© Dirk Lindner
A shelving system, a chair programme and a table: the furniture manufacturer Vitsoe currently offers exactly these three product groups, all designed by Dieter Rams over 50 years ago. Reduction to essentials, longevity and system-based thinking were also to characterize the company's new headquarters in the British Midlands. Founded in 1959 in Frankfurt, Vitsoe had moved to London back in 1995. The aim of the recent relocation to Leamington Spa is to bring the company closer to its suppliers.
The 136-m long, relatively narrow factory building for currently about 40 employees, is located on the site of a former foundry within walking distance of the city centre. It was designed by an interdisciplinary team, which as well as the architects, structural engineers and building services planners, also included yacht designer Martin Francis. A total of 16 saw-tooth north-light roofs bring daylight into the factory hall, while two panorama windows at the ends of the buildings offer views outside. The open central area of the hall is designed not only for the final assembly and dispatch of the furniture, but also as a cafeteria and events venue.
The 136-m long, relatively narrow factory building for currently about 40 employees, is located on the site of a former foundry within walking distance of the city centre. It was designed by an interdisciplinary team, which as well as the architects, structural engineers and building services planners, also included yacht designer Martin Francis. A total of 16 saw-tooth north-light roofs bring daylight into the factory hall, while two panorama windows at the ends of the buildings offer views outside. The open central area of the hall is designed not only for the final assembly and dispatch of the furniture, but also as a cafeteria and events venue.