LOCATION / HISTORY
GF Machining Solutions is one of three divisions within Georg Fischer AG. It offers innovative solutions in the fields of milling, eroding, laser ablation, automation and customer services. GF Machining Solutions employs 3,255 staff at 50 locations worldwide. The new innovation and production centre for machine tools in Biel brings together the three highly valued locations in Nidau, Ipsach and Luterbach.
The new building is situated on the Roger-Federer-Allee, on the eastern edge of the town, near the village of Bözingen which was integrated into the city in 1917. From Solothurnstrasse, which runs along the slope of Jura chain, the Roger-Federer-Allee branches off at right angles into the adjacent plain to the south. The Swiss Tennis performance centre stands across from the new GF Machining Solutions site. The avenue then leads directly to the new multifunctional Tissot Arena. Leisure and commercial uses characterise this still new, unfinished urban extension with good transportation links. The Bözingerfeld highway junction is in the immediate vicinity.
DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE
HRS Real Estate AG carried out this project as the total contractor with a full cost, quality and time guarantee. Covering a total area of 44,000 m2, the GF Machining Solutions Innovation and Production Centre in Biel combines the entire Swiss milling machine and laser production capacity. About 450 staff work on the site and 45 apprentices prepare for their future here. The new building, which is also the divisional headquarters, offers more than 13,000 m2 of space for production and assembly and, in addition to a research and development centre, also has a modern application centre called the “Academy”. Here, customers can experience the division’s broad portfolio at first hand and complete various training courses on-site.
These various functions are housed in a rectangular space of 177 metres long by 97 metres wide and 16 metres high, with the production hall as the “heart”. The architecture of the concrete skeleton construction is based on a strict orthogonal grid with centre distances of approx. 11 metres in length and approx. 12 metres in depth. This determines the position of the load bearing supports. The compact structure is clad with a vertically ribbed, anthracite-coloured façade of partially perforated trapezoidal profiles which opens up to the west, towards the Roger-Federer-Allee, with an impressive gesture ; a glass front, slightly indented in volume and extending over the entire length of the building, marks the main access zone at street level with a reception, auditorium, the “Academy” and exhibition rooms. Regular rows of windows are arranged along the two office floors above; the closed façade sections between them run in a gentle zigzag line that gives the building its own rhythm.
Along the narrow sides, access roads open up the east façade of the building; a forwarding zone is set up in each corner. In front of the south façade, the roofed ramp to the parking hall in the basement features an exposed concrete construction. Visitor parking is available in front of the entrance façade. This is accessed via a separate access road. Between them, three identical, black-coated pavilions mark the boundary of the plot. They allow access to the parking garage ; their projecting canopies also serve as shelters for bicycles.
On the north side, a fully automated high-bay warehouse is integrated into the overall structure as a massive “box” without columns or ceilings. It reaches down to the basement. The training and production rooms extend to the south, reaching a height of 8.8 metres behind the office floors on Roger-Federer-Allee. Crane tracks run lengthwise. The central part of this hall is supplied with daylight by skylights. An open gallery with meeting rooms runs along the northern edge of the first floor. From the offices, windows allow an open view into the hall.
The third floor encloses the central hall area. In addition to further offices and production rooms, the staff restaurant with 220 seats and its own kitchen is located here on the south façade, as well as a cafeteria in the southwest corner which merges seamlessly into a multifunctional room with 80 seats. Both are also accessible to the general public. A loggia over 30 metres long extends the restaurant space and makes staying outside inviting.
ENERGY CONCEPT / SUSTAINABILITY
Energy consumption is reduced to a minimum in the innovation and production centre. Heating is provided by gas and a refrigeration system is also used. The building also has a heat recovery system. Only mineral wool was used as insulation material.