IN WHITE PINE

Regional Identity

Context-sensitive and environmentally conscious construction was lost with modernism. Today, it is the new freestyle, especially when it comes to larger volumes. This is because not only do the requirements of economic efficiency and functionality have to be met, but often also marketing concerns that a company wants to express with its new location. In addition, every company headquarters is above all a place for users and guests to feel comfortable. So how did nbundm* architects proceed when they were commissioned by the Munich-based CADFEM Group to realise a new company headquarters with 3,050 square metres of office space in an industrial estate on the outskirts of the city? The aspects just mentioned were a matter of course for the planners when it came to contemporary architecture: the three-storey solid timber structure forms a “double star-shaped” volume, which both creates a characteristic identity and establishes a tangible relationship with the rural location and its regional construction method through its formwork in pre-greyed white pine.

The Atrium

The tension-inducing folding of the building’s course zones the site in the outdoor space, which offers an arrival area for seminar guests as well as a staff garden with children’s play equipment. The ground floor steps down in line with the slope of the terrain and provides space for the staff bistro and seminar area, each of which has a centrally positioned three-storey atrium – the lounge for guests is located in the east, the main staircase in the west, which provides access to the top of the building via intermediate landings with lounge areas. Further stairwells with lifts are located in the narrow sides. The office and meeting rooms of the complex, which are used by 180 employees, are arranged along the external areas, while other functions such as film studios, a lighting laboratory, the kitchen, a fitness room and the children’s room are sensibly distributed across the floor plans of the three floors.

What do you consider to be the key qualities of a good workplace?
Jan Bohnert (nbundm) and Christoph Müller (CADFEM): Comfort, atmosphere and light, places of balance, opportunities to retreat and meeting places are qualities and offerings that should also be reflected in the corporate philosophy.
Do you see any similarities in interior design for living and working?
Working from home blurs the boundaries between the home and the workplace. As a result, the future requirements for interior design are also converging.
Which functional aspects do you consider to be the most important in the future development of workspaces?
In future, workspaces will expand their functional spectrum in order to offer more than the home office. Satisfying the private needs and requirements of employees, such as childcare facilities, areas for sports activities or a lunch table in a pleasant atmosphere, will have a significant impact on the design of workspaces. In addition, good technical equipment for seamless and wireless connection to video conferences etc. will be indispensable.