Sales and Financial Center voestalpine

The new sales and financial centre and the existing 'Blue Tower' form the entry to the plant of voestalpine: two complementary structures representing the complementary units of voestalpine. The horizontal shape of the new building dialogues with the existing vertical tower. The building is seen already from a far distance. The cantilever covering the entrance area is an inviting gesture symbolizing the ambition of a modern and innovative company. The plaza A gently sloping surface leads to the entrances. Located 1m above the existing ground, this new platform connects the buildings and reserved for pedestrians only. It is covered by largesize concrete elements, coloured sandblasted in situ concrete. A garden By its geometry the new building defines a generous open public space covering a one storey parking deck. The spacious garden creates a designed outdoor area for employees and visitors of the company: a sequence of green fields, wooden decks, paved and planted areas structured by patios. An open parking deck The parking spaces are located under this new platform. It is an open, naturally ventilated and naturally lit up space. Planted courts natural connect the level to the outside. Its access road follows the curved rail tracks and also leads to the exhibition building called 'the world of steel'. The new sales and financial centre The gentle slope under the cantilever leads into a spacious lobby. The ground floor is dedicated to services for all employees & shops, travel agency, library, documentation. The walkway following the inner curve of the building forms a mall. Access to the upstairs levels is restricted. Transversally the building is divided in 3 zones: Individual offices are situated close to the facades. A central zone serves for meetings, provides space for team work including copy facilities and small coffee areas. Inner atriums are open over all storeys providing natural light and dividing the building in sections. Each atrium is closed by a glass roof. Roof integrated opening wings serve for natural ventilation of the office space (chimney effect). The atriums are planted. The conference area is situated in a prominent position on the upper floor. It is directly accessible from the lobby by a dedicated lift. A large wooden terrace offers a wide view over the industrial site. The structure of the building is a combined steel and concrete structure. Steel frames distanced by 10m50 carry a concrete slab. The columns are in the centre of the building, the side areas are carried by cantilever beams. The concrete slabs are kept visible. They provide the mass necessary for thermal comfort. An integrated steel truss allows the free cantilever in the front of the building. The façade is largely transparent providing natural light for the 20,50m wide building. Opaque horizontally sliding openings allow natural ventilation. Shading is assured by motorized steel elements made of a golden coloured steel mesh. The entrance of the blue tower Facing the new building the lobby of the 'Blue Tower' is renewed. A large glass canopy covers the entrance area.