Golfers Can Tee Off on This Zero-Energy Clubhouse’s Green Roof

Even the most die-hard environmentalists can play a guilt-free round of golf at the St. Oswald Golf Club in Austria - and technically, they can also tee off on its roof! Designed by <a href="http://www.xarchitekten.at/">X Architekten</a>, the clubhouse at hole 19 is nestled into the surrounding hilly landscape and topped with a beautiful green roof that extends to the driving range, and the whole complex is maintained without harmful chemicals. The building itself also utilizes impressive technologies to harvest excess thermal energy which is then re-used to keep the bar and restaurant toasty when outdoor temperatures plummet. Unlike the elitist clubs of old that were reserved for snooty high-rankers, St. Oswald is an unusual establishment that welcomes green-minded golfers to an open, environmentally-friendly range.

The St. Oswald Golf Club is chiseled into the surrounding landscape

The green roof provides insulation

The landscaped roof also extends as far as the driving range

No pesticides are used to maintain the greens.

A heat exchanger systems ensures that the clubhouse wastes zero energy.

Hot air is taken from the restaurant's kitchen and filtered to a hypocaust.

The hypocaust uses the hot air to heat the bar and restaurant.

Unlike the golf courses of old, St. Oswald is comfortable for even the greenest outdoors people!