Nine exceptional wooden construction projects in Styria, Austria, have been honored with the prestigious Styrian Wood Construction Award, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship using regional building materials. The award-winning projects demonstrate sustainable architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and appropriate use of materials across diverse construction categories, spanning educational facilities, residential buildings, agricultural structures, and commercial developments.
Among the distinguished winners is the Technical School for Agriculture and Forestry at Grottenhof in Graz, where a heritage-protected existing building received a hillside extension constructed using wooden frame construction techniques. This project exemplifies how modern wooden construction can respectfully complement historic architecture while meeting contemporary educational needs.
The Fortmüller Family House extension in Oberspitz, designed by NOW Architektur ZT and masterfully executed by Lappi Holzbau GmbH, earned particular praise from the jury for its architecturally precise and sensitive execution. The project thoughtfully interprets traditional farm layouts while opening up spatial relationships without dominating the landscape. The extended veranda seamlessly incorporates new additions and integrates naturally into the surrounding environment, featuring convincing proportions, subtle lines, and clear material choices.
In the realm of social housing, the residential complex Am Grünanger in Gratwein stands out with its village-like arrangement of seven offset buildings constructed using hybrid wooden construction methods. Designed by architect Martin Brischnik, this development provides 63 subsidized rental apartments, with each unit featuring a balcon or terrace with garden access. Energy efficiency is ensured through district heating for both space heating and hot water preparation.
The kindergarten project in Hausmannstätten, designed by kaschnig & wuhrer architekten, demonstrates exceptional adaptive reuse by transforming a former farmhouse into a vibrant learning and community space for seven groups of children. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, architects preserved original elements like the stable and brick walls, connecting them with modern wooden components. The result is a light-filled, open, and warm environment that offers children space for play, learning, and discovery, with the courtyard and its old walnut tree forming the heart of the ensemble that harmoniously integrates into the town center.
The unique Treehouse in Wuschan/Dobl-Zwaring, created by konstruktiv Studio für Architektur, showcases the potential of locally sourced materials. The 37-square-meter living space features pine board-stacked ceilings made with wooden dowels and an oak terrace floor, literally bringing the forest into the living space. The use of wood from the owner's own forest, processed with artisanal precision, creates a distinctive atmosphere that celebrates the natural material.
Educational architecture is further represented by the extension and renovation of the Viktor Kaplan Elementary and Middle School in Graz, executed by Hohensinn Architektur ZT GmbH. The addition seamlessly integrates into the existing school ensemble and was constructed using wooden post-and-beam construction with glue-laminated timber beams, demonstrating how wooden construction can meet the demanding requirements of modern educational facilities.
The Wasserlochklamm nature experience project in Landl/Hieflau, completed by Planung & Holzbau Sonnleitner GmbH, exemplifies material-appropriate construction under extreme conditions. The renewal of the climbing installation in the gorge utilized 150 meters of local larch wood and included the construction of a new viewing platform, proving that wooden construction can withstand challenging environmental conditions while providing safe access to natural wonders.
Agricultural architecture is represented by the expansion of a farm building in Obdach, executed by ALPE Zimmerei und Tischlerei GmbH. This project created a new stable for hay milk production, featuring a roof structure made from curved glue-laminated timber beams. The larch facade, articulated by vertical elements, showcases classic carpentry craftsmanship and demonstrates how traditional building techniques can be applied to modern agricultural needs.
The final winner, a assembly hall in Frauental/Deutschlandsberg by Holzbau Fürnschuß, represents sophisticated engineered timber construction. This pure wooden building features generous glazing that provides natural lighting for the assembly hall, and remarkably, even the crane runway is constructed from beech timber. The extensive glazing ensures natural light and creates a pleasant working atmosphere, proving that wooden construction can meet the demands of industrial applications while maintaining environmental benefits.
