P1096. Remodeling Head Office South Pole. Zurich
Details
Focus: Extension and conversion of the new South Pole Head Office in Technopark
Number: 1096.00
Type: Work
Service: 2 preliminary studies, 3 project planning, 4 tendering, 5 realization
Year: 2022 - 2023
Costs: CHF 700,000.00
Location: Technopark, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich
Client: South Pole Carbon Asset Management Ltd. The company South Pole was founded as an ETH spin-off in Zurich in 2006 and has 37 branches worldwide.
Photographer: Studio Gataric Fotografie
Press: Immobilia SVIT Switzerland - Conversion Head Office South Pole - Sustainability with spruce wood, Interior Fashion Magazine Germany
Awards: Prix SIA - The Swiss award for the sustainable design of our living space
The project
Since the first project announcement in 1986 and the official opening in 1983, the Technopark has developed into an important hub in Zurich's start-up landscape and has had a significant impact on the city. Thanks to close links with the technical universities of the Canton of Zurich, the university and the scientific community as well as Swiss technology companies, the Technopark acts as a space for innovation and competitiveness and has already spawned numerous spin-offs. South Pole's headquarters are located in this innovative environment. The company evaluates, develops and implements sustainability strategies and new business opportunities for companies, governments and organizations. With the redesign of its Technopark headquarters, South Pole not only marks an architectural change, but also a symbolic fusion of a sustainable vision and aesthetic innovation. At a time when environmental protection and resource conservation are key issues for companies, this building project represents a turning point. The. South Pole's commitment to these values is translated into architectural reality and set in stone, so to speak.
The challenge: winning the project through a competition
This pioneering construction project did not begin with the award of a contract, as is usually the case, but with Raumtakt's successful participation in an invitation-only competition. Alongside a selection of other architectural firms, Raumtakt came out on top with a unique concept and was awarded the contract by South Pole to redesign their headquarters in Zurich. This competition win not only underlines Raumtakt's expertise and unique selling point, but also the exceptional nature of this project. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Our contribution to sustainabilityThe basic principles of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle˚ were at the heart of the design decisions for this project. The targeted reduction of material consumption and careful reuse of existing resources not only minimized waste, but also made a clear statement for sustainable building culture. Every step of this conversion 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 dominant building material was not only based on a decision for an appealing aesthetic, but also proved to be strategically sensible because it is in line with South Pole's environmental goals. Spruce wood, which has already absorbed CO2, became not only the load-bearing element of the building, but also an active contribution to reducing climate-damaging CO2. Architecturally, the vision of this project manifests itself in clean lines, open workspaces and flexible structures that encourage employee creativity and collaboration. But behind every construction, behind every detail, there is a conscious decision to make a profound commitment to sustainability. This architecture is not just a shell of materials; it is an expression of this responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of building projects while still creating aesthetically pleasing spaces. The redesign of the South Pole Headquarters in Zurich's Technopark combines innovative architecture with an authentic environmental awareness far removed from "green washing" and empty phrases. The "lung", as the new focal point of the office, marks the beginning of a well thought-out spatial concept that integrates the principles of New Work in a micro and macro context. The "lung" serves as a central point and link from which the entire spatial concept originates. Elements of New Work concepts were taken into account in order to create a flexible and efficient working environment and to meet the demands of modern working. The integration of specific work areas that meet the needs of different working styles reflects the contemporary understanding of work in a post-corona society, and a modern ventilation system has been introduced that not only replaces manual ventilation via windows, but also significantly improves the building's energy efficiency. This is particularly noticeable due to the avoidance of ventilation heat losses during the heating period. The installation of a system for heat recovery from the exhaust air reduces losses and significantly lowers primary energy consumption. The office's color concept was developed with the aim of creating a harmonious connection between reused materials and sustainable spruce wood fixtures. By using a light color tone, all reused materials were painted uniformly, creating a clear line in the design of the approximately 1000 square meter office space.
Spruce wood as a decisive element
The CO2-neutral spruce wood fixtures fit into an aesthetic symbiosis by not only serving as sustainable building elements, but also by being seamlessly integrated into the overall design through the color concept. This conscious design decision not only underlines the ecological responsibility of the project, but also creates an aesthetically modern and coherent working environment.
Conclusion: An architectural turning point for environmental protection and aesthetics
The redesign of the South Pole Headquarters in Technopark is more than just a construction project; it is a tribute to environmental protection in action. It is a declaration that sustainable building is not only possible, but highly necessary with the environmental goals that have been set. This architecture not only speaks 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 also paved the way for a more sustainable interior design and made it tangible.
