Kirsch Pharma Healthcare , Wedemark , Germany
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY
In their design for the new head office and production site for Kirsch Pharma HealthCare , SAOTA has rethought the often underwhelming and generic industrial prototype . The site of the new factory and headquarters is a somewhat anonymous industrial zone without distinctive contextual cues . SAOTA approached the project with the understanding that a meaningful architectural response to this environment would require a building that stood as a sculptural object in the landscape , making a strong architectural statement that imparted a sense of presence .
In addition to an efficient state-of-the-art factory , the company also required a reception and office area that would articulate its ethos and identity while tying together the office and production facility . It also aimed to create an uplifting work environment for its employees while instilling in them a sense of pride and wellbeing .
The design of the factory building was dictated largely by functional requirements and consists of a simple rectangular structure clad with light grey steel cassette walls forming a skirt or slightly projecting section of façade under which slips a layer of graphite grey-coloured trapezoidal sheeting . This façade treatment creates a sense of lightness to what would otherwise appear monolithic , while dramatically incised lines across the façade ’ s surface further break up its mass .
While the office area maintains an essentially rectangular form , and consists of a reception area , boardrooms , conference room and offices , SAOTA contrasts the office building and the factory building with a striking sculptural canopy over its main face and entrance . This bold , futuristic form helps orientate visitors and guide them towards the arrival point while mediating the transition from exterior to interior .
The angular , faceted shape of the canopy , which wraps around the translucent triple-glazed glass curtain walling , translates elements of the company ’ s brand identity and logo while borrowing from its colour palette . Its swooping angular lines echo the incised lines of the factory building , which serves to unify the two buildings .
The dynamic , technologically inspired , futuristic form of the canopy conveys a sense of speed , confidence and innovation while the transparent curtain walling allows the building to glow invitingly like a jewel in the landscape in the dull grey environment and weather .
The canopy ’ s overhang not only provides shelter , but also brings human scale to the industrial setting and facilitates a welcoming transition into the building . The contrast between the canopy ’ s outer shell , in graphite grey-coloured zinc cladding and the red powder-coated custom-made aluminium soffit emphasises the warm and inviting quality of the interiors .
Owner : Kirsch Pharma Healthcare Architects : SAOTA ; Krüger Consult GmbH + Project Manager : Krüger Consult GmbH +; Kuster Projekt Management & Consulting GmbH Quantity Surveyor : Krüger Consult GmbH + Structural Engineers : H & P Ingenieure GBR + HPL Structural Civil Engineer : Industriebau Wernigerode GmbH Fire Consultant : Bureau Veritas Construction Services GmbH Execution Planning Canopy : Skai GmbH Execution Planning Glass Façade : Adam + Adam GbR Building Services : Albrecht GmbH Environmental Consultants : Adam + Adam GbR ; Landschaftsarchitekten bdla Landscaping : Landschaftsarchitekten bdla Main Contractor : Industriebau Wernigerode GmbH
78 SAPOA Awards