Unilever Headquarters / Behnisch Architekten
© Adam Mørk
Architects: Behnisch Architekten
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Client: HOCHTIEF Projektentwicklung
Project Area: 38,000 sqm
Competition year: 2006
Project year: 2007–2009
Photographs: Adam Mørk
site plan
The new Unilever headquarter building for Germany, Austria and Switzerland is located right by the river Elbe in Hamburg’s HafenCity. It marks the end of the route out of the town centre to Hamburg’s new attractions: the cruise ship terminal and the promenade on Strandkai. Here Unilever’s new building opens itself up to the city and its inhabitants. The central element and heart of the design is the generous atrium, flooded by daylight, which, on the ground floor, gives passers-by the opportunity to get to know the company better while browsing in the shop stocked with Unilever products, sitting in the cafe or relaxing in the spa. The atrium is also the central location for people to meet and communicate.
© Adam Mørk
As in a city, bridges, ramps and steps connect central spaces with each other. Here people can meet, talk and enjoy the inspiring ambiance. Vibrant and communicative interaction evolves, thereby fostering a feeling of togetherness among the employees. The workplace is no longer a separate department. The building itself reinforces the identity of the company.
© Adam Mørk
The building follows the principles of holistic, sustainable architecture. While implementing technologies that help save resources, the energy concept adheres to the principle of avoiding technical solutions wherever possible. The office area is cooled by means of thermally activated reinforced concrete ceilings. A single-layer film facade placed in front of the building’s insulation glazing protects the daylight-optimized blinds from strong wind and other weather influences. The building’s primary energy consumption during operation will be under 100 kWh/a sqm. A newly developed SMD-LED system has been deployed both for the building’s general lighting and for workplace lighting. This system is up to 70% more efficient than conventional halogen or metal halide lighting. The Unilever building received the newly established HafenCity EcoLabel in gold.
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- site plan
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- floor plans
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- elevation
It reminds me of a ship. Which seems very appropriate, considering its location.
Nice to have lunch in the central space… then a little nap under the sun in front of the water :)
That would be a rather pleasant place to work.
please visit EDO’s new site.
http://www.edoconstruction.com
Thank you
The facades look like soap bubbles, which is nice for Unilever. The inside’s a bit full on. You wouldn’t want to be coming in with a hangover.
I find this project is lovely: the large void, enclosed by windows and offices and not the usual (?) corridor > which does make it look like a facade , the expression of lightness in the facade, the large amount of light inside, the green, the wood and the white. Grats.
Hey Brian, I’m not really sure if this project can fit in Prague… maybe try the next one.
the unilever building is in hamburg..
Nice post :)
design lovers, get inspired!
Check out this two new brands
Boca do Lobo and Delightfull. Hope you like it!
Is this really sustainable?
hm…
it is a wonderfull posts…i like it.
10:44 PM Nov 28th
Love it! Proper #architecture! Unilever Hq / Behnisch @ArchDaily http://www.archdaily.com/41761/unilever-headquarters-behnisch-architekten/