RAUMTAKT GmbH

Since the initial project announcement in 1986 and the official opening in 1983, Technopark has evolved into a significant hub in Zurich's startup landscape, significantly shaping the city. With close ties to the technical universities of the Canton of Zurich, the university, science, and Swiss technology companies, Technopark serves as a space for innovation and competitiveness, giving rise to numerous spin-offs.

In this innovative environment lies the headquarters of South Pole. The company evaluates, develops, and implements sustainability strategies and new business opportunities for companies, governments, and organizations. The redesign of their headquarters in Technopark signifies not only an architectural change but also a symbolic fusion of a sustainable vision and aesthetic innovation. In a time when environmental protection and resource conservation are central themes for companies, this construction project represents a turning point. South Pole's commitment to these values is translated into architectural reality, so to speak, engraved in stone.

The Challenge: Winning the Project through a Competition

This groundbreaking construction project didn't begin with the usual awarding of a contract but with Raumtakt successfully participating in an invitation-based competition. Among various architectural firms, Raumtakt prevailed with a unique concept and secured the project to redesign South Pole's headquarters in Zurich. This competition win underscores not only Raumtakt's expertise and uniqueness but also the exceptional status of this project.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Our Contribution to Sustainability

The fundamental principles of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" were at the core of the design decisions in this project. Through targeted reduction of material consumption and careful reuse of existing resources, not only was waste minimized, but a clear statement for sustainable building culture was also made. Every step of this renovation contributed to reducing the ecological footprint and using resources more efficiently.

Architectural Vision and Environmental Protection Go Hand in Hand

The deliberate choice of spruce wood as the predominant building material was based not only on a decision for appealing aesthetics but also proved strategically sensible, aligning with South Pole's environmental goals. Spruce wood, which has already sequestered CO2, became not only a structural element of the building but also an active contribution to reducing climate-harming CO2.

In architectural terms, the vision of this project manifests in clear lines, open workspaces, and flexible structures fostering creativity and collaboration among employees. Yet, behind every construction, behind every detail, lies a conscious decision for a profound commitment to sustainability. This architecture is not just a shell of materials; it is an expression of the responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of construction projects and, at the same time, create aesthetically appealing spaces.

The redesign of the South Pole Headquarters in the Zurich Technopark combines innovative architecture with an authentic environmental consciousness, far from "Green Washing" and empty phrases. The "Lounge," as the new focal point of the office, marks the beginning of a thoughtful spatial concept integrating the principles of New Work in both micro and macro contexts.

The "Lounge" serves as a central point and link from which the entire spatial concept emanates. Elements of New Work concepts were considered to create a flexible and efficient working environment.

A modern ventilation system was introduced, not only replacing manual ventilation through windows but significantly improving the building's energy efficiency. This is particularly noticeable through the avoidance of ventilation heat losses during the heating period. The installation of a heat recovery system from exhaust air reduces losses and significantly lowers primary energy consumption.

The office's color scheme was developed with the aim of creating a harmonious connection between reused materials and sustainable spruce wood installations. By using a light color tone, all reused materials were uniformly painted, creating a clear line in the design of the approximately 1000-square-meter office space.

Spruce wood as a crucial element

The CO2-neutral spruce wood installations blend into an aesthetic symbiosis, serving not only as sustainable building elements but also seamlessly integrating into the overall design through the color scheme. This deliberate design decision underscores not only the project's ecological responsibility but also creates a modern and coherent workspace aesthetically.

Conclusion: An Architectural Turning Point for Environmental Protection and Aesthetics

The redesign of the South Pole Headquarters in Technopark is more than a construction project; it is a tribute to genuine environmental protection. It is a statement that sustainable building is not only possible but also highly necessary given the environmental goals set. This architecture speaks not only the language of concrete and steel but also the language of environmental protection and shaping the future. Together, South Pole and Raumtakt have not only created an office space but have paved the way for a more sustainable interior architecture, making it tangible.