Location: Schweinfurt, Germany.

Architect: TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten.

The new Sven Wingquist Test Centre in Schweinfurt, Germany, is an industrial test facility for large-scale bearings, completing the SKF large size bearing competence centre. The building has an aerodynamic appearance and interprets the SKF logotype with flowing, rounded forms and high technological standards. The two volumes of different height are positioned parallel to each other and celebrate the wind and energy with their striking inclination. The façades are clad with reflective white aluminium panels, and an impressive double profiled glazing displays the logotype with large-scaled letters. The higher one-storey hall houses two technology pioneering test rigs for large size bearings and two smaller large size bearing test benches, while the smaller two-storey hall comprises areas with different technical functions, storage spaces, workshop zones and offices. The interior design follows the wind leitmotif, and the building received the LEED Gold certificate for its energy-efficient technologies. The project is funded by two government programs with a total of Euro 3.5 million.

Photo credit: Hans Juergen Landes.