Since its foundation almost a century ago, the automation specialist has had its headquarters in Neuhausen a. d. F. It had been clear since 2013 that the company buildings would reach their limits due to the company's growth. Initially, the site in Schurwaldstraße was to be expanded with a focus on logistics and office space. However, since 2015, the long-term development of the Balluff headquarters has come to the fore. In order to obtain diverse and sustainable solution proposals, the company decided to hold an architectural competition. Only four months passed between the invitation to tender in August 2017 and the decision. Nine architectural firms submitted their proposals and at the beginning of December, the eleven-member jury unanimously chose the design by Grüntuch Ernst Architekten. The two-stage concept includes the expansion of the existing headquarters in Schurwaldstrasse to include an innovative office and development building and a prestigious company headquarters with an integrated customer and training center in Plieninger Strasse. The concept was presented to the Neuhausen local council in January. Construction of the office and development building is scheduled to begin in 2019. The construction project is one of the largest investments in Balluff's history.

The new "internal marketplace" of the office and development building in Schurwaldstrasse impresses with a wide central ramp and, together with the new company restaurant and the integrated green islands, forms the central meeting space of the entire campus, where employees can meet spontaneously and exchange ideas in a variety of ways. (Image: Grüntuch Ernst Architects)

The two new buildings are reorganizing the existing company headquarters, as the various divisions, which are currently spread across different locations in Neuhausen, will be brought together on one campus in future. The new multifunctional office and development building in Schurwaldstrasse forms a powerful central axis of the new campus. With its hall-like construction, the building, which is up to twelve meters high, is reminiscent of the typology of a technical production site. A wide central ramp, which serves as an inner street, open communication zones and the new company restaurant provide central meeting spaces for employees.

Coming from the highway, the extension of the company headquarters on Plieninger Strasse will be a prominent eye-catcher in future with its striking dynamism. The exterior of the new building is restrained, while the interior offers an innovative concept of alternating introverted, closed rooms and extroverted communication areas. On a floor area of 1100 square meters, the new building offers conference, event, office and meeting rooms. "Architecturally, both buildings follow a similar basic idea: the alternation of formal office areas and informal spaces for movement, inspiration and interaction for team building and collaboration," says Armand Grüntuch, co-owner of the Grüntuch Ernst architecture firm in Berlin.

Modern working environments
With more than 3,600 employees worldwide and a total turnover of 378 million euros in 2016, the group of companies has been growing for a long time. In the past five years alone, the workforce at the Neuhausen site has increased by around 38% to more than 1000 employees. The new construction and expansion offers the opportunity to concentrate jobs on one campus in the long term. This reduces commuting distances and traffic. "This concept ideally reflects our growth and our future orientation: modern working environments that promote communication and collaboration in projects and offer space for innovative work," says Balluff Managing Director Katrin Stegmaier-Hermle, explaining the choice.

Commitment to Neuhausen
With more than 1000 employees at the site, Balluff is an important employer in Neuhausen and the entire region. "The fact that we are investing in the further development of the headquarters is a clear commitment to the community of Neuhausen, even after almost 100 years of company history," says Katrin Stegmaier-Hermle. "We were in contact with them early on and at all times. We greatly appreciate this open and close cooperation." The new building is also a cause for celebration for the municipality of Neuhausen. "We are of course extremely pleased that Balluff is renewing its clear commitment to the Neuhausen site with this new building. The new building, which is visible from afar, is a huge opportunity. For the company to position itself, but also for us as a municipality, because it will certainly be another urban and architectural highlight. The Balluff company simply belongs to Neuhausen - and we are proud of that," adds Mayor Ingo Hacker. kp