REgenerative HouSe for heAlth (REHSA)
Austrian Research Promotion Agency
Project Duration: 01.12.2025 - 31.05.2027
About the project
Programme
KNS 24/26, KNS 24/26, Technologies and Innovations for the Climate-Neutral City 2025
Project coordination
Dipl. Ing. Andrea Redi
Project partners
- Danube Private University
- Technische Universität Graz
- Granit Umwelttechnik GmbH
- IWAP GmbH & Co KG
- Sautter ZT GmbH
- Green4Cities GmbH
- Institut für Verkehrspädagogik
Researchers involved at DPU
- Dr. Erich Kny
- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleber
- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Constantin von See
- Ass. Prof. Ciril Reiner-Rozman
Abstract
The REHSA project aims to develop an innovative, holistic clinic model that goes beyond classic sustainability standards. At the heart of this is a regenerative architecture and operating concept that not only works to conserve resources, but also actively influences health, the environment and society in a positive way. REHSA overcomes the limitations of traditional "green" hospitals by integrating regenerative design principles into planning, construction and operation, through active building envelopes that filter fine dust, generate energy and promote biodiversity, and through the integration of adaptive IT and medical technology for an intelligent, patient-centred environment. A circular material and energy concept (urban mining is realised to achieve water reuse and CO₂ minimisation. Human sciences are involved to design environments that promote healing.
Within 18 months, a validated overall concept for the construction and renovation of the LEECH private clinic in Graz will be developed. The aim is to produce a complete technological specification for a regenerative clinic of the future, including an architectural design, a business plan and a risk assessment. A complete concept for the utilisation of follow-up projects will be available. REHSA makes a concrete contribution to climate-neutral city development, combining ecological, economic and social sustainability and supporting the transformation of critical infrastructure in the healthcare sector into resilient, adaptive systems.
This exploratory study is being carried out by an experienced, interdisciplinary team from the fields of architecture, building physics, medicine, IT, environmental technology, mobility planning and psychology: TU Graz, DPU Krems, AiR – Architecture Initiates Regeneration, Granit Environmental Technology, Sautter ZT GmbH, Green4Cities, IVP and IWAP. There is a high potential for implementation due to the direct involvement of the client.