erbe 4i

Rangendingen, Germany

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erbe 4i

Rangendingen, Germany

Firm

io-consultants GmbH & Co. KG

Type

Industrial › Factory

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

Since 1851, Erbe has been developing and producing professional medical devices and instruments worldwide. The company’s production facilities reflect Erbe’s brand values through their interior and exterior design concepts. As a leading manufacturer of electrosurgical equipment, Erbe combines sustainability, innovation, and social goals with its new building project:

- Low CO2 footprint during construction through the use of renewable and CO2-binding building materials.
- Low CO2 footprint during operation with active energy generation via photovoltaics and passive energy savings by implementing the KfW 40 energy efficiency standard.
- CO2 neutrality during operation through the use of biogas combustion.
- A comfortable environment for employees and guests using natural interior materials.
- Integration into the surrounding landscape with a wooden façade and a stepped building structure.
- Consolidation of all production functions under one roof with short paths for employees and materials.
- A regional meeting space for internal and external events.
- A central communication hub for breaks, relaxation, and spontaneous conversations.
- An open house for guests and customers.

The new building embodies Erbe's vision of future-oriented production. For the expansion of its production site, Erbe deliberately chose wood as the primary building material and adhered to the KfW 40 energy efficiency house standard. As one of the first industrial buildings in Germany to achieve this standard, it sets new benchmarks for the entire industry. By using renewable and CO2-binding building materials, the construction respects and protects the environment in both its form and function.

Erbe’s prefabrication approach for building components not only ensured high precision and quality but also shortened the construction time. Prefabricated elements include wooden frame walls with exterior wood cladding, solid wood interior walls, stairs, bridges, and laminated timber roof structures.

Innovative solutions in the wall elements allow for the seamless integration of technical systems into the façade while meeting building physics requirements.

The cleanroom, a core element of Erbe’s production, meets the stringent requirements of ISO 8 air cleanliness standards. Particular attention was given to ensuring tight movement joints in wall and ceiling connections. The wooden structure supports the roof loads as well as the walkable cleanroom ceiling with all its technical installations.

The flexibility and openness of office spaces promote communication and collaboration within teams. Team workspaces for quiet tasks are complemented by associated workshop and discussion rooms. Meeting rooms separate team islands, and bridges in the atrium connect offices with production areas on each floor. These bridges, along with tea kitchens, also serve as lounges and communication spaces. The primary planning principle was to unite logistics, production, and administration under one roof. This integrative approach maximizes process efficiency and minimizes communication distances. Special emphasis was placed on workflow design to ensure seamless integration of functions and enhance employee satisfaction.

Exterior Concept
The new industrial building is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The building blends into the landscape through its design. The energy-efficient wooden exterior reduces annual operating costs for heating and cooling while serving as an architectural invitation. From the neighborhood’s perspective, the deliberately staggered heights and rounded roof edges make the structure appear smaller.

The façade design includes structured wooden cladding and smooth panels. The structured façades, along with the similarly designed roof, form a protective “bark” around the building. This design draws a conscious connection to the surrounding woodlands, where stacks of horizontal tree trunks are common in forestry.

Social and Ecological Sustainability
In addition to ecological and economic aspects, social components play a significant role in the new building. The wooden atrium serves as the social heart of the structure, acting as a vibrant communication and gathering space. The atrium and company restaurant are open to employees, guests, and neighbors, highlighting Erbe’s commitment to social responsibility.

By using wood, 2,000 tons of CO2 have been stored, significantly reducing the use of reinforced concrete and structural steel. With its ambitious goal of building and operating the new facility as sustainably as possible, Erbe has achieved another milestone in sustainable industry. The building represents a new era of construction, where sustainability, efficiency, and social responsibility reinforce one another.