New hybrid timber building for modern operational logistics and sustainability

Functionality meets sustainability

With the new building for the Bernstein Volunteer Fire Department, a forward-looking facility is being created that harmoniously combines functionality, sustainability and architecture. The existing fire station from 1973 was demolished and replaced with a modern new building, designed to meet the requirements of a contemporary emergency response organisation.

Hybrid timber construction with a clear structure

The new building was constructed using a hybrid timber system: while all parts in contact with the ground and the columns of the vehicle hall are made of reinforced concrete, all load-bearing walls and superstructures were implemented in mass timber. This combination ensures maximum stability, efficient construction and significant CO₂ reduction.

The timber installation was carried out by our partner company, Zimmerei Franz Gollubits, whose precision and craftsmanship played a key role in realizing this modern emergency facility.

Visionary architecture

The design is oriented to the slope of the site and blends harmoniously into the local landscape of Bernstein. Organised across three levels, the building provides optimal workflows:

1. Ground floor: Vehicle hall with six gates and operations control rooms
2. Basement: Storage and technical rooms
3. Upper floor: Lounge areas, loggia and a spacious room for training purposes

The new fire station is the command and operations centre in case of emergencies, as well as a social and cultural meeting point for the local community.

Sustainable, efficient and forward-thinking.

Mass timber absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere during its growth and stores it long-term (Source: Holzforschung Austria, 2022; Stora Enso EPD CLT, 2023) and creates a healthy indoor climate. This is due to the ability of wood to absorb and release moisture (BOKU Vienna, Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Resources, 2020).

With its clear architectural language, the new building serves as an exemplary model of modern timber construction in the public sector.