Merck Innovation Center, Darmstadt, Germany

Object Type
Office Buildings

Client
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt

Architects
HENN Architekten GmbH, München

Completion
2018

Expertises
Thermal Insulation & Energy Performance Calculation
Building Acoustics
Sound Isolation
Room Acoustics
Audiovisual System Design

The Merck site in Darmstadt has been expanded with a new technology and knowledge campus. The centerpiece is the Innovation Center. Spread across a total of five levels dynamically interconnected via concrete ramps, the project teams and startup entrepreneurs have access to state-of-the-art office spaces. This intentionally open spatial structure brings together people, technologies, and skills from various fields under one roof. On the ground floor, there is a café, lounge, and an auditorium for up to 250 people, while a library and workshop are located above. The employee restaurant, with 1100 seats and a large outdoor terrace, extends into the smaller adjacent building section.

The innovative working environment with multiple interconnected floor levels poses a significant challenge for the acoustic concept. Using simulations on a 3D computer model, targeted room acoustic measures were developed to minimize sound transmission between different work areas and from the reception and catering zone, ensuring optimal working conditions for all users and maintaining necessary confidentiality. In this context, the required voice alarm system was designed by Müller-BBM Building Solutions to ensure excellent speech intelligibility in the event of 50% loudspeaker failure.

The high-quality thermal envelope combined with modern building technology ensures that both buildings meet all requirements for energy-efficient operation according to LEED Platinum certification criteria.

Image Copyright
1 HGEsch
2 HGEsch
3 HGEsch
4 HGEsch