Verbund Hydro Power’s new apprentice campus near the Danube River is a state-of-the-art training center blending modern design with sustainable architecture to cultivate future skilled professionals.

Verbund Hydro Power's recent €12.3 million EUR investment in a new apprentice campus is a demonstration of its commitment to sustainability and innovation. This significant financial outlay represents a strategic move to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals in the fields of electrical and metal technology, essential for the operation of their power plants in Austria.

The new campus is designed to be a flexible and adaptable training center, aimed at attracting the brightest minds. VERBUND provides top-notch vocational training in-house, ensuring that their power plant operators are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge. The focus on electrical and metal technology training is particularly pertinent, given the critical role these disciplines play in the maintenance and operation of hydropower plants.

Design

One of the main features of the new campus is its accommodation facilities. The campus provides accommodation in 42 single rooms, offering comfortable living quarters for apprentices. This includes three wheelchair-accessible seminar rooms, ensuring that the training center is inclusive and accessible to all. The inclusion of a kitchen that can be opened for large events of up to 200 participants highlights the campus's versatility, making it suitable for a variety of functions beyond regular training sessions.

Architecture

The Viereck Architekten designed campus, is a blend of modernity and biophilic low-carbon architecture. The ground floor is constructed from concrete, providing a solid and durable base. Above this, are two floors made entirely of sustainable mass timber, (Sylva™ kit of parts). This use of Sylva reduces the carbon footprint of the building and also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for the apprentices.

Sustainability

The hybrid wood construction, along with natural materials such as wood, stone, and fabrics, emphasizes sustainability. An efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation system ensures a comfortable indoor climate

The Sylva kit only generated 28 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and 0.05  tonnes of CO₂e to transport the 3.5 km to the construction site from the mill. Compared to the 412 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while growing and will store in the building, this amount is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewable materials avoided 618 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator. 

Location

The design of the campus takes full advantage of its picturesque location near the Danube River. Large glass openings on all floors offer spectacular views of the river, creating a serene and inspiring environment for learning and development.

The connection to nature is further enhanced by the park-like complex linking the workshop to the new campus. This outdoor area is designed to foster interaction and collaboration among apprentices, with terraces providing spaces for relaxation and informal gatherings.

Inside the building, the layout is thoughtfully planned to balance spaces for communication and retreat, providing the apprentices with areas where they can engage in group activities and discussions, as well as quiet zones for individual study and reflection.

Awards

2025 Architizer A+ Award in the "Architecture + Wood" category

2025 Niederösterreichischen Holzbaupreis nominiert /Lower Austrian Timber Construction Award nomination

2023 European Property Awards Mixed Use Architecture Award  

BIGSEE Architecture Award

2025 BIGSEE Interior Design Award 2025

Learn more about the advantages of mass timber; download the whitepaper