Photographer: Gerlad Liebminger
In the course of extending the existing production site, the first step of a new master plan for the company Josef Göbel has been realised. The main part of the expansion and re-organization is a new office building.
The clearly structured building is situated at the entrance of the production complex and functions as a link between the workshop complex and the surrounding hilly agricultural cropland and grassland. It is easily identifiable as the main building. The entrance to the simple three-story cuboid building block is placed on the front face of the building and comprises a canopy and a low flight of steps.
A recessed foundation block marks a break from the natural terrain, creating an image of the building floating above the landscape. This image is further emphasized by the design of the exterior. For instance, the area with direct proximity to the building is constructed solely of lawn and gravel.
The structure is composed of rhythmically, precisely assembled precast concrete elements creating a specific shadow play on the façade. The use of natural finish oak wood windows accentuates the dark, protruding concrete structure.
The inside floor plan is equally clear-cut. A central corridor forms the main zone around which the rooms are laid out. Each room contains a fully glazed exterior wall and a walkout loggia, integrated into the structure. Most materials, indoor and outdoor, are used in an untreated form and are therefore perceived as all natural.