Second Price

Competition entry for the development of the Tenova campus, in response to a twofold brief to improve staff working conditions and create a new and distinctive headquarters building.

The client for this project is the Tenova Group, a worldwide leader in the design and supply of metalworking technologies through the Pomini brand. The development is intended to express the corporate values of Tenova through three key strategies: environmental sustainability, a unique and imposing building to represent the corporate identity of this dynamic company; and an innovative design approach which creates a workplace for the future by transforming the surroundings into a brand new landscape.

The main campus building is a radical gesture, a physical expression of the Tenova Group’s mission and a distinctive symbol for the company. It is a single elevated, floating volume in which the work of the organisation is contained. This is intended to remove visible hierarchies within the company and present a collective, unified identity to the outside world.

The building is split horizontally into two parts. The lower levels are given over to underground parking, covered by a large reflective pond, and a canteen and fitness centre which are sheltered by a sloping roof that provides a ramp to access the offices above. The upper floor offices, suspended above the pool, enjoy views out into the surrounding countryside.

The environmentally friendly façade of the building is covered by transparent photovoltaic panels, while the ‘legs’ of the building form vertical towers to allow cool, fresh air from underground to naturally ventilate the office spaces, as well as concealing the mechanical ducts.