Brütsch Elektronik
Client
Brütsch Elektronik AG
Project location
Beringen , Switzerland
Project date
2022
Architects
RLC Architekten AG, Rheineck
Electrical Engineer
Senn Technology AG, St. Gallen
Electrician
R. Graf & Co AG, Schaffhausen
Photo
Jens Ellensohn
Constant change
Brütsch Elektronik Relys on Flexibility to Create Ideal Working Conditions
As one of the leading manufacturers of medical technology and automation solutions, Brütsch Elektronik AG requires a significant amount of space. After running out of room at its previous location, the company decided to expand in the municipality of Beringen. A modern hybrid timber-concrete building was constructed on a greenfield site, providing approximately 4,500 square meters of office and production space for 200 employees.
Brütsch Elektronik’s new location is designed to offer employees ideal working conditions in the long term—with streamlined processes, a pleasant atmosphere, and modern workstations. Given the constantly changing needs and requirements, this was a major challenge that everyone involved in the construction of the new company building had to face. Chairman of the Board Markus Simmen sums up this demanding task with the words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “The only constant is change.”
“For us, lighting used to be just a byproduct—something we simply needed. We’ve now learned to take a closer look. It was a fascinating experience. We’re completely satisfied with the new building.”
Markus Simmen, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Brütsch Elektronik and project manager, is very pleased with the result.
Lighting design as the key to flexible workspaces
And so, using BIM planning, architects, electrical engineers, and lighting experts from Zumtobel designed a flexible building that makes it possible to respond quickly and easily to both minor and major changes. The workspaces can be freely configured and used flexibly depending on team and project size. This is facilitated, on the one hand, by the EPURIA floor lamp, which can be easily repositioned depending on usage. On the other hand, the staggered arrangement of the ceiling lights evenly illuminates the entire room, thereby enabling individual zoning.
By combining functionality with a feel-good atmosphere, the architecture and lighting enable focused and error-free work, as well as a satisfying and pleasant working environment. The fact that employee satisfaction is generally a top priority for Brütsch Elektronik is evident not least in the break rooms and catering stations found on every floor—and in how the entire building has been equipped with luminaires from the Zumtobel Group.
Flexibility
The EPURIA floor lamps, which can be placed anywhere, feature built-in motion and daylight sensors that turn the lights on when needed and automatically adjust the brightness. This ensures they always provide the right amount of light while also reducing energy consumption.
Architecture
“We are in a building that is heavily technology-driven. The lighting provides optimal illumination for every use, while also serving a representative purpose,” explains architect Rolf Sager. An example of this combination of functionality and aesthetics are the corridors, which are up to 70 meters long and connect the workspaces and meeting rooms arranged around the building’s core. Seemingly endless lines of light perfectly highlight the dimensions while also providing orientation.
A pleasant work environment
For electronics and microscopy workstations, light quality is a key factor alongside flexibility. LIGHT FIELDS III luminaires deliver both. Thanks to their staggered arrangement on the ceiling, the entire room is evenly illuminated, and the glare-free light ensures a comfortable working environment. Zumtobel’s homogeneous general lighting is complemented by site-installed task lights that were specifically developed for microscopy and precision work.
Feel good
In the common room, the baffle ceiling made from recycled materials helps create a calm atmosphere thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. It also provides the ideal architectural setting for the TECTON continuous row lighting system, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Another advantage is that the continuous row lighting system can be quickly expanded with additional fixtures as needed.