The S-HOUSE acts as a centre for renewable raw materials and sustainable technologies in the field of building constructions. It is innovative utilisation of renewable resources as exemplified in an Office and Exhibition Building.
Within the framework of the subprogram “Building for Tomorrow”, the Center of
Appropriate Technology (GrAT/Gruppe Angepasste Technologie) at the Vienna
University of Technology developed an integrated total concept with its “S-HOUSE”
that combines all relevant aspects of sustainable building methods. An innovative
building project has resulted with the S-HOUSE, which meets the high standard of
energy for the passive house method and also demonstrates the appropriate use of
building materials derived from renewable raw materials. In addition, a large number
of suitable solutions have been developed that enable problem-free reusability of all
building materials used after completion of their lifespan.
Besides wood, straw was used as a building material in particular, the physical
properties, highly effective heat insulating ability and burning pattern of straw were
tested during extensive studies. During the entire development of the project, close
cooperation between research and practice as well as a number of partners and
experts attained major significance. New technical solutions were developed in many
fields for implementation in the actual building activities. One of the objectives of the
project was also to develop these constructions subsequently into series production.
The functionality of building materials made from renewable raw materials is proven on the building itself. The components and designed structures developed for the S-HOUSE are presented for public view in a permanent exhibition. Moreover, the basic information on “Sustainable Construction” provides a comprehensive overview of a wide range of applications using renewable building materials.
As a result, traditional know-how and recent developments in this field become accessible to a large section of the public. Besides the permanent exhibition, technically related events such as symposiums and advanced learning sessions with university student participation and practical orientation are also planned.
The S-HOUSE serves as a turntable of information where contemporary know-how sourced from research and practice is collected, processed and distributed. An important aspect of the information is the INFOKNOTEN that is created within the scope of the “Building of Tomorrow”. Here more than 400 of the most important products made of renewable raw materials are collected, sorted into different categories of building materials and described according to their technical and ecological properties. The INFOKNOTEN endeavours to create a network of manufacturers, building contractors, government agencies, architects and consumers and, to promote the use of renewable raw materials and ecological materials in the building market.
