Power Tower, Linz

Architects: Weber & Hofer
Text: Eszter Götz
Photos: © austrianpsycho

One of the most outstanding programmes of the Spring Architectural Festival in March was the Zero CO2 conference now organized for the fourth time. This was the forum where László Szekér, the head of Renewable Resources in the Artificial Environment for a Sustainable Future MÉSZ-UIA-ARES working team presented the highest passive house in Europe: it is the building of Power Tower in Linz completed in 2008. Being the headquarter of the Austrian Energie AG in this town, it rises to a height of 74 metres with its 19 storeys. It is the highest office block in Europe and the very first highrise in the world which is energetically self-sufficient and thus rates as a passive house.