Where Danish workplace design meets timber innovation

PLH is currently working on an exciting project in Oberhaching, Germany: a fully timber office building. This building will be part of Proteus’ “Woods family”, a collection of exclusive modern timber constructions in Germany.

“We won the competition for the 9,500 sq. meter timber office building in mid-2024 and seamlessly moved into the next phase. We recently delivered the outline proposal and are excited for the next steps in bringing this vision to life,” says Thore Hemmersbach, Head of Germany at PLH.

At the core of the design is sustainability and flexibility, and of course a workplace design that focuses on creating an inspiring work environment.

“We’re super thrilled about this project, which not only reflects our approach to workplace design but also provides invaluable insights into timber building design,” says Thore Hemmersbach.

Timber constructionfor sustainability and aesthetics

Woods Oberhaching marks PLH’s first fully timber-constructed project, made possible through the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam Timber. The material plays a significant role in reducing the building’s environmental footprint, as it’s a renewable material and contributes to a sustainable future.

“As this is our first fully timber building, we believe this project will offer valuable insights for future projects. It’s an opportunity to exchange knowledge across borders. We’re bringing our workplace design approach to Germany, while also gaining insights into timber construction that we’ll bring back to Denmark,” says Thore Hemmersbach.

Through a smart and advanced fire protection strategy, the design has avoided wrapping and over-dimensioning the load-bearing timber components, eliminating unnecessary layers while preserving the warm and beautiful wooden surfaces.

“Germany is ahead of Denmark in terms of timber construction, and the experiences gained in this project will undoubtedly help us bring fresh ideas and methods back to Denmark,” says Thore Hemmersbach.

Creating attractive workplaces

The Woods Oberhaching building reflects PLH’s approach to workplace design, which focuses on creating environments people genuinely want to spend time in. An office should be more than efficient – it should be attractive and inspiring.

"In recent years, the role of the office has changed rapidly, with workplaces increasingly competing with the home office. Creating an environment with character is now crucial to attract people. This means designing spaces that are not only user-friendly but also interesting and inspiring,” tells Thore Hemmersbach.

The building’s layout has been designed for flexibility, with each unit featuring its own private terrace or balcony,positioned to offer beautiful views of the bavarian surrounding. This ensures an even more enjoyable and connected work experience. The building also includes a mix of private and collaborative spaces, allowing tenants to choose how they engage with their work environment.

Building on flexibility and community

Flexibility is central to the design, allowing the building to adapt to the diverse needs of its tenants. The layout can be easily reconfigured, with areas that can be cleared to create open spaces as needed or connecting units to create bigger tenancies. In other words, the building is designed to evolve and meet future needs.

Woods Oberhaching also includes a light-filled atrium, which serves as the vibrant heart of the building. The atrium acts as a central gathering space, connecting all the office units and creating opportunities for interaction and collaboration. It can also be used for events and informal meetings, enhancing the social aspects of work.

This adaptability throughout the building is key in today's fast-evolving workplace environment, where companies need to quickly pivot to meet new demands.

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with our German colleagues and look forward to the next steps in this project,” concludes Thore Hemmersbach.