Thursday, July 31, 2025
In the world of construction, innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability are becoming increasingly important. Haberkorn, an Austrian technical distributor, has recently set an example of how older buildings can be repurposed in a resource-efficient manner. Rather than demolishing an old warehouse to make way for new offices, Haberkorn’s headquarters in Wolfurt, Austria, reimagined their existing space using timber, winning accolades for their commitment to sustainability.
Who is Haberkorn?
Founded in 1932 in Bregenz, Austria, Haberkorn has grown from a small ropery into an international technical distributor. Known as the “Everything Store” for the construction industry, the company offers over 20,000 products, ranging from crane accessories and machine components to wood connectors. With its headquarters based in the state of Vorarlberg, Haberkorn serves Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia. The company employs around 2,500 people worldwide, generating annual revenues of 790 million euros.
When the company’s logistics operations doubled at the end of 2019, the need for office expansion became a pressing concern. Intending to increase office space for about 100 additional employees, the company needed an innovative and sustainable solution that would avoid further ground sealing, a key consideration due to ongoing environmental challenges.
The purpose of “Redensification” is to reuse space
Instead of building a new structure on an undeveloped site, Haberkorn’s architectural competition centered around the idea of “redensification.” The aim was to reuse an existing warehouse, reducing the need for additional land and minimising environmental impact. This vision was brought to life by the architectural firm NONA Architektinnen, whose innovative design skillfully inserted a new office space within the structure of the old warehouse.
The question posed at the start was simple yet crucial: Can the existing building be adapted to meet the growing office space needs, or does it require an extension? The architects’ solution was an elegant one: Instead of adding a whole new floor or extending the building outward, the design team inserted a compact, dual-level timber structure within the existing warehouse.
Wood as the primary substance
The use of timber in this project was both a sustainable choice and a nod to the region’s rich woodworking traditions. The newly created office space features a glulam (glued laminated timber) column grid with a spacing of 150 cm between the columns, creating a robust yet lightweight framework. The design was inspired by the high-bay warehouse shelving systems that are central to Haberkorn’s logistics operations.
This approach was highly effective in achieving the desired office space while maintaining an open and airy atmosphere within the warehouse. The architects cleverly used the existing warehouse’s height by inserting an upper floor along its length. This solution allowed for the creation of smaller office spaces with a double ceiling height, providing both privacy and a sense of openness. The open timber structure not only makes the space visually appealing but also contributes to the overall sense of well-being for employees.
As businesses become more aware of the importance of employee well-being, Haberkorn’s new office design takes this into account by creating comfortable and functional spaces. The new office layout includes a variety of work environments, from open-plan areas to more private offices, catering to different work styles. Spacious communal areas were also integrated into the design, where employees can interact, relax, and take breaks in an inviting environment.
The building’s glazing at one end provides breathtaking views of the Ried Nature Reserve, allowing employees to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The largest recreation room is located here to encourage social interaction among staff. This strategic placement of communal spaces promotes social sustainability, which is an important aspect of modern office design.
Furthermore, the use of regional wood as a construction material aligns with Haberkorn’s commitment to sustainability. Wood, as a renewable resource, helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. The timber used in the office expansion locks up approximately 175 tonnes of CO2 over the long term. To put this into perspective, that’s equivalent to the emissions produced by a car traveling 1.59 million kilometers. In essence, this choice in building material significantly reduces the environmental impact of the project.
Awards and recognition
The new office expansion at Haberkorn’s headquarters was rightfully recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable construction. In 2023, the project won the prestigious Vorarlberg Timber Construction Award in the “Clever Construction” category. This was followed by the Central Association of Austrian Architects Award (ZV-Bauherren:innenpreis) in 2024, further cementing the project’s place as a benchmark for eco-friendly architecture.
The decision to preserve existing structures, instead of creating new ones, directly addresses one of Austria’s most pressing ecological concerns—land consumption. Redensification offers a solution to the loss of biodiversity and the intensification of the climate crisis. By reusing buildings and incorporating sustainable materials, projects like Haberkorn’s office expansion are making significant strides in protecting the environment.
An inspiration for tomorrow
Haberkorn’s office expansion serves as a model for future sustainable construction practices in the woodworking industry. By rethinking how we approach office spaces and construction in general, it’s clear that timber, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool in creating buildings that are both functional and environmentally responsible. With its innovative use of timber, commitment to sustainability, and focus on employee well-being, the new offices at Haberkorn are a prime example of “Clever Construction” that could inspire the future of office design.
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Tags: Austrian architecture, construction sustainability, eco-friendly office design, glulam timber, green construction, Haberkorn, office expansion, reusing buildings, sustainable building, timber construction, woodworking
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