Nestled in a brown-clad 1960s office building, Volksbank Breisgau-Markgräflerland eG in Müllheim had faded into the background. Today, a comprehensive transformation has brought the structure into the present—redesigned for contemporary aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Eggen Architects stripped the building to its core, introduced a new access tower, and dramatically opened up the façade with enlarged windows.

A striking new ventilated curtain wall in brilliant white Dekton® Zenith gives the structure a sense of lightness and precision. Cosentino's ultra-thin 12 mm surface sits flush against the façade, held invisibly in place by ingenious wedge-undercut anchoring. This ultra-compact, non-porous material of sintered minerals resists UV damage, discoloration, and staining—even graffiti wipes away effortlessly.

The energy retrofit—combining climate-neutral Dekton®, an efficient heat pump system, and radiant floor heating—has cut heating demand in half. Rooftop and wall-mounted photovoltaic arrays, equipped with dynamic tracking louvers, enhance energy performance further. The outcome: a sustainable, forward-thinking building with distinctive architectural presence and a 91% reduction in carbon emissions.

www.cosentino.com

Photography:
Markus Edgar Ruf