New Headquarters for Aepli in Sommerau by Waldburger+Partner and StudioBoA: A Diamond of Innovation in Swiss Architecture

Located in Gossau, Switzerland, the newly completed Aepli Headquarters in Sommerau is a masterful collaboration between Waldburger+Partner and StudioBoA. This striking office building, covering approximately 4,000 square meters, blends industrial functionality with cutting-edge architectural innovation, perfectly representing Aepli Invest AG’s identity as a leading European metal construction company.

Captured through the lens of Studio Gataric Fotografie, the headquarters showcases a strong visual presence anchored by its faceted glass and metal façade. With construction completed in 2023, the project stands as a symbol of Swiss precision and progressive office design.

Integrating Industry and Architecture

Waldburger+Partner and StudioBoA set out to create more than just a corporate office; they envisioned a space that would embody Aepli’s expertise in metal fabrication. The design playfully incorporates Aepli's own products, particularly in the façade, making the building itself a showcase of the company’s technical capabilities.

In addition to expansive production halls, the new campus features a dynamic office building defined by its open and flexible floor plan. The tapered glass façade, with elements projecting and recessing across the surface, creates a diamond-like structure capped by a laminated roof. Folded metal components seamlessly blend with glass, forging a powerful architectural language of transparency, strength, and craftsmanship.

Innovation in Facade Engineering

A centerpiece of the project is the use of Aepli Air Control glass panels, a double-skin façade system designed by the company. This innovation provides a climate-responsive buffer zone between the pre-glazing and outer glass layer. In winter, it acts as a thermal insulator, while in summer, it helps cool the building naturally, showcasing a sustainable approach to environmental control.

The sheer scale of the façade is impressive: among the 154 glass elements, the largest measures an extraordinary 6400mm by 2950mm and weighs 2300 kilograms. This engineering feat reflects Aepli’s technical mastery and pushes the boundaries of façade construction in contemporary architecture.

Thoughtful Spatial Organization and Employee Wellbeing

Internally, the office is designed to promote collaborative work environments while maintaining zones for focused, individual work. Open-plan office spaces are complemented by private offices, meeting rooms, seminar areas, and quiet zones, ensuring flexibility for various work styles.

A strong emphasis on employee wellbeing is evident throughout the project. A spacious cafeteria, multiple outdoor terraces, a rooftop garden, and a Sky Lounge retreat on the top floor create diverse spaces for relaxation, interaction, and inspiration. The Sky Lounge, with its intimate garden, offers panoramic views and an escape from the busy workday, fostering a deeper connection to nature.

Vertical Circulation and Emergency Planning

Movement through the building is carefully choreographed via two interlocking staircases. One staircase provides continuous access across all floors, while the second serves primarily as an emergency escape route from the cafeteria to the ground level, emphasizing both convenience and safety.

Aepli's Legacy in Modern Facade Construction

The New Aepli Headquarters encapsulates the evolution of Aepli Invest AG into one of Europe's premier façade construction companies. This project not only provides a state-of-the-art workplace but also stands as a living testament to Swiss innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable building design.

All Photographs are works of Studio Gataric Fotografie.