salzburg local railway depot

architectural concept
the phase 1 program is implemented in the northeast part of the site, providing the strategic advantage of allowing all three future construction phases to expand westward. this positioning ensures simplified construction logistics, reduced interface work, and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. the compact layout with optimized functional connections – from delivery to storage, workshops, and service bays – minimizes intervention in the natural landscape and ensures full compliance with environmental protection requirements.

the new gemeindestraße is slightly shifted northwards to maximize the distance from the protected tree avenue. towards the avenue, the building concludes with an inclined, ground-connected “green wall,” eliminating the need for the originally planned screening hedge along the eastern edge.

the generous delivery zone is located north of the storage areas, maintaining a respectful distance from the conservation area. designed for logistics efficiency, articulated trucks can turn within the site. the sequence of functions enables short, direct, and efficient routes between storage, workshops, and service bays across both levels. a wide canopy over the delivery area, bicycle parking, and main entrance provides shelter from the weather and shade during summer months.

the administrative zone is centrally positioned, ensuring optimal visibility and communication between workshops and service areas. all operational offices are directly adjacent to the workshops. visual connections between administration, social rooms, and workshop zones create a central communication hub that serves as the interface between internal operations and the external environment. the strategic placement of the siding allows the preservation of the western natural areas until the beginning of phase 2, at which point the track will be integrated into the halls of the second construction phase.

material concept
the structure is designed as a lightweight steel–timber hybrid. closed façade sections are clad in timber, while transparent areas are glazed with either clear or semi-transparent channel glass to optimize daylight distribution. north-facing roof sheds provide glare-free light for the workshops. towards the tree avenue, the building is screened by a sloped, vegetated wall. roofs are equipped with extensive green layers and photovoltaic panels on the south-oriented shed roofs.

open space concept
the design of the project area is strongly guided by environmental protection and landscape conservation principles, emphasizing diversity, character, beauty, ecological balance, and sustainability. the objective is to preserve and enhance the site’s biotope diversity and the range of plant and animal species. the unique landscape identity, shaped by the pleistocene salzach glacier, the salzburg lake, and the weitwörth avenue, is maintained by preserving key sightlines. potential impacts on the ecosystem are minimized through targeted protection, mitigation, and compensation measures. the preservation of natural regeneration on site ensures long-term ecological sustainability.

workshop planning
centrally located maintenance bays are equipped with overhead bridge cranes, roof work platforms, and inspection pits to accommodate both heavy and light maintenance. the mobiturn lathe for wheelset machining is positioned in line with bay d of the heavy maintenance zone, housed in a dust-protected room. after vehicles are raised on mobile lifting jacks, the mobiturn unit with its chip container can be positioned directly beneath the vehicles.
technical and electrical service rooms are arranged along the eastern façade. the open workshop area – comprising the wheelset, bogie, and mechanical workshops – connects directly to the main hall. specialized workshops for electromechanics, electrical systems, battery maintenance, carpentry, upholstery, and glazing are organized adjacent to the main workshop, each with direct access.
storage areas are located north of the workshop zone. the consignment warehouse forms a distinct, separated unit. deliveries of large components – such as wheels, bogies, and crane elements – and consumables are handled via a covered loading ramp in the northwest corner. materials are distributed from the main warehouse to dedicated storage for hazardous substances, oils, and special tools. material flow between storage, workshops, and work bays follows a direct, linear route on both levels. upper-level storage and kardex systems are connected via a walkway to the roof work platforms.
the arrangement of work bays and storage racks ensures unobstructed forklift circulation from the warehouse into the workshop zones, while maintaining direct access to operational routes and daily supply areas.
the administrative and social areas are located along the western side of the workshop, extending across two floors. workshop-related offices – including workshop management and materials/logistics – are positioned on the ground floor with direct access and visual connection to the hall.