Innovative Fassadenlösungen für Energieeffizienz, Witterungsbeständigkeit und Kommunikation
Challenge
The facade of Kunsthaus Graz is composed of large-format, translucent acrylic panels (maximum 2.8 × 2 m, approximately 300 kg), which serve as both a design element and a carrier for a media-playable facade. Beneath the panels, there is a waterproof membrane and a lighting infrastructure with neon tubes.
This facade system is technically outdated, requires intensive maintenance. Due to the significant weight and the height at which the panels are installed, the use of specialized work platforms is necessary for any dismantling and installation work. This leads to considerable expenses and time requirements for repairs, the replacement of light sources, and maintenance of the facade. Furthermore, the panels require a complex external fire protection and extinguishing system, the maintenance of which is also costly.
The functional separation between the facade and the protective membrane (building cladding) presents another weakness. The membrane used for waterproofing has deteriorated over the years, resulting in more frequent maintenance and an elevated risk of moisture damage.
The current facade regulates the indoor climate inadequately and thus does not meet the thermal requirements. Maintaining the ideal climate conditions (controlled climate) within the building is particularly expensive.
There is an additional need for action concerning the lighting technology: The distribution of neon tubes has been discontinued throughout the EU. The existing stock will only last a few more years, making a technological change for the multimedia facade absolutely essential.
Question
Desired result
The aim of this IÖB-innovation challenge is to discover innovative solutions for the facade construction and/or membrane of the Kunsthaus that are both technically mature and experimental, as well as economically viable in the long term. Both market-ready products and research concepts are sought to replace the existing facade functionally and technologically, without altering its external appearance or geometry – non-visible constructive optimisations are permitted.
The solution should significantly reduce the current high cost for installation, dismantling, maintenance and servicing, while simultaneously maintaining or increasing operational safety. A robust, weather-resistant and durable solution is sought, which enables a service life of at least 20 years and is associated with low ongoing costs.
Another key objective is the functional improvement of the roof membrane. It should be permanently waterproof and could possibly feature self-sealing in order to minimize susceptibility to leaks or other integrated additional properties, such as energy generation or lighting, Companies have the opportunity to submit individual solutions that for the facade and the weatherproof layer or combine both functions into an integrated system.
Furthermore, innovative approaches to improving the building's energy efficiency should be considered. This particularly includes measures to reduce cooling and heating requirements, improve heat protection in summer, and—where technically sensible—the integration of energy generation or energy-relevant additional functions into the facade solution. It should be noted that the facade elements must not exceed the weight of the currently used solution in order to ensure compatibility with the existing structure. Information on the current solution can be found in the documentation attached.
The ability to use the building facade for media purposes is considered an essential part of the solution and must allow for communicative, multimedia use (dynamic display). It should replace the outdated neon lighting with a future-proof, durable and low-maintenance technology.
In addition, sustainability is important. This should be reflected in the selection of durable, resource-efficient materials wherever possible, a positive environmental balance, and—where available—corresponding evidence or certifications while taking the weight limitations into consideration.
Non-goals:
• New construction as well as fundamental changes to the existing building shape, facade geometry, or the architectural and artistic style
• Solutions with a service life significantly less than 20 years
• Use of highly flammable materials or systems with increased requirements for fire protection and maintenance
• Increase in energy consumption or deterioration of the building’s energy and climate performance
• Solutions with maintenance intervals of less than 3–5 years and ongoing operating costs
• Lack of compatibility with the existing substructure
Call for submissions
Companies, start-ups, and research institutions are invited to submit their concepts, prototypes, or solution approaches. Please provide a brief description of the solution, costs (including both procurement and maintenance costs), compatibility and sustainability, as well as initial indications regarding technical feasibility.
Companies submit their entries by 10 June 2026 via the online form:
Description:
The focus of the description should correspond to the evaluation criteria. Convince with clear use cases and references.
Summary of Added Value:
Highlight your unique selling proposition and key advantages! What makes your solution especially innovative? What distinguishes it?
Confidential Information (for the jury only):
This information can be submitted confidentially via the platform.
You can enter additional information in this text field that you wish to share exclusively with the project managers. Alternatively, you may send a PDF via email to the moderators of the challenge.
Additionally, a cover image is required. This will be your visual showcase in the overview of submissions for this challenge.
Optionally, you may also attach a file. This file should supplement the text in the form fields, but not replace or repeat it! Use the attachment, for example, for graphics.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : Submissions in consortium are possible. Please keep it brief (guideline: max 10-12 presentation slides or 4-5 DIN A4 pages). This challenge is part of a market exploration, so it is not necessary to prepare drafts or feasibility studies specifically for this occasion.
Benefits of the challenge and further project development
With this challenge, Kunsthaus Graz gains an overview of potential solutions and possible partners. The jury, comprised of internal experts, will then invite those companies to an innovation dialogue on 07 July 2026 whose solutions stand out particularly well according to the evaluation criteria.
For companies, this means: By participating in the challenge, you will come onto the radar of the public contracting authority. Your submission will remain visible as your business card for other interested parties even after the challenge has ended. You position yourself for future procurement projects with the public sector. If you are among the winners of the challenge and are invited to the final innovation dialogue, you can present your solution during a market discussion and exchange ideas directly with the project managers.
This process creates awareness and understanding for suitable innovations on the part of the public contracting authority. This is important so that, after the market exploration, the public contracting authority can take innovative approaches into account in any subsequent procurement project in accordance with public procurement law.
Legal Notice from the Sponsor:
It should be noted that Kunsthaus Graz is subject to the Austrian procurement law. This market exploration expressly does not constitute a procurement procedure within the meaning of the BVergG in its current version, but is intended solely as a form of an IÖB-market exploration and serves only as a preliminary stage for a future procurement, applying any relevant procurement guidelines and the BVergG.
Participation in this process does not confer any legal entitlement to take part in future award or procurement procedures!
Depending on the results, the further project plan foresees the following:
As part of this market exploration, Kunsthaus Graz aims to learn about new solution approaches in order to consider innovative concepts in future projects. The implementation of pilot projects to test these innovative approaches is also possible.
Files & Info
Do you have the right solution?
Then submit!
Questions about the challenge
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