With a population of 2.8 million, the Vienna metropolitan area accounts for one third of Austria's total population. The city is growing at a higher rate than any other European capital, making sustainable housing within a reasonable distance from rapid transit and Vienna's central districts a necessity for local urban planners and architects. Located northeast of the city, the new three-phase masterplanned neighbourhood of Seestadt Aspern is aiming to welcome more than 20,000 residents within the next 20 years. The first buildings of phase one have already emerged around Aspern Lake, and cetus Baudevelopment GmbH is about to launch a new mixed-use complex, which includes the awaited HoHo Wien tower. 

HoHo Wien, image via cetus Baudevelopment GmbH, Rudiger Lainer+Partner

At 23 floors and 84 metres in height, HoHo Wien is set to become the world's tallest wooden building upon completion in in 2018. Designed by Austrian architects RLP Rudiger Lainer+Partner, the building will include a variety of uses, starting with a restaurant occupying the ground level of the 19,500-square-metre tower. Above, a health and beauty centre, 5,200 square metres of office space, and a 120-room hotel will successively populate floors 3 through 17. Finally, floors 18 through 23 will feature 30 serviced apartments with an average size of 45 square metres.

Aerial view of HoHo Wien, image via cetus Baudevelopment GmbH, Rudiger Lainer+Partner

Approved by the City of Vienna in October 2015, HoHo Wien is expected to break ground in the spring or summer of 2016. Investor Keebler Group has announced a contribution of 60 to 65 million euros for the project. 75% of the tower will be made of wood, which represents about 3,600 cubic metres of timber. Four different pre-fabricated elements will be used in construction of the building. Starting at ground level, a succession of glue-lam supports, joists, ceiling and facade elements will form the edifice's 23 levels. The timber structure will also be supported by a concrete core, to accommodate the elevator shaft and other service elements. 

Office space at HoHo Wien, image via cetus Baudevelopment GmbH, Rudiger Lainer+Partner

Similar to the warm-toned wood elements that characterize the building's exterior, the interiors will feature exposed timber panels aiming to create a natural but warm atmosphere. Built according to the Austrian Sustainable Building Council's assessment system for sustainable buildings, HoHo Wien's design includes measures to encourage the use of reusable energy sources such as solar panels, but also to prevent waste. In total, the use of wood as a primary source of construction material will avoid the emissions of 2,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalents during the two years necessary for the completion of the tower, when compared to a concrete building of similar size. 

Residence at HoHo Wien, image via cetus Baudevelopment GmbH, Rudiger Lainer+Partner

We'll be keeping an eye on this project as ground breaking approaches, but in the meantime you'll find additional images and information in our Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Visit the associated Forum thread where you can post your photos or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.