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PROJECTS / SWAROVSKI HEADQUARTERS

Elegantly curved—sustainably constructed

The new Swarovski headquarters on the eastern bank of Lake Zurich, Switzerland, features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped design. The two glass wings of the building, differing in length, reflect each other kaleidoscopically. The clever use of full glazing on the curved structure evokes the appearance of cut crystal, Swarovski’s flagship product.

xterior view of Swarovski Headquarters designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, sleek modern facade and innovative architecture

Main entrance of Swarovski Headquarters designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, contemporary design and high-end materials.

Located just a few kilometers from Zurich, the building accommodates about 500 employees. The primary design goal was to provide as many employees as possible with views of the lake and the Alps. This was achieved with a fully transparent facade and strategically arranged offices. The building’s modest appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The transparency of the facade enhances its lightness, while terraces and sloping landscapes create a connection with the adjacent vineyards, meadows, and traditional orchards. This welcoming design invites visitors, employees, and customers alike. Harmonized materials and surfaces amplify the building’s lightness and symbolize the harmony between the employees and the company. The curved shape and predominantly open-plan workspaces foster a vibrant community in this luminous, transparent, and healthy environment.

The elegant structure utilizes natural resources efficiently, meeting the Swiss Minergie® standard for ecological design. The building's energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting is less than 40 kilowatt-hours per square meter annually, achieved by using lake water for heating and cooling. The Swarovski headquarters is the first building outside Zurich to employ this method exemplarily.

The facade consists of two layers and is equipped with ventilation flaps, a novel design feature that allows natural office ventilation. Metal blinds provide solar shading, protecting against glare and excessive heat while preserving the view. These blinds are sheltered from wind and rain by an external glass facade. The ground floor includes an entrance foyer, lounge, restaurant, conference area, and workshop rooms. The second floor and the other upper levels, supported by columns, offer maximum flexibility with predominantly open-plan offices. Special plastered ceilings ensure optimal room acoustics, and the thermal mass of the concrete slabs can be used for cooling. The triple-glazed interior facade serves as an energy-efficient heat buffer.

Meeting rooms at Swarovski Headquarters designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, elegant design and cutting-edge facilities.

Sustainable design at Swarovski Headquarters by Christoph Ingenhoven, energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials.

Interior lobby of Swarovski Headquarters designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, luxurious finishes and spacious layout

Two wooden terraces and the green roof of the recessed top floor offer panoramic views of the Alps. The building provides healthy working conditions aligned with sound architectural design principles.