The tall office building, accompanied by its expansive flat side extension, was ideally situated: Golzheim is a well-connected and diverse neighborhood. In 2019, we collaborated with the MOMENI Griup, residents, and local stakeholders in the “Westlich Kennedydamm” workshop to envision the area's future development, considering various usage needs and conditions. Building upon this groundwork, we set out to rejuvenate the former Nordstern insurance company branch. Functionally, the building was well designed by Philipp Holzmann AG and built in 1973 to high standards. But in many ways, it had become dated. We embarked on a comprehensive reprogramming of the existing structure for MOMENI, resulting in LYGHT – a revitalized space meeting green building standards – offering greater comfort, sustainability, outdoor connectivity, greenery, and an additional ca. 1,500 square meters of space. 

A robust structure

We discovered an ensemble comprising a 12-story high-rise slab with a technical floor and an adjoining two-story base building with an inner courtyard. We have preserved a large part of the reinforced concrete structure. The low-rise building has been raised by one floor to create space for two additional office units. The lobby has been moved between the two stairwells to connect the high-rise and low-rise buildings and is directly connected to the inner courtyard.

This area will serve as more than just a reception; it becomes the building's centerpiece, enhancing orientation and quality of stay. The third-floor rood terrace, open to all, adds a valuable amenity. The high-rise will house office spaces across its 12 usage levels, with one unit per floor, while another roof terrace will crown the building as a sky garden. Implementing the new technology concept presented challenges, such as integrating external ventilation ducts from the facade within the interior. Our flexible grid allows for customizable office layouts, accomodating anything from classic cellular offices to modern New Work concepts or open office landscapes. 

More Greenery

The new facade transforms LYGHT into a landmark ensemble within the urban landscape, embodying a forward-looking and dynamic structure. The outer shell appears light and transparent, with floors legible through a delicate horizontal pattern accentuated by slim vertical aluminium bands. Extending beyond the top floor, the facade creates a sheltered outdoor space, designed as a landscaped sky garden. The upgraded double-skin facade, now equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, coupled with revamped building systems, significantly enhances sustainability.

An electric sun shading system positioned between the facades ensures individual comfort at workstations, complemented by user-openable window sashes along each side within the control range. Surrounding LYGHT, we're introducing 1,500 square meters of green open spaces and terraces, including rooftop areas – a significant contribution to the microclimate and workplace comfort in this urban environment. To enhance the building's energy autonomy, photovoltaic modules are integrated into the stairwell facade. WiredScore awarded LYGHT Platinum certification for its advanced digital infrastructure, smart connectivity, and digitality. 

Located in Düsseldorf, Lyght is an office building that explores the relationship between architecture, light, and perception. Rather than relying on applied pigments or coatings, the façade achieves its appearance through material purity and surface treatment.

Alumet supplied anodized aluminium in AluNature, the natural colour of aluminium, combined with a brightened E7 finish. This highly reflective surface interacts with daylight in a way that creates an almost white appearance, an effect shaped entirely by reflection, diffusion, and perspective. Much like the illusion of whiteness found in nature, the façade’s colour is not fixed, but perceived.

As daylight conditions change, the building subtly shifts in tone and intensity, giving the façade a dynamic and refined character. The result is an architecture that feels light, precise, and responsive to its environment, while remaining durable and timeless.

Lyght demonstrates how anodized aluminium, when left pure and carefully finished, can redefine the idea of white in architecture, not as a colour applied, but as an effect created by light itself.