Energie Steiermark's E-Campus in Graz is an impressive training centre for green energy. The canteen forms the social heart of the centre. The light-flooded room, characterised by views to the outside and a multifaceted zoning of the dining areas, is both a meeting place and a place of retreat.
In the canteen, a place of lively communication, room acoustics play a decisive role. Sounds such as clattering tableware or chairs being moved are reflected by reverberant surfaces and lead to increased noise pollution. To nonetheless create a relaxing atmosphere, a system that harmoniously combines acoustics and light was developed with Design Studio zweithaler. The deliberate use of the colour green has a calming effect.
The aim was to create a flexible system using the simplest possible building blocks that could be adapted to different spatial situations. The result is a visually appealing vertical and horizontal acoustic baffle system made of high-quality materials that is mounted between suspended tracks, creating additional space for lighting: Desk-specific spotlights are suspended between two horizontal baffles, while the cable of decorative suspended luminaires can run in the shadow gap of a vertical baffle.
In the serving area, the horizontal acoustic elements serve as a mounting surface for large round luminaires and merge harmoniously from the ceiling into the wall panelling, significantly improving the room’s acoustics. The E-Campus perfectly combines design, acoustics, and lighting with all the technical refinements.
Benjamin and Markus Pernthaler, design studio zweithaler
Founded in 2016 by Benjamin and Markus Pernthaler, the design studio combines experience in product development, design and architecture. Their work, including consumer goods, furniture and lighting, focuses on authentic solutions in terms of production and user-friendliness.
Photographer: Kurt Kuball
Product design acoustic system: design studio zweithaler
Architecture: Markus Pernthaler Architekten
