The Graz-based engineering firm Lorenz Consult has handed over the new building for a research and development site with a gross floor area of around 26,000 m² in Seestadt Aspern in Vienna to the client. As general planner, Lorenz Consult has been responsible for overall coordination, project management, structural engineering, MEP planning, building planning as well as local construction supervision and construction coordination in accordance with BauKG since October 2021. With construction costs in the three-digit million range, this is the largest laboratory construction project to date in the more than 50-year history of Lorenz Consult.
The “laboratory of the future” comprises modern laboratory and office space for around 250 employees of an internationally active biopharmaceutical company. In addition to highly specialized laboratories for research and development, open-plan offices as well as common and infrastructure areas were realized. The research focus at the site is on neuroscience, oncology, gastroenterology and rare diseases.
Highly flexible ballroom concept for changeable research processes
A central technical feature of the project was the ballroom concept in laboratory space planning. This aims to increase the flexibility and efficiency of laboratory processes. The laboratory rooms were designed in such a way that all process steps take place with uniform classification and the rooms can be flexibly equipped with apparatus and systems depending on the research requirements. The modular building concept also enables future expansions and adaptations to the changing requirements of the research and development teams.
Integrated overall planning with broad specialist coordination
The general planning service also included the management of specialised sub-planners from the fields of electrical engineering, laboratory planning, building physics, fire protection and architecture.
“In a project of this magnitude and complexity, coordination between all departments is crucial. In particular, the implementation period of just under five years, site-specific conditions in Seestadt Aspern and the strict pharmaceutical requirements required precise interface coordination between all parties involved,” explains DI Christian Lorenz, Managing Director at Lorenz Consult.
TQB certification and energy concept
The building is certified as a Total Quality Building (TQB) and meets requirements for accessibility, comfort and ecological aspects. Among other things, geothermal energy and a full-surface photovoltaic system on the roof are used for energy supply. Greening and garden spaces are part of the building concept.
“With the laboratory of the future, together with all project partners, we have been able to realize a technically, functionally and ecologically highly sophisticated research site that creates optimal conditions for future-oriented development work,” says DI Christian Lorenz.
