Buck, a KLS Martin Group company in Mühlheim
From two-person offices to an "open" working world: conversion to an open-space landscape with a feel-good character
Client: Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co. KG, KLS Martin Group
Planning: smow Schwarzwald & Muffler Architekten
Year: 2022/23
Areas furnished: Complete administration building: office and meeting rooms
Brief
The KLS Martin Group sells medical technology devices and solutions worldwide. At the company's Mühlheim site a former warehose was selected to become a new office complex for four different departments.
As the shortage of skilled workers is also making itself felt in the global capital of medical technology it was decided that the company's former warehouse building should be renovated and converted into a contemporary office space. The aim was to create an attractive workplace where employees feel comfortable, which promotes cooperation and exchange and which demonstrates what future office work could look like. The new office concept was also intended to serve as a model for the new company headquarters in Tuttlingen, a project beginning in 2023.
Project Manager
Bernd Hauser
CEO, smow Schwarzwald
Telephone: 07721 992 55 20
E-Mail: schwarzwald@smow.de
Realisation
As the building had previously been used as a production site, a new concept had to be developed in context of contemporary “New Work” aspects - starting with optimising work processes, through the colour and material concept, to the positioning of the most appropriate plants. In collaboration with the Muffler architectural office from Tuttlingen, the aim of the renovation was to implement the vision of a living room atmosphere as a working environment and to transform the former warehouse and production hall into an open space office landscape.
The result is a “room with soul,” as architect Heidrun Muffler describes it. The open-plan office now operates without permanent workstations, something made possible by the uniform IT infrastructure and the lockers for all employees. Sofa corners and telephone booths form places of retreat and add colourful accents. Sideboards, partitions and plants provide structure and at the same time exude absolute cosiness. Special ceiling suspensions and wall panels ensure appropriate acoustics.
Project synopsis
A former warehouse building was to be converted into a new office for 80 employees of the KLS Martin Group at their Mühlheim location.
A modern open space office was created that promotes exchange among employees and takes up the structures of New Work. Various work zones and furnishing solutions promote creativity and communication, but also enable concentrated work during focus time.
The new office will now serve as a “blueprint” for upcoming KLS Martin Group projects and should also serve as a visiting card for welcoming future employees.
All interior photos: Muffler Architekten BDA/DWB Part GmbB
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