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Althan Quartier Francis AQ1 Vienna

The modernisation of FRANCIS in Vienna transforms an existing building from the 1970s into a modern, energy-efficient office and commercial complex. Zentrale Technik impresses with its technical expertise, interdisciplinary coordination and sustainable solutions for technical building services and design.
  • The inner courtyard of the Althan Quartier with its impressive stainless steel façade. © STRABAG SE
    The inner courtyard of the Althan Quartier with its impressive stainless steel façade. © STRABAG SE
Client
Althan Quartier Gamma GmbH & Co KG
Contractor
STRABAG AG
Location
Vienna
Participation ZT
2022 - 2024
Type of building
Building construction – multi-purpose building
Construction method
Extension to existing building & addition of storeys
The FRANCIS building complex in Vienna has a spacious lounge area on a staircase with plenty of seating. © STRABAG SE

New life for existing structures

With the conversion of Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof into the modern FRANCIS, Vienna is sending a strong signal in favour of sustainable renovation. Rather than opting for demolition and new construction, the building was thoroughly modernised to facilitate a sustainable mix of uses – including offices, restaurants, retail and infrastructure – as part of the Althan Quarter. The existing structure was utilised and the building was extended upwards by two full office floors. The aim of the project was to significantly improve the carbon footprint – with success: the conversion saved around 19,000 tonnes of CO₂.

The picture shows large black pipes as part of the technical building equipment in the Althan Quartier. © STRABAG SE

State-of-the-art building services

Zentrale Technik played a key role in the technical modernisation, contributing its expertise particularly in the field of building services engineering. As part of the restructuring, the MEP specialist construction management team took charge of the installation of all building services systems – including heating, cooling, ventilation and sanitary systems, the complete high- and low-voltage power supply, sprinkler systems, modern security and building management systems, as well as the consolidation of all technical information for the door list. 

Coordination was carried out exclusively by the specialist designers and architects in consultation with the respective trades. A challenging task, which was mastered by ZT through the implementation of established general contractor and technical contractor methods during execution.

  • A portrait by Andreas Pall, Project Manager at Zentrale Technik.

    One major challenge was the track hall beneath the building at Franz-Josef Station, which had to remain in operation throughout the renovation whilst also being refurbished by ÖBB.

    Andreas Pall
    Project Manager for Electrical Engineering, Zentrale Technik
A STRABAG employee documents the installation of MEP systems on the ceiling. © STRABAG SE

Coordination in the Althan Quarter: The key to success

From the middle of the execution phase onwards, ZT became actively involved in the project and supported the client’s existing team through targeted technical management and coordination. One of the biggest challenges was the large number of trades, service providers and suppliers involved – combined with complex interfaces that required constant coordination. This is where ZT’s experience in overall technical coordination proved its worth: through intensive meetings, it was ensured that quality and deadlines were met and even optimised from a technical perspective.

The picture shows the spacious rooms within FRANCIS Vienna. © STRABAG SE

Circular economy put into practice at FRANCIS Vienna

The FRANCIS project serves as a prime example of how smart design and technical expertise can make a sustainable contribution to urban development. Rather than sealing off new land or consuming valuable resources, the project made use of as many existing building components as possible. This approach reduces waste and also significantly cuts down on construction site traffic. Building services play a central role in this: by integrating modern systems into the existing building stock, comfort and efficiency have been enhanced, whilst ensuring the economical and sustainable operation of the Althan Quarter AQ1.

Services

  • General Design Contractor Services
    • MEP systems coordination/technical site management
    • MEP systems coordination/specialist site management
    • Merging the technical information for the door list

Gallery - FRANCIS Vienna

  • The picture shows concrete columns that will later form part of the offices of the Althan Quartier.
    © STRABAG SE
  • Close-up of the stainless steel façade of the FRANCIS.
    © STRABAG SE
  • The picture shows part of the roof terrace, which consists of wooden slats.
    © STRABAG SE
  • The picture shows a bench in the inner courtyard of FRANCIS in Vienna.
    © STRABAG SE