The new Microsoft Germany HQ facade features fascinating depth thanks to Corian®

Microsoft. The name says it all. For the company’s new German headquarters in the north of Munich, enormous panels in Corian® design surface resemble gigantic windows opening onto the surrounding landscape. Opened in October 2016, the modern office building is the ideal venue for hosting contemporary work solutions. Its layout adheres to all the relevant criteria Microsoft expects in an open and flexible workspace.

The Microsoft Germany headquarters in Parkstadt Schwabing in the north of Munich. The building is enveloped in Corian® design surface and features an unusual depth when illuminated by the sun. Design: GSP Architekten Munich, Facade: HAGA Metallbau GmbH. Fabrication of Corian®: Hasenkopf GmbH. Photos: Andreas Frisch, GSP Architekten, all rights reserved.

Designed by Munich architectural practice GSP Architekten, the headquarters of Microsoft in Germany consists of a staggered building structure with numerous plant-covered terraces and courtyards bathed in natural light. Its open campus layout and friendly ambiance captivates not only the 1,900 Munich-based Microsoft employees but also its neighbours. Laid out over seven floors, the 26,000-square-metre space has been designated as a “Smart Workplace.” Employees decide when, where and how they carry out their work. Four different “Workspaces” are found in the building, each taking into consideration the varying work demands of staff.

The Microsoft Germany headquarters in Parkstadt Schwabing in the north of Munich. The building is enveloped in Corian® design surface and features an unusual depth when illuminated by the sun. Design: GSP Architekten Munich, Facade: HAGA Metallbau GmbH, Fabrication of Corian®: Hasenkopf GmbH. Photos: Andreas Frisch, GSP Architekten, all rights reserved.

The Corian® organization in Germany assisted the architects and fabricators during the planning and fabrication of the facade. For example, they filed the application for building approval (Zulassung im Einzelfall) of the facade material. In order to receive approval, the experts of the Corian® business compiled previous submissions and audits from several projects successfully implemented in Germany and Europe.

Due to their excellent product knowledge, the required technical audits were approved without any problems. Additional help came from the existing ETA (European Technical Approval) certification for facades that Corian® holds.

The prominent facade shines on its surroundings in the early morning hours. The frames made of Corian®enclose two- to three-storey-high window elements, with narrow, room-high pivot windows providing direct ventilation. The innovative building frames are like oversized windows allowing a view of the surrounding landscape. They are reminiscent of the product that made Microsoft one of the world’s leading brands.

Close-up view of the entrance at the Microsoft headquarters in Munich. Corian® design surface can be used to create precise architectural details. Design: GSP Architekten Munich, Facade: HAGA Metallbau GmbH. Fabrication of Corian®: Hasenkopf GmbH. Photo: Corian®, all rights reserved.