GOLD MEDAL IN THE CATEGORY EFFICIENT BUILDING

Olympic Games 2010 in Vancouver/Canada
Personalities from politics, economy, sports and media from around the world will convene in the Austrian House in February 2010. This is a tradition. The Austrian hospitality and the Austrian atmosphere are internationally renowned. This year the visitors will feel very comfortable since the modern building provides a perfect Passivhaus climate with minimal energy demand.

 

The Austrian House was designed and built in corporation with the APG-Austrian Passivhouse Group. The house is based on the Passivhaus standard, which is a novelty for North America. Therefore the media attention is quite high. A crew from the “Discovery Channel” came all the way to Alberschwende to film some parts of the prefabrication for the external walls. They gave a live report about the DD Diagonal-Dowel-Timber Technology (which is used for the construction) directly from the factory.

 

 

Great for man and the climate
A Passivhaus gives an energy saving of about 90% compared to conventional buildings. This is achieved by the use of the latest structural-physical knowledge and renewable resources. The building has a heat recovery unit and is triple glazed.

The passive house is the right answer to the current climate debate. It reduces CO2 emissions significantly and it is hoped that Austria's flagship project will now be a catalyst for energy efficient building in North America.

The Austrian House 2010 will also be offered and erected for exclusive clients.

 

Made in Alberschwende

After a prefabrication period of approximately 4 weeks, the building envelope and services were loaded into six containers. These containers travelled from Alberschwende to Hamburg by truck and railway before being shipped to Canada. The two story envelope was then erected on site by the Sohm team. The roofing and services (the main item) were manufactured and installed by companies also from Vorarlberg.

The Austrian House is placed in the heart of Whistler Village/BC, adjacent to the area where the medals are to be awarded. The official opening is on February 10th 2010.

After the Games, the Austrian House will remain in Canada as an example for energy efficient building construction.

We wish all visitors of the Austrian House a pleasant time and good luck to our Olympians.