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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 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

  • 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.

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

Thomas Pucher

  • Combining old and new

    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

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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
Building owners
BIG Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH, Vienna, AT
Architecture
Atelier Thomas Pucher, Graz, AT
Specialised trade
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)
Sto proficiency
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

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