JKU Campus Extension West, Linz (AT)

A conglomeration of the most diverse buildings characterizes the JKU Linz campus: the rational, cubic blocks of the first construction phase in the 1960s and 1970s are followed by buildings with post-modern approaches in the 1980s. In recent years, the campus has been further expanded with the Science Park and its high-quality solitary buildings. We counter this mix of styles with a clearly readable, functional, sustainable architecture, characterized by horizontal structures and unpretentious pavilions made of wood and glass. All buildings are oriented towards the open, green centre, a biotope with a large pond, the heart of the new complex. Architecture and nature thus merge into one, forming a harmonious ensemble, a public place for learning and meeting.

House of Schools (modular expandable teaching and office building)
The elongated 5-storey car park with the attached House of Schools Module 1 borders the campus to the south. Only half of the 2-storey institute building lies on the staircase cores of the car park. The other half cantilevers 40 metres, thus creating a covered forecourt in front of the LIT Centre.
Module 2 with lecture hall and seminar rooms is located in the alignment of the multi-storey car park. An atrium provides light and ventilation on the upper floors. The seminar rooms overlook the new, large pond, which forms the transition to the natural space.
Module 3 consists of three pavilions built on visible piles, which enable nature-friendly building. The existing natural environment remains largely untouched. The staggered cubes close off the campus to the west and at the same time allow connection to the biology centre.

Construction
The entire project is designed in timber. In the multi-storey car park we propose a wood-concrete composite construction as a ceiling, supported by glued wood in construction beech. The main girder structure of module 1, consisting of five two-storey truss girders, allows a column-free cantilevering over the square. This constructional challenge represents to a high degree the material and construction science, according to the criteria of a university.

Client: BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft m.b.H. Linz
Architecture: Dietrich | Untertrifaller with Luger Maul
Competition: 2020, recognition
Area: 3,569 m²
Capacity: 3 extension modules with lecture halls and seminar rooms, multi-storey car park

Partners
landscape: Kieran Fraser, Vienna / rendering: Dietrich | Untertrifaller