The challenge of this project was to provide the Client (a worldwide operating firm specialized in furniture design and production) with an extension of the existing headquarters which also had the tasks to provide a contemporary high quality workplace and to enhance the company’s corporate image.
Prj X-42, North facade
Photo by X-TERN architects © 2012 X-TERN architects+urban planners. Published on April 17, 2014.
Glass-Tunnel_The entire design solution focuses around a central foyer (codename: glass-tunnel) which connects an existing pavilion (now transformed into a wide showroom, codename: Musterhalle) to the brand new offices and the existing headquarters’ buildings.
Inside the Glass-Tunnel
Photo by X-TERN architects © 2012 X-TERN architects+urban planners. Published on April 17, 2014.
The glass-tunnel has become a symbolic and physical gathering space for the personnel; a venue for memorable events, celebrations, and exhibitions. This space marks comings and goings, the beginning and the end of each working day. Along with the outside new courtyard, it also works as a scenic background for conversations and mutual exchange of experience between old and young personnel during coffee breaks. On the east and the west side two wide glazed surfaces lets natural light in and soften the feeling of being inside a building.
The Glass-Tunnel, looking east
Photo by X-TERN architects © 2012 X-TERN architects+urban planners. Published on April 17, 2014.
Roof extension_The new offices_ Another challenge during the design process was the connection of the different floor levels of the existing south, east and west buildings into the new office wing, which had also to share the same roof slope with the existing south pavilion to create a single mixed-use volume.
The new office area on 2nd floor, looking north
Photo by X-TERN architects © 2012 X-TERN architects+urban planners. Published on April 17, 2014.
Drawings credits: © 2013 X-TERN architects+urban planners