The Omicron Campus in Klaus, Austria, represents a significant expansion of Omicron Electronics GmbH's headquarters, adding 200 workplaces and additional storage rooms. Completed between 2012 and 2014, this project continues the company's tradition of high architectural standards and a conducive working atmosphere. Designed by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architekten, the campus integrates innovative office design with sustainable practices and artistic elements, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment for employees. This reference case highlights the project's key features, contributors, and the thoughtful design that balances structured workspaces with creative thinking areas.

Project Overview

The globally active company Omicron Electronics GmbH, renowned for its exceptional corporate culture, expanded its headquarters in Klaus, Austria, adding 200 workplaces and additional storage rooms. This expansion, completed between 2012 and 2014, continues the company’s commitment to high standards of architectural quality and a conducive working atmosphere.

It is a remarkable example of innovative office design. The expansion of the company headquarters aimed to create an inspiring and communicative work environment. The design was crafted by Eichinger office, Office for User Interfaces in Vienna, with photographs captured by Studio 22 Marcel Hagen.

Design Concept

The building’s nodes, known as “hotspots,” serves as interactive meeting zones featuring spatial sculptures that can be walked on and experienced. These hotspots balance orderly workspaces with free-thinking environments, encouraging communication and offering retreats. Gregor Eichinger’s expansive wooden sculpture, “Body,” is a standout feature, organically shaped from cross-laminated timber panels using 3D milling.

Architectural Vision

Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architekten developed a cohesive design that integrates the basic idea of the existing building, featuring variable office cubicles and an inner courtyard. The campus is divided by three courtyards, providing structure and orientation.

The ground floor houses meeting, storage, and special rooms, while the upper floors offer flexible office spaces with direct access to balconies overlooking green courtyards.

Innovative Features

The Omicron Campus showcases a commitment to social responsibility and sustainable use of energy and materials. Natural, regional materials like clay and silver fir dominate the interior design. Safety was ensured through rigorous testing by an ecologist. The building features glazed exterior and partition walls, skylights for ample daylight, landscaped roofs, and courtyards with pergolas and seating niches. A hydraulic system facilitates energy exchange between building parts, supported by heat pumps and a photovoltaic system integrated into the façade.

Artistic Elements

The hotspots include “The Body,” a 70-tonne solid wood sculpture by Gregor Eichinger, inviting interaction and communication. “Crossing Borders,” spherical clay thinking spaces by Anna Heringer and Martin Rauch, offer contemplative retreats. These elements create a dynamic balance between structured workspaces and creative thinking areas.

Working Environment

Openness, transparency, and communication are the hallmarks of this working environment. The courtyards provide natural light and serve as outdoor recreation and meeting spaces, accessible at all times. The construction’s impact on green spaces is mitigated by extensive and varied greening of the roofs, courtyards, and surroundings.