SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 15, 2024 – The European Handball Federation (EHF) has inaugurated its new headquarters, the "European Handball House," in Vienna, Austria. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a central hub for the development and promotion of handball across Europe.
A New Era for European Handball
The opening of the European Handball House marks a significant milestone for the EHF, providing a modern and collaborative workspace for the organization and its member federations. The building, located in Neu Marx in Vienna's third district, was officially opened on December 15th with a ceremony attended by over 400 guests.
Designed for Collaboration and Sustainability
The 5,700-square-meter facility features office spaces for up to 120 employees, a 250-square-meter auditorium, multiple meeting rooms, and a dedicated TV studio. The building has been designed to foster collaboration and communication, with open workspaces and communal areas.
"We have incorporated a lot of open spaces to strengthen the cooperation between our departments," says EHF Secretary General Martin Hausleitner. "However, we have also created areas for focus and concentration... With small kitchens and open meeting areas, we have created areas to foster communication between employees. The entire design is aimed at strengthening the workflows, the communication and the relationship between employees."
In addition to its focus on collaboration, the European Handball House is also committed to sustainability. The building utilizes cutting-edge technologies to minimize its environmental impact, including:
- Geothermal heating and cooling: Utilizing thermal groundwater for energy-efficient temperature regulation.
- Solar power generation: Photovoltaic pergolas provide clean energy and shade.
- Heat recovery systems: Optimizing energy usage throughout the building.
These features have earned the building the gold standard "klimaaktiv" certificate from the Austrian government, recognizing its energy efficiency and ecological quality.
A Hub for International Cooperation
The European Handball House will serve as a central meeting point for the EHF, its 50 member federations, and the more than 350 clubs participating in European Cup competitions. The facility will host meetings, conferences, and events that will shape the future of handball in Europe.
"With the 'European Handball House', we are entering a new era and creating a place for the continuous development of European handball," says EHF President Michael Wiederer. "This house is more than a workplace; it is a meeting ground where the European handball family and its stakeholders unite. Its elegant yet highly functional design ensures an inspiring environment, ideal for hosting meetings, conferences, and essential discussions that will shape the future of our sport. At the same time, it is a strong commitment to Vienna with its excellent accessibility and international flair as the ‘place to be’ for the EHF.”
Partners in Development
The EHF partnered with real estate developer Raiffeisen Property Holding International (RPHI) and Austrian construction company Strabag to realize the European Handball House project. The architectural firm Burtscher-Durig ZT GmbH was responsible for the building's design.
Karl-Maria Pfeffer, CEO of RPHI, highlighted the project's positive impact on the Neu Marx district. "The 'European Handball House' combines first-class office space with contemporary design and innovative thermal building activation," he says. "It creates an inspiring working environment for international teams and at the same time contributes to the upgrade of the entire area. This project is an important step in our mission to create office space with an international appeal that offers a high-quality of life through modern architecture and future-proof technologies.”
The Future of European Handball
The European Handball House represents a significant investment in the future of handball in Europe. The facility provides a state-of-the-art platform for the EHF to promote the sport, support its member federations, and organize world-class competitions.