The pandemic has accelerated office architecture's evolution dramatically. Today's new construction and renovations prioritize flexible workspaces and cost-effective, modular units that eliminate vacancy and waste. Equally critical is the integration of sustainable materials—which foster welcoming environments while benefiting the planet. These materials also serve as key metrics in certification systems like DGNB and WELL, directly enhancing property value.

Berlin's most innovative office building
EDGE Grand Central Berlin delivers cutting-edge workspaces across nearly 14,000 square metres. This eight-storey addition to Berlin's skyline, designed by renowned Berlin architects Bolwin Wulf, sits steps from Central Station and sets the standard for technological excellence and environmental responsibility.

Award-winning certifications
The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) has pre-certified EDGE Grand Central with the highest rating of "Platinum" for its environmentally conscious design and energy performance. The building also holds another distinction: it's the first in Germany to earn the "WELL Gold Core & Shell" pre-certification from the International Well Building Institute (IWBI). This recognition celebrates forward-thinking designs that foster healthy, thriving workplaces where occupants can truly flourish.

Employee Well-Being at Every Level
Four rooftop terraces, fitness and wellness rooms, a fireplace lounge, recreational spaces (table tennis, foosball, billiards), and a 400-square-meter community hub create an environment where people thrive. A smart building app puts climate control in each employee's hands—adjusting lighting, ventilation, and temperature to personal preference with a single tap.

Thoughtful design in every detail
All 113 meeting rooms—each uniquely sized and fully equipped—were meticulously designed to spark creativity and collaboration. Rich, vibrant carpet colours establish an inviting atmosphere throughout. Complementary acoustic elements from the Troldtekt Line design series adorn select walls, delivering essential sound control while contributing to the overall aesthetic. The result is spaces that balance both function and form.

"everyworks" – coworking reimagined
Seeking a focused work environment in Berlin's most central location? Deutsche Bahn introduces "everyworks," a flexible coworking space unlike any other—located directly at Berlin Central Station. On the tenth floor, remote workers, business travellers and anyone needing a meeting room can reserve workspace and meeting facilities on their own terms. Book by the minute, day, month or longer—all through a simple app. The sprawling 1,500 m² area welcomes you through a welcoming entrance anchored by a multipurpose bar serving as reception, café and workstation. Vibrant colour accents set the visual tone throughout. For those needing focused, uninterrupted work, 115 flexible "minute seats" and an additional 21 dedicated workstations occupy the quiet "Focus Area" at the rear of this light-filled space. Nine fully equipped meeting rooms accommodate groups of two to eight. To ensure acoustic excellence across this creative environment, all wall surfaces and furniture textiles are acoustically engineered. Black Troldtekt acoustic panels strategically placed throughout the offices deliver superior sound reduction, creating the calm atmosphere productive work demands.

Certified acoustic excellence
Troldtekt acoustic panels are crafted from natural wood and cement sourced from Danish raw materials. This March, after more than a decade of strategic development and innovation, Troldtekt upgraded its entire lineup—including natural finishes, standard colours, non-combustible A2 panels, and the new CO2-negative FUTURECEM-based series—from Cradle to Cradle Silver to Gold certification. This elevation reflects Troldtekt's commitment to responsible material innovation. Most notably, the reformulated standard colours (white, grey and black) earned a remarkable two-level jump in material health assessment—from Silver to Platinum—one of five core Cradle to Cradle criteria.

www.troldtekt.de

Photography: Olaf Wiechers