Precision Landing in the Orchard
BMG MIS, Science Parc II, Eselsberg, Ulm
High-tech in a green setting: Both the ecological and physical footprints are minimal. The unconventional vertical organization of this complex industrial facility earned us first prize in the competition and secured the highest level of KfW-ERP funding for environmental and energy efficiency.
Following our success in the architectural competition, BMG MIS (formerly AEG MIS), a system and software company specializing in LCD information systems, commissioned us with the integrated design of a new operations building in Ulm. The forecasts for the growth of the company, the need for optimized process areas, and a desire to improve workflow efficiency were key parameters for a rigorous and functionally driven concept. Our design resulted in an environmentally and energy-efficient structure, where the ingenious vertical stacking of the production areas significantly minimized the building’s physical and ecological footprint.
Green factory – ecology and sustainability
The compact structure is set on an unspoiled natural site, surrounded by fruit trees. The soil sealing is reduced to an absolute minimum, with even the areas of parking that are typical elsewhere being integrated within the building volume. Green internal and external courtyards structure the compact building and maximize natural ventilation and daylighting. This ensures that all users benefit from the surrounding landscape.
The building appears open in all aspects. Horizontal and vertical sightlines create transparency. Communication between different functional areas is encouraged by visually dissolving their boundaries.
Matthias Wehrle
Architect, Partner, Managing Director in Zurich
With a focus on the use of renewable building materials, the roof structure of the assembly facility was designed as an all-timber construction. The loadbearing facade structure of the office section consists of prefabricated timber-sandwich elements. All roof surfaces are extensively greened. With 85% renewable energy usage, the building reduces its primary annual energy demand by more than 20% compared with reference buildings. As a result, it qualified for the highest level of funding from the KfW-ERP environmental and energy efficiency program.
Urban integration
The compact structure is set back from the road, blending seamlessly into the topography and rural surroundings. In contrast to the heterogeneous urban context, the carefully selected palette of colors and materials used in the facade enables the operations building to present itself as a cohesive entity. Clad in silver-gray coated steel panels and complemented by silver-gray sunshades on the glazed areas, the building is functionally divided into three clearly distinguishable sections: the two-story production zone with areas that meet a range of cleanroom and spatial requirements; the assembly facility; and the office, laboratory, and presentation areas. Each component and functional unit can be independently expanded in a linear fashion as required
Only by fully grasping the complexity of a project can we begin to challenge existing requirements, explore alternative solutions, and propose better outcomes.
Matthias Wehrle
Architect, Partner, Managing Director in Zurich
