OKB Headquarters Seilerlinhart Architecture: A Landmark of Sustainable Design in Sarnen

The OKB Headquarters Seilerlinhart Architecture project marks a transformative step in the urban development of Sarnen North, Switzerland. Designed by Seilerlinhart, the headquarters of Obwaldner Kantonalbank is not just an office building but the cornerstone of a vibrant mixed-use district that blends working and residential spaces. Completed in 2021, the building stands at the intersection of Kägiswilerstrasse and the new neighborhood street 'Im Feld,' creating a transition between the green residential areas and the commercial zones of Sarnen.

From the outset, the architects aimed to create a design that embodies stability, regionality, and diversity while responding to the natural and urban context. The result is a sculptural structure with a facade combining finely detailed dark wood paneling and a robust concrete base.

Architectural Concept and Functionality

The OKB Headquarters is home to 160 employees, featuring a flexible mix of individual offices, open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and multi-purpose event areas. Two customer-focused floors are complemented by three employee-only levels, each subtly differentiated by variations in window design, sun protection, and facade detailing.

The building program includes a modern cafeteria, bank-specific utility rooms, and underground parking facilities. By combining functionality with architectural refinement, the headquarters sets a benchmark for future buildings planned within the new district.

Timber Construction and Structural System

A defining feature of the OKB Headquarters Seilerlinhart Architecture project is its innovative use of locally sourced ash and spruce wood. The building’s structural system is a bar framework of timber columns and beams surrounding a central concrete access core. The wooden ribbed ceilings expose the building’s natural materials, celebrating the honesty of construction while creating warm and inviting interiors.

Lightweight walls are inserted between the timber framework, ensuring maximum flexibility for future layout changes. This modular approach not only reduces material consumption but also emphasizes sustainable building practices that minimize environmental impact.

Building Technology and Sustainability

The headquarters integrates advanced building technology aimed at energy efficiency and climate comfort. Ceiling sails provide ventilation, heating, and cooling, while electrical systems are laid flexibly within a raised floor structure for adaptability. Groundwater serves as the primary energy source for reversible heat pumps and chillers, ensuring sustainable energy production.

A photovoltaic system installed on the roof contributes to renewable energy generation, while the building’s orientation and materials reduce reliance on artificial cooling and heating.

A Symbol of Regional Identity

The OKB Headquarters stands as a landmark of contemporary Swiss architecture, blending natural materials, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. The facade’s dark wood cladding pays homage to local building traditions, while the interior’s tactile wood surfaces create an atmosphere of warmth and transparency.

This project reflects the evolution of Sarnen’s urban fabric, demonstrating how modern office architecture can coexist harmoniously with residential neighborhoods, shaping a lively and sustainable district for the future.

The OKB Headquarters Seilerlinhart Architecture is more than a functional bank building; it is a symbol of regional pride, innovation, and ecological awareness. With its use of local timber, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive design, the building sets new standards for sustainable office architecture in Switzerland.

All the photographs are works of  Rasmus Norlander