LeopoldQuartier Vienna
Europe's first urban quarter built using hybrid timber construction is being developed on a site covering almost three hectares on the Danube Canal in Vienna. Developed by UBM and built by PORR, the district stands for sustainable construction, dismantlability and smart processes.
pde is contributing its expertise to this green flagship project in several ways: from timber construction expertise and the planning of complex statics to DGNB Gold certification for dismantling and every component, right through to the management of all LEAN processes, we provide all services from a single source.
Client
UBM Development GmbH
Service areas
Structural engineering, sustainability, timber engineering, LEAN,
Location
Vienna
Work stages
Work stages 1-8 sustainability, Work stages 1-5 structural engineering
pde period of service
2018 - 2026
Structural engineering
Since 2018, our structural engineering experts have been supporting Europe's largest timber hybrid project by carrying out the overall structural analysis, taking into account the specific requirements of timber hybrid construction.
![[Translate to English:] Rohbau mit Gerüst und Kränen](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/2/csm_Baustelle_Leopoldquartier_8299ba978e.jpg)
Timber hybrid construction
Timber hybrid means that the building materials timber, reinforced concrete and steel are used according to their strengths and advantages. The load-bearing structures of the buildings from the first floor to the top floor are constructed using a timber hybrid construction method with timber elements.
A total of 6,600 m3 of timber is being used in the ten-storey OFFICE building and the 253 apartments in the LIVING buildings, binding 6,600 tonnes of CO₂ in the long term. This includes 20,000 m² of wood-concrete composite ceilings, 700 glulam columns, 20,000 m² of cross-laminated timber elements and 7,000 m² of timber frame exterior walls.
LEAN on the construction site
Due to the cramped inner-city location and the modular construction method, there were structural challenges that required precise timing of the planning and construction process and a ‘just-in-time’ supply to the construction site.
This not only significantly shortens the construction time, but also reduces storage costs, minimises moisture risks and optimises the construction process.
In order to ensure that these important processes run smoothly, methods from LEAN design, LEAN construction and also LEAN logistics are used. pde is also responsible for controlling the LEAN processes.
Three types of certification
A special feature of this project is that our sustainability team has been commissioned with three types of certification. The demolition of the existing buildings on the site, which was completed in January 2022, was certified according to the DGNB demolition system. It was one of the first projects in the German-speaking region and the first in Austria to receive GOLD certification.
The certification was also a first for our certification experts and involved a great deal of research work with regard to the exact criteria catalogue. A concept was developed to recycle the materials wherever possible and otherwise dispose of them properly. In addition, criteria such as noise and dust prevention, water and soil protection and socio-cultural aspects were defined and evaluated.
As a sustainable real estate developer with a strategic focus on the cradle-to-cradle principle, UBM is also aiming for neighbourhood certification for the new urban quarter as well as gold building certification for each individual component.
pde is proud to contribute its expertise to the creation of one of Vienna's most modern and sustainable development areas. Construction of the initial district is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.