Office Building 2226,
designed by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The 2226 office building, designed by the Baumschlager Eberle Architekten studio, was built in 2013 in Lustenau, Austria, and also serves as the office headquarters. This innovative project, honored in 2016 with the top prize in the international Wienerberger Brick Award competition, redefines the approach to sustainable construction. The building, without mechanical ventilation, air conditioning or heating, maintains a constant temperature between 22-26 degrees Celsius, using only heat generated by people, computers and lighting.
Office building 2226 in Lustenau - a block with a square plan of 24 x 24 meters and a height of 24 meters takes the shape of a cuboid
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
Minimalism of form and harmony of proportions
The 2226 office building is an example of modernist architecture, in which simplicity of form harmonizes with functionality. The block, with a square plan of 24 x 24 meters and a height of 24 meters, takes the shape of a cuboid with clear vertical proportions. The white, smooth facade gives the building an almost monolithic character. The facades have been designed with geometric precision. A regular grid of rectangular windows, arranged in five vertical axes, divides the facade into rhythmic segments. The windows on each floor are identical in size, which emphasizes the symmetry and order of the composition. The first floor is distinguished by larger glazing, and in front of the building extends a minimalist plaza lined with light material, with a rectangular water mirror that reflects the mass, adding to its lightness. The environment, limited to simple tree lines and open space, focuses attention on the architecture. The building's proportions refer to classical principles of harmony, in the spirit of the modernist slogan "less is more," and the even divisions of the facade refer to the architectural tradition, in which beauty comes from mathematical precision. At the same time, the contemporary character of the block is emphasized by frugal detailing and modern materials.
Office building 2226 in Lustenau
Photo: Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
innovation in the service of ecology and comfort
The concept of the 2226 office building is based on a radical simplification of technical systems, eliminating traditional heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.The name of the project - 2226 - refers to the temperature range (22-26°C), considered optimal for user comfort. To achieve this goal, architects at Baumschlager Eberle developed an energy management system that relies on natural processes and minimal consumption of resources. A key element is the building's solid shell, consisting of a 38-centimeter load-bearing wall and a 38-centimeter layer of insulating brick. The inner layer provides structural strength, while the outer layer provides high thermal insulation. This construction reduces heat loss and stabilizes the temperature of the inner wall surfaces, which increases comfort. Deep window recesses, resulting from the thickness of the masonry, regulate the flow of sunlight depending on the season, preventing overheating in summer and cooling in winter.
Thewindows, occupying only 24 percent of the facade area, are designed in a 5:3 ratio, familiar from classical composition principles. As a result, the interiors are optimally illuminated at depths of up to 12 meters, especially on the upper floors, where the room height is 3.36 meters. The flow of energy in the building is controlled by sensors and software that control ventilation panels, which ensure a constant supply of fresh air and maintain a comfortable microclimate.
A key element of the office building is the massive shell of the building, consisting of a 38-centimeter load-bearing wall and a 38-centimeter layer of insulating brick
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
man as a source of energy
The innovation of the 2226 project lies in the use of energy generated by users. The heat emitted by people, computers and lighting becomes the main source of heating. The building responds to human presence by converting moisture, heat and carbon dioxide in a way that supports the natural circulation of energy. As Dietmar Eberle, one of the studio's principal architects, explains, the building "responds to human stimuli" instead of relying on artificial technical systems. This approach reverses the traditional model in which technology dominates nature, relying instead on harmony between humans and the environment.
Tall rooms, carefully chosen proportions and high-quality materials - from brick to interior finishes - create a space conducive to well-being. Air, as the only energy-transporting medium, is precisely managed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical installations. Such a model not only reduces operating costs, but also reduces so-called "gray energy" - resources consumed in the production and maintenance of technical systems.
Office building 2226 in Lustenau - heat emitted by people, computers and lighting becomes the main source of heating
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
a prototype for sustainable construction
The 2226 office building is not just a single realization, but a prototype that tests the possibilities of sustainable construction. Drawing on years of experience, Baumschlager Eberle studio created a model that is adaptable to different functions and contexts. The 2226 concept has been successfully applied in three subsequent projects: an office building in Emmenweid (Switzerland), a medical center in Lingenau and a multi-family building in Dornbirn (both in Vorarlberg, Austria).
Office building 2226 in Lustenau - interior view
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The success of these projects confirms the universality of the design principles. Regardless of geographic location, scale or function, the 2226 model works because of its simplicity and flexibility. Buildings based on this concept are designed to last at least a century, and their economic efficiency makes them attractive to investors.
Office building 2226 in Lustenau - a view of the building's minimalist interior
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
sculptural precision and timelessness
The 2226 office building is distinguished by a form that combines functionality with sculptural precision. The architects at Baumschlager Eberle treat the block as an object of plastic potential, in which every detail - from the proportions to the texture of the materials - has meaning. The building exudes tranquility and harmony, resulting from its classical proportions and authenticity of materials. Its orientation with respect to the world and carefully designed window openings minimize the impact of solar radiation, while giving the facade a dynamic character depending on the lighting.
The sculptural quality of the building is evident in the depth of the window recesses and subtle material contrasts. The white facades, broken by warm wood accents, create a sense of lightness despite the massiveness of the structure. The effect is enhanced by the water mirror in front of the building, which reflects the massing and integrates it with its surroundings.
The architects at Baumschlager Eberle treat the solid as an object with plastic potential, in which every detail - from the proportions to the texture of the materials - has significance
photo by Eduard Hueber © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
contribution to the future of architecture
The 2226 office building in Lustenau is an example of architecture that combines tradition with innovation. A simple, timeless form harmonizes with advanced technologies, and a minimalist aesthetic harmonizes with maximum energy efficiency. The project proves that sustainable construction can meet the highest standards of comfort and aesthetics without requiring compromises. The 2226 office building is not just an experiment, but a model that can shape the future of architecture. Its versatility, sustainability and economic efficiency make it an inspiration for designers and investors. In the face of climate change and rising expectations from the construction industry, this approach is becoming not only desirable, but necessary.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Baumschlager Eberle Architekten.
