ClimaLevel internal

Company headquarters and test laboratory

The new headquarters of the EGK Immobilien Group in Cologne-Lövenich combines attractive architecture with intelligent building technology. The spacious office building was planned and realized by the construction company EGK Bau & Service GmbH, which belongs to the project developer. ClimaLevel Energiesysteme GmbH was not only a construction partner in terms of air conditioning technology, but has also been a “roommate” at EGK’s headquarters since this spring. The new premises not only offer the air conditioning specialist a spacious ambience, but also serve as a “test laboratory” for the ClimaLevel Multiboden HKL. The new office building is the first joint project between EGK and ClimaLevel. More are already being planned.

Photo @Philip Kistner

The EGK Immobilien Group is developing dynamically, with a correspondingly growing workforce. The client’s wish was to merge the three existing locations into one headquarters and offer employees an attractive workplace in a modern new office building. The in-house team of architects led by Julian Huth designed a two-storey building with a staggered storey that impresses with its striking arched shape. The building is specifically aligned with the course of the sun and thus makes optimum use of natural light. Three building materials characterize the appearance of the new building and also have a symbolic meaning: exposed concrete for the exterior and interior masonry stands for the stability of the building and the company. Steel, in the form of Corten steel as part of the façade cladding, is a second essential building material for construction companies such as EGK and aluminum, used for window and door elements, points to the future as a modern material. Large-format glass surfaces lend the building lightness and transparency in line with the company philosophy.

Workplace with a feel-good atmosphere
EGK commissioned the Cologne-based interior design firm Brandherm + Krumrey to plan the interior and furnishings. The premises offer a pleasant working atmosphere with a high quality of stay – one of the client’s main concerns. Spacious open areas with a “hotel lobby character”, a large, modern kitchen as a central meeting point for employees and visitors and a spacious terrace along the entire south façade offer a variety of opportunities for informal exchanges. Great importance was also attached to the design of the outdoor facilities. The 4,300^m2 The large plot was designed by gardeners and landscaperschitect F. Altzweig transformed the site into a park-like landscape. Adjacent to the building, an open space with a fireplace invites you to linger. A mobile outdoorkitchen makes the equipment for barbecues and summer parties perfect. The sophisticated lighting concept rounds off the exterior design and sets the scene for the building and landscape in the evening.

“Test lab” for innovative air conditioning technology
ClimaLevel Energiesysteme GmbH was responsible for providing climate technology advice for the construction project. The entire building, including the hall areas, was equipped with modern underfloor heating. It transfers the heating and cooling energy into the rooms and ensures pleasant temperatures all year round. In the office space used by EGK, an automatic ventilation system was dispensed with – the decision was made to use traditional window ventilation. In the premises used by ClimaLevel, the air conditioning specialists installed the ClimaLevel Multiboden HKL, which not only heats and cools, but also supplies fresh air. The innovative multi-floor construction combines conventional underfloor heating and airflow. This makes the system as responsive as it is energy-efficient. In addition, the sophisticated ventilation technology ensures a constantly optimal indoor climate 365 days a year, without any unpleasant side effects.phenomena such as draughts or “cold lakes” on the ground. The offices are the perfect “test laboratory” for the ClimaLevel Multiboden HKL – under real conditions of use.

An all-round success
“We are very proud of our new headquarters. The elaborate planning and construction supervision for the sophisticated building and energy concept have paid off,” says Christian Gernandt, one of the three managing partners of EGK. “We almost had to reinvent the wheel for many details, but now the quality of the building is better than we could have imagined in our wildest dreams.” And “roommate” ClimaLevel is also delighted: “The company headquarters at EGK’s new headquarters is a triple win for us. We benefit from the extraordinarily attractive ambience, the perfect “test laboratory” for our innovative multi-floor system and, last but not least, the proximity to an important project partner and co-partner,” explains ClimaLevel Managing Director Uwe Kemmer.

Photo @Philip Kistner

Photo @Philip Kistner

Photo @Philip Kistner