CFL - Headquarters

Built in the late 1950s, the original CFL building is a monument to Luxembourg’s industrial heritage. Social and economic responsibility are the cornerstones of company’s value and a large part of its strategy for future development. Consequently, a sensitive approach to minimising the environmental impact of the project and maximising available resources influenced every part of its design and development. The original building used almost 1,000 m³ of concrete during its construction and released 1000 tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, key structural elements of the existing building were retained to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the new project. The essential sustainability strategy for the project involved upcycling the existing building, preserving its historical facades, and reutilizing the next door existing car park access to reach the new underground parking. The façade of the historic headquarters facing Place de la Gare is preserved and brought back it its original glory. Together with the main facade, the entire historical volume of the old building is equally preserved, while the new extention is subtly added on the side of the train tracks, virtually without touching the existing. The identity of the existing is preserved through the creation of an atrium that separates the two volumes. This allows a smooth transition between the two parts of the project while allowing connections via walkways on each floor, and drawing natural light deep into the heart of the building. A modernistic monumental staircase, circulation core and a mosaic mural fresco in the main entrance hall are largely retained, paying respect to the architectural heritage. The project is centred around creating a bright, modern and comfortable environment for staff that improves the quality of their working spaces, circulation and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, preserving the architectural heritage of a building while designing a sustainable headquarters is essential for maintaining its cultural and historical significance. Balancing sustainability, fucntionality, and heritage presevation lead to a unique and inspiring workspace that will act as a model for the future generations.