Gleinstätten castle, situated directly on the banks of Sulm River in Styria, was built between 1556 and 1770. After various kinds of utilization and changing owners in the 20th century, the castle was in disastrous condition and was just short of being demolished. From 1975 on, plans were being made to build an elementary school there, with the "Revitalisation of Gleinstätten Castle School" drive leading to a complete renovation of the building.
Apart from the elementary school, the castle today accommodates a special school, a kindergarten, the community library and the local authority, with in the now roofed inner courtyard regularly taking place cultural events. Under the lead of the architects group "Team A Graz", the symbiosis between old castle and modern school has succeeded in an exemplary manner.
Because of the vicinity to the Trans-Austrian gas pipeline, decision-makers were quick to choose gas heating. All rooms in permanent use, and also the inner courtyard were equipped with MULTIBETON underfloor heating on a total area of 2,000 square metres. Tiles, parquet and fitted carpets were used as floor covering. The MULTIBETON partner, Hofstätter GmbH from Graz, was able to put into operation the heating system as early as at the end of 1977, with the revitalisation having been completed in 1979.
