The Timber Hat Building by rundzwei Architekten

Located in Rottenburg, Germany, The Timber Hat Building by rundzwei Architekten is a 4,900 m² timber-constructed headquarters for Hald & Grunewald. Completed in 2022, this innovative structure blends sustainable material choices with thoughtful architectural expression, setting a new benchmark for commercial and industrial building design.

A Reimagined Industrial Landmark

Set within a conventional industrial park south of Stuttgart, the building’s standout feature is its dramatic, translucent canopy made of carbonized larch wood—inspired by the traditional Japanese yakisugi technique. This all-round protective "hat" gives the building its name and iconic silhouette, serving both climatic and visual purposes.

Integrated Functions and User-Centric Planning

The facility consolidates all operational aspects of the forklift and machinery services company Hald & Grunewald under one roof. It includes a 10-meter-high plant building and a three-story operations block for administrative functions. Early in the design process, rundzwei Architekten collaborated with the company’s staff to optimize workflows and spatial layout.

The third floor of the office section cantilevers six meters over the factory hall, while a hood-like canopy structurally unites both volumes. Exposed glulam columns and beams, cross-laminated timber floors, and timber frame walls form the building’s skeleton, with concrete used only where necessary for fire protection and durability.

Interior Transparency and Social Wellbeing

The building interior is designed to encourage interaction and openness. A signature oval atrium features a sculptural steel staircase connecting all three office floors. Glass partitions, acoustic wood ceilings, and generous glazing promote visual continuity and acoustic comfort. This transparency enhances team collaboration, while amenities like a staff café contribute to workplace satisfaction.

Sustainable Materiality and Environmental Performance

Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. Timber dominates the material palette, reducing embodied carbon and offering excellent thermal and moisture-regulating properties. The canopy’s charred larch cladding is resistant to weathering, mold, and insects, while the lighter untreated larch facade is shielded by the deep overhang.

Energy-efficient systems include a combined heat and power unit and an absorption chiller, minimizing operational energy demand. Manually operable windows and timber interiors contribute to passive comfort strategies. A green roof provides ecological habitat and recreational space for employees.

Architecture as Recruitment Tool

The project also plays a role in the company’s identity and recruitment strategy. According to Hald & Grunewald’s leadership, the visually striking and humane architecture has generated unsolicited job applications, reinforcing how design excellence can impact business performance.

All the photographs are works of Gui Rebelo | Estúdio Elefante