PREFA dressed the Vienna University of Economics

At the end of last year, a new architectural symbol of Vienna was opened – the campus of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien). On the largest university campus in Europe, a third of the buildings were clad in PREFA Reynobond aluminum composite panels, creating a striking combination with the glass façade.



Several world-renowned architectural firms worked on the building designs. The Spanish architectural office NO.MAD Arquitectos from Madrid was responsible for the sketches. The realization was handled by the Viennese company Vasko + Partner Ingenieure in collaboration with DI Reinhard Muxel.

Unusual color combined with technological advancement
PREFA has already accomplished many interesting architectural pieces. “However, the administrative building of the campus was a particular challenge. Appearance and ecological and economic sustainability were a priority for the architects. Therefore, the choice of façade material ultimately fell on light large-format aluminum panels PREFA Reynobond, executed in a non-standard color with a special gloss level. The resulting optical effects are very impressive; the entire façade reflects not only the sky but also the surrounding nature. The building thus harmonizes perfectly with its environment,” describes PREFA designer Micheal Bayr.

Optical effects were achieved through two crucial elements: special façade construction and special color. Usually, Reynobond aluminum composite panels are riveted or screwed to the lower grid. In this case, a cassette version was chosen. A total of 400 cassettes were produced, with the largest measuring 4.0 x 1.2 meters. “Only through such a sophisticated system could the specific appearance of the building be achieved. Each individual cassette was specially cut, milled, and ultimately installed on the structure, flush with the windows. Without a doubt, this is one of PREFA's most ambitious projects in Austria,” adds Bayr.

A specific challenge was also the selection and processing of the non-standard color. “Together with the structural architects of NO.MAD, we were looking for a surface treatment that would match the remaining glass and reflective surfaces of the building in terms of gloss level. The requirement was to maintain this gloss even with usual façade pollution. After many tests, we opted for the special color ‘tiefschwarz RAL 9005’ with a 50% gloss level,” states architect Reinhard Muxel.

The Japanese architect also chose PREFA
The building of Japanese architect Hitoshi Abe, Sendai, the so-called service building, is the second of a total of six objects that were created with the help of Reynobond aluminum composite panels. “For this building, we selected from PREFA's standard colors. Rounded black and white composite panels were ultimately placed in a vertical orientation,” notes Bayr, who also refers to the third building with PREFA façade right next to the university campus. “A few years ago, we also clad the Vienna Congress Hotel with aluminum panels in the Prater.”

Ecology and maintenance-free features in the foreground
Not only is the aesthetic line of the façade with its optical effects on both buildings impressive, but economic and environmental principles were also combined here. The main priority was to minimize life cycle costs and ensure high durability of the chosen structure and materials. “Our products scored points due to their robustness, corrosion resistance, lightweight, resistance to all weather conditions, and creative usability,” says PREFA advisor Michael Bayr. “In total, we covered approximately 4500 m2 of façade on both six-story buildings,” specifies Bayr.

Aluminum composite panels are 4 mm thick and suitable for both interior and exterior use. They can be installed on flat or curved substrates. Each panel consists of a 3 mm thick polyethylene core with a protective film and two 0.5 mm aluminum sheets with high-quality two-layer baked enamel.

Product range of PREFA Reynobond – composite panels
Brief description: Reynobond aluminum composite panels are suitable for interior applications as well as for façade design solutions. They can be applied to both new constructions and renovations. Its advantages include the ability to conduct large-scale implementations that require special demands on flatness and rigidity.
Material: panels made of 3 mm thick polyethylene core with protective film and two 0.5 mm aluminum sheets with high-quality two-layer baked enamel.
Dimensions: thickness: 4 mm, width: 1500 mm, length: 4010 mm – other dimensions on request
Temperature resistance: from -50 °C to +80 °C
Cleaning: with high-pressure water, sponge, or brush
Colors: in addition to standard, special colors and gloss levels available on request from 500 m2 (all RAL, NCS colors)