Börseplatz Wien

The former k. u. k. Post and Telegraph Office on Vienna’s Börseplatz was built in 1873 and used by the Austrian Post Office until 1996. Between 2008 and 2012, the Graz-based real estate developer “Immovate” made the building available as part of an art sponsorship for Joshua Sobol’s polydrama “Alma – A Show Biz ans Ende”, directed by Paulus Manker. From the point of view of structural planning, static calculations and, above all, structural implementation, the Börseplatz 1 building project presented a number of special challenges:

Earthquake analysis

As part of a comprehensive earthquake analysis, the entire building was examined in a complex 3-dimensional push-over analysis. The condition before and after the conversion work was examined. In the course of an engineering evaluation, the decisive elements of the structure were identified in both states. In this context, appropriate reinforcement measures were defined in order to provide proof of the required reliability of the building.

parking garage

For the installation of the parking garage on the 2nd and 3rd basement levels, these were completely rebuilt, fitted with new reinforced concrete ceilings and large underpinning beams were installed under the solid brick walls in order to transfer the entire building loads. As the installation of steel beams was ruled out due to the required size, weight and limited tensile strength, the underpinning beams were planned and executed in reinforced concrete. In particular, the deformations of the girders in interaction with the masonry above had to be taken into account.

Technology (collector) basement

The collector, which crosses the entire building below the 3rd basement floor to accommodate all the building services required, deserves special mention. After completion, this area will only be visible and accessible to maintenance personnel, but posed a major challenge in terms of planning and implementation and required a corresponding division into construction phases.

Ceiling extension 4th floor

Another important component was the newly installed reinforced concrete ceiling above the 4th floor. The existing ceiling had to be demolished for this. As built, this corresponded to a complete gutting of the 3rd and 4th floors, including the roof structure made of self-supporting steel trusses. In order to achieve the required room height for the galleries in the hall floors and the attic extension above, very slender reinforced concrete ribbed ceilings with beams were constructed, from which the mezzanine floors in the hall floors were suspended. Here too, the deformation and vibration verifications of the structure were decisive. In addition, due to the tight construction schedule, various construction measures took place simultaneously on all floors of the building, which required close coordination between the planning team and the construction companies carrying out the work.

We are delighted that the magnificent building, which is steeped in history, now shines in new splendor. In addition to luxurious living space with imperial charm for 36 owners, office space is also available on the first floor.