Temporary kitchen for an existing dining hall
Engel, the global leader in polymer injection molding machines, expanded its headquarters in Schwertberg, Austria, by adding new production halls. During this expansion, the existing kitchen and buffet line serving 900 guests daily were replaced with a temporary kitchen.
DATA FACTS
Operational duration: 12 months
900 lunches with 3 menu options
Kitchen facilities: cooling, storage, cooking, roasting, ventilation, dishwashing, changing rooms
Buffet line/food distribution
Climate-controlled lightweight hall
Services provided: planning, hygiene management, execution
Support: 24-hour hotline
HIGHLIGHTS
Direct connection to the dining hall
Integration with the fire alarm system
Protection of the company landmark
Usage of existing buildings
The existing kitchen and food distribution had to be relocated during the construction phase, while the dining hall remained in use. Telia constructed a temporary kitchen with all necessary ancillary functions and a buffet line in a lightweight hall with direct access to the dining hall. This setup ensured that the approximately 900 daily lunch guests continued to be served as usual, despite the nearby construction.
Integration with the fire alarm system
For kitchen and tent or hall constructions, Telia exclusively uses fire-resistant (Classification B1) or non-combustible (A1) materials. Given the proximity of the temporary kitchen to ongoing construction and production, fire protection was a primary concern during planning. The lightweight hall was designed as a separate fire compartment, with fire safety measures implemented at the transition to the dining hall, including designated escape routes. Additionally, the temporary kitchen was integrated into the site’s fire alarm system.
Protection of the company landmark
The required placement of the temporary kitchen conflicted with a landmark from the company’s founding era. Relocating the gingerbread tree—a symbol of growth and sustainability—was not an option. To accommodate the tree’s position, the lightweight hall was extensively modified and adjusted to fit the tree’s location. This approach ensured that the construction phase did not impact the landmark.
“Ventilation and fire protection are essential for planning and approval. Temporary kitchens are treated like built-in kitchens in this regard.” – Norbert Friedl, Telia CEO
