Industrial Character Preserved
Six floors of avant-garde workspace design
On the grounds of the former Cologne-Mülheim freight yard, the seven-hectare I/D Cologne commercial district is taking shape. Within the newly completed Loft Haus, the Renault Group has created a cutting-edge workplace spanning 4,500 m² across six floors for its employees. The property was brokered by Larbig + Mortag Immobilien GmbH. The original industrial aesthetic has been skillfully maintained—not merely through expansive mullioned windows and a striking brick façade, but also through exposed concrete ceilings and acoustically refined suspended heating and cooling panels on every level.
Stepping away from conventional offices and storage layouts, a dynamic workspace has emerged for approximately 400 employees. The vision took shape through employee workshops beginning in mid-2022. Projekt Rheinland, a local consulting firm specializing in contemporary work environments, oversaw the complete strategy, design, and implementation. Each floor follows a unified spatial framework while reflecting the distinct corporate identity of Alpine, Renault, Dacia, and Mobilize. An intuitive booking system empowers employees to reserve workspaces on demand and maximize the use of fully equipped conference rooms and office areas.
Touchdown zones, alcove seating, and high-back sofas offer casual spaces for brief breaks and spontaneous meetings. Sound-dampened room-within-room solutions—including think tanks and quiet boxes—support focused discussions without interruption. The ground-floor showroom stands out as a striking focal point. Mobile partition systems create a truly adaptable space with multimedia capabilities. This generous area can be subdivided into three distinct zones, making it ideal for events, conferences, and training sessions. The workspaces for the Renault Group prioritize employee comfort and well-being at every turn. All desks feature electric height adjustment. Rather than traditional executive offices, the design incorporates equipped home bases for collaboration and focused work. The fifth floor houses a vibrant marketplace—part cafeteria, part gathering space—opening onto one of two rooftop terraces that invite restorative moments outdoors and foster team connection. Through this distinctive new workplace, the Renault Group charts a course for the future of work. The fusion of advanced technology, flexibility, and an inspiring environment creates the conditions for employees to thrive and reach their full potential.
Photography Credits:
Stefan Durstewitz
www.durstewitz.de
(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 04|23)