The new headquarters for Debrunner Koenig AG in St. Gallen, Switzerland consolidates three previously separate locations into a single workplace. Designed by Work Rebels, the project aligns spatial organisation, material expression, and environmental performance within a unified interior strategy. Rather than treating sustainability as a technical add-on, the project positions it as a design driver, embedding circular economy principles into both the architectural language and procurement process.
Reuse as a primary environmental strategy
At the core of the project is a “Second Life” approach, which rethinks conventional office fit-out practices that typically rely on new materials and furnishings. Approximately 80 percent of the furniture is refurbished, drawn from existing inventories and office liquidations. These elements were repaired, reupholstered, or refinished as needed, demonstrating how high-quality interiors can be achieved without the environmental cost of new production. This strategy reduces embodied carbon, avoids waste, and lowers project costs, while producing a curated and cohesive spatial identity.
The approach challenges the assumption that sustainability requires compromise, showing that reuse can enhance both aesthetic and environmental outcomes.
Architectural upcycling and material systems
Beyond furniture, the project extends circular thinking to architectural components. A notable example is the reuse of system partition walls sourced from a previous office installation. These glass and solid partitions were salvaged and reinstalled across two floors. This process of urban mining required additional coordination but resulted in savings in raw materials and embodied energy.
Similarly, iconic furniture systems such as Vitra seating and USM Haller units were reconfigured and integrated into the new layout. The reuse of these durable design systems extends their lifecycle while maintaining a high level of performance and adaptability. In the case of USM Haller, reconfiguration was carried out in collaboration with a partner organisation supporting employment in the second labour market, linking environmental sustainability with social impact.
Material identity and brand expression
While reuse drives the environmental agenda, the project reinforces the client’s identity through material expression. Custom steel elements, including a raw beam at reception and a sculptural room divider, act as spatial anchors, referencing Debrunner Koenig’s core business in steel and metal distribution. These interventions are used sparingly, allowing the project to balance new insertions with reused components. The result is an interior that is materially consistent yet layered, combining industrial textures with refined detailing. This approach avoids excessive material consumption while ensuring that the workspace retains a clear visual and cultural identity.
Environmental performance and certifications
The building housing the offices is certified under the Minergie Standard, ensuring a high-performance building envelope and energy-efficient air renewal systems. Within this framework, the interior fit-out contributes to environmental performance through material selection and acoustic design.
Acoustic comfort is addressed using products manufactured from recycled PET bottles and certified under Cradle to Cradle Certified standards. Flooring is provided by Interface, selected for its recycled content and commitment to carbon-neutral production. These choices support indoor environmental quality while aligning with broader lifecycle considerations.
Flexible planning and long-term adaptability
The spatial organisation departs from conventional office layouts by introducing “psychological zoning”—a series of differentiated environments tailored to specific modes of work and interaction. From formal boardrooms to informal collaborative spaces, each zone is designed to support distinct activities without requiring rigid partitioning or additional construction.
This flexibility enhances the building’s long-term usability, reducing the likelihood of future renovations and associated material waste. Open, adaptable areas support changing workplace needs, ensuring that the office can evolve over time.
