Starting position and corporate culture The Chemoform company produces products for cleanliness, hygiene and maintenance in swimming pools. The company also includes companies that develop and manufacture complete swimming pool systems and technology. A warehouse from the 1960s could no longer meet the security requirements and was therefore largely demolished and replaced by a new building in the same place. The previous use was supplemented with an administrative struc-ture to bundle the locations. Processes and the flow of goods are optimized with the integration of the supply of the production, as well as the storage capacities. 

Industrial character and skylights
Long, large flat roof buildings and shed roof constructions, as well as the adjoining railway line of the ‘Neckar-Alb’ railroad characterize the area. Due to the fragmentation and structure around, the new building forms a modern architectural language, makes reference to the industrial architecture of the adjacent existing buildings, and at the same time it creates a strong logo. The skylights of the logistics hall set the rhythm of the roof and ensure the natural lighting of the logistics hall. The structure could be easily expanded in a further construction phase. The overall appearance is characterized by a reduced and orderly choice of materials. Externally, this includes the transparent glass facades, as well as the white surfaces of the curtain glass facade and facade strips. Almost un-treated wood-based panels and the visible wooden structure within the logis-tics hall create an atmosphere that is close to hand. The interplay of rough and untreated to smooth and processed surfaces in the interior refers to the original industrial character of the building and the surroundings.

Sustainability and climate concept
The resource-saving use of materials, the environment and building materials was considered from the start. Demolition material from the existing building was shredded and reinstalled as a base layer underneath the floor slab. The supporting structure of the logistics hall and galleries was designed as a wooden and therefore sustainable structure. The total energy requirement of the new building is covered by an innovative energy concept. The heating and cooling requirements of the building are regulated across the board via component activation in the ceilings. The nec-essary supply takes place via foundation absorbers in the area of the under-ground car park and the high-bay warehouse. Due to the integration in the fluctuation range of the groundwater, the pipes are only filled with water. The additional heat supply is covered by a wood gasification system. The entire system is mainly naturally ventilated.