Save

Share

Share

Tweet

Business headquarters with a strong identity in harmony with openness and discretion
A business headquarters with a strong identity in record time
An investment company rents 1000 m² of office space on the fourth floor of a commercial building. In search of an experienced team of architects to design a modern working and customer environment, the responsible parties contacted Mint Architecture in November 2023 and commissioned the office with the entire project. Thanks to Mint Architecture’s expertise in designing hybrid working environments in existing properties, the company can move into the new offices as planned nine months after the start of the project.

Utilization and space concept
Designed from two sides
To meet the investment company’s requirements for functionality, aesthetics and discretion, Mint Architecture divided the elongated office space into two zones: a “private” zone exclusively for employees and a “public” zone for client receptions. Both areas are arranged around the central circulation core and linked together by several connections. The private area contains the working environment with open-space workstations, a break room and a gym for employees. The publicly accessible zone includes meeting rooms of various sizes and a bar for meetings and events of all kinds. Although the two zones are separated by a secure access system, they remain visible from both sides thanks to glass doors and glass walls.

Private Zone
Discreet and yet transparent
For the private zone, Mint Architecture designed and realized a spacious working environment with a combination of open-space workstations, individual offices and focus rooms that extend along the window fronts. The open workplace environment is adjoined by the break room with a walnut veneered kitchen. Comfortable textile seating, a long custom-made bench, targeted light sources and artworks invite to enjoy a coffee or lunch break here. A fitness room with shower and changing area also offers the opportunity for workouts – whether in the morning, evening or in between.

Public zone
Open and yet discreet
In the public zone, there are meeting rooms of various sizes equipped with state-of-the-art conference and video technology. Depending on the type and size of the meeting, rooms with long, round or smaller conference tables and different seating arrangements are available. Floor-length curtains protect against light and prying eyes, while the boardroom additionally has glass partition walls that can be switched from transparent to translucent and offer maximum discretion. A catering bar, hidden behind a metal folding wall, allows to serve guests during meetings, events and occasions.

Interior design
Clear and reduced design language
The interior architecture designed by Mint Architecture reflects the company’s basic attitude of openness, discretion and quality in a clear and reduced design language and sustainable choice of materials. A light-colored cast floor made of natural plant oil as well as glass doors and glazed walls in the meeting rooms create an open, clear atmosphere and are complemented by a natural mix of materials, textures and colors. Fittings such as the kitchen and cupboards are veneered with walnut wood. The reception area and catering bar are given a sculptural and noble effect through the use of marble. Carefully chosen carpets, floor-length, opaque curtains and high-quality fabric coverings on chairs and benches in warm colors break up the cool transparency, convey calm and confidence/trust and create a harmonious overall ambience.

Project and construction management
Ready on time
The biggest challenge in this project was to meet the relocation deadline exactly nine months after the contract was awarded. Thanks to close coordination between the client and all parties involved throughout the project, the Mint Architecture team managed to complete the extensive renovation and extension work on schedule and hand over the keys to the delighted client on time for the move-in date.

Design: Mint Architecture AG
Photography: Oliver Rust