EKOS, Vahrn

Partner und Partner Architekten, Berlin, D

Sustainable Construction in the Industrial Zone of Vahrn, South Tyrol

The new five-storey EKOS office building of the Kostner Group is located in the industrial zone of Vahrn, South Tyrol, directly at the motorway access road. As a striking architectural solitaire, it forms a “green island” within the industrial environment between the main road and the motorway.

Architecture and Concept

The starting point for the project was the need for additional office space and the creation of a new, future-oriented headquarters. The building is designed to provide flexible spatial structures that can adapt to future changes in working methods, staff development, and usage requirements.

The green façade acts as an active climate envelope: it reduces fine dust pollution, improves air quality, and supports summer thermal protection. This creates not only a visible symbol of sustainability but also a positive influence on the microclimate within the industrial surroundings.

Construction and Materiality

The building was constructed entirely using solid timber construction. Visible wall and ceiling surfaces in exposed wood quality define the interiors, creating an atmosphere of natural calm and comfort. On the exterior, a carbonised timber façade—based on the traditional Japanese technique Shou Sugi Ban—protects the building. By charring the surface, the refined wood gains a long-lasting, weather-resistant finish.

Interior Fit-Out and Technical Equipment

Inside, the metal ceilings play a central role in defining spatial quality. The Bolzano-based company Hatek was responsible for the planning and implementation of the integrated, multifunctional floating ceilings.

The acoustic ceilings (type KLS long-panel, Rg 0704) with bonded fleece in RAL 9003 (Kabe) combine several functions: heating and cooling modules for thermal comfort, air outlets for controlled room ventilation, sound-absorbing elements for optimised acoustics, and integrated light strips for both direct and indirect lighting.

The result is a holistically designed indoor climate in which aesthetics, acoustics, and energy efficiency blend seamlessly.

Conclusion

With the EKOS building, a prototype of sustainable workplace architecture is created within an industrial setting: a solid timber structure featuring high technical precision, ecological responsibility, and a strong, clearly defined design identity.

Project Participants

Client: Hatek GmbH/Srl
Developer: Kostner Group, DE
Architect: Partner und Partner Architekten, Berlin, DE
Internal: Tobias Todt
Site Supervision: Bergmeister Ingenieure