A revolutionary approach to workspace design has taken shape in Eschbach, near Freiburg, Germany, where the Kompetenzzentrum Breisgau stands as a testament to the transformative power of natural light in architecture. This 4,000-square-meter multifunctional campus redefines the boundaries between productivity, design, and well-being, positioning itself as a new architectural landmark for the region nestled between the Black Forest, Alsace, and the Swiss border.
The building represents a new generation of workspaces where architecture actively supports collaboration and comfort through strategic use of natural illumination. At the heart of this vision lies the LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60, a structural and symbolic element that channels daylight deep into the building's interior, creating a luminous and inspiring atmosphere for its users. The project demonstrates how light can serve as both a practical solution and an artistic medium in contemporary architecture.
Spanning across multiple functions, the Kompetenzzentrum features sixteen modern office units available for lease, along with reservable seminar and meeting rooms, a co-working area, and an exclusive event venue offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The ground floor houses a welcoming lounge and restaurant that encourage social interaction beyond traditional working hours. Complementing this ecosystem, a hotel across the street provides additional convenience for visitors and traveling professionals.
The architectural challenge of bringing natural light into large buildings with predominantly square floor plans led to an innovative solution at the Kompetenzzentrum. When openings are limited to perimeter façades, interior spaces often suffer from inadequate illumination. The design team addressed this by creating a generous central atrium that functions both as a spatial connector and a communal gathering place, crowned by a custom-designed skylight that allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building's core.
Using the Glass Roof PR60 by LAMILUX, architects created an elegant, lightweight oval structure that integrates seamlessly with the building's curved geometry. This installation dissolves the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, between shadow and clarity, contributing to a fluid, open, and welcoming atmosphere throughout the facility. The skylight serves as more than just a technical feature – it acts as a space-defining element that contributes to an uplifting and stimulating environment.
Reinhold Noel, Managing Director of KBS-Bau GmbH, emphasized the importance of natural light in the project's conceptual framework. "When planning the building, the brightness in the rooms was very important to us," he explained. "Although it is an interior space, we get a lot of natural light through the Glass Roof." This design philosophy reflects a deeper understanding of how illumination affects human psychology and productivity in work environments.
The impact of natural light on workplace wellness cannot be overstated, as Noel further elaborated: "Skylights are very important to us, as they can significantly increase the productivity, well-being and satisfaction of our employees – which ultimately has a positive effect on performance." In the central atrium, where informal meetings, lunches, and creative breaks occur, the presence of abundant natural light strengthens the connection to the outside world and supports overall user well-being.
Beyond its aesthetic and wellness benefits, the Kompetenzzentrum demonstrates a strong commitment to energy consciousness and sustainability. The building incorporates ceiling-integrated heating and cooling systems, while photovoltaic panels help meet a significant portion of the facility's energy demands autonomously. The Glass Roof system fits seamlessly into this sustainable approach, offering high-performance thermal insulation, excellent load-bearing capacity, and the flexibility to integrate additional features such as shading or ventilation systems.
The selection of LAMILUX as the skylight provider was driven by both technical excellence and collaborative quality throughout the project lifecycle. "The collaboration with LAMILUX was smooth right from the start – a real all-round carefree package that I would be happy to recommend," Noel noted. This partnership resulted in more than just the installation of a glazing system; it represents a precise integration of technical performance, architectural intention, and execution efficiency.
The Kompetenzzentrum Breisgau exemplifies an innovative approach to contemporary work environments, creating spaces that are simultaneously open, sustainable, and emotionally intelligent. The design enhances human interaction while ensuring that light serves not merely as illumination, but as a vital element that brings spaces to life. This project stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful architectural design can transform ordinary workspaces into inspiring environments that support both individual well-being and collective productivity.
