Biogena Headquarters
Between technology and nature
2024
Introduction
Snøhetta’s competition proposal for the new Biogena Headquarters in the city of Salzburg represents the philosophy of the Austrian family business. Biogena develops and manufactures premium micronutrient supplements in pure substance quality. The concept for their headquarters is based on two central competences that form the core of the company: Technology and Nature. This duality is also reflected to a certain extent in the location of the building site: the north, dominated by streets and traffic, and the southern edge with its direct connection to the green and tranquil spaces of the Kapuzinerberg.
Technical details
LBS5 projektgesellschaft
The building is based on the ‘less is more’ principle. The building not only saves operating energy, but also reduces costs through passive systems, for example hybrid ventilation, which combines comfort ventilation with openable windows and mechanical ventilation. Passive building cooling utilises cold air flows at night. Acoustically effective heating/cooling sails with integrated lighting create a comfortable indoor climate. Another key part of the energy concept is the groundwater heat pump, which enables heat to be generated as passively as possible. Combined with a photovoltaic system on the roof and façade, this results in net-zero operation.
The building is divided into two volumes: the semi-transparent plinth as the base and a seven-storey office tower. The semi-public base is a representative space for the public including a Biogena World, a café and an art gallery. A green atrium connects all floors of the timber tower. The south façade opens up to the surrounding green. The balconies not only provide access to open spaces but also serve as sun protection. The north façade represents the technological facets of the site and the company.
The design concept for the open spaces integrates the connection to the surrounding green, creates a new entrance square and reflects the biophilic approach of the Biogena brand. Fractal structures of plant cells are reflected in the design and planting.
Photo: Filipo Bolognese
The cell structure of plants serves as inspiration for the façade. As in nature, the façade reacts to the different conditions to which it is exposed and their requirements. Opaque elements alternate with perforated and green elements as well as window openings. The north façade represents technology, the south side stands for nature and openness.
Photo: Snøhetta