Almi

steininger.architects ZT GmbH was contracted to carry out the planning and interior design, taking on responsibility for the architecture of the extension – from the preliminary drafts to overseeing the on-site construction works – as well as the overall design of the facility.

The mission was to add a new element to the typical 1990s industrial building – which had already been extended several times in the past – that would integrate harmoniously into the existing site while at the same time standing out from it. What has been created is a striking black cube on a flat roof which, with its spacious terrace, has the exterior look of a modern conference hotel. In addition, the third floor was completely gutted, refurbished and redefined to fit with the extension. Total office space of more than 300 square metres was fitted out, including the top management suite, as well as offices for the secretarial staff and personal assistants.

It was the explicit wish of the latest-generation company supremo that the new third-floor complex, intended as a space for receiving customers and suppliers, should exceed all expectations. And it certainly does. Right from the reception area, contrasts between light and dark are used to great effect: A quite dark carpet is matched with light-coloured ceilings and wall panelling made of light whitewashed oak, which runs as a design thread throughout the interior. The ambience here is one of elegant minimalism combined with appealing colour saturation. The company’s bright red logo has even been omitted, so as not to interrupt the gentle colour flow. Instead, visitors are greeted by a map of the world in classic black and white. From the reception, one direction leads to a separate, light-flooded meeting room, while in the other are the executive offices: all clad in light-coloured wood, with mottled carpeting and white ceilings.

At the end of the corridor is the real centrepiece of the new extension. Covering a space of more than 90 square metres, and six metres high, the managing director's office incorporates not only the customary workspace but also lounge and meeting zones, as well as a built-in kitchen concealed behind cupboard fronts. The contrasting theme here is reversed, attaining a new climactic highpoint: The dark ceiling and built-in furniture elements contrast with the light-coloured moveable furniture and extensive light whitewashed oak wall panelling. The predominant wood in the room is countered by the carpeting and broken up by precisely placed black steel niches, which provide space for accessories, important documents or other items, and underscore the colour contrasting. The niche design is continued through into the adjacent offices of the other top management executives. The oval black glass conference table is a particularly imposing feature, and its effect is made even more striking by the large-diameter ring-shaped pendant lights made of burnished brass suspended above it. The decorative lighting is complemented with basic technical lighting by fixed spots – including the facility to add more – as well as LED strips, and indirect lighting which also incorporates the air conditioning.