Kiefer technic showroom by Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner, photo by Paul Ott

This new office building of the Austrian metal company Kiefer technic designed by the Graz based practice Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner is characterised by a dynamic façade system of electrically driven folding elements made of perforated aluminium. These façades change continuously each day, each hour showing a new “face” but can also be adapted individually to changing conditions and needs.

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LA CITE DES AFFAIRES SAINT-ETIENNE by Manuelle Gautrand Architect, photo by Philippe Ruault

This new office building for several government bodies, including some service and leisure facilities, of the city of St. Etienne was developed by the Paris based practice Manuelle Gautrand Architecture. The structure is a long built ‘continuum’ which stands out due to its large cantilevered parts and giant gates that lead to the spacious courts.

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Office Building Audenasa by VAILLO + IRIGARAY, photo by Jose Manuel Cutillas

The Navarra based architectural practice VAILLO + IRIGARAY realised this office building for Audenasa, a Spanish motorway company. The drawn-out complex, built on stilts, is characterised by a finned corten steel facade along the street-facing frontage. The remaining shady facade is made from used care tires behind a metal fence.

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'MP09' - Headquarters of Uniopt Pachleitner Group, photo by Gerald Liebminger

‘Black Panther’ – this is how the Graz based GSarchitects call their recently completed project ‘MP09′ – the new headquarters of the jewellery company Uniopt Pachleitner Group.

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'Q1' ThyssenKrupp Quartier in Essen / Germany by JSWD Architekten, photo by Christian Richters

The Cologne based practice JSWD Architekten recently unveiled the new office building for the global integrated materials and technology group ThyssenKrupp AG in Essen / Germany. The 54 metres high ‘Q1′ forms with its expressive shape the heart of the new campus.

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'PO.LIN.S' by marco acerbis studio

The Bergamo based architect Marco Acerbis has been known for his designs for companies such as Alias, Desalto and Fontana Arte. With this multifunctional building for the Portogruaro Council and Portogruaro Campus (Ca’ Foscari University, Venice) he recently unveiled his newest architectural project. The Polo per l’Innovazione Strategica is certified CasaClima Class A+, it is made of eco sustainable materials and uses only renewable energy fonts like FV solar panels and geothermal power.

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KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter by ern+ heinzl Architekten, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

The Swiss architects ern+ heinzl Architekten have designed the new headquarters for international management consultancy KSA Kurt Salmon Associates in Düsseldorf, Germany.

From the new building, the company will manage clients from all over Europe; more than 50% of employees’ working time will be spent out of the office. KSA presented, as part of their brief, the idea of a space for communication and exchange of experiences and information, rather than an office for permanent and steady work.

KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter by ern+ heinzl Architekten, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

Accordingly, the architects decided to dispense with vertical divisions, keeping one big, open space, and instead to section it into two horizontal levels: one for seated activity and teamwork and the other for standing activity and team-overlapping communication.

KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter by ern+ heinzl Architekten, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter by ern+ heinzl Architekten, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter by ern+ heinzl Architekten, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

KSA Kurt Salmon Associates Headquarter from outside, photo by Stefan Müller, Berlin

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Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

The Danish architectural practice 3xn recently unveiled the new building for the Middelfart Savings Bank on te Danish island of Fyn. Internationally renowned artist Olafur Eliasson has created an art installation for the plaza. Six ‘shooting star’ kaleidoscopes inspired by the triangular geometry of the building are lowered into the ground floor granite adding an extra dimension to the structure.
Middelfart Savings Bank’s new head office was awarded the MIPIM Future Projects Award in 2006. It was inaugurated April 16 2010.

Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

Here is what the architects explain:

“The 83 prism like skylights compose the spectacular roof surface defining the geometry of the rest of the building – in reference to the maritime environment on the harbor front as well as the surrounding timber framed buildings. The roof is designed to frame a perfect view towards the Lillebælt waters as well with a functional purpose of shading from direct sunlight.
Under the roof different functions such as a bookshop, a café, a real estate agent and the cash desk are placed around a central plaza, resulting in the building forming an informal public meeting space.”

Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

Large Energy Savings
“With these thermoactive concrete elements it is possible to reduce the energy consumption for heating by 30 percent and the energy consumption for cooling and mechanical ventilation by up to 85 percent; in total, an energy saving of 30-50 percent. This is due to the fact that the system allows for better use of alternative supply sources, i.e. the plant can operate as a lowtemperature floor heating system during winter, based upon heat-driven heat pumps, and during summer, the cool night air, soil tubes, ground water or sea water can be used for cooling. The system is partly self-regulating as water for heating and/or cooling is circulated with a temperature only a few degrees from the desired room temperature, and this is the key to the large energy savings. In addition to energy savings the capital costs were lower due to the reduced needs for cooling and heating.”

Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

Middelfart Savings Bank by 3xn, photo by Adam Mørk

Client: Trekantens Ejendomsselskab A/S
Award: 1. prize in invited competition 2005
Completion: 2010
Size: 5.000 m2
Architect: 3XN
Engineer: COWI
Landscape Architect: Schønherr
Prize: MIPIM AR Future Projects Award 2006


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