Uhlmann Office Building by Barkow Leibinger + Kinzo

The Uhlmann Office Building, designed by Barkow Leibinger in collaboration with Kinzo, represents a bold step in the transformation of Uhlmann’s corporate campus in Laupheim, Germany. Completed in 2020, the 63,570-square-foot (6,370 m²) four-story building accommodates approximately 300 employees, setting a new benchmark for innovative office architecture and employee-centered workspace design.

Campus Integration and Master Plan Vision

The project is part of Uhlmann’s broader master plan, initiated in 2013, which strategically organizes logistics, production, and office functions into a coherent campus identity. Positioned along Uhlmannstraße, the office building serves as the representative gateway to the site. Together with the earlier logistics and production building (completed in 2016), it forms a striking 300-meter-long frontage, symbolizing the company’s commitment to both industrial efficiency and architectural quality.

Sustainable and Expressive Façade Design

The building’s façade combines energy-efficient glazing, natural ventilation through operable window sashes, and opaque white glass panels that balance transparency with thermal performance. Silver-anodized aluminum fins and rhythmic glazed openings visually echo the adjacent logistics facility while reinforcing the corporate identity. This careful interplay between light, material, and structure results in a façade that is both economical and elegant, maximizing daylight while reducing energy demand.

Interior Concept: Rigorous Structure Meets Playful Workspaces

The interior architecture, designed by Kinzo, contrasts with the orthogonal structural logic of the building. Exposed concrete cores and a consistent façade grid establish a rational framework, while work environments are enriched with dynamic geometries, vibrant colors, and flexible layouts. This balance between structural rigor and creative expression fosters a collaborative and stimulating office culture, aligning with contemporary approaches to workspace innovation.

The Uhlmann Office Building is more than a corporate headquarters—it is a model for future-oriented office design, combining sustainability, architectural clarity, and innovative interior solutions. It reflects how corporate architecture can foster productivity, identity, and well-being within a unified campus environment.

All Photographs are works of David Franck, Philip Kottlorz