Renewal and Transformation

Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall

The buildings of the Schwäbisch Hall Group are continuously being upgraded – in both architectural and technical terms. The renovation of central building elements was integrally designed and successfully executed with the help of BIM and collaboration between a number of ATP companies.

Office building for the future 
The central administrative office of the Schwäbisch Hall Group consists of a collection of buildings that are being modernized step by step – technically, aesthetically, and conceptually. The first phase of the comprehensive renovation of the complex involved a central office building and a connecting structure that houses communication areas and a cafeteria.

The objectives of the renovation were twofold: to improve energy efficiency and sustainability while creating a modern, flexible work environment with contemporary office facilities for both individual and collaborative working. The renovation had to take place while the technical infrastructure and the ground floor printing and distribution center continued to operate. This challenge was successfully addressed with the help of precise and coordinated integrated design and building information modeling (BIM). Thanks to seamless inter-office collaboration, we were able to bring this complex project to a successful conclusion.

“Team spirit was at the heart of this exciting project. More than 120 colleagues from the ATP Group made outstanding contributions. This task was a pleasure for us,” says Claus Wannenmacher, Lead Project Manager at ATP architects engineers, Karlsruhe.

Energy efficiency through optimized building technology
The renovation combines ecological standards with innovative building technology. In addition to modernizing the building’s technical plant, a high-performance photovoltaic system was installed as part of the roof renovation. This enables the on-site use of renewable energy, significantly reducing the building’s CO2 footprint.

A flagship example of successful collaboration 
The transformation of the buildings has created a work environment that meets the needs of increasingly digital, mobile, and agile working methods and evolving employee expectations. The office spaces offer a variety of solutions for team-, individual, and project work, knowledge sharing, meetings, and breaks – ensuring that each activity is supported by an optimal setting. Employees have the flexibility to choose their workspace according to each task (free seating). The office interiors are designed in a contemporary industrial style that is characterized by exposed concrete walls, open ceilings with visible services, and abundant natural light – giving the buildings a “workshop character.” Wooden furniture, high-quality textiles, and areas of color contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

Staircase as meeting point
The renovation and demolition measures involved the entire interior, with office floors being stripped back to the shell & core structure at every level. Workspaces for around 600 employees were created across the four refurbished floors, which have a total area of approximately 8,000 m². The central staircase was reinterpreted as a meeting point. Large skylights emphasize the open spatial structure, while elegant spiral staircases create a sense of dynamism. Colored alcoves provide informal spaces for spontaneous conversations and exchanges.

“We redefined the staircase beyond its functional role, transforming it into a vibrant meeting point – where employees from different departments can interact and exchange ideas. This fosters dialogue, innovation, and new perspectives,” explains Claus Wannenmacher, Lead Project Manager at ATP architects engineers, Karlsruhe.

Schwäbisch Hall Facility Management GmbH, a subsidiary of Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall, acted as the client representative and project coordinator. It ensured that, from the planning phase onwards, technical operations were seamlessly integrated alongside traditional project management aspects. “It was important for us to assess our existing building stock and sensitively integrate it into the refurbishment project while achieving our sustainability goals. As one of Germany’s largest providers of construction financing, Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall supports its clients in sustainable modernization and energy-efficient renovation. Naturally, this expertise also extends to our own office buildings,” says Armin Wallrapp, Head of Construction Management, Schwäbisch Hall.

