BUSSTOP

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

An old bus garage has been transformed into the new headquarters of facade specialist Rieder in Maishofen, Austria. The ‘Rieder Campus glemm21’ reuse concept, developed and implemented by Architektur Kessler², adapted the existing structure to make use of grey energy, preserved the building fabric as much as possible, and subtly adjusted the interior. This approach allowed the client to save around 1,000 tons of CO2. The result is a blend of tradition and innovation, linking history with the future. Walls were removed, and large windows were added to create modern, loft-style office spaces. Old stairs were demolished to free up new space. Existing surfaces were preserved – for example, the old tiles from the washing hall. Where new elements meet the preserved ones, a striking contrast is formed. Even a wall cladding made of Swiss pine, previously removed from another site, contributes to the pleasant atmosphere. The modern workspace now offers 1,155 square meters of office space for 110 employees.

Sustainable Design and Flexible Workspaces

During the planning process, communication paths, spatial relationships, and various individual needs were carefully analyzed. This led to a comprehensive concept that includes flexible work areas, zones for focused individual work, creative spaces, group coordination areas, meeting spots, informal places, and more. The modern campus, with extensive green spaces, an integrated e-mobility concept, and a dynamic workshop for custom patterns and mockups, fosters a productive environment for future innovations. In addition to repurposing and revitalizing existing buildings, more durable and sustainable building materials contribute to the building’s longer lifespan: The facade was clad with CO2-reduced fiber-reinforced concrete panels, and 50 percent of the cement in the concrete mix was replaced with natural and local pozzolans, resulting in a 30 percent CO2 reduction. Furthermore, a steel I-beam from 1958, 150 tons of recycled steel beams, flooring, furniture, grass paving stones, and much more were reused – creating a model workspace designed based on the ‘Reuse and Recycle’ principle.

What can architecture do for a good workplace?

Gerald Kessler: It can create a pleasant place that invites people to stay, supports concentration, and allows flexibility in how the space is used. The materials used should convey identity and warmth, exude uniqueness, and give the building its own aura and sense of new beginnings. It should enable both open and focused, private work – employees can choose their position and switch between them as needed.

How much should the design of the workspace adapt to individual needs?

Since the Corona pandemic, we have seen that it is difficult to define a fixed number of workers in the office for most areas. With the decentralization of workplaces, some employees work from home, and their numbers can fluctuate significantly. Therefore, a flexible design of the workplace is essential. This must be integrated into the project from the outset and considered in all planning (including building services).

What functions and/or spaces do you consider most important in a work environment?

From our perspective, the interplay between openness and seclusion or retreat is important. There are areas intentionally designed for communication and exchange – where company culture, knowledge exchange, expertise, and conversations take place, creating added value for the office environment. In contrast, there are retreat areas that invite focused work.