Large Heat Pump Vienna Simmering

The Vienna Simmering large-scale heat pump is a pioneering infrastructure project that is playing a key role in shaping the transformation of urban energy systems. As part of the strategic decarbonisation of the City of Vienna’s district heating supply, the plant utilises previously untapped sources of waste heat and converts them into usable heating energy using state-of-the-art heat pump technology.

Set within the context of the Simmering power station site, the plant develops a distinctive, contemporary design language. The machine hall, which houses the large-scale heat pump, combines technical function with architectural expression as a contemporary industrial building. A clear structural framework is enveloped by a cladding of aluminium panels, whilst translucent LINIT©EcoGlass profiled glass characterises the large-scale end walls and lends the building a light, almost immaterial effect. Through the fanned-out north-east side, the façade develops a distinct architectural identity – no two sides of the building are alike.

A key design element is the play of light on glass. Water in a front-facing basin creates light reflections that appear as moving patterns on the glass façade. In addition, built-in LEDs can be used to display lettering on the main façade. In this way, the transformation process taking place inside the building is projected outwards:

WASTEWATER - DIRT = WATER + ENERGY.