Transparent Elegance
The new headquarters of an energy supplier in Willich embodies openness and flexibility
Modern, open, and sustainable – the new headquarters of Stadtwerke Meerbusch Willich sets a new standard. Designed by Schrammen Architekten of Mönchengladbach, this three-storey office building rises on the grounds of the former Becker steelworks in Willich. Over the past two decades, this site has transformed into a diverse business park blending contemporary architecture with carefully preserved industrial heritage.
The site's historic context presented both constraint and opportunity. Existing building codes required that a certain percentage of brick be incorporated into the new façade—a nod to the area's characteristic clinker-brick buildings. Yet the architects envisioned an entirely glazed structure to maximize interior flexibility. Their solution: a suspended ceramic screen system mounted in front of the glass envelope. After extensive color development, the elements were finished in warm beige and red tones, creating a subtle dialogue with the surrounding park's palette. A central sculptural staircase serves as the building's heart—a generous, open gathering space where visitors and staff converge. Rather than a conventional spiral, the architects designed an organically flowing form with amorphous curves. This atypical geometry expresses the company's values of transparency and fluidity while becoming a visible symbol of their progressive approach. The openness extends into the work environment: across 3,500 m² of floor space, the office layout prioritizes collaborative zones for communication, creative work, and flexible team collaboration. When focused work or privacy is needed, dedicated smaller spaces provide refuge. True to Stadtwerke Meerbusch Willich's mission, energy efficiency isn't merely a technical achievement—it's an educational experience. Visitors encounter cutting-edge technologies firsthand: photovoltaic modules for residential power generation, electric charging infrastructure, heat pump systems with recovery, and fuel cell technology for hot water production. The building itself becomes a living demonstration of sustainable energy solutions.
Photography Credits:
Philip Kistner
www.philipkistner.com
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|23)
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