A cutting-edge facility between the lake and the mountains
Designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, SQUARE at the University of St. Gallen is a landmark of sustainable design. An experiential learning hub, this spectacular structure was built using our sustainable building solutions.
Special ECOPact+ mixes for ceilings and some of the walls used local recycled aggregates as well as our ECOPlanet Susteno cement – to significantly reduce use of primary raw materials and lower the building’s carbon footprint.
Engineering the future of education
As an innovative hub for thinking, learning and working - SQUARE has set a new benchmark - both as a striking architectural icon and through its use of Holcim’s sustainable building solutions.
Local resources and energy-efficient design
Holcim’s ECOPact+ concrete contained local recycled aggregates, as well as ECOPlanet Susteno. We supplied these building solutions from our local ready-mix plant in St. Gallen, just 3 km away. SQUARE is also designed to minimize energy consumption and achieve a lower environmental footprint throughout its lifecycle.
Spotlight on new construction techniques
While SQUARE’s use of construction demolition materials marks it out as an icon of circular construction, its architectural design is also highly innovative. The building uses a hollow concrete system that achieves significant materials savings and improves the building’s seismic resilience.
Closing the material loop
Holcim’s sustainable building solutions ensured the durability, circularity and aesthetic appeal of this icon.
Our ECOPact+ concrete includes ECOPlanet Susteno, which was the first in Europe with up to 20% construction demolition materials inside, while locally recycled aggregates replaced natural gravel.
Images: Roland Halbe | @rolandhalbe | #rolandhalbe #rolandhalbephotography
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