Erick van Egeraat - Architects - Architectural and Design Projects - Offices and Bank Headquarters Kirchberg Luxemburg

Offices and Bank Headquarters Kirchberg Luxemburg

• Design: 2008
• Realisation: -
• Client: Fonds D’urbanisation et D’amenagement de Plateau de Kirchberg
• Gross Floor Area: 16,200m²

To generate a design for a new Luxembourg bank headquarter in the Kirchberg business-park area, a competition was initiated as part of the scheduled Kirchberg revitalization plans. One of the urban plans’ objectives to increase the density of the area making way for a prominent corner expression. The design proposal of Erick van Egeraat consists of a square volume that at first impression appears massive. This is softened by a large atrium in the centre of the mass, by opening up the largest part of the ground floor, and thus connecting the atrium and the open ground floor with the green space in front of the building. This way, the connection between the exterior and a spectacular atrium-space is made at ground floor level where the central atrium space is both the spatial and logistic nucleus of the building. Above ground floor, all office spaces and other functions are rationally organized around this nucleus. The building has a full glass façade, with vertical louvers of ceramic stone. On the one hand this results in a solid, homogenous stone appearance, while allowing light to be filtered into the open office floor plans in abundance. To further articulate the façade, the louvers are cut by a patterns and the clients logo. The south corners’ expression is stressed by raising the ‘section’ and facade treatment in terms of applied pattern and integrated logo. All together these elements are seamlessly combined into a strong, yet quiet architecture that harmonizes with the solid and secure qualities of Sal. Oppenheim.