RWE has committed itself to delivering clean, secure, and affordable electricity across four core business divisions. The restructured company needed a headquarters that would reflect this mission—and that's exactly what the new RWE Platz in Altenessen delivers. Around 3,000 employees will work here, spanning renewable energy generation, conventional power production, and trading. Partnering with Lang & Cie. Rhein-Ruhr from Cologne, HPP won the competitive bidding process and took charge of the first construction phase. Just under two years separated the foundation stone ceremony in August 2018 from the opening in May 2020—a remarkable feat. The second phase, expected to reach completion by mid-2021, will round out the full campus. HPP directed the architecture, execution, and interior design for both phases.

Three cubic structures housing 22,000 m² of office space for roughly 950 workstations now extend the existing corporate buildings on-site, with a fourth structure currently under construction. The campus's beating heart is a verdant central plaza—a gathering place that embodies the campus concept. Two key features distinguish this project: its urban setting and the seamless integration of the existing structure with the new buildings. The three completed four-story blocks showcase a refined architectural language: clean lines, a recessed glass passage framing the foyer, and thoughtful reception and waiting zones. The buildings interlock to enclose a shared forecourt alongside the original structure. Brick detailing throughout honors the site's industrial heritage. Interior design throughout authentically reflects RWE's corporate identity and transformation journey—unmistakably honest, logical, and welcoming, with sustainability at its core. Visitors sense this commitment instantly: living green walls catch the eye first, followed by a carefully considered palette where blue symbolizes "stability" and green represents RWE's renewable energy transition. Each floor features these hues in varying intensities. At the heart of every level sit central gathering spaces—networking zones and kitchenettes—designed to spark collaboration. The flexible office layouts are organized in 400 m² modules, ensuring ergonomic comfort and adaptability. Spaces work equally well as private offices or open-plan environments, molding to each team's unique needs.

www.hpp.com

Photography Credits:

Ralph Richter
www.ralphrichter.com