Modern office concept in a former factory – Connected working and extraordinary bathroom designs
The way in which this project combines history and the modern age also impressed the ZIA Office Awards jury. The decisive factor was the unique approach of the Fabrik N°09 concept of bringing new and sustainable life to an existing structure which depicts modern working environments in an innovative and high-tech area.
Combined working and extraordinary bathroom designs
Today, the only reminder of the existence of the former warehouse and production site is the name: Fabrik N°09 (Factory N°09 ). Villeroy & Boch has developed a new office and conference centre with a modern working concept for its employees as part of the “Mettlach 2.0” site development project. With its diverse spectrum of working spaces, the building breaks with conventional office structures in favour of open spaces and different working areas to foster communication and cooperation among all employees. A prime example of creative project solutions can be found in the building’s sanitary facilities where the ceramic specialist has applied unconventional bathroom designs.
Space for innovative ideas
The building covers more than 4,000 square metres across three floors. A large oak staircase is situated in the centre of the building. It connects the ground floor with the upper stories, thereby allowing an unrestricted view between the different levels. The openness of the building created by the high space also symbolises how people work at Fabrik N°09, namely within a culture of open communication and creative discussions. More than 200 employees from Marketing, the Online Unit, PR and Product Development & Product Management can make use of the diverse workspaces spread over three zones – “Marketplace”, “Work” and “Networking”. The employees can find a tailored space and working environment for every task in Fabrik N°09. For example, they can collaborate in the group work areas and project rooms, the “silence” rooms are perfect for tasks which require concentration and the networking areas can be used for working in between meetings or for exchange ideas with colleagues.
|
Creative project solutions for the sanitary facilities
The toilets in the building are an excellent example of creative project solutions for sanitary facilities: no two restrooms are the same at Fabrik N°09. There are seven toilet facilities in total, all rooms are furnished exclusively with Villeroy & Boch products while featuring different themes designed specifically for Fabrik N°09, accompanied by the appropriate music: from energy-boost rooms with vibrant colours or a metallic look over a zen garden through to Amazonia or jungle bathrooms. These extraordinary bathroom designs represent unconventional solutions in public areas.
c Efficient use of energy and resources
During the reconstruction of Fabrik N °09 the company placed a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability: the building is equipped with more than 550 measurement and control elements, which allow a central regulation of temperature, oxygen content and lighting by using a building management system. The temperature in the building is regulated using 25 kilometres of underfloor heating pipes. One special feature is the water - used for heating in winter and cooling in summer - which is sourced from the company’s own fountain. Sensors continuously monitor oxygen content in the air. If the level of carbon-dioxide (CO2) is too high, a ventilation system inserts more oxygen to the mix. The way in which this project combines history and the modern age also impressed the ZIA Office Awards jury. The decisive factor was the unique approach of the Fabrik N°09 concept of bringing new and sustainable life to an existing structure that depicts modern working environments in an innovative and high-tech area.