Situated in the densest district of Luxembourg, opposite the city’s prime transport hub, the Post Headquarters, designed by Metaform architects, stands out for its characteristic Haussmannian architecture with its massive natural stone facade.
The Accinauto building, a remnant of 1950s classic architecture, has been preserved and integrated into the new building. Its facade and roof pitches were retained by reinforcing 700 tonnes of foundations. The original pitched roof was transformed into a vertical facade, seamlessly integrating the existing listed building and the new HQ. The monumental stone edge of the new construction is softened by the rotational folding of the roof form, which also blends with the alignment of the neighbouring facades.
The 27700sqm structure highlights versatility by bringing the diverse activities and functions of the company under one roof in a user-friendly facility that encourages creative interaction. An open horizontal hierarchy links all departments around a massive atrium spanning the entire height of the building to support effective communication between its various sectors.
The structure retains an overall monumental appearance; however, its playful permeability spatially transforms the volume into an airy, light-filled space. The central atrium, featuring a sculptural spiral staircase, becomes a metaphorical red carpet flowing across diverse groups. Although the building is surrounded by a busy urban fabric of traffic, noise, and transportation, its interior contains gardens and paved areas for relaxation.
The building design received a DGNB platinum certification. It incorporates various ecological criteria, including active tiles for air conditioning, rainwater recovery, automated lighting management, and the use of natural materials. To regulate temperature, it features a large ice container and a heat recovery system from the Luxembourg data centre. Additionally, the building includes solar panels, rainwater collectors, and energy-efficient glazing.
In conclusion, the building not just links the historical legacy to contemporary design but also unites into a single, cohesive form which is woven into the fabric of the neighbouring city.
