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In the heart of the northern Black Forest, in the idyllic Friedrichstal valley between Baiersbronn and Freudenstadt, the forging heart of SHW Schmiedetechnik GmbH & Co. KG has been beating since 1596. What began centuries ago as a small forge is now an internationally active manufacturer of components for agricultural technology and high-quality gardening tools. In October 2023, ground was broken for a new logistics and administration center in Freudenstadt in the Sulzhau industrial park. The investment underscores the company’s ambitious growth and digitalization and sales offensive.

Urban planning classification
Simple. Clearly structured and cleanly detailed, the building appears tidy and clean at first glance. The different uses of the building are combined in a continuous structure. Only the shipping area stands out slightly with its lower roof height. Located on the edge of the Sulzhau industrial park in the middle of the Freudenstadt city forest, the office building faces the spectacular view of the Swabian Alb and the edge of the forest surrounding the industrial park. All rooms offer views of the greenery or the distance. The layout of the property allows logistics to be bypassed, from delivery to the shipping ramps, making optimal use of the property.

Building concept
The building consists of four main components: the warehouse with the delivery area and maximized storage height, a shipping and picking area, a social area with changing rooms and a spacious break room, and the new sales office on the upper floor, which creates surprising spatial quality with its two-story design.

OpenOffice
Particular attention was paid to developing a contemporary office concept that reflects the changing organizational structure and enables “barrier-free communication.” Collaboration between departments should remain adaptable and flexible, with great importance attached to ensuring that not only administrative staff but also colleagues from shipping and warehousing have short distances to travel and that everyone uses the same break rooms. This promotes a sense of community and communication between all areas of the company. The open office structure not only offers space for collaboration and direct communication, but also the necessary quiet areas, meeting rooms, and other open and semi-open work situations.

Development and change process
The office concept was developed and structured with representatives from all departments. Working relationships were reviewed and points of contact for the structuring and design of the building were worked out with the employees. The transition from small single and two-person offices in Friedrichstal to an open-plan office concept is intended to change the team’s self-image and enable new ways of working.

Design
The material and color concept took into account the location and corporate identity. Reminiscences of the locksmith’s shop, the Black Forest as the natural environment in which the company has always been at home, and the fire in which the raw material for the products is processed and shaped characterize the rooms and the materiality of the building materials used: wood, uncoated steel, and stone create a balanced and identity-forming appearance. Orange and red color accents provide orientation and mark the communication areas.

Sustainability
SHW produces with an eye to the future: the new facility is largely energy self-sufficient thanks to photovoltaics. In addition, certified energy management in accordance with DIN standards ensures greater efficiency and a better CO₂ balance. The buildings are heated in a CO₂-neutral manner via a connection to the local district heating system.

Design: arc+
Photography: Jan Kaiser