lorenz, Managing Director of Lorenz Consult.
