Austro Control researches timber construction for air traffic control infrastructure

Austro Control focuses on innovation when it comes to strengthening Austria as an aviation location. From the implementation of new technologies in air traffic control to airspace optimization with regard to climate-friendly flying and the integration of drones into the airspace. Research into the future use of alternative building materials such as wood for air traffic control infrastructure is another important step.

Operational towers play an important role in collecting data that is important for the safe handling of air traffic. Weather radar systems, for example, are well known for their distinctive, dome-like radome shape, which provides weather data for the creation of highly accurate aviation weather forecasts. But how can these sometimes conspicuous structures be integrated into the natural landscape in the best possible way? Would it be possible, for example, to use wood as a natural building material to design an operating tower in such a way that it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing? This question was the focus of the ideas competition “Timber-based operating tower - example of a weather radar system”, which was initiated by Austro Control in cooperation with proHolz and Holzcluster Salzburg.

As part of this competition, the participants were asked to develop designs for a tower-like timber construction that meets the functional requirements of a weather radar. The specification was a fictitious location with parameters for height, weight, rotation and function. Optionally, a publicly accessible visitor platform could be integrated into the design.

Eight teams, consisting of students from the HTL Hallein (specializing in timber construction and building trades) and students from the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (bachelor's and master's degrees with a specialization in timber construction), started the project development in November 2024 after a joint kick-off meeting at Austro Control in Salzburg.

On March 18, 2025, the designs were presented by the participants to an expert jury and then awarded prizes.
First place went to the project team from the construction trades school at HTL Hallein. Their design of a hyperboloid tower impressed the jury with its well thought-out construction, the arrangement of the functional equipment, the minimized maintenance requirements and the inviting staircase.

Michael Sanio, Regional Manager of Austro Control in Salzburg, was impressed by the results of the competition: “The quality of the projects submitted was outstanding. The projects have shown us that tower structures do not always have to be made of steel and concrete. Wood has many advantages and is in no way inferior to other materials in terms of functionality, stability and durability.”