From Honda to Citroën to VW, Automeile Höherweg offers car enthusiasts an impressive selection. The newest addition is the Seat Centre, which opened its doors just months ago on the grounds of the former Carl Götze roller shutter factory. Designed and executed by Studio K Architects, this modern showroom commands attention through a thoughtful dialogue between solid and open façade elements—a design that respectfully considers the residential area behind the exhibition space. Expansive glass fronts offer unobstructed views of Seat and Cupra models while creating a transparent, clean, and distinctly contemporary aesthetic through the interplay of glass and steel.

The architects preserved and adapted key elements from the original building, including the basement—now repurposed to support current site functions—and selectively expanded the existing structure. "The real challenge was in the technical details," explains Besnik Kalo from Studio K Architects. "We had to evaluate the old factory basement and retrofit it to accommodate the new exhibition building. We solved this through strategic reinforcements and an extension toward the adjacent Volkswagen Centre."

Warm wood elements throughout the interior provide a striking counterpoint to the steel and glass exterior, establishing an inviting and open atmosphere. Radiant ceiling panels—engineered heating elements with welded pipes and thermal insulation—deliver consistent comfort, while perforated surfaces enhance acoustics. The result is a space where material warmth and technical precision work in harmony.

A standout feature is the flexible workspace layout, which eschews fixed desks in favor of adaptable collaboration areas—apart from two private offices. This approach empowers employees to shape their work environment while maintaining the client's vision of a clear, well-organized interior with a distinctly modern and relaxed character. Minimalist design, cement-like surfaces, and strategic lighting come together to create a refined, cohesive spatial experience.

www.studiok-architektur.de

Photography Credits:

Besnik Kalo
Sebastian Koch

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|20)