the main distributor coop is planning on the ground of the distribution center in aclens, close to lausanne, an administration center für western switzerland. 300 work places especially for administration, advertising and decoration, should be centralized there. this leads to additional demand on storage, ateliers and park slots. the goal is to implement the philosophy and identity of the main distributor within the building. in addition the lasted standards on minergy-technology have to be met as well.

the solution

the analysis had shown the area with the parking slots for the employees would be the area for the extension. the already existing tower of gangway between the parking area and the main building will become the docking point for the new building.
 

the already existing bulky building as well as the logistic center, that are dominating the environment, should be revaluated by a well-thought architectural concept. mühlemann + partner developed a light, catamaran-looking building on stilts, which would take half of the allocated space. in a later stage a doubling of the building could be realized.
 

the main entrance of the new office building is in the second floor, accessible by a large stairway and an elevator made of glass. due to the stilts, the parking slots on the first floor can be kept. addionally, a second parking deck can be realized below the one on the first floor. each deck can be individually accessed from the street.
 

the two “bodies” of the “catamaran” have a filigree glass cladding and build an atrium – with a glass roof in the back part of the building. that’s were gardens with vegetables and fruit trees are planned. they will symbolized the core competences of the company. at the same time, high class habitable rooms for employees and customers are generated, that can be used throughout the year. this is also the zone of the reception and meeting- and training-rooms.
 

individually separated areas for offices, meeting- and training-rooms will be created on the upper floors. the building is distinguished by its flexibility. it is possible to create open-plan and small individual offices. when requirements are the changing the partitioning can be adapted without huge efforts. the both office platforms can be connected through the atrium when needed.
 

because of the glass roof also room that orientated to the atrium get natural light. so, throughout the whole building high class working places are available. as an option mühlemann + partner developed system with fix installed gills for shadow. this system is free of maintenance and enhances the building with it thin structure. the look to the outside is also not blocked on sunny days.
 

in the lower levels are beneath a storage for decoration material, archives and ateliers as well as the building equipment. because the rooms in the lower levels are orientated to the existing distribution center, they also have natural light available, what enables the creation of permanent working places.
 

maximum of functionality and flexibility with realistic investments are enabling an economic business with low maintenance costs where aesthetics and the quality of working places are considered.