PROJECT INFO

Location: France
Completion Date: 2020
Project Type: Commercial and Laboratories
Scope of Work: A recently converted warehouse into a commercial building, that was shell and core, was chosen for expansion space for laboratories, meeting, and workspace.


Firmenich

Designed to blend innovation with nature, this commercial project redefines the modern workspace by integrating high-performance laboratories, dynamic collaboration areas, and essential workplace amenities into a cohesive and inspiring environment. With multiple complex laboratories, meeting and training rooms, open-plan desks, and a dedicated library, the space is tailored for both focused work and teamwork. A spacious cafeteria serves as a central hub for relaxation and social interaction.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the design embraces biophilic principles, incorporating organic forms, natural textures, and a palette drawn from the local fields. A key design motif is the rose petal—found in nearby meadows—subtly woven into architectural elements, textiles, and decorative accents. This approach creates a harmonious, refreshing atmosphere that fosters creativity, well-being, and productivity.

Design Concept

This state-of-the-art facility was designed to support the creation of the world’s leading scents and flavours, serving top global conglomerates that regularly visit for bespoke tasting and smelling experiences. The project’s success was measured by its ability to seamlessly integrate high-tech laboratories with sophisticated customer-facing presentation spaces, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience for clients. Equally important was the provision of functional and inspiring environments for scientists and employees, including dedicated workspaces, collaboration zones, a library, meeting rooms, and training areas to foster innovation. Thoughtfully designed amenities—such as meeting rooms, cafeterias, and hospitality spaces—enhanced the overall experience, ensuring both visitors and in-house experts could operate in a space that balances creativity, functionality, and world-class hospitality.

Challenges & Solutions

Transforming a former warehouse into a cutting-edge commercial office and laboratory space presented significant structural challenges, particularly concerning load allowances. The existing warehouse infrastructure was not designed to support the substantial weight demands of high-performance laboratories, office spaces, and visitor areas. A key issue was the ground floor ceiling—the former warehouse’s metal roof—which became the first-floor floorplate. This structure was not originally built to accommodate theextensive mechanical equipment required for the ground-floor labs, nor could it sustain the combined weight of walls, furniture, and human occupancy on the first floor.

To address these issues, a structural engineering team was engaged early in the design process to reinforce the building’s framework, ensuring it could safely support the required loads. Strategic reinforcements, redistribution of weight, and innovative hanging solutions for mechanical systems were implemented to maintain both functionality and safety. This project underscored the critical importance of involving a qualified design and engineering team from the outset. Selecting a building suited for its intended purpose from the beginning can significantly reduce costs, streamline construction, and enhance overall safety—an invaluable lesson for future adaptive reuse projects

Final Outcome

Despite extensive planning and innovative design solutions, the project ultimately proved too costly to move forward. The structural reinforcements required to convert the existing warehouse into a functional commercial office and laboratory space significantly exceeded budget expectations. The extensive modifications needed to support mechanical systems, weight loads, and overall safety made the build financially unfeasible. As a result, the project was cancelled, and the new office was never constructed. This outcome highlighted the critical importance of selecting a building that aligns with structural requirements from the outset, reinforcing the value of thorough feasibility assessments in early project stages.

Key Features

  • Adaptive Reuse Approach–Conversion of a former warehouse into a commercial office and laboratory space, balancing functionality with design.
  • Advanced Laboratory Infrastructure–Designed to accommodate high-performance labs for developing world-leading scents and flavors.
  • Client-Focused Spaces–Dedicated presentation areas, meeting rooms, and hospitality spaces for visiting global conglomerates.
  • Collaborative Work Environment–Open-plan desks, training rooms, a library, and breakout areas to support innovation and teamwork.
  • Nature-Inspired Design–Integration of organic forms, natural materials, and floral motifs, including rose petal elements inspired by the local landscape.
  • Structural Engineering Considerations–A critical focus on load-bearing limitations, requiring extensive reinforcement solutions.
  • Mechanical & Technical Requirements–Extensive planning for hanging mechanical equipment and ensuring lab functionality.
  • Financial & Feasibility Challenges–Cost overruns due to structural modifications ultimately led to project cancellation.