STRABAG and EQUANS renovating central office of Austrian Pension Fund in Vienna

• Work being carried out on existing building
• Existing structural frame to remain completely intact
• Completion planned for 2027

After more than 40 years of operation in Friedrich-Hillegeist-Straße in Vienna’s second district, the central and regional Viennese offices of the Austrian Pension Fund (Pensionsversicherungsanstalt, PVA) and the Centre for Outpatient Rehabilitation (PVA ZAR Wien) are undergoing extensive renovation due to signs of ageing such as leaking ceilings or poor thermal insulation. The technical services will be brought up to date and the building will be given an insulation retrofit, with particular attention paid to establishing an ecologically sustainable energy supply.

STRABAG and EQUANS emerged successful from the bidding process. Following the official handover of the construction site yesterday, work will start shortly, with completion scheduled for 2027.

Existing reinforced concrete frame to remain intact

PVA decided not to demolish the building and construct a new one, but to build on the existing structures as much as possible. The existing structural frame will therefore remain completely intact and, apart from repair work, no new steel or concrete will be used. Building on existing structures, in the form of reconstruction, conversion and refurbishment, is an important contribution to a sustainable future.
A particular challenge will be the new envelope of the building consisting of an aluminium-glass façade being realised by STRABAG subsidiary Metallica. All materials here were carefully selected with a focus on their subsequent recyclability.

Bringing the existing building up to the latest standard also requires the modernisation of the building services equipment as well as the renovation of the roof and all rooftop structures.

Lower emissions thanks to state-of-the-art technology, photovoltaic systems and green roof

Following the complete gutting of the building, the full spectrum of building services equipment will be brought up to date. This includes utilities lines, the power supply as well as the heating and cooling systems. A green roof with shaded areas, together with a special landscaping concept, will help to positively influence the urban microclimate, enhance the common areas and provide additional protection against overheating in summer.

About reconstruction, conversion and refurbishment at STRABAG

Reconstruction, conversion and refurbishment are just a few examples of building on existing structures with a focus on the repair, renovation, modernisation or enlargement of existing buildings for new uses. Projects in this field take environmental, economic and social factors into account through the preservation of green spaces and by reducing CO2 emissions, for example. This requires craftsmanship and precision, supported by modern technologies such as 3D laser scans and drones for the detailed analysis of existing buildings. STRABAG is committed to providing a comprehensive set of solutions for the entire process and, as part of its PEOPLE. PLANET. PROGRESS strategy, is actively committed to a carbon-neutral future, for example through the sustainable reconstruction, conversion and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Find out more about construction in existing buildings at STRABAG