Stuttgart 1A Vaihingen

This new administration building for the book wholesaler Koch, Neff & Volckmar is U-shaped and comprises six upper storeys and two basements. But despite its size and rigorous structuring, it appears incredibly light: the bright, natural colour of the suspended ceramic façade not only creates an appealing contrast to the window openings, it also lends the complex a refreshing, striking look. The unglazed, smooth terracotta radiates calm and harmony. The uniform outer structure has been given a more playful edge thanks to “display cases” in various shapes and sizes, which protrude out of the façade and above the roof.