herzog & de meuron's helvetia HQ extension breaks ground

herzog & de meuron’s helvetia HQ extension breaks ground
image © herzog & de meuron

in switzerland, work has begun to extend the headquarters of insurance company helvetia. the project, designed by herzog & de meuron, is the fourth and final extension of the company’s headquarters –  a long-term collaboration which dates back to 1989.

herzog & de meuron explain the project as follows: ‘the new building to the west forms the main entrance to the helvetia insurance building complex. its significance is underscored by the structural design: the four-story office building, resting on two mighty cones, creates a spacious covered forecourt in front of the entrance. the two cones blend into the sloping topography, establishing a link between the street-level entrance and the restaurant facilities with a garden on the floor below.’

‘the small cone to the north accommodates a conference room on the lower level. the large cone with offices rising above is truncated. the two-story space accommodates the new cafeteria, providing a unique location within the head office of helvetia, which is open to staff all day long.’

the extension is set to be completed by early 2017.

the existing offices in st. gallen, switzerland
image © helvetia