Weidmüller Logistic Center

Hörselberg-Hainich, Germany

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Weidmüller Logistic Center

Hörselberg-Hainich, Germany

Firm

io-consultants GmbH & Co. KG

Type

Industrial › Warehouse

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

Located near Eisenach, Germany, Weidmüller’s logistic center’s design was developed by focusing on three primary aspects of the desired operations: supporting efficient logistical workflows, fostering an egalitarian working environment, and achieving energy efficiency goals—all within the constraints of a tight budget and an ambitious schedule for completion.
Departing from the conventional approach of organizing all necessary logistical programs on a single expansive floor, the design leveraged a vertical stacking strategy. This approach not only enhanced the efficiency of logistical pathways but also addressed the challenges of the site’s complex topography, which included a significant elevation change. By stacking programmatic elements, the building was better integrated into its context, creating a more sensible and cohesive solution.
This vertical organization enabled supporting functions to be centrally located and directly adjacent to the primary logistical operational areas, optimizing spatial flow and improving usability for employees. Moreover, the stacking provided the opportunity to establish a unified entrance located beneath the building, ensuring that all employees—regardless of rank, title, or role—shared the same entry point. This entrance plaza, situated below the changing rooms, offices, and conference center, serves as a shaded, cool gathering space. It fosters community by hosting evening barbecues and company-sponsored events, further enhancing the egalitarian ethos of the design.
A key architectural feature is the prominent translucent façade on the northern elevation, conceived to respond dynamically to internal programs and functions. The careful articulation of fenestration, transparency, and envelope performance was tailored to meet the specific needs of each space, energy efficiency and structural requirements. This design strategy also allowed for the inclusion of a skywalk, offering employees and visitors the unique experience of observing facility operations from above without disrupting the intensity of forklift traffic below. Positioned symbolically at the juncture of incoming and outgoing goods, directly above the loading docks, the skywalk provides a visceral and immediate understanding of the building’s operational purpose.
This project represented a significant milestone for the client as the largest single investment in the company’s history. Given the scale of the undertaking, mitigating risk through stringent budget adherence was a critical priority. Thoughtful design decisions—including human-centered design principles, strategic building placement, compliance with energy efficiency standards, effective spatial layout strategies, and innovative landscape management—resulted in a significant reduction in construction expenses. Furthermore, these decisions substantially decreased anticipated operational costs, highlighting the project’s long-term value.

Sustainability: Designing a sustainable facility for Weidmüller presented several challenges, particularly due to a limited budget, material options permitted by the Industrial Fire Code and operational factors. These constraints prompted the design team to reevaluate conventional notions of sustainability, emphasizing energy performance, human-centered design, site-specific considerations, and passive design strategies.
The building’s orientation was carefully planned to maximize northern daylight through its primary glazed façade while employing taller, south-facing forms as passive shading devices. This strategic approach significantly reduces solar heat gain while enhancing northern light penetration, resulting in a naturally lit industrial space that minimizes energy consumption. The optimized layout also ensures adaptability and longevity, enabling the facility to meet evolving functional needs and remain relevant for decades to come.
The surrounding landscape reflects the project’s commitment to sustainable principles. The site, a former WWII bombing and diesel depot, underwent extensive remediation, including the removal of munitions, diesel tanks, and contaminated soil. Native perennials were reintroduced to support pollinator habitats, while local sheep herds are utilized for natural meadow management, aligning with ecological and low-maintenance landscape strategies.
The glass façade, a dominant feature of the design, floods all active working spaces with daylight and offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This approach not only enhances employee well-being—reducing stress, increasing focus, and improving attention—but also mitigates workplace injuries, a critical factor in industrial environments. By fostering a healthier and safer work environment, the design contributes to employee retention and overall satisfaction.
A single shared entrance reinforces the egalitarian ethos, ensuring all employees, regardless of title or rank, have access to the same amenities. Shared spaces, including lunchrooms, coffee areas, break rooms, and open workspaces, are designed to maximize panoramic views, promoting collaboration and social interaction. Visiting truck drivers are also thoughtfully accommodated with a dedicated entrance, clean shower facilities, restrooms, and a breakroom offering the same high-quality amenities provided to employees. This inclusive design approach has resulted in unusually high levels of workplace satisfaction reported by both employees and visitors.
Although the Industrial Fire Code restricted the use of timber and other flammable materials, the project prioritized durable and recyclable materials. For instance, a mineral wool-filled sandwich panel system was selected over foam-based alternatives due to its sustainability, recyclability, and superior fire resistance.
Through passive design strategies, renewable energy systems—including rooftop solar panels and heat pumps—and highly efficient building systems, the project achieved a remarkable 55% reduction in energy consumption compared to similar facilities. The incorporation of green roofs and high-albedo surfaces further optimized energy efficiency. The facility meets the rigorous German KfW 45 energy standard, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility.