Inspirations

Studio drü

New work in industrial style

19.11.2025

Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland

Location

Atelier drü Architektur + Bauleitungen AG

Architect & Client

The Swiss architecture firm Atelier drü designed its new location in Flums (canton of St. Gallen) as a collaborative New Work landscape. A special feature is the holistic furnishing concept, which combines large exposed concrete surfaces with a minimalist, modern interior design. Lighting is doubly important in this environment. It provides attractive, high-quality light in all areas - and unfolds its design potential in combination with acoustic elements on the ceiling. The result is an innovative and attractive working environment in which interior design, light and space harmonise perfectly.

Holistic acoustic and lighting concept

In modern office environments, lighting and acoustic elements need to be more than just functional. They also actively shape the ceiling appearance and thus the atmosphere in the room. This is why the harmonious interaction of both trades is at the centre of the furnishing concept. Two rows of rectangular acoustic panels are used on the exposed concrete ceiling above the desks. They dampen the reverberation effectively, but leave little room for the lighting. The perfect solution in this demanding environment in terms of lighting technology and design: the So-Tube. The iconic tubular luminaire was installed as a deliberately irregular zig-zag light strip between the acoustic panels. With a high glare reduction of UGR<19, it ensures optimally illuminated VDU workstations - and brings a creative dynamic into the room in combination with the regularly arranged acoustic modules.

Cloud under exposed concrete

In the entrance, meeting and conference areas, the furnishing concept emphasises, among other things, organic-looking ceiling elements as a counterpoint to the rough industrial style. Round acoustic blocks with a dark textile covering seem to float weightlessly under the ceiling. The right lighting: round Taiwo surface-mounted lights with a housing colour that perfectly matches the panels. The similarities in colour and shape and the irregular arrangement on the ceiling create the impression of a cloud of dark and light panes. Minimalist and modern in design, the ceiling elements also lend the exposed concrete ambience a futuristic charm.

Light line as guide beam

Another lighting highlight welcomes employees and visitors in the entrance area: an angled light line behind the reception desk zones the room and creates a warm contrast to the cool-looking exposed concrete wall. The light line runs through the entire office area and marks the walkways as a luminous track on the ceiling. In this way, it provides orientation and connects the different areas as a visual bracket. What sounds relatively simple is technologically quite demanding. "The light is not only particularly homogeneous and pleasant - the light line continues around the corner and along the entire length without shadow gaps or interruptions," says Ralf Gaedicke, Product Manager Office and Education at TRILUX. We think it's a successful project all along the line.