Did Carl Vorwerk have any idea that his carpet weaving business in Wuppertal, which he founded in 1883, would become an international company 142 years later and be known across generations for its globally sought-after products? Probably not. Nevertheless, the family-run group of companies still has strong ties to its traditional location. Just a few months ago, a new administration building was constructed on the former research and development site in Rauetal. Nattler Architekten from Essen designed the five-storey office building, translating corporate values such as sustainability, innovation and social responsibility into a modern and sophisticated architectural language.

The result is a U-shaped building with a gross floor area of approximately 9,500 m², providing around 375 employees with a modern, light-flooded and sustainable working environment. Open-plan concepts, multifunctional work areas and conference zones characterise everyday working life. In line with the "New Work" principle, flexibility, agility and communication are at the forefront, complemented by ergonomic furniture and high-quality technical equipment. The building blends harmoniously with the Wupper river and impresses with an elegant, rear-ventilated façade made of champagne-coloured expanded metal, combining aesthetics and functionality. Large windows open up the interior to the inspiring outdoor area with green seating islands reminiscent of pebbles in a river, inviting creative breaks. The consistently sustainable design also includes partially green roofs and photovoltaic systems on the roof, which, together with air/heat pumps, cover around 55 per cent of the energy requirements with renewable energies. Supplemented by a photovoltaic carport and 45 charging points for electric cars, the highest DGNB certification, Platinum, was achieved. The spacious forecourt leads to the reception area, which is adjoined by a coffee bar to the north-west. Also on the ground floor are the conference area, the company restaurant with 80 seats, the kitchen and post office, and technical rooms. The fact that inclusion is a high priority at Vorwerk is evident in numerous details: both inside and outside, barrier-free access is possible. In addition to two main staircases, there are three lifts. Visual guidance systems and safe routing support visually impaired people. Furthermore, the corridors are deliberately wide, the floors are equipped with non-slip coverings and the sanitary facilities are designed to be barrier-free. In addition, disabled parking spaces round off the overall inclusion-oriented concept. Due to the proximity to the River Wupper, an underground car park was not built and the building was instead placed on a raised floor slab. In combination with a water-impermeable construction and the optimal design of the site, the best possible flood protection measures were taken.

www.nattlerarchitekten.de

Photographs:
HGEsch Photography
www.hgesch.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|25)