With over 32 years of expertise in furniture design, interior construction, and general contracting, Schumann Project and Möbelwerkstätte Gert Schumann has established itself as a leader in the Westerwald region. As the companies grew, their original headquarters could no longer keep pace. A new office and administration building became essential—strategically positioned on adjacent land within an industrial park. The design stayed in the family: Ben Schumann, son of the company founder and emerging architect, created an innovative timber structure during his studies that transcends current space needs and delivers the flexibility for tomorrow's demands.

Across two stories and 600 m² of usable space, a dynamic, multipurpose work and creative environment emerged. The open floor plan and expansive spans of timber construction generate a bright, welcoming office landscape that transforms seamlessly through lightweight fabric screens into distinct zones—collaborative workstations, meeting rooms, and creative retreat spaces alike. The upper floor opens into a generous exhibition and event venue, complete with integrated seating. Pre-installed infrastructure positions the space for future office expansion. Visually, the interior is anchored by large cross-laminated timber panels, with load-bearing walls and strategic supports structured by space-defining beams that also articulate the façade. Generous wood-aluminium windows paired with side-mounted ventilation elements compose the exterior rhythm. An integrated lighting design—ceiling-mounted LED strips complemented by Sattler Lighting fixtures—delivers adaptable illumination across workstations and gathering areas. The building's industrial character echoes its neighbours through a disciplined grid of structural elements, zinc sheet standing seams, and aluminium fenestration that subtly references the surrounding hall structures. Colour-differentiated textile screens offer glimpses into the creative work within. Sustainability anchors the concept: a rooftop photovoltaic system powers the entire building, including a heat pump that handles both heating and cooling. Construction proved equally efficient—from groundbreaking to occupancy required just five months, a testament to timber construction's prefabrication advantages.

www.schumann-ak.de

Photography:
Ben Schumann

(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|22)