Timber Construction Expertise for Modern Administrative Architecture

With the development of the second administrative site of the Ostalbkreis District Office in Aalen, a contemporary timber-architecture complex is taking shape. It combines sustainability with functionality and demonstrates the potential of timber construction within the public sector.

The symbolic commencement for the two office buildings, which provides over 15,000 m² of usable floor area and are connected by a central foyer, took place in summer 2024. Once completed, more than 500 employees, primarily from the Department of Social Affairs, will benefit from this modern workplace.

Architecture & Timber-Concrete Hybrid Construction

The new district office reinvents the traditional perimeter block development and forms an open, transparent ensemble of pavilion-like structures. Two main buildings are linked by bridges and create a bright complex illuminated by internal courtyards.

Hybrid construction combining timber and concrete shapes the project:

• Ground floor, basement, stairwells, and bridges were built in reinforced concrete.
• Standard floors feature timber-concrete composite slabs supported by glued laminated timber columns made from spruce in visual quality.

This combination ensures structural reliability while offering a sustainable and functional solution for modern administrative buildings.

Innovation in Public Timber Construction

For the project, HASSLACHER group supplied around 215 m³ of block-glued glued laminated timber columns (glued laminated composite components) made from spruce in visual quality.
Production took place at the Hermagor site (HASSLACHER Holzbausysteme GmbH), a location with extensive expertise in load-bearing timber components and hybrid construction elements.

These columns serve as composite components for transferring vertical loads in multi-storey timber structures.

Technological Features

While standard glued laminated timber typically reaches widths of 240 mm, HASSLACHER group’s advanced finger-jointing technology enables special formats up to 280 mm, and for this project even 300 mm composite components manufactured according to EN 14080 using hydraulic presses. High pressing forces create thin adhesive joints that contribute to superior bond integrity.

The columns include glued-in threaded rods to ensure optimal force transfer between timber and steel components. Surfaces were treated with a glulam protection coating that maintains a natural appearance while providing hydrophobic and dirt‑repellent properties. CNC processing and planing technologies further enhanced dimensional accuracy and surface quality.

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

Sustainable energy supply solutions include:

• a photovoltaic system with a nominal output of 216 kW, and;
• connection to the district heating network of the city of Aalen, enabling CO₂‑neutral heat generation.

HASSLACHER group is proud to have contributed its timber construction expertise to this innovative project.