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The renovation of the University of Graz Library

With the extension and restructuring of the university library, the architects have restored the historic building to its former glory and brought its structure and design into the modern age.

  • The transition between older and newer structures was achieved with mirrored glass facade elements, giving an impression of space and continuity

    The transition between older and newer structures was achieved with mirrored glass facade elements, giving an impression of space and continuity.

  • With its glazed roof, the multipurpose entrance space benefits from acoustic treatments along its walls

    With its glazed roof, the multipurpose entrance space benefits from acoustic treatments along its walls.

  • The vertical extension cantilevered over new square & main entrance, with the original architecture revealed and restored.

    The new main entrance for the University of Graz Library, showing the original architecture that has been restored under a large, cantilevered vertical extension featuring a large art installation created with the 'sgraffito' render technique. Photo: Crystal O'Brien Kupfner

  • University Library, Graz
    Drawing, design concept, first demolition, then extension

  • University of Graz Library, view of large artwork on underside of canopy, created with 'sgraffito' render technique

    View of large artwork on underside of canopy, created with 'sgraffito' render technique

  • Combining old and new architectural styles, in harmony with the surrounding area

    Combining old and new architectural styles, in harmony with the surrounding area. Photo: David Schreyer

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Graz Collage

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The in-depth Project [insights] PDF includes more details around the following topics:

  • Architecture as urban regeneration

  • Vertical extension

  • Art in architecture

  • Mirrored glass & greenery on the facade

  • Acoustic management

Thomas Pucher

Atelier Thomas Pucher

“With a design of this kind, where we are working directly with the existing substance, multiple connections between old and new are created. For us as architects, the way we handle these presents an exciting challenge.”

Thomas Pucher

  • Combining old and new

    The library building of the Karl-Franzens University of Graz required updating, but instead of adding yet another extension to the classicist building, which had already been extended several times, the architects demolished sections to expose the original building, and created much needed new space in a vertical extension. This long glass block cantilevers over the building's new main entrance, whilst creating a canopy for a new public square below. The design is a symbiosis of old and new - from the urban planning level to its architectural details.

    University of Graz Library before renovation, showing mid-20th Century extensions which have been demolished
  • University of Graz Library before renovation
    Before renovation
    University of Graz Library after renovation, photo by Crystal O'Brien-Kupfner
    After renovation. Photo: Crystal O'Brien Kupfner

Meet the architect:

Atelier Thomas Pucher

"There is an existing main building here from the university constructed in 1895... By the 1950s, an extension was made to the south, and in the 70s an extension was made to the north, and in the 90s another extension was added to the east... And at some point we came up with the idea: Actually, the extension that was built in the 70s should be demolished first."

Thomas Pucher, CEO, Atelier Thomas Pucher ZT GmbH

VIDEO: The renovation of University of Graz Libary, Austria [09:44]

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Project [insights] - 20 valuable pages about the renovation of the University of Graz Library! Learn about the design concept, construction and comprehensive detailed solutions.

Construction sign

Country
Austria
City
Graz
Year Completed
2019
Architect
Atelier Thomas Pucher, Graz, AT
Owner
BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH, Vienna, AT
Applicator
Schaunigg GmbH & Co KG, Vorau, Austria (art in architecture) | Pichler GmbH, Passail, Austria and Hubert Wolf GmbH, Wies, Austria (acoustic solutions and StoVentec R) | Metallica Stahl- und Fassadentechnik, Weiz, Austria (StoVentec Glass)
Products
Ventilated rainscreen cladding systems (StoVentec R, and StoVentec Glass), suspended acoustic system (StoSilent Distance), floor coating (StoPox BB OS)
Photos
Crystal O'Brien-Kupfner, Graz, AT | David Schreyer, Graz, AT | Christian Schellander, Villach, AT

Materials Overview library

Explore your options

Visit our interactive Materials Overview library to explore different materials and aesthetics options. This tool allows you to compare and contrast different textures, colours and styles - allowing you to quickly visualise and optionise ideas for your building's facade design.

Visit the Materials Overview

[ark] magazine

The StoJournal for Architects

This story appeared in [ark] magazine No.68. The planning and execution trades are responsible for ensuring compliance with local standards and regulations, as well as realising and warranting of the architectural details and solutions included in this case study.

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