Community Centre In Ludesch, Austria is sustainable built on all three levelse. Chris Butters

Sustainable local development. Austria. Chris Butters

Ludesch is a small municipality of 3,000 residents in Vorarlberg, Austria, where Spectrum community centre has been built that has won several awards. It demonstrates how local communities can take the lead in sustainability and set an example globally.

Close attention to environmental issues and fostering a strong community bond have created a foundation for innovation and pioneering practices.

By Chris Butters, Gaia architect. Excerpt from the book“From Passive House to Healthy House” by Butters & Leland.

Site and climate

Situated at 550 metres above sea level, Ludesch has a climate similar to Oslo (4,000 degree days), though it enjoys slightly higher solar radiation during the summer. Designed by Hermann Kaufmann, the community centre spans 3,150 m².

Materials, Embedded Energy, and Environment

Using locally sourced, massive timber constructions, the centre achieves energy efficiency exceeding passive house standards.

Additionally, the embodied energy is less than half that of typical buildings.

The centre was developed following stringent guidelines to avoid toxic or climate-damaging materials.

The building is insulated with sheep wool and cellulose. At the client’s request, it is free from products containing fluorocarbons, formaldehyde, and PVC in windows, doors, flooring, electrical systems or plumbing.

Both internally and externally, no environmentally harmful paints, solvents, plasticizers, lacquers, or synthetic adhesives were used.

The building was developed in collaboration with Dr. Karl Thorgele, a specialist in building biology, and the entire planning, tendering, and contracting process was conducted following the Ökoleitfaden: Bau system developed by his firm.

Heating and Cooling

Primarily heated by a biomass plant using local resources like wood and forestry waste, the building is mainly cooled by groundwater.

The plaza in front of the centre is covered with a solar canopy featuring 120 photovoltaic modules, generating 15,000 kWh annually, combining energy production with a pleasant gathering space for the community. The solar installation exchanges electricity with the local grid as needed.

Sustainable Architecture – all three levels

While the building’s environmental qualities are outstanding, it is also an example of outstanding architecture with numerous beautiful interior details. The architecture is a tribute to wood as a material, used in both the structural frame and finishes.

The details are meticulously crafted – observe the handrail recessed into the staircase wall paired with the staircase lighting.

This combines aesthetic excellence with deep knowledge of wood properties, technical requirements, and resource management.

Moreover, construction costs were “normal,” and operational costs for both energy and maintenance have proven to be very low.

The building also meets various social objectives, enhancing the local community. It has created a dynamic hub for local businesses and services, a focal point for community identity, and a social meeting place.

Thus, it achieves all three of our sustainability goals: ecology, economy, and community. The proud local authorities also emphasize the importance of the process itself, stating that “Sustainability is also about how decisions are developed and implemented in the local community.”

Mayor Paul Ammann adds: “Our task is to maintain an attractive economy and living standards in Ludesch, ensure quality of life and diversity, and fulfil our global responsibility.”