i+R Headquarters | Dietrich I Untertrifaller

The new headquarters was designed to unify all companies of the i+R Group under one roof, placing focus on work environment, construction methodology, and integration into the urban context. Serving as an example of both the company philosophy (“We build the future”) and construction know-how of the 110-year-old family-owned construction firm, the headquarters strove to achieve innovative energy solutions, high building standards, and an attention to architectural detail and personal comfort.

It was the first office complex in Vorarlberg to receive the internationally accredited LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, thus meeting the highest standards for green and sustainable building. Its modular design allows for the four stories of the building to be arranged in a variety of layouts to maximize its 3,300 m² of space for the approximately 130 staff members. The building is connected vertically by two atriums which serve as the cores of the building, and allow for daylight as well as egress. The big atrium serves as "public connection", the small atrium is used for internal, short ways and informal exchanges.

The building′s climate is regulated using geothermal energy, with the heat pump′s power provided by a photovoltaic array which also meets 70 % of the building′s energy needs. The southern side of the building is covered in a unique solar shade to avoid harsh summer sunlight, while still contributing to natural daylight throughout the building, reducing energy needs related to lighting by 70 %. The construction methodology exemplifies the i+R Group′s building skill, using mostly renewable, regionally sourced material, recyclable resources (e.g. old fishing nets used as flooring), and products manufactured by the company – concrete (structural parts), wood (infill) and wooden windows.

LEED Platinum 2013 – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

The new i+R headquartes is the result of continuous and interdisciplinary analyses of the subjects building quality, ecology and sustainability. The award of LEED-Platinum, the highest assessment in the category "new construction", is a confirmation of this thinking and acting.

Cosy indoor climate, ideal light atmosphere and pleasant acoustics: In the new i+R headquarters each employee creates his or her own individual climate by means of a sophisticated control and instrumentation system. The energy source for heating and cooling is geothermal energy. A highly efficient photovoltaic plant feeds the heat pump with "house-produced" eco-electricity and covers the whole energy demand (incl. light and computers). The energy balance thus achieved speaks for itself: With 9 kwh per m² the annual consumption is far below the threshold value for passive-house standards (15 kwh).

Excellent marks were given to the light solution: Daylight and LED-illuminants are combined in such a way that an optimum of lighting quality is achieved with a 70 % energy reduction. Special sensors respond to natural light changes and gradually increase or decrease the brightness in the room.