Geberit View 2012

View 

Reference magazine 

2012 

New university in Abu Dhabi 

Hadi Teherani creates a high-tech 

oasis of knowledge in the desert 

Reykjavík’s new landmark 

The Harpa concert hall from 

Henning Larsen Architects

Water is our 

wellspring. 

Published by 

Geberit International AG, 

Corporate Communications, 

Schachenstrasse 77, CH-8645 Jona 

Editorial team 

Brigitte Selden, Martin Kamber 

Concept 

Linkgroup, Zurich 

www.linkgroup.ch 

Number of copies 

25, 000. Issued: one time annually. 

The reproduction of individual articles, 

in part or in full, is subject to approval 

from the editorial staff. 

Photos 

Jörg Hempel (cover, pages 32–35), 

Werner Huthmacher (pages 4, 6/7, 21), 

Zaha Hadid Architects (pages 4, 16), 

Nic Lehoux (pages 4, 22–24), 

Marcus Bredt (pages 5, 28/29), 

Cino Zucchi Architetti and Park Associati (pages 8/9), 

Daniele Domenicali (pages 10/11), 

Bitexco, Arep/T. Chapuis (pages 12–15), 

José Campos (page 17), 

Jan Siefke (page 18), 

Damir Fabijanić (page 19), 

Régis Golay, Federal Studio (page 20), 

Tobias Dinesen (page 25), 

Adam Mork (pages 26/27), 

Roland Halbe (page 38), 

Marcus Bredt (page 39), 

Yannick Andrea (pages 40/41), 

Johan Pretorius (pages 42/43), 

Ad Kil/Ro Koster (pages 44/45). 

Editorial 

“Good design is the essence of many 

considerations and valid reasons. That 

is why a well-designed product not only 

speaks to the senses but especially 

impresses the mind.” 

Geberit products such as the Monolith sanitary modules or the Sigma80 

actuator plate are excellent examples of this ability. Through their unique 

design language, they communicate both significant benefits and state- 

of-the-art technology. 

Good design makes a product objectively better. And yet, products from 

Geberit not only look good – they really are. Because before we launch them 

on the market, we do our homework thoroughly. Does the product really 

satisfy the needs of our customers? Does it provide a significant improvement 

over previous solutions? Does it do justice to the quality standards that the 

name Geberit represents worldwide? Is it sustainable? And can it be manufactured 

in an environmentally friendly manner? Year after year, we invest 

heavily in finding convincing answers to these questions, without any compromises 

that would detract from quality, functionality and sustainability. 

And the effort is worth it because good design creates trust. We are convinced 

of this, and so are our customers. The proof lies in the many outstanding inter- 

national architecture projects that use Geberit products – in front of as well as 

behind the wall. In this current issue of our reference magazine “View 2012” 

we take you on a journey around the world and introduce you to buildings by 

prominent architects who work together with us. Such as Vietnam’s secondtallest 

building, Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City designed by Carlos 

Zapata Studio, Chicago (page 12). Or the Aquatics Centre designed by Zaha 

Hadid for the 2012 Olympic Games in London (page 16). In Reykjavík, Iceland, 

Henning Larsen Architects have built the colorfully dazzling Harpa concert 

hall and conference center in the historic harbor district (page 22). And in Abu 

Dhabi’s Zayed University, Hadi Teherani has created a high-tech oasis of 

knowledge 

in the desert (page 32). 

Wishing you an enjoyable read. 

Albert M. Baehny, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors 

3

1 

2 

↑ The sports goods manufacturer Adidas had its 

new research and development building “Laces” built 

on the campus-style company grounds. 

↑ Vietnam’s second-tallest 

building: the Bitexco Financial 

Tower in Ho Chi Minh City. 

→ Reykjavík’s new landmark, 

the “Harpa,” is located in the 

old harbor. The gleaming glass 

facade of the new concert hall 

reflects a wide variety of lighting 

moods. 

4 

3 

↓ Flowing shapes inspired Zaha 

Hadid’s architectural concept 

for the Aquatics Centre in London. 

Content 

→ The immense roof landscape 

covers the buildings of Zayed 

University in Abu Dhabi like a veil. 

5 

6 

↑ The opening has been postponed. However, the check-in 

units are already waiting for the future passengers at the new 

Berlin Brandenburg airport. 

← At the end of August, “View 

2012” will also be available 

as an app for the iPad. This 

digital publication contains 

numerous images, videos and 

animations and is available 

free of charge at the app store. 

1 

Corporate architecture. 

Trend 6 

2 

Vietnam, the Bitexco 

Financial Tower. 

Portrait 12 

3 

The Aquatics Centre 

in London. 

Panorama 16 

4 

Harpa concert hall. 

Focus Scandinavia 22 

5 

Berlin Brandenburg. 

Focus Airport 28 

6 

High-tech knowledge 

oasis in Abu Dhabi. 

Focus University 

building 32 

Table of contents 

Panorama, Palácio de Justiça de Gouveia, 

Portugal 17 

Panorama, Congress center, China 18 

Panorama, Hotel Lone, Croatia 19 

Panorama, ICRC logistics center, Switzerland 20 

Panorama, Hospital, Belgium 21 

Focus Scandinavia, City hall, Denmark 25 

Focus Scandinavia, Hotel, Denmark 26 

Concept Cars 36 

Spectrum Technology 38 

Spectrum End user 40 

Spectrum Environment 42 

Waterways 44 

Index of architects/plumbers/Geberit 46 

4 View – Reference magazine 2012 5

Trend 

Lending 

distinctive identity 

New examples of successful corporate 

architecture 

Prominent companies 

increasingly want buildings 

that fit with their brands 

architecturally. They have 

realized that it is becoming 

ever more important to 

have a prominent address 

so as to be recognized on 

the global market. Outstan ding 

examples of this trend 

have recently been realized 

by sporting goods manufacturers 

Adidas and Sale- 

wa and clothing manufacturer 

Diesel. 

“Image is not just appearance but rather 

what is intrinsic,” says Otl Aicher, one of 

the most influential designers in Germany. 

In this regard, the design of company buildings 

also plays a major role in a company’s 

image. Outstanding examples of creative 

partnerships between companies and architects 

have been around for some time, 

such as that of Walter Rathenau, owner of 

the electric systems company AEG, and 

architect, painter and industrial designer 

Peter Behrens, which dates to the beginning 

of the 20 th century. In 1907, AEG 

named Behrens its artistic consultant. He 

was responsible for the design of all products, 

graphics, advertising and architecture. 

Behrens is considered the world’s first 

corporate designer. 

Consciously designed “corporate architecture” 

is now increasingly a key component 

of companies’ corporate identities. A new 

trend has recently been emerging in the 

field: Above all, companies are opting for 

individual corporate architecture concepts 

to concentrate their presence in one distinctive 

location. They have realized that 

for companies and their brands, it is becoming 

ever more important to have a 

pro minent address that fosters an identity 

so as to be recognized on the global market. 

Criss-crossed laces 

In Herzogenaurach, Germany, set in the 

midst of the tranquil countryside, stand the 

corporate headquarters of Adidas, one of 

the largest and most influential international 

sports goods manufacturers. Just as 

in the days of company founder Adi Dassler, 

shoe and sports fashions are created and 

developed here and taken to their market 

launch. The campuslike World of Sports 

company complex already had several 

characteristic buildings. An additional build 

ing was added to the campus in 2011 with 

the new “Laces” research and deve lopment 

building, which provided workplaces for 

“Laces,” Adidas 

headquarters, 

Herzogenaurach, 

Germany (DE) 

Building owner: Adidas AG, 

Herzogenaurach (DE) 

Architect: kadawittfeldarchitektur, 

Aachen (DE) 

Completed: 6/2011 

Plumber: Imtech AG, 

Nuremberg office (DE) 

Geberit know-how 

Duofix WC element 

Actuator plate Bolero 

Electronic urinal flush 

control 

← Serrated building 

shape: Around 1,700 

designers, developers, 

researchers and marketing 

strategists work in 

the new Adidas building 

“Laces.” 

→ The connecting bridges, 

the “laces,” gave the 

research and development 

building its name. 


Trend 

around 1,700 designers, developers, researchers 

and marketing strategists. Laces 

blends into the existing World of Sports 

ensemble as a floating counterpart to the 

black, recumbent mass of the Adidas Brand 

Center. The building was designed by 

the kadawittfeldarchitektur firm in Aachen, 

which won the 2006 competition for the 

project. The objective of their design was to 

create a building to fit the brand, in its architecture, 

but especially in the working atmosphere 

and daily creative tasks. Ultimately, 

the process resulted in the concept of a 

building laid out in rings with connecting 

walkways, i.e. the laces that give the building 

its name. A generous atrium forms the 

creative center of the complex. “The laces 

tie the building together into a multilayered 

office building that is rich in relation 

↑ A large, glassed-in climbing hall is the highlight of the new company headquarters of Salewa. 

ships. They facilitate maximum interaction 

and allow open communication areas to 

emerge,” say the architects of their concept. 

The sleek, sawtoothed building appears 

to float above the green meadows. 

The entry area is raised, allowing the outside 

to flow into the interior. The slightly 

jagged building shape comes from the long 

sides of the building, which are pitched 

from their centers, and which lend a dynamic 

shape to what is essentially a conventional 

office building. This establishes a 

continual element of movement and dynamics 

in the complex, which is meant to 

make employees feel a part of the creative 

work process. The outer appearance of 

“Laces” is distinguished by its clearly contoured 

mirrorlike smoothness and elegant 

restraint. The smooth facade surfaces are 

structured and divided by receding loggias 

on the walkways. With “Laces,” the architects 

of kadawittfeldarchitektur created 

not the usual office building parceled up 

into departmental areas, but rather a distinctive 

space in which the primarily young 

employees from around the world can identify 

with the company. 

Massif with climbing wall 

International sporting goods manufacturer 

Salewa, based in Bolzano, Italy, has also 

built a new company headquarters. The 

project was designed by the Milanese architecture 

team Cino Zucchi Architetti and 

Park Associati. Enclosing over 350,000 cubic 

meters of building space, it is one of the 

largest construction projects in South Tyrol. 

Like a mountain, the building stretches 

along the landscape of the Bolzano Valley, 

its tower thrusting 50 meters into the air. 

The architects differentiated the building 

facades by using perforated bluegrayshaded 

aluminum panels on the south side 

and a curtain of glass on the north and east 

sides. The building is intended to serve not 

only as a new office complex but also to 

promote communication and interaction 

between Salewa and its sportsminded 

customers through its mountainscape architecture, 

explain the architects about 

their design. Besides offices for staff and 

management, the building also contains a 

conference hall, a research center, a fully 

automated warehouse and offers a colorful, 

diverse visitor program. The exhibition 

hall, the Factory Shop, a cafeteria, a public 

parking facility and a customer service 

Salewa headquarters, Bozen (IT) 

Building owner: Salewa SpA, Bolzano (IT) 

Architects: Cino Zucchi and Park Associati, Milan (IT) 


Awards: 2nd place US Award 2011, “Architecture” category 

Plumber: Gaetano Paolin Impianti, Padova (IT) 



Duofix bidet element 

Duofix washbasin element 

PE piping system 

Pneumatic urinal flush controls and lavatory tap 

↑ The building stretches along the landscape of the Bolzano Valley like a mountain. 


Trend 

Diesel headquarters, Breganze (IT) 

Building owner: Diesel SpA, Breganze (IT) 

Architect: Pierpaolo Ricatti Architetto, Vicenza (IT) 


Plumber: Campesan F.lli, Mason Vicentino (IT) 


Mepla piping system 

Silent-db20 piping system 

Kombifix concealed cistern 

↑ A transparent, horizontally structured building: the new headquarters of the Diesel Group. 

center are visitor draws. The highlight, however, 

is a 2,000squaremeter, glassedin 

climbing hall with a view to the mountains. 

Creative city 

Diesel, the international fashion company 

with more than 5,000 stores worldwide, 

is headquartered in Breganze, Italy, near 

the town of Vicenza. Because the Diesel 

Group’s different areas were spread across 

different locations, a new, central headquarters 

was commissioned in 2006. Vincenzabased 

architect Pierpaolo Ricatti 

was commissioned for the project. Today, a 

transparent, horizontally structured building 

stands on a 90,000squaremeter parcel 

and opens onto the surrounding countryside 

through large glass surfaces. 

Through the complex completed in 2011, 

Ricatti created a type of creative city in 

which all areas are housed under one roof: 

offices, warehouses, material and sample 

collections storage facility, showroom, 

company museum, auditorium and foyer 

for events, kindergarten, cafeteria, fitness 

center for indoor and outdoor sports, 

parking garage and research center. Part 

of Diesel’s agenda in offering its employees 

an architecturally innovative workplace 

includes meeting high sustainability standards, 

such as the resourceefficient use of 

water and energy. The new headquarters is 

intended to communicate to the outside 

world the company’s sustainability strategy 

and particularly its environmental 

awareness. Innovative workplaces with 

unique benefits are in turn a way for a company 

to recruit skilled employees. ← 

↑ In addition to the creation of architecturally innovative workplaces, the fulfillment of high sustainability standards was also given priority during building. 

Geberit actuator plate Bolero 

Geberit concealed cisterns have been in use worldwide for over 40 years. Once the cistern is installed, only its 

actuator plate is visible. In addition to reliable functionality, design therefore also plays an important role. 

Through a great many design solutions with different finishes and shapes, Geberit offers architects and interior 

designers a large selection and considerable creative freedom. Such as in the bathrooms of the new “Laces” 

building on the Adidas campus, where Geberit Bolero actuator plates were installed. The actuator plate won over 

the architects of kadawittfeldarchitektur with its sleek, linear design that fits in perfectly with the purist 

design of the research and development building. Bolero is available in a total of 13 different colors, including 

chrome-plated, bright chrome-plated and matt chrome-plated. It has two buttons that release either a large 

or small volume of water, thus enabling a resource-efficient use of water. 


Portrait 

↑ The river still bears the city’s former name: view of the Saigon River and the city’s new emblem. 

Surrounded by the Saigon River, 

the “lotus flower” reaches to the sky. 

With the construction of the Bitexco 

Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh City has 

acquired an icon. Mission accom- 

plished, says Erwin V. Ciar of the Bitexco 

Group. 

Bitexco Financial Tower, 

Ho Chi Minh City (VN) 

Building ownership: Bitexco Group of Companies, 


Architects: Carlos Zapata Studio, Chicago (USA), 

and Arep/J.-M. Duthilleul, E. Tricaud, Paris (FR) 

Inauguration: 4/2011 

Plumber: Hyup Jin Vina Construction Co. Ltd, 



Actuator plate Samba 

Duofix installation system Sigma concealed 

cistern 12 cm (UP300) 

PE-HD piping system 

“The Tower 

exerts an 

enormous 

fascination” 

Bitexco Financial Tower, 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

Mr. Ciar, the southern Vietnamese metro polis 

of Ho Chi Minh City has not previ 

ously attracted much attention in architectural 

circles. What has the Bitexco 

Financial Tower changed in this respect? 

It has increased the attention 

paid to our city since planning 

commenced. This effect was 

strengthened even more with 

its inauguration. The Tower 

exerts an enormous fascination 

that reaches far beyond the 

limits of Ho Chi Minh City and 

even Vietnam itself. 

How can you tell that? 

Well, the tower has become a 

tourist attraction, for example. 

Our government has even developed 

special visitor programs 

for it. Even though it is no longer 

the highest building in the coun- 

↑ The lotus flower: a strong symbol sketched 

for the first time. 

try at 262.5 meters, it certainly 

remains one of the most impressive 

and one of the most 

photographed buildings. 

Have you counted the times that the 

word “iconic” has been used to describe 

the Bitexco Financial Tower? 

Especially the fact that the CNN 

travel website has ranked it as 

the fifth “most iconic building” in 

the world stays with me. It is 

true that this word is used often – 

and rightfully so, I believe. 

The Tower is above all an icon because 

of its symbolic, distinctive design. 

What considerations were behind this? 

The architects from Carlos 

Zapata Studio who were responsible 

for the design gave our 

ideas a form that symbolizes 

12 View – Reference magazine 2012 13 

→

Portrait 

↑ Fanfare opening of the Bitexco Financial Tower. 

Bitexco Group of Companies 

Established in 1985, the company group has its 

roots in the textile industry. In 1997, it began 

its meteoric rise to become the leading multiindustrial 

company of Vietnam, with currently 

over 1,100 employees and subsidiaries in Hanoi, 

Ho Chi Minh City and Thai Binh. In addition to 

the real-estate and structural development 

division, the Bitexco Group is currently active 

in the areas of electricity, infrastructure, mining 

and foodstuffs. In addition to the Bitexco 

Financial Tower, their most important projects 

include the JW Marriott Hotel, the “Manor 

Residences” and the “The Garden” shopping 

center (all in Hanoi) as well as the residential 

building “Nguyen Cu Trinh” in Ho Chi Minh City. 

→ www.bitexco.com.vn 

Erwin V. Ciar, Deputy Director Bitexco Projects 

“It is not the highest building in 

Vietnam, but definitely the most 

impressive one.” 

the good that develops from the 

roots of Vietnamese culture 

and tradition. The lotus flower 

is a powerful symbol of this. 

If you look at the design of the architecture 

closely, you will see that it is a flower that 

is just beginning to bloom. 

Believe me, the shape of a lotus 

flower in bloom would have by 

far exceeded the spatial dimensions 

of our plans (laughs). 

However, your remark is right 

on target. The Vietnamese 

economy has been in the process 

of opening up for some time 

now. We at Bitexco want to go 

forwards along this path. 

To what extent was the realization of 

this prestigious project a milestone for 

the Bitexco Group? 

With this building, we have 

proven that we can measure up 

to international standards. 

All decisions, from the commissioning 

of world-renowned 

architects to the selection of 

the best products, had this 

objective in mind. It is therefore 

no coincidence that we decided 

to use Geberit products. 

Is the motto of internationality behind 

the usage of the BFT? 

It is indeed. Office and commercial 

spaces are oriented to- 

wards an international clientele. 

We are very pleased with the 

response, with regard 

to both quantity and quality. 

The presence of companies 

such as Adidas, Ernst & Young 

or Samsung proves us right. 

How do you regard the development 

of the Vietnamese real estate market 

outside the large urban centers? 

Vietnam as a whole is making 

a leap forwards. We at Bitexco 

are not only active in locations 

such as Ho Chi Minh City or 

Hanoi, but equally in creating 

master plans for residential 

construction and infrastructure 

projects in rural areas, for example 

in Lao Cai. 

Will Ho Chi Minh City still remain an 

attraction for fans of unusual architecture? 

I certainly hope so. We are currently 

working on a further largescale 

project in the middle of 

the city in which the symbolism 

is at least as important as that 

of the Tower. “The ONE” consists 

of two towers. Connected to each 

other by a podium, they embody 

the Vietnamese myth of two dragons. 

← 

→ In “District 1,” the central area of 

Ho Chi Minh City, old meets (more and more) 

new. 

“Doi Moi” 

The Vietnamese economy is growing at a disproportionate 

rate of 7 percent annually on 

average. This is due to a policy of liberalization 

known as “Doi Moi” that has been implemented 

by the Communist Party since 1986. This 

focuses on the modernization of infrastructure. 


Panorama 

↑ Everything flows: For the design of the Aquatics Centre, Zaha Hadid was inspired by the riverscape of the Olympic Park. 

Flowing gesture 

Aquatics Centre, London, Great Britain 

Among the first buildings on the grounds 

of the 2012 Olympic Games in London to be 

completed is the Aquatics Centre designed 

by Zaha Hadid Architects. The complex is 

situated at the southeast end of the Olympic 

grounds bordering the Stratford section 

of London and is separated from the 

other Olympic sites by a canal of the 

Thames River. Several bridges link the 

building to the Olympic Park on the opposite 

shore. In her architectural concept, 

Zaha Hadid was inspired by the flowing 

movement of the water, borrowing from the 

riverscape of the Olympic Park. 

The curved, parabolashaped roof line of 

the Aquatics Centre extends the public 

space to the southeast and turns crosswise 

toward the pedestrian bridge. The 

Chris Pain, plumber, Pipetech 

building contains three pools that form a 

large podium under the roof and bridge. 

Inside the building, the ceiling, walls and 

windows also undulate. Even the curvature 

of the diving platforms follows the building’s 

flowing gestures. For the Olympic Games, 

a compromise had to be found for the 

grandstands in order to increase the seating 

capacity to 17,500. After the Games, the 

extension structures required for the increased 

capacity will be removed and the 

number of seats will be reduced to 2,000. 

Curving glass facades will later replace the 

extensions, which will make the pools and 

interior of the stadium largely visible from 

the exterior. ← 

→ www.london2012.com 

Aquatics Centre, London (UK) 

“The most difficult bit was the curved top of the building so for the 

heating pipes we used Geberit Mapress which enabled us to customize 

the bends in order to adapt to its shape. An impressive 130 customized 

bends had to be fitted.” 

Building owner: International Olympic Committee, 

Geneva (CH) 

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects, London (UK) 

Completed: spring, 2011 

Plumber: Pipetech, Hants (UK) 


Duofix installation system 


Mapress carbon steel piping system 

Mapress copper piping system 

Mapress copper gas piping system 

↑ Even the diving platforms have 

a flowing curvature. 

Panorama 

Snow-white palace 

Palácio da Justiça, Gouveia, Portugal 

Palácio de Justiça de Gouveia (PT) 

Building owner: Instituto de Gestão 

Financeira e Infra-Estruturas da 

Justiça, Gouveia (PT) 

Architects: Barbosa & Guimarães, 

Matosinhos (PT) 


Plumber: Canoviseu – Serviços 

em Canalizações, Ltda, Santo 

Evos (PT) 


Pluvia roof drainage system 

The Portuguese mountain town of Gouveia 

lies in the Serra da Estrela mountains in the 

northeast of the country. With the new 

court building, the city of 4,000 has obtained 

a structure that is aweinspiring for 

its massive, snowwhite, concrete facade. 

But thanks to the urban concept of José 

António Barbosa and Pedro Lopes Guimarães, 

the building and the town’s historic 

center are harmoniously connected to one 

another. The two young architects from 

the coastal city of Matosinhos won the 

2002 design competition with their unusual 

building, which is not modeled after anything 

in the region. 

Four massive blocks stand on a base made 

of light granite that is two meters high in 

some places and houses the parking garage. 

A wide ramp runs along the west side 

up onto the base; a stairway leads visitors 

back down on the east side. The four blocks 

hold the cores for the elevators, emergency 

stairways and the technical infrastructure. 

The words “domus iustitiae” (house of 

justice) are inscribed on the building’s long 

sides, an inscription found on all Portuguese 

court buildings. A wide, freestanding 

↑ Snow crystals inspired the architects to design the expressive facade of the Palace of Justice. 

staircase leads to the courtroom on the 

clearly organized upper level. Grouped 

around the courtroom in a U shape are 

judges’ chambers, attorneys’ offices and 

ancillary rooms such as kitchenettes and 

restrooms. The courtroom also stands out 

from the other rooms through its materials 

and is completely paneled in Brazilian sucupira 

hardwood, while the walls of the surrounding 

offices are clad in marble. The 

Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain 

range on the Portuguese mainland and 

its only ski area, which, say the architects 

of their concept, is why they thought of 

snow when they were invited to participate 

in the competition. The inspiration for the 

expressive design of the white facade, they 

say, was drawn from snow crystals. ← 

→ www.cm-gouveia.pt 

João Simões, Technical Advisor, 

Geberit Market Portugal 

“The new court building 

enhances the beautiful old 

town of Gouveia with an 

outstanding, symbolic 

complex. During construction, 

high quality standards 

for architecture and technology 

had to be met, which 

is why the Geberit Pluvia 

roof drainage system was 

installed. It was an exciting 

challenge for me, to support 

the project and be there 

for the plumber to answer 

technical questions and 

help solve problems.” 


Panorama 

↑ The six high-rise buildings are grouped around a central building, on the roof of which a park has been laid out. 

An island between 

glass facades 

Congress center, Hangzhou, China 

Building in China these days also means 

thinking and designing in largescale dimensions. 

One recent example of this 

trend is in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang 

Province. Six highrise buildings are grouped 

around a smaller central building, on the 

roof of which a green paradise has been 

planted. It stands like an island between 

the towers’ reflecting glass facades. 

The approximately 20,000squaremeter 

ensemble is the new international congress 

center of Hangzhou, also housing the city 

government’s administrative offices. The 

impressive facade’s concept and planning 

are the product of Psyall Ruge Architekten. 

Further support and planning was handled 

by Peter Ruge Architekten, who carried out 

the project in cooperation with the Chinese 

architect Wang Xiaosong and engineers 

from Schlaich Bergermann und Partner. 

After many years of planning and construction, 

the complex was completed in 

2011. Seen from a distance, the facade 

appears voluminous but then dissolves 

into a network of structures and levels as 

one approaches, explain the architects. 

“The structures of a tea plantation with its 

differently oriented and overlapping structures 

of cultivation pathways and planting 

grids form a typical regional image in 

Zheijang Province, a major teaproducing 

area in China.” The facade picks up on this 

image and develops a structure that envelopes 

the building like a multilayered 

fabric, emphasizing its plasticity. ← 

→ www.hangzhou.gov.cn 

Zhou Shu Cong, Technical Advisor, 

Geberit Market China 

“The Pluvia roof drainage 

system stands for durability, 

very high quality and safety. 

These aspects convinced 

the congress center developers 

as did the comprehensive 

product guarantee 

that the name Geberit 

represents.” 

Congress center, Hangzhou (CN) 

Building owner: Hangzhou (CN) city government 

Architect: Peter Ruge Architekten, Berlin (DE), 

in cooperation with Prof. Wang Xiaosong, 

Hangzhou (CN), Psyall Ruge Architekten DBH 

GmbH, Hangzhou, and Schlaich Bergermann 

und Partner, Stuttgart (DE) 


Plumber: Zhejiang Construction Group Co., Ltd, 

Hangzhou (CN) 



Panorama 

Cruise ship on 

the beach 

Hotel Lone, Rovinj, Croatia 

The medieval town of Rovinj is among 

the most picturesque cities on the Istrian 

peninsula and a jewel of the Adriatic. On 

the small beach of Lone, within sight of 

the old town, 3LHD Architects have completed 

Croatia’s first Design Hotel. 3LHD 

Architects’ sources of inspiration included 

passing cruise ships and the terraced 

structure of neighboring Eden Hotel. With 

its sweeping rows of terraces, the Hotel 

Lone looks like a pleasure ship surrounded 

by the forest. 

Dominating, horizontal lines define the 

curved facade. The white balustrades together 

with the dark, recessed exterior 

facades create a dynamic interplay of light 

and shadow. The hotel offers 236 rooms 

and 12 suites as well as three restaurants 

and large conference facilities with four 

conference rooms, meeting rooms and a 

VIP lounge. The architects explain that 

they used a Yshaped floor plan to provide 

the building a functional organization and 

at the same time allow beautiful views from 

all rooms. A sixstory central atrium with 

lobby rises from the center of the Y. This 

area, with its rippling balconies and their 

white balustrades carrying the design of 

the building’s exterior over into the interior, 

is lit from above. For the interior design, 

the renowned Zagreb architects worked 

with other creative professionals from 

Croatia, such as furniture designers from 

Numen/For Use, fashion designers from 

IGLE and various artists. The lobby is done 

in white and beigegold. The furnishings 

underscore the flowing character of the 

room and are done in colorcontrasting 

warm, dark tones. The overall design of the 

hotel is based on the contrasts between 

black, white and wood. ← 

→ www.lonehotel.com 

Mladen Petrović, Technical Advisor, Geberit Adriatic Region 

Hotel Lone, Rovinj, Croatia (SI) 

Building owner: Maistra d.d., Rovinj (SI) 

Architects: 3LHD, Zagreb (SI) 


Plumber: Zagrebgradnja d.o.o., Zagreb (SI) 


Electronic urinal flush control and 

lavatory tap 

Waste fitting 





Silent-db20 piping system 

Duofix concealed cistern 

↑ The eye-catching central 

feature in Hotel Lone is the sixstory 

atrium with the lobby. 

← Dominating, horizontal lines 

define the curved facade of 

the Design Hotel. 

“It was important to the developers that reliable, 

high-quality products be used in the Design Hotel. 

That is why a wide range of Geberit products 

was used to satisfy the demand for high quality.” 


Panorama 

Folded facade 

The ICRC logistics center, Geneva, 

Switzerland 

↑ White tarpaulins form the outer skin of the logistics center. 

The logistics hub of the International 

Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a 

highly sensitive contact point for the global 

humanitarian organization. The facility is 

primarily used to store medications but 

also orthopedic devices and food that are 

sent out to the charity’s various locations 

from the logistics and management department, 

also housed at the same location. 

The stipulated variety of uses and the flow 

of people, vehicles and goods created a 

list of special requirements for the building. 

The Geneva architects from group8 devised 

an impressive solution for the complex 

construction project in an unpretentious 

building block whose unusual facade 

nevertheless gave the building high symbolic 

value. The boxy construction measures 

66 by 67 meters and is 15 meters high. 

Zones designated for different uses are 

packed closely together. 

With its outer skin of white tarpaulins 

wrapped esthetically around the structure, 

the building visually stands out from the 

neighboring neutral, industrial buildings. 

The material symbolizes both the building’s 

function as a logistics hub and the work of 

the ICRC in conflict zones: The tarpaulins 

invoke both the aid convoy vehicles and 

refugee tents. But the architects point out 

that concerns for sustainability also led 

them to select this amply available, environmentally 

and userfriendly material. The 

building also contains small “hanging” gardens 

that are protected from the surrounding 

industrial area and are intended 

as relaxation areas, as well as an atrium designed 

for social gatherings to promote 

team spirit. ← 

→ www.icrc.org 

ICRC logistics center, Geneva (CH) 

Building owner: Comité international de 

la Croix-Rouge (CICR/IKRK), Geneva (CH) 

Architect: group8, Geneva (CH) 

Completed: summer 2011 

Plumber: Bert’eau SA, Carouge (CH) 



Duofix urinal element 

Silent-db20 roof drainage system 

Silent-db20 drainage system 

PE drainage system 

Electronic urinal flush control 

Norbert Cuhat, Technical Advisor, 

Geberit Market Switzerland 

“This building houses important 

archives that are 

protected by the strictest 

of safety precautions. The 

use of high-quality material 

was of essential importance 

during construction. That 

is why the developer chose 

Geberit products. Decisive 

were the durability and 

environmental friendliness 

of the products as well 

as their low maintenance 

requirements.” 

Panorama 

↑ A homogeneous facade and courtyards each with a different design: the AZ Groeninge hospital by Baumschlager Eberle. 

Small town 

with houses 

and gardens 

AZ Groeninge hospital, 

Kortrijk, Belgium 

A largescale project in the Belgian town of 

Kortrijk has been completed. In 2011, the 

AZ Groeninge hospital was finished after 

several years of construction work. This 

huge building has a footprint of 144,000 

square meters (just over 1.5 million square 

feet) and despite its size blends harmoniously 

and discreetly into the parklike landscape. 

The renowned Austrian architects 

Baumschlager Eberle have achieved this 

by the use of a traditional typology, the 

courtyard structure. They divided the entire 

complex into five connected blocks that 

serve as both visual and operational units. 

Philippe Van Maele, plumber 

The entire facility is defined by its courtyards, 

each with its own design, which, according 

to the architects, are intended to 

counter anonymity and create identifying 

architectural elements. The courtyards also 

serve to merge the building with the landscape. 

It was also important to the architects to 

generate the maximum degree of normality 

with the architecture. The twostory reception 

hall is characterized by spatial clarity 

and generous proportions. Walking through 

the building, one continuously notices the 

“We have been working with Geberit for a long time. When we 

started this project, there was no question as to whether we would 

use Geberit products, as they offer us plumbers safety, quality 

and durability.” 

AZ Groeninge hospital, Kortrijk (BE) 

Building owner: AZ Groeninge v.z.w., Kortrijk (BE) 

Architect: Baumschlager Eberle, Lochau (AT) 


Plumber: Philippe Van Maele, Varsenare (BE) 






Electronic urinal flush control and lavatory tap 

Pneumatic urinal flush control and lavatory tap 

building’s links to its environment. The arrangement 

of the imposing facility around 

the courtyards creates compelling sequences 

of rooms with alternating moods 

and a pleasant environment for patients and 

staff. The homogeneous facade with its 

columns symbolizes relief from the burden 

of illness. The clinic, surrounded by green, 

gives the impression of a multifaceted, 

urban structure resembling a small town 

with houses and gardens, “introverted but 

not hermetic – open but not exposed.” ← 

→ www.azgroeninge.be 


Focus Scandinavia 

Glittering 

crystal in the 

old harbor 

Harpa Reykjavík concert hall 

and conference centre, Iceland 

Harpa Reykjavík concert hall and conference centre, 

Iceland (IS) 

Owner: Iceland and the city of Reykjavík (IS) 

Architects: Henning Larsen Architects HLA, 

Copenhagen (DK), and Batteríið Architects, Hafnarfjörður (IS) 

Facade design: Studio Olafur Eliasson, Berlin (DE), 

Copenhagen (DK) 

Acoustics: Artec Consultants Inc, New York (USA) 

Opened: 8/2011 

Plumber: ÍAV, Reykjavík (IS) 



Mapress piping system 

← A look at the 

entrance foyer of 

the Harpa. 

↑ Harpa, Reykjavík’s new concert hall. The colors 

of the glass facade change according to the weather. 

↓ Structure of the double glass facade. 

Reykjavík has a new landmark: 

the Harpa concert 

hall and conference center. 

The angular building with 

its gleaming glass facade 

situated in the harbor 

reflects a wide variety of 

lighting atmospheres 

depending on the weather 

conditions. 

In August 2011, a new city symbol whose 

glittering facade dominates the old harbor 

was inaugurated in Iceland’s capital. The 

new complex is a concert and conference 

building and is home to both the Iceland 

Symphonic Orchestra and the Icelandic 

Opera. However, its completion was uncertain 

for a long time. Construction on the 

symbol of Icelandic art and culture was 

started by a private investor group in 2007. 

But the financial crisis in 2008 brought the 

project to an almost immediate halt. The 

building shell became public property and 

was finally taken over by the government. 

The design of the sculpturelike building is 

a joint effort of the Danish architecture firm 

Henning Larsen and the Icelandic Batteríið 

Architects, who won the 2005 design competition. 

The name Harpa was also chosen 

in a competition to find an Icelandic name 

that could be easily pronounced in other 

languages. From the 4,000 entries, the 

woman’s name Harpa (which means “harp” 

in English) was finally selected. 

Block-shaped spaces with sloping edges 

The 43metertall building consists of two 

blockshaped spaces with sloping edges, 

slightly offset from one another. Inside 

are a large, 1,800seat concert hall painted 

in lava red, three smaller concert spaces 

and a conference center with interpreter 

booths for up to nine languages. The US 

engineering firm Artec Consultants Inc. in 

New York is responsible for the acoustics of 

the concert halls, having developed a fully 

automated system that optimizes the 

sound of all types of music using, among 

other things, feltcovered walls and baffles. 


Focus Scandinavia Focus Scandinavia 

↑ The large concert hall for 1,800 visitors was painted in lava red. 

The 28,000squaremeter building also 

houses a hotel, a bar and a rooftop restaurant 

with a view over Reykjavík and Tjörnin 

(The Pond). 

The striking, sparkling double facade was 

designed by Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, 

who was inspired by the different 

moods of light of his island country. The 

glass facade envelopes the building and 

transforms it into an architectural attraction 

and spectacle. The facade is made of 

more than 8,000 hexagonalshaped glass 

blocks set in steel frames, which refract 

the daylight and reflect it in different colors 

and pastel tones. 

Yellow, green and orange color 

effect glass 

As in much of his work, Eliasson has also 

combined natural beauty with technical so 

phistication in the angular building complex. 

While the architects focused on the 

rough, swooping coastal cliffs for the building’s 

shape, the artist based the glass 

blocks on the basalt columns omnipresent 

in the treeless, volcanic Icelandic landscape. 

Thus, no one piece of glass is like 

any other. Together, however, they create 

a multifaceted mirror and lightrefracting 

effect. To achieve the glimmering ambiance, 

special laminated safety glass containing 

what is called dichroic glass was 

used. This color effect glass absorbs certain 

light wavelengths while it reflects others 

so that the color of the glass changes 

depending on the weather and viewing angle. 

Yellow, orange and green glass was 

used in Harpa. These colors can be seen 

by looking directly through the glass, while 

their complementary colors can be seen in 

the reflection. ← 

↑ A box-shaped building with a lattice facade: the city hall of Viborg. 

Curving lattice facade 

Viborg city hall, Denmark 

Viborg, the second-largest 

city of Denmark, has a 

new city hall. The building 

was designed by Henning 

Larsen Architects, who 

also designed the “Harpa” 

in Reykjavík. The city hall 

is one of the first public 

buildings in Denmark that 

fulfills the requirements 

of a green building. 

In addition to the opening of the “Harpa” 

in August 2011, the internationally active 

Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen 

Architects was able to hand over a further 

building to the public in the same month: 

the new city hall in Viborg, Jutland. The fusion 

of Viborg with five other municipalities 

required the establishment of a new city 

administration. The building therefore also 

symbolizes the merging of the municipalities, 

which combined to create a large city. 

Like an accordion 

The architects built the sixstory city hall on 

a green hill on the outskirts of the city center 

of the secondlargest city in Denmark. 

The building, which consists of two lowlying 

wings, was erected on former barracks 

grounds and houses around 900 employees 

of the city administration. A white, 

boxshaped building consisting of three 

blocks rises from a darkened wing base. 

With its filigree lattice structure, the facade 

resembles an accordion and lends the 

complex a certain lightness. 

According to the architects, the new building 

creates a new urban location that is 

shaped by the interaction between the 

architecture and the surrounding park. 

The large atrium, the heart of the city hall, 

promotes communication between the administration 

and the citizens. In addition, 

the community hall, which is adjoined by 

the foyer, cafeteria and meeting rooms, 

City hall, Viborg (DK) 

Building owner: Viborg city administration (DK) 

Architects: Henning Larsen Architects, 



Plumbers: Brøndum VVS A/S, Viborg (DK) 



remains flexible and can be converted into 

a conference center. The city hall of Viborg 

is one of the first public buildings in Denmark 

to meet the strict conditions of lowenergy 

class 1, the highest sustainability 

standard, and thus all the requirements for 

a green building. The rules for the lowenergy 

class set by the Danish Ministry of Economics 

are based on the ambitious concept 

for keeping the resource requirements 

in buildings to a minimum. It is obligatory 

for all new buildings. Among other things, 

the code of practice sets out clear requirements 

for the use of rainwater as well as for 

the durability and safety of products used 

in this area. ← 

Geberit Pluvia roof drainage system 

The Pluvia roof drainage system from Geberit 

is an intelligent negative pressure suction 

system. With the example of the city hall in 

Viborg, Pluvia was able to contribute significantly 

to the fulfillment of the strict sustainability 

requirements of the Danish low-energy 

class 1 for rainwater use. 


Focus Scandinavia 

Leaning towers 

Hotel Bella Sky, Copenhagen, Denmark Hotel Bella Sky, Copenhagen, 

Denmark (DK) 

↑ 3XN Architects have designed the Hotel Bella Sky, which consists of two leaning towers. 

Building owner: Bella Center A/S, 


Architects: 3XN Architects, 



Plumbers: ENCO A/S, Glostrup 

(DK); Basen A/S, Glostrup (DK) 


PE Sovent fitting d 160 for waste 

water discharge stack 



Mapress stainless steel piping 

system 

Concealed cistern 

The Hotel Bella Sky in 

Copenhagen is currently the 

largest hotel in Scandinavia. 

The 76-meter-tall landmark 

boasts a special feature: 

To ensure hotel guests the 

best view possible, the 

two towers incline at an 

impressive 15-degree angle. 

The Hotel Bella Sky in Copenhagen marks 

the opening of the largest hotel in Scandinavia. 

The building, consisting of two 

leaning towers, was designed by 3XN Architects. 

The Copenhagen firm, which 

numbers among Denmark’s most creative, 

feels obligated to uphold the Scandinavian 

building tradition of clarity and functionality. 

The architecture firm, founded in 

1986, can in the meanwhile point to a whole 

series of renowned buildings, including a 

museum in Liverpool, the music building in 

Amsterdam and the Danish Embassy in 

Berlin, some of which have won various 

architecture awards. 

↑ The Copenhagen architects also designed the interior of the hotel and were inspired by the bright Scandinavian style 

of interior design. 

Landmark on the skyline 

The Hotel Bella Sky is part of the expansion 

of the existing Bella Convention and Congress 

Center, constructed in Ørestad on 

Amager Island. Ørestad is the newest district 

of the Danish capital and one of the 

fastestgrowing and most economically 

important regions in Scandinavia. With its 

two 76metertall towers, the hotel soars 

into the sky and is an impressive addition to 

the Copenhagen skyline. The landmark 

boasts a special feature: To offer the best 

possible view in all rooms, the two towers 

of the hotel lean in opposite directions at an 

impressive 15degree angle. By comparison, 

the leaning tower of Pisa inclines a 

“mere” 11 degrees. Some rooms offer not 

only a phenomenal view into the distance 

but also straight down, so that one appears 

to be floating over the landscape. The hotel 

contains a total of 817 guest rooms and 30 

conference rooms. The top floor houses 

the publicly accessible Sky Bar, from which 

the view literally lays the city at guests’ feet. 

The angle of the towers gives the building’s 

exterior varying unusual shapes. Depending 

on one’s location when viewing the 

complex, it sometimes looks like an X and 

sometimes like a Y. The facade is made up 

of windows shaped like various polygons, 

from triangular to rhomboid. The Hotel 

Bella Sky can be seen from almost everywhere 

in Copenhagen and its striking silhouette 

has already made it a landmark of 

the new city district. ← 

Geberit PE Sovent d 160 

The flow-optimized Geberit PE Sovent fittings 

facilitate an optimal layout of waste water discharge 

stacks in high-rises. They prevent hydraulic 

closings in the discharge stacks, which 

on the one hand increases the capacity of this 

pipe by a factor of up to 4 and at the same time 

makes it unnecessary to install a separate ventilation 

pipe. Unlike with roof drainage systems, 

for instance, negative pressure in a building’s 

discharge pipes is to be avoided, as this essentially 

clears out the traps, making them ineffective. 

For this reason, conventional discharge 

stacks without Geberit Sovent are equipped 

with an air bleed. 

With the Geberit PE Sovent d 160, hydraulic 

know-how from Geberit is now also available for 

discharge stacks with a diameter of 160 mm. 

This size discharge stack enables drainage of 

waste water from up to 200 residential units 

and is especially installed in high-rise hotels, 

residential and office buildings, such as in the 

76-meter-tall Hotel Bella Sky in Copenhagen. 


Focus Airport 

↑ View of the airport from the west: The main hall rises up from the center, its roof spanning the different areas and thus linking surface and air transportation. 

Maximum 

transparency 

The Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Germany 

A large glass hall is the centerpiece of the new 

Berlin Brandenburg Airport, symbolizing openness 

and generosity. Inside, the building captivates with 

its clearly laid out, orthogonal organization and comfortable 

proportions. The new airport was designed 

by the Hamburg, Germany, firm of von Gerkan, Marg 

und Partner, which collaborated with JSK Architekten 

to realize the construction. 

The new capital city airport, which also 

bears the name “Willy Brandt,” initially received 

much praise until the drama of the 

postponed opening dampened all highflying 

expectations. The new airport is to replace 

the current Berlin airports Tegel and 

Schönefeld, the latter of which is being 

used in part for the new facility. The groundbreaking 

ceremony took place on September 

6, 2006, and the airport was scheduled 

to celebrate the start of operations in summer 

2012. But problems with fire protection 

technology forced a delay in the opening. 

Now airline passengers will be handled at 

the new facility starting March 17, 2013. At 

peak hours, up to 6,500 passengers will 

take off or land every hour. 

The new airport consists of a passenger 

terminal and the Airport City, located in the 

center of the parallel takeoff and landing 

runway system. Maintenance areas are located 

to the west of the airport and service 

and cargo facilities lie east of the facility. All 

together, the new airport covers 3,600 

acres, the equivalent of approximately 

2,000 soccer fields. The Hamburg architecture 

firm von Gerkan, Marg und Partner 

(gmp) is responsible for the design of the 

airport. In 1965, 30yearold Meinhard von 

Gerkan, working with Volkwin Marg and 

Klaus Nickels, won the competition to design 

the Tegel airport. Now the same architect, 

who meanwhile operates multiple 

large offices and heads up construction 

projects worldwide, is building the new 

airport in the same city – in cooperation 

with JSK Architekten of Frankfurt/Main at 

the customer’s request. 

Two architectural identities 

The design of the airport building is based 

on the idea that the airport’s two partners, 

the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, 

should both be reflected in the overall 

concept and in the buildings themselves. 

Thus, two areas were created, each with 

its own architectural identity. The large, 

glassenclosed main hall symbolizes the 

capital’s openness and generosity. Its dimensions 

set it entirely apart from the 

neighboring buildings. The colonnades of 

the two lower connecting buildings are intended 

to invoke Potsdam and the park at 

Sanssouci. 

The architectural center of the airport is 

the 240by240meter main hall, which is 

Berlin Brandenburg Airport 

Building owner: Flughafen Berlin-Schönefeld 

GmbH (FBS), since 2012 Flughafen Berlin 

Brandenburg (FBB) (DE) 

Architects: gmp Generalplanungsgesellschaft 

mbH, Hamburg (DE), and JSK International, 

Frankfurt/Main (DE) 

Scheduled opening: 3/2013 

Plumber: Imtech, Berlin (DE) 


Actuator plate Sigma50, special edition 


Various Duofix washbasin elements 

Duofix urinal element 

Duofix WC element, barrier-free, for supports 

and handles 

Duofix elements for sink 


Focus Airport 

↑ In the large main hall, eight check-in units are available to passengers. These “islands” are paneled in walnut. 

27 meters tall. The building houses the 

central functions related to checkin and 

baggage handling as well as retail stores 

and restaurants. Here, too, all passenger 

flows from both surface and air transportation 

run together, as well as those from 

passenger dropoff and the train station. 

By constructing the glass facade with filigree 

components, the architects succeeded 

in lending the hall maximum 

transparency. The roof of the hall spans 

the various areas, from passenger dropoff 

to departure concourse, thus linking 

surface and air transportation. The hall 

roof is a lightweight construction with a 

span of about 44 square meters, consisting 

of a space framework. In an interview*, 

Hans Joachim Paap and Hubert Nienhoff, 

the head project architects from gmp, explained 

the concept behind the roof construction. 

The element is intended to be 

readable, say the architects, via directional 

lighting as well, which is softened by a 

membrane stretched over the support grid 

between the support columns. Clear, bright 

light shines through the column capitals. 

The roof is meant to seem as if it were floating, 

an illusion which is created by its trans 

lucent appearance from below, which 

gives it depth and reveals a bit of the construction 

elements. 

Clear, orthogonal structure 

The airport complex is structured orthogonally. 

A sweeping architectural gesture was 

passed over in favor of a simple appearance. 

The needs of the user were given 

priority, not the need to draw attention 

to an extravagant, representational construction. 

To create the overall spatial effect, 

the architects placed more importance 

on a highquality design in material 

selection and the development of details. 

The clearly laid out, orthogonal arrangement 

of the entire complex is continued in 

the interior of the terminal through clear 

organization. Despite its extraordinary dimensions, 

the main hall is characterized 

by comfortable proportions and a simple 

layout. Departing passengers can easily 

get their bearings. There are eight checkin 

units for their use with 112 counters, 

which will later be expanded to 132. These 

socalled “islands” are paneled in warm 

walnut, setting a pleasant counterpoint 

to the airy, transparent hall. The wood 

paneling follows passengers on the hall’s 

back wall as they make their way to one of 

the security checkpoints and the Market 

Place with shops and restaurants on the 

other side. From the Market Place, passengers 

then enter the connected, 715meterlong 

main departure concourse. They are 

directed from the main hall in the upper 

level of the concourse to their gates via 

stairs. The waiting areas offer views overlooking 

the airfield through large windows. 

← 

* See “Bauwelt” (22/2012) 

Geberit actuator plate Sigma50, special edition 

for Berlin Brandenburg Airport 

No other actuator plate from Geberit offers 

nearly as much design freedom as the Sigma50. 

It is suitable for use with all Sigma concealed 

cisterns with dual flush. The Sigma50 is offered 

in a total of nine different models, including 

one customizable to the customer’s wishes. 

This model offers customers the possibility of 

choosing the material and color for the inlay. 

Everything has been carefully prepared for this 

option: An easily understandable dimensioned 

drawing enables any carpenter, mason, glass 

or plastics specialist to prepare a precisely 

fitted inlay. And the die-cast zinc frame is pre - 

pared with an adhesive so that once the inlay 

is cut to fit, it can be easily and permanently 

fixed in place. 

This option to design a plate entirely according 

to the customer’s wishes together with the plate’s 

streamlined, functional design is a perfect fit 

with the airport’s architecture, convincing the 

architects from von Gerkan, Marg und Partner 

to choose Geberit products. The Sigma50 was 

coated with the same high-pressure laminate 

(HPL) as the urinal and WC partitions in the WC 

facilities, and colored to match the anthracite 

fixtures. In this way, the color concept was 

continued throughout the building, enabling 

the architects to satisfy their requirement of 

creating high-quality design in the selection of 

materials and development of details in this 

area as well. A total of 650 Sigma50 units were 

manufactured for the Berlin Brandenburg 

Airport and installed in both the VIP and stand- 

ard areas of the passenger terminal. 


Focus University building 

Desert sand 

and veils 

Zayed University in Abu Dhabi 

Recently, Hadi Teherani 

and his team at BRT Architects 

in Hamburg have 

designed and constructed 

a number of striking, 

sculptural, large-scale 

buildings at significant 

locations. One of the latest 

examples is in Abu Dhabi. 

Zayed University is a 

high-tech oasis of knowledge 

encased in impos- 

ing architecture. 

← The roof covers the individual 

buildings of Zayed University like 

a veil. 

Striking, futuristic and built to the highest 

technical standards, Zayed University, 

named after its founder, Sheikh Zayed bin 

Sultan Al Nahyan, was designed to meet 

the highest demands in all respects. This 

unusual complex was designed by a team 

from BRT Architects in Hamburg, headed 

by Hadi Teherani. The work of this architectural 

artist from Teheran is characterized 

by his holistic approach. He also works 

as a product and interior designer to create 

allround, complex architectural living 

environments. In all his projects, Teherani 

focuses not exclusively on the architectural 

space, but also on a harmoniously designed 

space with a coherent atmosphere 

that can be experienced with all senses 

down to the last detail. 

Seamless feature roof 

For Zayed University, Hadi Teherani created 

a largevolume, sculptural solitaire with 

dimensions that make the observer think 

Zayed University, Abu Dhabi (UAE) 

Building owner: Mubadala, Abu Dhabi (UAE) 

Architects: Bothe, Richter, Teherani BRT 

Architects, Hamburg (DE) 


Awards: Dubai Cityscape Award 2012, category 

“Industry Choice Award” 

Plumber: Al Habtoor Specon LLC, Dubai (UAE) 


Duofix installation system Sigma concealed 


Duofix installation system Kappa concealed 


Actuator plate Kappa 

Lavatory tap type 185 

the architects decided to test the limits of 

what is statically feasible. The design combines 

futuristic architecture, engineering 

ingenuity and traditional elements. The 

symmetrically designed complex is divided 

into two halves, one for the women’s 

campus and one for the men’s campus. The 

two areas are connected by a promenade 

that leads to the large, central square in the 

center of the university. The unifying element 

of the building ensemble is the seamless, 

almost floating feature roof that was 

inspired by the flowing form of the abaya, 

a traditional Arab head covering for women. 

Around 6,000 students have been studying 

at the campus, which covers an area of 80 

hectares (nearly 200 acres), since autumn 

2011. In addition to lecture halls, research 

and computer rooms, the campus includes 

administration offices, a cafeteria, a sports 

complex, a conference center and a library 

covering 18,000 square meters (nearly 

194,000 square feet). ← 

33

Focus University building 

Interview with Hadi Teherani about 

the construction of Zayed University 

Sculptural 

solitaire 

Why did this project appeal to you? 

The university is of great cultural and 

political importance for the entire region. 

It is the first institution of its kind for 

male and female students on the same 

campus, if not yet in the same rooms. 

One aspect of this project was also the 

development potential of this society 

as well as new ideas, new products and 

not least of all the local importance of 

the country after the energy revolution. 

What was your inspiration in designing its roof? 

The traditional veil inspired us. This is a 

veil that doesn’t shape the body, but softly 

wraps around it. Another source of inspiration 

was the desert sand with its dunes 

wandering with the winds. In this way, it is 

possible to draw the main functions of the 

university together to create an organic 

form. A roof with this shape that spans 

several building complexes as well as the 

space between them has never been con - 

structed before. With its unique dynamics, 

it is not simply an architectural element, 

but also meshes with the paths and 

squares to create an urban space. 

← Futuristic architecture is combined 

with engineering ingenuity 

and traditional Arab elements. 

→ 6,000 students study on the 

80-hectare campus. 

What were your greatest challenges during 

the construction of the complex? 

The greatest technical challenges were 

the climate, the huge dimensions of 

the construction and the speed at which 

it had to progress. The roof also covers 

a library of more than 500,000 books, and 

the conference center houses the largest 

theater in Abu Dhabi, while the cafeterias 

can seat 2,600 people. In total, the site 

comprises an area of 100,000 square 

meters (almost 1.1 million square feet). 

It was not easy to work with such building 

dimensions with 7,500 construction 

workers, 320 site managers and temperatures 

of 50 degrees Celsius (120 ° F) 

without anything going wrong. But the end 

result – a shady oasis of scholarship – 

made all our efforts worthwhile. This was 

what motivated us all. 

Was sustainability a priority in building 

Zayed University? 

Yes, environmental protection and 

sustainability were important aspects 

in the design of the university. The 

form of the building, ventilation and 

lighting, the shading elements on the front 

of the facades and the shading effect 

of the roof that spans the entire unit are 

all expressions of this focus. The landscaping 

with its areas of water and 

vegetation was also integrated into the 

concept. ← 

Geberit lavatory tap type 185 

During the construction of Zayed University, a great deal of attention 

was also paid to good design, quality, durability and sustainability in 

selecting products. For this reason, electronic Geberit lavatory taps type 

185 were installed in the bathrooms, as they combine these qualities in 

one product. Due to their economical energy and water consumption, 

the taps were also awarded the WELL label in 2011. The main feature of 

the taps is the hygienic touchless activation of the water flow by the user. 

This is based on an infrared, two-beam recognition feature that can be 

individually adjusted. With its additional functions such as a water-saving 

program, energy saving mode and a hygienic flush program, the electronic 

washbasin tap can be easily adapted to the user’s needs. The taps are 

easy to clean and resistant to moisture and dirt. Power can be supplied 

either conventionally from the power supply network or a long-lasting 

battery. Since the beginning of 2012, the taps have also featured an 

internal generator that supplies the taps with electricity in a sustainable 

manner. Like a small hydroelectric power station, the generator uses 

the pressure of the tap water to generate the required electricity and 

makes the electronic washbasin taps independent of other power sources. 

For further information: Geberit Product Magazine “NEW” 2012 

→ www.geberit.com 

↑ Geberit lavatory tap type 185. 


Concept Cars 

Courage 

to create the 

invisible 

Interview with industrial 

designer Christoph Behling 

Interdisciplinary teams at Geberit develop 

design studies that serve as the basis for 

new products. One of these is the “floating 

plate,” without which the Sigma40 actuator 

plate with the integrated odor extraction 

unit would not be possible and which served 

as a source of inspiration for the Sigma50 

and Sigma60. 

Curriculum vitae 

Christoph Behling (42) studied at the Art Academy 

in Stuttgart under the direction of Richard 

Sapper Industrial Design. He quickly made a 

name for himself as a watch designer as well 

as a designer of sustainable products, such 

as solar boats. Behling is considered one of 

Europe’s most renowned industrial designers. 

His work has won numerous international 

awards. 

↑ Design sketch by Christoph Behling for the Sigma40. 

Mr. Behling, you have been working as a designer 

for Geberit for several years. How are design studies 

originated at Geberit? 

The development cycle for new products 

at Geberit is relatively long, and it generally 

takes two to three years before 

production begins. For me as a designer, 

these processes mean that the design 

studies I am currently working on have 

to be visionary, so that the products look 

contemporary enough when they are 

launched on the market. For this reason, 

I also constantly work with interdisciplinary 

teams on so-called “concept cars.” 

The focus here is not only on new products, 

but on details such as a new actuator 

or enhanced ergonomic design. The 

starting point is, however, always a new 

design. You could say that good design 

is developed around a problem. Over time, 

a large pool of design concepts has 

evolved in this way, and we can always 

use this to find new inspiration. 

The “floating plate” also originated from this pool. 

What is so special about it? 

The plate, which appears to float a few 

centimeters in front of the wall, was a flash 

of Geberit genius – a cistern concealed 

behind the wall, in front an almost invisible 

plate. The “floating plate” is perfectly in 

keeping with Geberit’s goal of supplying 

uncompromising functionality combined 

with aesthetics. The aim was to create a 

product that exudes lightness and iden- 

tity. Everything that was unnecessary had 

to disappear. All that remains is a floating 

plate. 

What inspires you in your work with Geberit? 

Here, there is still a vision – to combine 

technology, infrastructure and aesthetics 

to create the bathroom of the future. 

And all this happens with the courage to 

create the invisible. The floating plate 

is a good example of this concept. The 

technology and the construction, i.e., 

the know-how behind these, are invisible. 

You don’t even suspect that it is there. 

At Geberit, innovation doesn’t stop at the 

exterior. You could say that we work from 

the inside outwards. Our solutions aren’t 

just superficially cosmetic. That is the 

unique characteristic of this company. 

What does that mean for your work as a designer? 

Geberit products don’t scream: “Look 

at me, I’m different.” For this reason, I have 

to work very discreetly. They are made 

modestly, but as perfectly as possible, 

which is also something you can see. 

Every product is made with the same love 

and patience. The quality of Geberit 

products cannot be found in mass-produced 

items. Take the metal treatment 

of the Sigma60 actuator plate as an 

example. You can hardly find anything 

to match it today. 

At first, the floating plate was simply a design 

draft without any specific function. How did it 

evolve to become a new product? 

The function came a few years later with 

the development of odor extraction. I 

was really enthusiastic when I first saw 

the new idea of simply drawing off 

unpleasant odors into the bowl. In the 

technical department, we all discussed 

the form this function needed. We already 

had the right design for it with the floating 

plate, as it had the functional requirements 

and the form that also expressed 

lightness and airiness. With this as a 

basis, we developed the Sigma40 with 

the integrated odor extraction unit, 

which was launched in 2011. 

What part did you play in the development 

of the floating plate? 

It was my task to create the Sigma40 

on the basis of the floating design, in 

other words, to make the visible invisible. 

Very subtile, very fine, but with a very 

high quality standard. The skill of the plate 

design is in ensuring its invisibility. It is 

every architect’s and interior designer’s 

dream to have a plate that is as invisible 

and as light as possible. This is particularly 

important in the bathroom, where there 

are a number of interior design features, 

that the plate merge into the background. 

It will be available in 2012 with a glass 

surface as well. Why? 

Well, the plate is also available with a 

glass surface in white, umber and black. 

Ten years ago, the products were all made 

of plastic. Today, glass has replaced 

plastic, because glass is available today 

in much higher qualities than before. 

It no longer scratches and is increasingly 

popular with architects. Glass is be coming 

more dominant as a design element. 

This is already evident in facades and 

interior fittings. Glass stands for dematerialization. 

It is light and floating and 

blends easily into different decors. It is 

therefore ideal for a plate such as the 

Sigma40. 

Did you design the Sigma50 and Sigma60 

actuator plates on this basis as well? 

Yes, and the Sigma60 actuator plate best 

exemplifies that “floating” effect. It is 

reduced to the absolute minimum. The 

little that is left is marked by clarity and 

understatement. Its design is not loud but 

restrained. It doesn’t encroach on our 

living environment. It is a product with a 

long service life. Being a Geberit designer 

also means not following short-lived 

trends. The plate is an object that has to 

be discovered and wants to be discovered. 

Achieving simplicity is generally the 

most difficult task, as it can quickly steer 

towards banality. This is the high art of 

design, and that is exactly in keeping with 

Geberit. After all, people today no longer 

want shrill, cheap, trendy solutions. ← 

↑ Design study of the “floating 

plate”: As the result of a nonvisible 

fastening, it appears 

to float a few centimeters in 

front of the wall. 

1 

2 

3 

1 The Sigma40 with integrated 

odor extraction has also 

been available with a glass 

plate since 2012. 

2 Actuator plate Sigma50. 

3 The actuator plate Sigma60 

is reduced to a minimum. 


Spectrum Technology 

↑ Generous glass surfaces give rhythm to the building structures of the Ecole Nonnewisen. 

For some time, EschsurAlzette, the secondlargest 

town in Luxembourg, has been 

redefining its economic and urban future. 

As part of this development, a school complex 

has been created for 270 preschool 

and elementary school children in the district 

of Nonnewisen, which is home to 

around 1,500 inhabitants. The new school 

facility was designed by the architecture 

firm Auer+Weber in Stuttgart in collaboration 

with the Atelier d’Architecture BENG in 

EschsurAlzette. The schoolyard, which is 

open to the public outside school hours, 

forms the “green hub” between the school 

and the sports facilities and opens onto the 

Parc de Centenaire opposite it on the south 

side. Despite the building’s relatively large 

size, the architects managed to create a 

scale and proportion that is appropriate for 

the preschool and elementary school children, 

thus making it easier for them to find 

their way around. The individual buildings 

are combined to create an artistic ensemble 

by means of the structure of the generously 

dimensioned glass elements and 

closed facade sections made of concrete 

blocks. 

Certified fire protection system 

from Geberit 

Fire protection is naturally also required by 

today’s standards for school buildings. In 

addition to standard solutions, Geberit 

also supplies solutions customized to individual 

situations for special architectural 

challenges. This is also true of the school in 

EschsurAlzette, in which Geberit products 

that ensure allround fire protection 

were used. The best way to ensure comprehensive 

fire protection is with a system 

solution, i.e. by using individual components 

coordinated to optimize fire protection 

characteristics. All components relevant 

to fire protection are included in the 

system. The installed Mapress drinking 

water pipes were protected by special pipe 

jacketing. The Silentdb20 drainage pipes 

are protected by fire protection sleeves 

that prevent fire from spreading to other 

rooms. The cavities in the walls containing 

the GIS installation system are filled with 

mineral wool, lending them insulating and 

fireprotecting properties. Even the Pluvia 

roof outlet was equipped with a fire protection 

sleeve. ← 

Situational 

solutions 

Fire protection is 

the top priority 

Ecole Nonnewisen, Esch-sur-Alzette (LU) 

Building owner: Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette (LU) 

Architect: Auer+Weber+Assoziierte GmbH, 

Stuttgart (DE); Atelier d’Architecture BENG, 

Esch-sur-Alzette (LU) 

Completed: 4/2012 

Sanitary engineers: Goblet Lavandier & 

Associés, Luxembourg (LU) 

Plumber: MBW Technique du Bâtiment SA, 

Luxembourg (LU) 



Silent-db20 drainage system 

Mapress stainless steel piping system 

GIS installation system 


Comprehensive fire protection 

The fire behavior of Geberit products and 

systems is tested in collaboration with external 

testing institutes. Geberit’s Building Physics 

division holds seminars on the principles of fire 

protection and demonstrates for its own development 

engineers and designers the effectiveness 

of the fire protection measures. It tests 

and evaluates prototypes and mass-produced 

products. In addition, it carries out fire tests 

appropriate to building material classes and fire 

resistance, taking into consideration the 

different fire protection requirements in various 

countries. All Geberit products have been subjected 

to fire testing. 

Spectrum Technology 

↑ National object of prestige: The new stadium in Warsaw is in the national colors of red and white. 

A red-and-white giant 

Geberit drinking water competence 

in the Warsaw national stadium 

The new national stadium is a striking feature 

on the urban landscape of Warsaw that 

can be seen for miles. The venue of the 

opening game of the 2012 UEFA European 

Football Championship is around two kilometers 

away from the banks of the Vistula 

River in a park with large open spaces, 

sports facilities and trees. The stadium is at 

the center of a new, largescale “sport 

park” that was created to revitalize the entire 

area. The stateoftheart, multifunctional 

arena was built on the foundations of 

the Dziesięciolecia Stadium that was built in 

1955 from the rubble left after World War II. 

An international architecture competition 

was advertised for the new construction in 

2007 that was won by the global architecture 

group GMP (von Gerkan, Marg and 

Partners) in collaboration with J.S.K. Architekci 

and Schlaich Bergermann und Partner. 

The complex incorporating the Polish 

national colors of red and white with a facade 

of meshed metal baffle seats 55,000 

fans. The interwoven facade elements 

also create a fascinating play of light and 

shade when the incoming light is weak. 

Apart from its color scheme, another striking 

detail of the building is its roof. The unusual 

roof cable construction is supported 

on a freefloating “needle.” The “needle,” 

with its lower tip suspended 30 meters 

above the playing field, is kept in the air by 

a clever, closable tent roof construction. 

Geared to sustainability 

Sustainability was a main priority in building 

the stadium. One example is the water 

supply: The toilets and urinals are flushed 

with rainwater. As a company that is strictly 

committed to sustainability, Geberit was 

able to win the contract for the concealed 

systems for the 2,100 toilets and urinals. 

The durability and safety of the products 

were equally convincing arguments, as was 

the special vandalism protection provided 

by the screwed actuator plates made of 

stainless steel. 

Geberit sanitary flushings were used for 

the flushing systems. They guarantee the 

safety of the fresh water by regularly flushing 

the water in the pipes, thereby preventing 

possible microbial contamination of the 

drinking water. Water must be able to flow 

and circulate so that it is constantly replaced. 

For this reason, Geberit developped 

the sanitary flushing that ensures 

that stagnation times are minimized and 

freshness is maintained by regular, auto 

National stadium, Warsaw (PL) 

Building owner: Narodowe Centrum Sportu Sp. Z.o.o. (PL) 

Architects: von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp), 

Hamburg (DE); in collaboration with J.S.K. Architekci 

Sp. Z.o.o., Warsaw (PL); Schlaich Bergermann und 

Partner, Stuttgart (DE) 

Opened: 1/2012 

Plumber: Imtech, Hamburg (DE) 



Electronic urinal flush control and lavatory tap 

Sanitary flushing 

matic replacement of the drinking water. 

The Geberit sanitary flushings can be easily 

programmed and adapted to the different 

uses of the sanitary installations. They can 

be integrated into the building service management 

system and therefore controlled 

and monitored from a central point. ← 

For perfect drinking water 

Geberit regards keeping drinking water in 

hygienically perfect condition by providing 

suitable, certified products as an ongoing 

challenge and task. To achieve this goal, the 

company uses only high-quality materials. 

Another risk for drinking water contamination 

is the transport and storage of pipes and 

fittings without protective caps, which can 

result in contamination of the insides of the 

pipes. During the production of pipes and 

fittings, Geberit ensures that they are in 

hygienically perfect condition when they leave 

the plant. The Geberit Mapress and Mepla 

piping systems, which are suitable for drinking 

water pipes, are equipped with protection 

plugs to prevent the ingress of dirt and foreign 

bodies. The plant also places protective caps, 

which can be reused for closing off installed 

system components, on fittings. When the 

drinking water installation is filled with water 

for the first time, Geberit hygiene filters retain 

any microorganisms. This ensures that only microbiologically 

perfect drinking water is used 

to fill the system for the first time. 


Spectrum End user 

Stimulus 

for the senses 

Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau (CH) 

↑ Schloss Schauenstein’s hotel rooms are named after the four elements. View of the “Feuer” (fire) room. 

Schloss Schauenstein 

in Fürstenau long ago lost 

its secret status as the 

best dining experience in 

Switzerland. The exquisite 

hotel/restaurant is under 

the direction of 3-star chef 

Andreas Caminada. Of 

central importance to the 

top chef from the Swiss 

canton of Graubünden are 

his guests and their wellbeing, 

and not just in his 

culinary art. The harmonious 

furnishings and atmosphere 

of the hotel also 

play a part. A very special 

wellness oasis to which 

Geberit AquaClean also 

contribute. 

The Schloss Schauenstein restaurant in 

Fürstenau figures among the top 30 entries 

on the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. 

Since 2003, it has been run by top chef 

Andreas Caminada, a native of the Swiss 

canton of Graubünden, who only two years 

after the opening was touted as the discovery 

of the year. In 2008, “Gault Millau” 

crowned Caminada as Switzerland’s Chef 

of the Year, and again in 2010, also awarding 

him a nearly perfect score of 19 out of 20 

points. The same year, “Guide Michelin” 

honored Caminada as the first Germanspeaking 

Swiss chef to earn three stars. 

The 34yearold is considered one of the 

top talents among Swiss chefs. And his restaurant 

in the castellated Domleschg Valley 

is known far and wide. Meanwhile, the wait 

time for one of the coveted tables is many 

months. 

Focus on guests’ well-being 

When Andreas Caminada and his thenpartner 

Sieglinde Zottmaier saw Schloss 

Schauenstein for the first time in March 

2003, they knew immediately that they 

could achieve their dream here. “We wanted 

to offer something that did not yet exist, 

something holistic – and we therefore 

wanted to use all the rooms in the castle,” 

says Andreas Caminada. They used a sensitive 

touch to transform the historic building 

into a hotel/restaurant with a special 

flair. In the beginning, they had only four 

employees and did everything themselves, 

recalls the master chef. Today, 

Caminada has 27 employees who attend 

to the needs of the hotel and restaurant 

guests, who meanwhile travel from as far as 

Tokyo and New York to experience Caminada’s 

culinary craft. “It is very important to 

us that our establishment not appear snobbish 

or elitist, but rather very personal. 

The guests and their wellbeing are the 

center of our focus. They should feel at 

home and let themselves be completely 

pampered,” explains Caminada. 

This includes the charming interior design 

of the six hotel rooms, each of which has 

a different layout, window size and ceiling 

height and accordingly is appointed in its 

own individual style. “We didn’t want to 

reduce the rooms to a standard. Moreover, 

it was important to me to find a good symbiosis 

between old and new,” says Cami 

Geberit AquaClean 8000plus 

In accordance with its own vision, Geberit 

wants to use innovative solutions in sanitary 

technology to improve people’s quality of 

life for the long term and in a sustainable manner. 

Geberit has launched a new generation of 

toilets on the market under the name AquaClean. 

With the Geberit AquaClean shower toilet, 

available in models 4000, 5000plus, 8000 

and 8000plus, paper is no longer needed to 

clean. Rather a warm jet of water cleans, 

touch-free and hygienically. The AquaClean 

8000plus model, installed in Schloss 

Schauenstein’s guest rooms and restaurant 

restrooms,also spoils you with a special 

treatment. All functions can be individually 

regulated, from the position of the spray arm 

to the water temperature and intensity to the 

dryer. Thanks to a storable user profile, each 

user need set all functions only once and 

can retrieve them with the remote control. 

AquaClean 8000plus is available as a wallhung 

or floor-standing model, with or without 

visible cistern. Together with the Monolith 

sanitary module, it offers the ideal combination 

for a harmonious fit with every ambiance. 

Schloss Schauenstein, 

Fürstenau (CH) 

Plumber: Domenig Mark, 

Scharans (CH) 


AquaClean 8000plus 

Monolith sanitary module for WCs 

↑ Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau: exquisite cuisine 

from Andreas Caminada. 

← The hotel room bathrooms are equipped with the 

Geberit AquaClean 8000plus and the Monolith sanitary 

module. 

nada, who today still handles decorating 

the rooms himself and loves to rummage 

around furniture stores for beautiful accessories. 

Four rooms are named after the 

elements of fire, earth, air and water. Two 

bear the names of the trees visible through 

their windows, a linden and a chestnut. 

When furnishing the guest rooms, Caminada 

combined modern design with antique 

furniture from the castle. 

Geberit AquaClean and Monolith 

Schloss Schauenstein is meant to “stimulate 

the senses” in every way. This is the recurring 

theme throughout the establishment 

and can also be found in the smallest 

details in the cuisine. Right up to the homelike 

design of the bathrooms. “We also want 

only the best for personal hygiene. That is 

why we have installed the Geberit Aqua 

Clean shower toilet for our guests,” says 

Caminada. The AquaClean together with 

the clean design of the Monolith sanitary 

module fits perfectly into the bathrooms – 

and does its part in making Schloss 

Schauenstein a very special wellness oasis. 

→ www.schauenstein.ch 


Spectrum Environment 

↑ Unusual stylistic elements and a “green” building: The Mauritius Commercial Bank fascinates with its elliptic shape and the consistent implementation 

of resource-saving concepts. 

An ellipse that is 

something else 

Mauritius Commercial Bank, Mauritius 

The new headquarters of 

the Mauritius Commercial 

Bank has attracted a great 

deal of interest. On the one 

hand, this is because of 

its unusual architecture. On 

the other hand, the building 

meets high sustainability 

standards and has been 

awarded the GREEN STAR 

and the BREEAM label. 

Five hours by plane from Johannesburg in 

South Africa, in the middle of the Indian 

Ocean, lies the island of Mauritius: tropical 

climate with an average temperature of 

23.3 degrees Celsius, dry winters and wet 

summers. The heating of buildings is of no 

interest in this region. The question is far 

more, how one can provide resourcesaving 

cooling. One answer to this is provided by a 

new building that already stands out in its 

surroundings simply by its unusual architecture: 

the new headquarters of the Mauritius 

Commercial Bank. The project, which 

was implemented in 2011, was conceived by 

the architect Jean François Koenig. 

Energy thanks to its own solar park 

The unique Green Building takes into account 

all aspects of sustainable building 

and meets high social and economic standards. 

“In addition to saving energy and water, 

these also involve acoustic insulation 

and fire protection, safety, waste disposal 

and quality of life,” explains Jean François 

Koenig, who studied architecture in London 

and who has had an office of his own on 

Mauritius since 1987. 

The building is conceived in such a way that 

it uses around one third less energy than 

conventional buildings. The elliptical shell 

Mauritius Commercial Bank 

Headquarters 

Building owner: Mauritius 

Commercial Bank Ltd (MU), 

Architect: Jean François Koenig, 

Montagne Longue (MU) 

Completion: 2011 

Sanitary engineer: Arup Sigma Ltd, 

Port Louis (MU); Proburo Ltd, Port 

Louis (MU) 

Plumber: Plumbelec Co. Ltd, 

Curepipe (MU) 


GIS installation system 

Electronic urinal flush control 

and lavatory tap 

P-trap 

PE-HD piping system 



→ Five glass rings pass around 

the ellipse and bring light into the 

central building section. 

is made of concrete, aluminium plates and 

an additional insulation layer, which together 

make up a good insulation layer. Daylight 

comes into the building not only through 

the front and rear facades, but also through 

five glass rings that penetrate the ellipse all 

around. The glass of the rings is made of 

energyfriendly dark glass, which protects 

the rooms against overheating. 

Economical handling of drinking water 

Workplaces for 1,100 employees are located 

in the 40metrehigh banking complex, 

along with two large auditoriums, training 

rooms and a canteen. The building’s own 

solar park provides the majority of the required 

energy. And wherever it is expedient, 

rainwater and grey water are used instead 

of drinking water. 

The rainwater is collected on the roof, channelled 

into four large water tanks and used 

instead of drinking water for toilet flushes, 

for example. Drinking water itself is available 

only for washing hands and in the kitchen. 

And there, the taps are equipped with electronics, 

which prevent unnecessary water 

consumption. And the drinking water is itself 

not lost, but is also collected instead in tanks 

and cleaned with a filter. The grey water that 

results from this is used for cleaning the 

building, for the garden and various other 

things. 

As a result of the consistent implementation 

of resourcesaving concepts, the building 

was awarded the Australian sustainability 

label GREEN STAR. Furthermore, it is the 

first building in the Southern Hemisphere 

which is in possession of a BREEAM Certificate 

(The Building Research Establishment 

Environmental Assessment Method). ← 

Interview with the architect Jean François Koenig on 

the importance of Geberit products for the water supply 

in the Mauritius Commercial Bank 

Geberit also 

supported 

us with its vast 

know-how 

Is there a shortage of drinking water in Mauritius? 

In the last few years, rainfalls have 

not been sufficient to refill the public 

reserves. The situation is currently 

so tense that the government is rationing 

the water supply for several hours per 

day. However, we made sure during the 

construction that the building could 

cover its own water needs to a great extent. 

What contribution did Geberit make? 

The toilet and urinal flush systems, which 

work entirely with rainwater, and the 

garden water system, building and floor 

cleaning systems and car wash, which 

are supplied with grey water, allow for a 

self-supply system that is hardly dependent 

on the state supply of drinking water. 

Geberit not only provided us with products 

and top technology, but also supported 

us with its vast know-how in the realization 

of our complex water supply system. 

What impressed you most of all? 

We have placed very large water tanks 

in the four building bases, which allow us 

to store the required amounts of rainwater. 

In my opinion, we would not have been 

able to direct the water so efficiently from 

the complex and curved roof construction 

into the tanks without the Pluvia system. ← 


Waterways 

The 

invisible 

bridge 

Architecture, submerged 

The West Brabant Water Line in the south of the Netherlands is a series of fortifications 

dating from the 17 th century that served as a barrier in wars against the Spanish 

and the French. In the event of an attack, the land in front of the dikes could be 

flooded. Over the last 200 years, however, the landscape, which has been named 

a Unesco World Heritage Site, has deteriorated visibly, until recently one of the 

defense structures, the star-shaped “Fort de Roovere” fortress, was reconstructed 

as a cultural heritage and local recreation area. To make the facility accessible to 

visitors, a conventional bridge over the moat would have been sufficient. But, for the 

Dutch and Belgian project architects Ro Koster and Ad Kil, such a solution would 

have been a literal paradox: A bridge over the defensive dikes, not to mention in the 

direction from which the enemy once came, seemed to them to be in absolute 

contradiction with the spirit of the place. So Koster and Kil simply hid the bridge 

from sight. As Moses led his people through the parted Red Sea, so too, visitors 

now cross from one shore to the other directly through the moat, their feet still dry. 

Almost level with the surface, the narrow, 1.10-meter-deep “Moses Bridge” cuts 

through the water and the embankment of the dike. Seen from a distance, the 

walkway appears to be nothing more than a line on the surface of the water. Only 

see the upper bodies of the people crossing the bridge can be seen. The construction 

is made possible by waterproof liners that cover the wooden structure. A concrete 

foundation also safeguards against buoyancy. Overflows removed by some distance 

in the moat ensure that the water level near the bridge always remains constant, 

a precautionary architectural measure that is also a true experience. ← 

→ www.ro-ad.org 

→ www.westbrabantsewaterlinie.nl

Index of architects/plumbers Index Geberit 

Trend, pages 6–11 

Adidas “Laces” 

Architects 

kadawittfeldarchitektur GmbH 

Aureliusstrasse 2 

D-52064 Aachen 

T +49 241 946 90 0 

F +49 241 946 90 20 

→ www.kadawittfeldarchitektur.de 

Plumber 

Imtech AG 

Nuremberg office 

Ötterichweg 7 

D-90411 Nürnberg 

T +49 911 99 41 50 

F +49 911 42 72 45 

→ www.imtech.de 

Salewa headquarters 

Architects 

Cino Zucchi Architetti 

Via Revere, 8 

I-20123 Milano 

T +39 02 4801 6130 

F +39 02 4801 6137 

→ www.zucchiarchitetti.com 

Park Associati 

Via Carlo Goldoni, 1 

I-20129 Milano 

T +39 02 7639 6734 

F +39 02 7639 0644 

→ www.parkassociati.it 

Plumber 

Gaetano Paolin Impianti 

Via Cile, 10 – Z.I. Sud 

I-35127 Padova 

T +39 049 87 00 500 

F +39 049 87 00 648 

→ www.gaetanopaolin.com 

Diesel headquarters 

Architects 

Studio Ricatti 

Corso Palladio, 25 

I-36100 Vicenza 

T +39 04 4432 3923 

F +39 04 4432 3923 

→ www.studioricatti.com 

Plumber 

Campesan F.lli di Campesan 

Davide e Luca snc 

Via Palazzon, 96 

I-36064 Mason Vicentino (VI) 

T +39 04 24 75 292 

F +39 04 24 75 292 

Portrait, pages 12–15 

Bitexco Financial Tower 

Architects 

Carlos Zapata Studio 

520 Broadway Street, 8th Floor 

USA-New York, NY 10012 

T +1 212 966 9292 

F +1 212 966 9242 

→ www.cz-studio.com 

Plumber 

Hyup Jin Vina Construction 

Co. Ltd 

4th Floor, 248 Phan Xich Long St. 

Ward 2 

Phu Nhuan District 

VN-Ho Chi Minh City 

T +84 08 3517 4841 

Panorama, pages 16–21 

Aquatics Centre 

Architects 

Zaha Hadid Architects 

Studio London 

10 Bowling Green Lane 

UK-London EC 1R OBQ 

T +44 20 7253 5147 

F +44 20 7251 8322 

→ www.zaha-hadid.com 

Plumber 

Pipetech 

Pipeline Technology Limited 

6 Albany Business Centre 

Wickham Road 

Fareham 

UK-Hants PO17 5BD 

T +44 1329 23 48 88 

F +44 1329 2317 17 

→ www.pipetech.co.uk 

Palácio de Justiça de Gouveia 

Architects 

Barbosa & Guimarães 

Rua Brito Capelo n. 1023 

P-4450-077 Matosinhos 

T +351 229 363 022 

F +351 229 363 024 

→ www.barbosa-guimaraes.com 

Plumber 

Canoviseu – Serviços em 

Canalizações, Lda 

Rua Nova 5 Pinheiro 

P-3505-294 Santo Evos – Viseu 

T +351 966 286 529 

F +351 232 931 468 

Hangzhou Conference Center 

Architects 

Peter Ruge Architekten 

German office 

Rheinstrasse 5 

D-12159 Berlin 

T +49 30 850 799 20 

→ www.peter-ruge.de 

Schlaich Bergermann und 

Partner, Stuttgart spg gmbh 

Schwabstrasse 43 

D-70197 Stuttgart 

T +49 711 648 71-0 

F +49 711 648 71-66 

→ www.sbp.de 

Plumber 

Zhejiang Construction 

Group Co., Ltd 

No. 20 Wensan Road 

CN-Hangzhou City Zhejiang 

T+ 86 571 88 23 8882 

→ www.cnzgc.com 

Hotel Lone 

Architects 

3LHD 

N. Božidarevića 13/4 

HR-10 000 Zagreb 

T +385 1 232 0200 

F +385 1 232 0100 

→ www.3lhd.com 

Plumber 

Zagrebgradnja d.o.o. 

V Ravnice 6 

HR-10000 Zagreb 

T +385 1 235 17 00 

F +385 1 235 17 29 

→ www.zagrebgradnja.hr 

ICRC logistics center 

Architects 

group8 

Philibert-de-Sauvage 37 

CH-1219 Châtelaine, Genève 

T +41 22 560 88 88 

F +41 22 560 88 00 

→ www.group8.ch 

Plumber 

Bert’eau SA 

8bis Rue Baylon 

CH-1227 Carouge 

T +41 22 735 33 34 

F +41 22 786 53 71 

→ www.berteau.ch 

Hospital AZ Groeninge 

Architects 

Baumschlager Eberle 

Lindauer Strasse 31 

A-6911 Lochau 

T +43 5574 43079-0 

F +43 5574 43079-30 

→ www.baumschlager-eberle.com 

Plumber 

Philippe Van Maele 

Schoolstraat 12 

B-8490 Varsenare 

T +32 50 38 85 44 

Focus, pages 22–35 

Harpa 

Architects 

Henning Larsen Architects 

Vesterbrogade 76 

DK-1620 Copenhagen V 

T +45 82 33 30 00 

→ www.henninglarsen.com 

Plumber 

ÍAV 

Höfðabakka 9 

IS-110 Reykjavík 

T +354 530 4200 

F +354 530 4205 

→ www.iav.is 

City hall Viborg 

Architects 

Henning Larsen Architects 

Vesterbrogade 76 

DK-1620 Copenhagen V 

T +45 82 33 30 00 

→ www.henninglarsen.com 

Plumber 

Brøndum VVS A/S 

Falkevej 14 

DK-8800 Viborg 

T +45 86 62 36 66 

→ www.brondum.dk 

Hotel Bella Sky 

Architects 

3XN Architects 

Strandgade 73 

DK-1401 Copenhagen K 

T +45 70 26 26 48 

F +45 70 26 26 49 

→ www.3xn.dk 

Plumbers 

ENCO A/S 

Erhvervsvej 18 

DK-2600 Glostrup 

T +45 4343 3777 

F +45 4343 4777 

→ www.enco.dk 

Basen A/S 

Farverland 3 

DK-2600 Glostrup 

T +45 4343 3200 

→ www.basen-as.dk 

Berlin Brandenburg Airport 

Architects 

gmp 

Architects von Gerkan, Marg 

und Partner 

Elbchaussee 139 

D-22763 Hamburg 

T +49 40 88 151-0 

F +49 40 88 151-177 

→ www.gmp-architekten.de 

JSK international Architekten 

und Ingenieure GmbH 

Hainer Weg 50 

D-60599 Frankfurt a. M. 

T +49 69 60 91 09-361 

F +49 69 60 91 09-369 

→ www.jsk.de 

Plumber 

Imtech 

Head Office Berlin 

Mittelbuschweg 20 

D-12055 Berlin 

T +49 30 68375 0 

F +49 30 685 10 09 

→ www.imtech.de 

Zayed University 

Architects 

BRT Architekten LLP 

Elbberg 1 


T +49 40 248 42-0 

F +49 40 248 42 222 

→ www.brt.de 

Plumber 

Al Habtoor Specon LLC 

Business Avenue Building 

7th Floor, Suite #712, Deira 

P.O. Box 87134 

UAE-Dubai, 

T +971 4 29 40 420 

F +971 4 29 53 856 

→ www.habtoorspecon.com 

Spectrum Technology, 

fire protection, page 38 

Ecole Nonnewisen, 

Esch-sur-Alzette 

Architects 

Auer+Weber+Assoziierte 

Haussmannstrasse 103 A 

D-70188 Stuttgart 

T +49 711 268 404 0 

F +49 711 268 404 88 

→ www.auer-weber.de 

Beng Architectes Associés 

12, Avenue du RockʼnʼRoll 

L-4361 Esch-sur-Alzette 

T +352 54 94 30 

F +352 54 94 33 

→ www.beng.lu 

Sanitary engineer 

Goblet Lavandier & Associés 

17, Rue Jean-Pierre Sauvage 

L-2514 Luxembourg 

T +352 43 66 76 1 

F +352 43 62 64 

→ www.golav.lu 

Plumber 

MBW 

Technique du Bâtiment S.A. 

Avenue du X Septembre 145 

L-2551 Luxembourg 

T +352 26 38 92 01 

F +352 26 38 92 02 

→ www.mbw.lu 

Spectrum Technology, 

drinking water, page 39 

Warsaw national stadium 

Architects 

gmp (see Berlin Brandenburg 

Airport, page 22–35) 

J.S.K. Architekci Sp. Z.o.o. 

Ul. Domaniewska 50b 

PL-02-672 Warszawa 

T +48 22 385 47 00 

F +48 22 385 47 01 

→ www.jskarchitekci.pl 

Plumber 

Imtech Deutschland 

GmbH & Co. KG 

Hammer Strasse 32 

Imtech-Haus 


T +49 40 69 49 0 

F +49 40 69 49 2722 

→ www. imtech.de 

Spectrum End user, 

pages 40/41 

Schloss Schauenstein 

Plumber 

Domenig Mark 

Sanitär-Heizungen 

Pitgogna 11 

CH-7412 Scharans 

T +41 81 651 20 72 

F +41 81 651 20 72 

Spectrum Environment, 

pages 42/43 

Mauritius Commercial Bank 

Architect 

Koenig Associates 

Jean François Koenig 

Royal Road, Les Mariannes 

MU-Montagne Longue 

T + 230 245 3819 

Sanitary engineering 

Arup Sigma Ltd 

19 Church Street 

MU-Port Louis 

T +230 206 0592 

→ www.arup.com 

Proburo Ltd 

9, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre 

Avenue 

MU-Port Louis 

T +230 427 3939 

Plumber 

Plumbelec Co. Ltd 

Jean-Pierre Labat 

1, General Charles de 

Gaulle Street 

MU-Curepipe 

T +230 670 9490 

F +230 670 9496 

Australia 

Geberit Pty Ltd 

Unit 8a 

6–8 Byfield Street 

North Ryde NSW 2113 

T +61 2 9889 7866 

F +61 2 9889 7855 

→ www.geberit.com.au 

Austria 

Geberit Vertriebs 

GmbH & Co. KG 

Gebertstrasse 1 

3140 Pottenbrunn/St. Pölten 

T +43 2742 4010 

F +43 2742 40150 

→ www.geberit.at 

Belgium 

Geberit nv 

Beaulieustraat 6 

1830 Machelen 

T +32 2 252 01 11 

F +32 2 251 0867 

→ www.geberit.be 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Geberit prodaja d.o.o. 

Representative Office BIH 

Aleja lipa br. 56 

71000 Sarajevo 

T +387 33 64 68 06 

F +387 33 64 68 06 

→ www.geberit.ba 

China 

Geberit Shanghai 

No. 1515, Huiping Road 

Nanxiang High Technology 

Development Zone 

201802 Shanghai 

T +86 21 6185 3188 

F +86 21 69178235 

→ www.geberit.com.cn 

Croatia 


Representative Office Croatia 

Kutnjački put 11 

10110 Zagreb 

T +385 1 38 678 00 

F +385 1 38 678 01 

→ www.geberit.hr 

Czech Republic 

Geberit spol. s r.o. 

Moravanská 85 

61900 Brno 

T +420 54721 2335 

F +420 54721 2340 

→ www.geberit.cz 

Denmark 

Geberit A/S 

Lægårdsvej 26 

8520 Lystrup 

T +45 8674 1086 

F +45 8674 1098 

→ www.geberit.dk 

Egypt 

Geberit International 

Sales AG 

Representative Office Egypt 

4 Ghana Street 

Heliopolis – Cairo 

T +20 2 22 598 343 ext. 4 

→ www.international. 

geberit.com 

Finland 

Geberit Oy 

Tahkotie 1 

01530 Vantaa 

T +358-9 867 8450 

F +358-9 8678 4577 

→ www.geberit.fi 

France 

Geberit s.a.r.l. 

23/25, rue de Villeneuve 

B.P. 20432 

94583 Rungis Cedex 

T +33 825 801 603 

F +33 825 801 604 

→ www.geberit.fr 

Germany 

Geberit Vertriebs GmbH 

Theuerbachstrasse 1 

88630 Pfullendorf 

T +49 7552 934-0 

F: +49 7552 934-300 

→ www.geberit.de 

Golf Region 

Geberit International Sales AG 

Dubai Branch 

1501B Swiss Tower 

Jumeirah Lakes Towers 

P.O. Box 282317 

Dubai UAE 

Dubai 

T +971 4 447 0914 

F +971 4 447 0915 

→ www.geberit.ae 

Qatar 

T +974 4 495 4605 

F +974 4 495 4600 


Kuwait 

T +965 6 672 8102 

F +965 2 225 1902 


Saudi Arabia 

T +966 2 668 3468 

F +966 2 668 8107 

→ www.geberit.com.sa 

Great Britain/Ireland 

Geberit Sales Ltd 

Geberit House 

Academy Drive 

Warwick 

Warwickshire CV34 6QZ 

T +44 1926 516 800 

F +44 1926 516 809 

→ www.geberit.co.uk 

Hungary 

Geberit Kft 

Alíz u. 2 

1117 Budapest 

T +36 1 204 41 87 

F +36 1 204 41 90 

→ www.geberit.hu 

India 

Geberit Plumbing Technology 

India Private Limited 

Laxman Complex, No. 07 

6 th «A» Main, 4 th Block 

Goraguntepalya Ring Road 

Bangalore 560 022 

T +91 80 3925 1122 

F +91 80 3925 113 

→ www.geberit.in 

Israel 

Geberit International Sales AG 

Representative Office Israel 

The Israel Building Center 

60952 Kibbutz Gaash 

T +972 9 886 6625 

F +972 9 886 6627 

→ www.geberit.co.il 

Italy 

Geberit Marketing e 

Distribuzione SA 

Via Gerre 4 

CH-6928 Manno 

T +41 91 611 92 92 

F +41 91 611 93 93 

→ www.geberit.it 

Luxembourg 

Geberit b.v. Luxembourg 

61, avenue de la Libération 

3850 Schifflange 

T +352 54 52 26 

F +352 54 54 91 

→ www.geberit.lu 

Netherlands 

Geberit B.V. 

Fultonbaan 15 

3439 Nieuwegein 

T +31 3060 57700 

F +31 3060 53392 

→ www.geberit.nl 

Norway 

Geberit AS 

Luhrtoppen 2 

1470 Lørenskog 

T +47 67 97 82 00 

F +47 67 97 82 01 

→ www.geberit.no 

Poland 

Geberit Sp.z o.o. 

ul. Postępu 1 

02-676 Warsaw 

T +48 22 376 0102 

F +48 22 843 4765 

→ www.geberit.com.pl 

Portugal 

Geberit Tecnologia Sanitária, 

S.A. 

Urb. Pólo Tecnológico 

de Lisboa à Estr. do Paço 

do Lumiar, Lt. 6–2º A 

1600-542 Lisboa 

T +351 21 781 5100 

F +351 21 793 0738 

→ www.geberit.pt 

Romania 


Sales AG – Romania Branch 

Splaiul Unirii 86, Et. 3 

040038 Bucharest 

T +40 21 330 30 80 

F +40 21 330 31 61 

→ www.geberit.ro 

Russian Federation 


Sales AG – Moscow Branch 

ul. Krasnoproletarskaya 

16 bld. 3, entrance 8 

office 1– 5 

127473 Moscow 

T +7 495 783 83 30 

F +7 495 783 83 31 

→ www.geberit.ru 

Serbia, Montenegro, 

Macedonia 


Representative Office Serbia, 

Montenegro and Macedonia 

Vojvode Skopljanca 24 

11000 Belgrade 

T +381 11 30 96 430 

F +381 11 30 96 431 

→ www.geberit.rs 

Singapore/Thailand 

Geberit South East Asia Private 

Limited 

59 Jalan Pemimpin 

# 01-01 L&Y Building 

577218 Singapore 

T +65 6250 4011 

F +65 6250 4211 

→ www.geberit.com.sg 

Slovakia 

Geberit Slovensko s.r.o. 

Karadžičova 10 

82108 Bratislava 

T +421 2 4920 3071 

F +421 2 4920 3072 

→ www.geberit.sk 

Slovenia 


Smolnik 17 

2342 Ruše 

T +386 1 586 22 00 

F +386 1 586 22 19 

→ www.geberit.si 

South Africa 

Geberit Southern Africa (Pty.) 

Ltd 

17–15 th Street 

Eastgate Gardens 

Commercial Park 

Sandton 

T +27 11 444 5070 

F +27 11 444 5992 

→ www.geberit.co.za 

South Korea 

Geberit Korea 

#301 JS B/D 213-5 Nonhyun- 

Dong, Gangnam-Gu 

135-010 Seoul 

T +82 2 543 4166~7 

F +82 2 543 4123 

→ www.geberit.co.kr 

Spain 

Geberit S.A.U. 

La Selva, 10, Edificio In Blau 

Parque de Negocios 

«Mas Blau» 

08820 El Prat de Llobregat 

(Barcelona) 

T +34 902 170 635 

F +34 93 478 34 71 

→ www.geberit.es 

Sweden 

Geberit AB 

Kantyxegatan 25 

213 76 Malmö 

T +46 40 680 8930 

F +46 40 185 439 

→ www.geberit.se 

Switzerland 

Geberit Vertriebs AG 

Schachenstrasse 77 

8645 Jona 

T +41 55 221 61 11 

F +41 55 212 42 69 

→ www.geberit.ch 

Turkey 

Geberit Tesisat Sistemleri 

Ticaret Ltd 

Koşuyolu Cad. No. 33 

34718 Kadıkōy/Istanbul 

T +90 216 340 82 73 

F +90 216 340 82 79 

→ www.geberit.com.tr 

Ukraine and Belarus 


Sales AG 

Representative Office 

Ukraine & Belarus 

Moskovskij, av. 9, office 303 

04073 Kiev 

T +380 44 492 97 41 

F +380 44 492 97 40 

→ www.geberit.ua 

→ www.geberit.by 

USA 

The Chicago Faucet Company 

2100 S. Clearwater Drive 

IL-60018 Des Plaines 

T +1 847 803 5000 

F +1 847 803 4499 

→ www.chicagofaucets.com 

Other Geberit markets 


Sales AG 

Neue Jonastrasse 59 

CH-8640 Rapperswil 

T +41 55 221 62 00 

F +41 55 221 67 50 

→ www.international.geberit.com 


CHe/08.12 995.354.00.1 © by Geberit Vertriebs AG

Geberit View 2012

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