The GLUATNEST in Freistadt has been honored with the Upper Region Award, securing first place in the category “Business and Tourism.” The award affirms the path that INNOVAMETALL has taken with the comprehensive renovation and further development of the site: a living laboratory that demonstrates how sustainable construction, modern energy supply and innovative usage concepts can work together in practice.
In the category “Cooperation & Teamwork,” the joint project ORBYX achieved second place. The award ceremony took place on 5 November 2025 at the Messezentrum Wels.
The site — the former agricultural school in Freistadt — has been completely renewed and architecturally expanded. The structural extension created a significant increase in usable space and laid the foundation for future development possibilities. The focus of the renovation was not only on modernizing the building structure, but above all on the question of how energy can be used as resource-efficiently as possible. The facility has been equipped with a climate-friendly energy concept that places renewable sources at the forefront and forms the basis for long-term efficient operations.
Today, the GLUATNEST already serves as the central hub for INNOVAMETALL’s entrepreneurial activities. At the same time, it is gradually developing into a real-world laboratory where forward-looking solutions are tested and advanced. Over the coming years, additional functions are planned, including a coworking area, a childcare facility, and spaces for tourism and scientific use. This will create a place in Freistadt where working, researching, developing and regional value creation are closely interconnected.
For the jury of the Upper Region Award, this long-term perspective was a decisive factor. The GLUATNEST demonstrates exemplarily how an existing building can be transformed into a modern, sustainable and multifunctional location while creating space for both economic and societal future topics.
“For us, the GLUATNEST is not a finished project, but a site that will continue to evolve. The award confirms our path and gives us momentum to take the next steps with determination. We want to show how sustainable energy supply, modern work environments and innovative ideas can grow together in one place — and how this can lead to solutions that have an impact far beyond the region.”
— Klaus Pichlbauer, CEO INNOVAMETALL
With the award, not only the renovation project is recognized, but also the broader vision that INNOVAMETALL is pursuing for the region: creating a vibrant innovation environment that brings together businesses, researchers, creatives and the wider community. In the coming years, the GLUATNEST is set to evolve into an open, versatile place of the future that generates new impulses and strengthens regional development in a sustainable way.
Photos: © Die Pelzls/Cityfoto
