The new Plaza building will be the keystone to the Putzbrunn Campus, Gore’s mayor European location.. It is located in the heart of the site and will act as the primary destination for all visitors. It is also envisioned to be the place where all associates visit to gather with others, share ideas, discuss business, and make meaningful connections with one another.

The idea of a common canopy to shelter these activities shaped the concept of individual programmatic boxes loosely placed under one roof, while harboring public activities within the interstitial space, creating a main street that connects all activities and reaches out to the rest of the campus. The folded canopy structure is able to span most of the courtyard with minimal material by following the principles of origami folded structures. By taking the flat plate and folding it strategically based on structural requirements and architectural aspects, the roof surface becomes a highly efficient and structurally stable system. Within the main street it is encompassing, different micro-climates can stimulate the user’s senses; consequently climate conditions as well as daylight and acoustics vary depending on specific requirements.

Boxes with temporary use, such as the conference center, are designed as a light-weight timber structure which allow for an almost instantaneous adjustment of climate conditions. Prefabricated glue-lam timber columns & beams as well as cross laminated wall-plates accommodate large spans and maximum flexibility for the interior planning. Spaces where stable climate conditions are necessary, rammed earth walls are used to provide thermal mass as well as a hygroscopic buffer. Ideally on-site clay can be used, which can eliminate transportation cost, hence providing another means to minimize embodied energy for building construction and optimizing environmental quality at the same time.

The energy and climate strategy aims to provide a healthy and inspiring environment, while minimizing the use of resources for building construction and operation. The approach is intended to be integral to the overall architectural idea and therefore is displayed in the building itself. Almost only timber, clay and glass are used for the above ground construction. In addition, a variety of mechanical systems such as earth-duct fresh air supply, a geothermal heat exchanger combined with a reversible heat pump as well as photovoltaic systems on different roof surfaces are combined to orchestrate a highly efficient building system. By minimizing overall energy consumption paired with renewable energy supply, a CO2 neutral building performance is possible.