A unique building complex in the heart of Europe has officially opened its doors: the Loxone Campus. In about three years, the pioneer in smart building automation has created an architectural masterpiece with the latest high-tech technology that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Here, future-oriented technology meets an inspiring experience.
Martin Öller, co-owner and founder of Loxone, is pleased to welcome approximately 600 invited guests to the opening of the campus: “It has been an impressive journey from the idea to the realization of the Loxone Campus. Our goal was to build a campus that meets Loxone's requirements and ambitions to become the world leader in smart building automation. We have integrated various needs of Loxone so that together they are more than the sum of their parts. Many times during this journey we heard that what we wanted was “impossible”. Such statements have only motivated us to work even harder.” Thomas Moser, also co-owner and founder of Loxone, explains: “We have rethought and reimagined all aspects of the campus to find optimal solutions that are far from any tradition. As a result, we have also redefined the boundaries of smart building automation.”
This has created a place that showcases the full diversity of smart building automation for home builders, planners, architects and anyone else who is interested. In addition to comfort and safety aspects, the campus also shows how energy can be saved through intelligent control 40% compared to conventional buildings. However, in the company's vision, the building complex is more than just a structure. It is a place of inspiration. This special place is also available for external companies and individuals, whether for events and seminars, to stay overnight in the hotel with wellness area or to dine in the restaurant.
A view of the building from the opposite hill shows that the building blends seamlessly into the surrounding terrain. The remarkable design is by Marcel Amrhein, architect of ARKFORM. “The design of the campus places the environment centrally. It was important to us to create a building that grows out of the landscape and flows back into it. Combining different themes such as seminars, hotels, gastronomy, offices, auditorium and experience zone under one roof and yet separating them spatially was a special and unique challenge during the planning process as an architect.
Impressions of the opening of the Loxone Campus
A strong signal for the whole of Austria
But the opening of the Loxone Campus is not only a big moment for the company. “Loxone shows how innovation and vision can lead to impressive results,” said Martin Kocher, the Austrian Minister of Labor and Economy. “This campus sends a strong signal for Austria and gives a positive boost to our economy.”
Thomas Stelzer, Governor of Upper Austria, adds: “The Loxone Campus is not only a showcase for innovative technology, but also a milestone for tourism in Upper Austria. A place that inspires and will impress visitors from all over the world.”
Rüdiger Keinberger, CEO of Loxone: “For us, the campus is all about “Enjoy Inspiration”. We want to generate enthusiasm for the brand and our products. But the gastronomy with the Glorious Bastards concept, the hotel and the seminar center also serve as inspiration. And of course, we are proud to offer our dedicated employees the 'Best Workplace for Performers'. The campus combines the latest building automation with the natural beauty of the Mühlviertel, creating a harmonious balance between technology, nature and inspiring atmosphere. This not only promotes productivity, but also the creativity and well-being of our employees. “
A vision becomes reality
The welcoming of the guests at the opening took place in the heart of the new building: the auditorium. Inspired by the semi-circular, elevated shape of Italian market squares, it offers a breathtaking backdrop and at the same time views of the beautiful landscape of the Mühlviertel. The architecture meets the excellent acoustics and the excellent sound quality of the in-house sound solution Quadral. “From the beginning I knew that our campus had to have such a multifunctional space,” says Martin Öller. “Because it creates openness and liveliness – two important keys for inspiration.”
Behind the building complex is a vision that is deeply rooted in the company's DNA. The formulated goal of becoming a world leader requires strong industry partners. Because Loxone has always taken a direct sales approach. With a growing partner base, the need for a larger seminar location arose. The idea of a combined seminar, hotel and gastronomy complex was born – the seed for what has now become the Loxone Campus. So one thing led to another – arising from the needs of a thriving business.
Intelligent design and seminar hotel
The Loxone Campus Hotel offers a guest experience on different levels. The minimalist architecture of concrete, metal and wood provides tranquility. The digital experience is also subtle. It works in the background and creates a comfortable atmosphere thanks to Loxone building automation. The room welcomes guests with an inviting lighting atmosphere, a pleasant indoor climate and an individual choice of music. The intuitive and therefore simple operation of the room is an eye-opener for visitors and shows what comfort can look like. Concepts that Loxone's owners sought elsewhere in vain have also been implemented here. The result of this can be seen, for example, in the range of seminar lounges. The ideal place to retreat for important appointments, such as meetings or workshops in small groups, including a private garden and in-room dining.
The technology behind the vision
Visitors can see at a glance the innovation that is in every corner of the project. Thomas Moser: “But just like an iceberg, most people – if they see anything at all – only see the visible 15%: the hardware. The real power of Loxone, the other 85%, lies in our software. Because we see ourselves primarily as a software company.”
This has a very concrete advantage for users: Loxone solutions have been developed from practice and with an eye to the future. This means that Loxone improves and facilitates people's lives based on their needs. For example, the company redesigned the entire energy management during the construction of the campus. This now optimizes energy use not only on campus, but also in tens of thousands of other buildings. In fact, during the construction of the campus, Loxone newly developed hundreds of such software functions to optimally represent building processes.
The overall result also impresses experienced project developers. Erwin Soravia, CEO of Soravia Equity: “The Loxone Campus has impressed us because of its high innovative power. In our opinion, Loxone has created a blueprint for the working and living of the future.” Two examples of such details may clarify this: If a workplace at the head office remains unoccupied, the lighting color is dimmed from white to orange. This basic LED lighting saves 98% of the energy otherwise required. Of course, ventilation, heating and other systems also automatically adapt to the presence or absence of users. Or: In the gastronomic part of the campus, four different day parts have been identified, each requiring its own audio and lighting atmosphere. The atmosphere changes imperceptibly for the guests from relaxed morning sounds to energetic tones and atmospheric lighting in the evening – according to the motto: Concentrated work during the day, exuberant partying in the evening.
The Experience Zone offers deep insights
To evoke the image of the iceberg again: the entire campus shows what is possible on the surface – in the visible area – with Loxone technology. But another area takes visitors into the depths in a playful way, to the hidden part of Loxone: the Experience Zone. In this interactive environment, the technology and vision of the company are made tangible. Here visitors experience not only the technological expertise of the pioneer in smart building automation, but also the people and stories behind it. The Loxone Campus offers a 360-degree experience in all its facets. With this approach, it is establishing itself as a central hub for discovery and innovation – as the European epicenter for smart building automation.
Facts and figures about the Loxone Campus:
- Investment: 70 million euros
- Surface: 8 hectares (about 11 football fields)
- Construction time: 2.5 years
- Green roofs: 78% of the total surface area
- Photovoltaic installation: 600 kwP
- Electric car charging stations: 50 Loxone Wallboxes
- Energy saving: 40% compared to conventional buildings through smart building automation
- Seminar room: with more than 1,000 square meters, the seminar center offers nine bright, modernly equipped seminar rooms and two seminar suites
- Panoramic windows eliminate the separation between inside and outside
- Direct access to the extensive park, including seminar pavilion
- Auditorium: high-quality event location with 600 square meters of floor space
- Hotel: 80 rooms and two suites, including a 420 square meter wellness area
- Restaurant: lively concept
- Contrast program: the Glorious Bastards with 300 seats offers a balance after a long seminar day
- Storage and logistics center: 6,000 square meters
- Office capacity: 3,000 square meters with 300 workplaces
- Green area: more than 1,000 native trees and shrubs were planted, more than 3,000 tons of boulders were salvaged and rearranged during construction
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