Roche Diagnostics New Site GrazRealized

Roche Diagnostics, one of the medical instrumentation groups within the well-known pharmaceutical business, develops, produces and markets blood gas analysis instruments in Graz. Research is an important aspect, so the design of the new group headquarters had to cater not only for the most stringent demands in terms of hygiene and economy but also for aspects of safety. Construction took place on a green field site, actually part of the extended agricultural land belonging to a former brewery and still somehow no man’s land, the intention being that the altogether challenging industrial building should serve as the initial project for a future biotechnology park.

Seen from the street that runs alongside the plot, the complex, though divided up according to function, seems monolithic. Only on approaching the entrance does its complexity become apparent. There are two long wings joined in the form of a V and housing three floors of offices and laboratories, to which are joined, comb-like on the east side, four somewhat lower sections for production and storage.

The convergence of the entrance exaggerates the theme of control with theatrical staging, only to be succeeded by a generous, three-storey entrance hall within. This is the very heart of the building, the brilliant focal point serving as access, hospitality, meeting point and a link to any of four enclosed assembly areas with highly stylised decoration (open space decoration: ko a la). Making a contribution essentially as valuable as the constructed part, they form the interface between landscape and architecture.

Comfortable conditioning of the office interior is provided by an innovative heating and cooling system, making active use of the concrete core, accompanied by a colour scheme that gives an atmospheric touch to the meeting rooms whilst also helping people to find their way.

As is often the case with Ernst Giselbrecht, the exterior is dominated by monochrome white. The facade concept applied to the Medienhaus in Voralberg can be seen here again, albeit slightly modified. A skin is built up of a single panel format, separate from the structural layer, which is also drawn over the window strips in the form of a moveable element with Aluminium sheet on the outside and glass to the inside. Any individual adjustment brings it to life and alters the facade.

(Text: DI Karin Tschavgova)