A new production facility for Alginure GmbH & Co. KG, a Schaumann Group company (Huelsenberg Holding, Pinneberg), is being built in Taufkirchen an der Trattnach, Upper Austria. The Graz engineering firm Lorenz Consult is acting as the general planner for this venture, responsible for implementing all service phases and specialist areas. The project's goal is the production of algae-based preparations intended for use in nutrient-optimised arable and plant cultivation. The plant is slated for completion by the end of 2027.
The complex comprises a production and storage hall, necessary silo facilities, and a separate office and social building. The gross floor area of the entire complex will be approximately 2,250 square metres, with a gross cubic content of around 28,100 cubic metres. Within the hall, infrastructure for the production of liquid, algae-based preparations will be installed, supplemented by associated storage and silo areas. Administrative and staff areas are concentrated in the office and social building. The building design allows for future expandability to accommodate anticipated growth in production requirements. According to Martin Priehse, head of Lorenz Consult's Munich office and the project manager, this was an integral part of the concept from the early planning stages.
Specific Requirements due to Ground Conditions
A significant challenge for the construction project's realisation is posed by the ground conditions. These are characterised by low bearing capacity, a high groundwater level, and limited infiltration capability. Additionally, the site is located in a flood zone. To address these conditions, Lorenz Consult, in collaboration with specialist planners for geology and hydrology and the relevant Upper Austrian authorities, developed a comprehensive concept. This addresses surface drainage, flood protection, and groundwater protection from potential contamination. The necessary ground improvement is also being carried out preventively on future expansion areas, which is expected to reduce subsequent interventions, construction times, and costs.
The plant's technical equipment is designed for efficiency. Provisions for the subsequent installation of a photovoltaic system have been fully made. Electric drive technologies will be used for intralogistics; this includes electric forklifts and electrically operated shuttle systems for rack operation, contributing to emission reduction. The necessary charging infrastructure is integrated into the overall concept. Another feature is the multi-storey, partially automated machine setup on a steel platform structure, which is intended to enable compact space utilisation and short material paths.
Continuous Collaboration and Planning Methodology
Lorenz Consult and the Schaumann Group share a long-standing partnership in planning coordination, which has already resulted in various projects in Germany and Austria, including sites in Feuchtwangen, Eilsleben, and for Lactosan in Austria. Christian Kaspras, Head of Group Technology at Huelsenberg Holding, emphasised that the current project in Taufkirchen, due to its specific requirements, places particular demands on planning, coordination, and implementation. The proven collaboration with Lorenz Consult is considered a reliable basis for this, as it encompasses professional quality, continuity, and a shared understanding of project goals.
For the construction in Taufkirchen, Lorenz Consult is utilising an established network of partners. Planning is carried out using the BIM methodology, where all components of the building services engineering (TGA) are coordinated in a shared 3D model. This approach allows for the early identification and resolution of planning conflicts, thereby avoiding rework in later project phases. A forward-looking tendering strategy and close collaboration among project participants enabled a construction start three weeks ahead of the originally scheduled date in this case. This ensures sufficient time for the completion of the shell construction before winter and allows for interior fit-out throughout the winter months.
