At the end of 2024, the House of Schools 1 is set to serve as a new, modern location to house the JKU's Business School (Institute of Business Administration).

An EU-wide architectural competition in 2020 was held to design the new House of Schools 1 building and querkraft architekten’s design was ultimately selected. The six-story, 7,000 m² building features a basement with storage and utility rooms, four seminar rooms, large meeting rooms on the ground floor, offices in the upper levels, as well as a large event room on the top floor, complete with a balcony.

The eye-catching façade is a clear structure featuring plant walls and textile slats to provide shade. Inside, the atrium attracts attention with its self-supported staircase and landings that extend over several stories, creating a visual connection between the floors and different building zones.

The House of Schools 1 has been sustainably designed to not only adapt existing spatial structures, but also generate geothermal energy and make use of an energy-efficient photovoltaic system, as well as add greenery on the roof to complement the façades.

Following the rooftop ceremony, Martin Polaschek (Austrian Minister of Education, Science & Research), JKU Rector Stefan Koch, and JKU Vice-Rector Alexander Freischlager joined Hans-Peter Weiss (CEO of Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft) to inspect the construction site. The project is on schedule and with over 100 construction workers and craftsmen on site, the focus is now on completing the interior of the building.

The House of Schools 1 is scheduled to officially open at the end of 2024. In all, the long-term plan for the House of Schools includes the House of Schools 1, 2, and 3. There are no schedules as yet for Bldgs. 2 and 3.

Martin Polaschek, Austrian Minister of Education, Science & Research, remarked: "Supporting high-quality education and conducting cutting-edge science and research require a sustainable, future-oriented infrastructure! The House of Schools 1 not only supports modern infrastructure, we are creating more space to share expertise and drive academic excellence forward. Our investments serve to lay the foundations in Austria to support better, sustainable higher education and advancements in science."

Hans-Peter Weiss (CEO of Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft) added: "The House of Schools 1 is an identity-defining building for the JKU Business School and another milestone in supporting campus enhancements. The new building is climate-friendly and not only features a living green façade and rooftop in support of a good microclimate, the building can also run on geothermal energy and photovoltaics."

Stefan Koch, Rector of the Johannes Kepler University Linz stated; "In terms of space, the JKU is pooling its resources: the House of Schools 1 will serve as the center for business administration institutes. The new, modern building will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and facilitate communication. Given the increase in student enrollment, we urgently need this space. The House of Schools 1 has been flexibly designed to adapt to our requirements as a university, to support research, and adjust to our needs in the future."

Alexander Freischlager, JKU Vice-Rector for Campus Enhancements, Digitalization and Sustainability, commented: "The JKU is fully committed to sustainability and becoming climate-neutral by 2030. In terms of energy consumption, the House of Schools 1 is highly efficient and climate-friendly. Heating and cooling systems are powered by deep borehole pumps. The rooftop photovoltaic system serves as the building’s energy source. The outdoor area was designed to remain at a comfortable temperature and provide natural shading by planting trees. The House of Schools 1 will also complement the JKU and enrich the campus atmosphere, providing a comfortable environment."

Information about the House of Schools 1

• Architects: querkraft architekten zt gmbh
• Construction period: Fall 2022 - Fall 2024
• Space: 7,000 m² total floor space
• Sustainability: klimaaktiv Gold
• Investment: approx. €40 million