Schneider honoured with the “Exemplary Construction” Award

The Chamber of Architects for the German state of Baden Wuerttemberg bestowed the  “Exemplary Construction” award on Schneider Schreibgeräte GmbH during a ceremony. They were honoured for the expansion and conversion of the former production hall in Schramberg Tennenbronn into the “blulog” modern logistics centre, which is “a project that combines architectural innovations, sustainability and clear brand identity in an outstanding way.” 

What is today a striking blue cube visible from far above the valley began as a vacant lot with an industrial wasteland feel. Thanks to its conceptually well-preserved reinforced concrete structure, the building could be intelligently revamped with an approach which is entirely in line with the company’s understanding of resource awareness and sustainable progress.

The company built a logistics centre on a 5,800 m² site. The centre can be used flexibly, it optimally supports the warehouse and picking processes, and it can be converted into a production space at any time should the need arise. A modern vertical conveyor system connects all levels of the building and enables highly automated goods logistics. According to a company statement, “the ability to convert the space is an architectural testament to the company’s long-term innovative strength.”

The large 2.200 m² printed textile façade, which features a design in the company’s colours and a logo, is very striking. The once uneven façade structure has been transformed into a calm, iconic cube. By day, the façade looks like a homogeneous body, while the window hinge creates a fascinating indoor-outdoor game in twilight. It is an example of how functional aspects, such as maximising the use of daylight and requiring less sun protection, can be combined with a powerful corporate design approach. Internally at Schneider, the logistics centre is called „blulog“ – a combination of “blu” for the distinctive colour of the building and “log” for the building’s functionality.

Recognition for building culture and responsibility

The  “Exemplary Construction” award in the County of Rottweil is given to honour architecture that is both functional and socially relevant. The jury focused on criteria such as design quality, constructive honesty, being suitable for the context, and handling resources sustainably, all characteristics that the blulog project exemplifies. It shows that innovative industrial architecture and regional roots are not mutually exclusive, but instead reinforce each other. The city of Schramberg highlights the project as an example of high-quality commercial buildings that make a positive contribution to the city’s image. www.schneiderpen.com