The landmark Volksbank site in Freiburg is an intrinsic part of the local fabric; a fitting interpretation of the rich traditions of the city and the world-famous Black Forest. Hadi Teherani Architects' design for the complex has a gross floor area of 43,000 m2 and features several buildings grouped around a central courtyard, referencing the urban context. The interior design department was responsible for designing the branch's interior spaces and the Volksbank's executive board area, as well as the interior of the hotel.
Hadi Teherani Architects developed contemporary workspaces for the Volksbank, ranging from shared offices and meeting rooms to spaces where people can focus on their work, as well as more informal discussion spaces with sofas and the coffee bars on every floor.
The interior features dark, anthracite-coloured surfaces and stainless steel for a timeless style. The office areas use Strähle's System 2000 partition wall system and System 2300 structural glazing variant, with anthracite powder-coated profiles and maximum levels of sound insulation. White walls and warm accents including wooden slats made from natural oak – a nod to the nearby Black Forest and local architectural tradition – create a stimulating contrast.
The System 2000 portal doors also feature warm wood tones. The discussion spaces use the transparent, single-glazed System 3400 with fully glazed doors, while all the systems in the open gallery areas were installed in a fall-proof manner.
