Security Academy Training Center Absam - Tyrol

Proudly gazing at its reflection in the façades of its new neighbors, the historic Wiesenhof Chapel greets all visitors to the Security Academy Absam and offers an exclusive entrée before the obligatory security gates are passed.

A 3-meter-high enclosure surrounds the building complex of the newly renovated and expanded Training Center of the Security Academy at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains. In the area around the chapel, this barrier becomes lower — a 1.2-meter-high wall — and is complemented by an additional moat that provides the sacred structure with respectful distance and a dignified setting. Passing the chapel, the path leads to the forecourt and from there directly into the upper level of the three-story entrance hall, from where one immediately gains a good overview of the landscaped courtyard, the adjoining buildings, and their functions.

The entrance hall represents, in every respect, the heart of the entire complex. Both spatially and functionally, the transparent structure beneath its square roof provides a central place where the two distinct user groups — the “internal” BZS trainees and the “external” ETZ participants — are clearly separated. At the same time, the entrance building serves as both a horizontal and vertical link between the various buildings and outdoor areas.

Following the natural topography of the terrain, which slopes downward from north to south, the spatial sequence unfolds naturally. The level of the forecourt transitions barrier-free into the entrance hall, while at the lowest level of the central distribution building, one can directly access the inner courtyard.

The existing building and the two new structures enclose the courtyard and the centrally located entrance hall. The circular pathway through all areas ensures clear and simple orientation, while the flowing spatial continuum, with views in almost every direction, defines the coherent architectural concept.
The modest extension buildings — the southern one a narrow, elongated bar, the western one a compact cube — offer great value through their distinctive façade design of alternating floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels and fixed glazing. The generous opening of the sliding elements provides views into the forest and surrounding natural landscape; glass balustrades create a balcony-like effect. Light and air flow into the rooms, largely eliminating the need for air conditioning. The visible steel profiles between the floors add subtle depth and structure to the façades.

The eastern building, with its concrete base, references the existing structure and its typical precast concrete façade from the 1970s, whereas the southern wing is elevated on stilts, allowing the courtyard to flow seamlessly into the landscape. Both the courtyard and the area beneath the “floating” structure are dedicated to physical fitness. In harmony with a well-considered planting concept, the outdoor training areas are equipped with fitness equipment; seating steps lead to the running track and further into the landscape.

The students’ rooms are located in the existing building as well as in the southern wing, while the eastern cube houses the restaurant on the ground floor and lecture halls — adaptable with mobile partitions — on the upper floors. In the basement are the training facilities, including indoor shooting ranges.

Despite the high degree of transparency in the new buildings, an intelligent energy concept combining solar and photovoltaic power ensures energy-autonomous operation.