The Trepka Prefabricated Concrete showcases its products on-site, with factory walls constructed by the company, displaying various finishes and coloured concrete samples.
Inside the production halls, timber formwork is assembled into molds, reinforcement meshes are bent and welded from rebar by a large scale machine, concrete is poured into finished wall elements and the whole process is repeated as many times as an order demands. Everything following this sequence is resolved inside the hall so that assembly on site becomes quick and simple.
Beyond slabs and facade elements, the assembly lines produce small structures, transformer stations cast and finished as single unit buildings, ready for direct placement on site. The visit to an active construction site of their new hall showed the logic at full scale, with prefabricated elements falling right into place.
For students, it was a rare chance to see prefabrication as a full process, from rebar through prefabricated pieces to the finished building.
During the visit to Stahlbau Schmidt students explored the processes and manufacturing interiors behind steel fabrication within a company shaped by more than 120 years of family tradition. The excursion combined the technical production methods and the architectural adaptation of the industrial complex itself.
Moving through production halls, the group observed workers cutting steel sheets, welding profiles, and bending steel plates into refined forms. The secret shared to us by the company was a waterjet cutting system, which uses a high-pressure mixture of water and sand to precisely cut steel plates and profiles. Students heard about large-scale fabrication processes associated with bridge engineering as well as re-use of existing steel components.
Besides the manufacturing processes, the visit revealed the architectural layering of the site. The adapted industrial halls combined contemporary machinery and new roof structures with integrated solar panels, with preserved elements of the original timber construction, still visible from the interior. The excursion emphasized the relationship between industrial heritage, technological innovation, and the material realities of steel construction.
As a part of the Building Construction Practice excursion series, students had the opportunity to observe glass fabrication at Glas Berger, gaining insight into how flat glass takes the shape of architectural elements. Moving through the production hall, the group observed a sequence of workstations and engaged with staff responsible for each stage of the manufacturing process.
Between the paths of the automated handling system transporting substantial glass and mirror panels across the hall, each station revealed a different stage of the glass production process: cutting, edge beveling, surface laser engraving, and printing. A key highlight was the high-temperature processing line, where glass is thermally treated to bend or increase structural strength. The final stages included glass laminating, achieving the final resistance to the most adverse conditions.
The excursion offered a clearer insight into how fabrication processes relate to the final product, clarifying how constraints and opportunities in production influence material results.
Students recently took part in an excursion to Kartause Mauerbach, one of Austria’s most significant sites dedicated to architectural heritage and conservation. The visit offered an in-depth introduction to the former Carthusian monastery, allowing participants to explore its historical evolution, spatial structure, and transformation over time.
A central focus of the excursion was the materials collection housed on site, where students were introduced to a wide range of historic building components and traditional construction materials preserved for research, restoration, and reuse in conservation projects.
Guided through the extensive complex, students gained insight into the principles of monument preservation and the practical realities of conserving a large-scale historic ensemble. Particular attention was given to restoration methods applied on site, traditional construction techniques, and the careful balance between preservation, reuse, and ongoing maintenance.
Experts working at Kartause Mauerbach shared their experience with current conservation projects, discussing both technical challenges and long-term strategies involved in safeguarding cultural heritage. The excursion provided a valuable opportunity to observe how architectural history, craftsmanship, and contemporary conservation practice come together in a real-world context.
During the visit to Lehner Beton, students had the opportunity to observe concrete production up close — from raw material handling to mixing, formwork, and curing processes. Touring the batching plant and production lines, they followed the journey of concrete from aggregate storage through automated mixing systems to final shaping in various moulds.
Company representatives explained the technical aspects of concrete composition, discussed innovations in sustainable mix design, and addressed quality control standards in prefabrication. Students also saw a range of concrete elements in different stages of production, gaining insight into both structural and architectural applications.
The visit offered a clear view into the scale, efficiency, and precision required to produce one of the most widely used materials in construction — reinforcing its central role in contemporary building practice.
At Stahlbau Schmidt, students were introduced to the world of industrial steel construction through a behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s production facilities. Moving through the large-scale workshops, they observed how raw steel elements are transformed into precise structural components using advanced cutting, welding, and assembly technologies.
The company team offered insights into the integration of digital planning and fabrication, highlighting how 3D models guide each step of production. From observing robotic machinery in action to understanding logistical planning for transport and on-site assembly, the visit shed light on the practical challenges and innovations that shape contemporary steel architecture.
This hands-on experience emphasized the importance of accuracy, coordination, and material know-how in executing complex steel structures.
Students had the opportunity to visit Hartsteinwerk Loja Betriebs GmbH, a major site for the extraction and processing of natural hard stone. The excursion began with a guided tour through the quarry, where students observed the various stages of stone extraction and gained insight into the geological characteristics of the material.
The visit continued with an in-depth look at the processing facilities, including crushing, screening, and grading operations. Company specialists provided detailed explanations of the technologies involved and the quality control measures implemented throughout the production process.
The experience offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the scale and complexity of natural stone production, highlighting both technical precision and environmental considerations in contemporary quarry operations.
