We wish you and your loved ones sunny and relaxing holidays.

With the grand opening of Materna Information & Communications SE’s new headquarters, the largest office development in the Ruhr region has been completed. Designed by Gerber Architekten, this new building not only marks the architectural completion of the Phoenix West site but also symbolizes the Ruhr region’s successful transformation—from heavy industry to a knowledge-based, digital society. Minister-President Hendrik Wüst described the project as a symbol of North Rhine-Westphalia’s new era: “From the heart of old heavy industry to the digital future.” The new headquarters thus represents not only entrepreneurial innovation but also the creative responsibility that contemporary architecture holds in the region’s ongoing transformation.
Thomas Westphal, Mayor of Dortmund, highlighted the importance of the new building for Dortmund’s position as an innovation hub and for the Ruhr region as a whole, recognizing Materna as a key player in driving digitalization.

Situated on a plateau facing the Technical University of Dortmund, the building strengthens the connection between the company and the academic world. The core design concept is to create an open, social spatial system that encourages communication, innovation, and a sense of identity. Seamless transitions between the interior and exterior—such as the glass atrium, the bistro with an outdoor terrace, and the landscaped staircase leading to a green courtyard—create an environment that fosters collaboration within the company while also connecting it to the city and the wider community.

This new headquarters exemplifies technology with purpose, progress with responsibility, and architecture that shapes the future.

From left to right: Supervisory Board member Lennart an de Meulen, Mrs. Materna, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Helmut an de Meulen, Minister-President of NRW Hendrik Wüst, Prof. Eckhard Gerber, CEO of the Materna Group Michael Hagedorn, Mayor Thomas Westphal, Supervisory Board member Nicole Materna, CEO (IHK) Stefan Schreiber

Photo: © Gerber Architekten

Our innovative Climate Quarter in Kronberg im Taunus has been recognized in the competition process. The project combines sustainable architecture with high flexibility, creating a livable and forward-thinking urban space.

The quarter relies on resource-efficient timber construction, which reduces CO₂ emissions and promotes a healthy indoor climate. Efficient energy concepts, including solar power and combined heat and power (CHP), ensure a sustainable energy supply. Green open spaces, rainwater storage, and passive climate strategies enhance the microclimate and support biodiversity.

Beyond ecological responsibility, the focus is on community: generous open spaces and diverse housing concepts foster a vibrant neighborhood. The flexible architecture ensures long-term adaptability to evolving needs.

A project that paves the way for sustainable urban development!

On the occasion of the Persian New Year, we extend our best wishes to you, your families, and your colleagues for a year filled with success, health, and happiness. May this new beginning bring fresh opportunities, inspiring encounters, and positive developments.

We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration and achieving new milestones together.

In the latest competitionline Ranking 2024, Gerber Architekten has secured 8th place, driven by our national and international competition successes. This ranking underscores our commitment to architectural excellence and our continuous dedication to innovative solutions.

A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding competition teams, as well as our clients and partners, for their trust and collaboration!

The topping-out ceremony marked an important milestone for the new townhouse in Ahlen. Just ten months after the foundation stone was laid, the shell of the KfW 40-EE building, which uses heat pumps and photovoltaics for sustainable energy, is already complete.

The design blends harmoniously into the cityscape between the old town and the River Werse. The elongated shape follows the edge of the city wall, while a ‘twist’ creates two equal entrances. The entrance hall serves as a central communication space and connects the city and river sides. High points to the north and south set urban accents and relate to the old town. Public areas are located on the ground floor, while the upper floors group workspaces around light-flooded communication zones.

The new townhouse combines the aspects of sustainability, practicality and beautiful appropriateness, explained Köpp, the city planning officer, in his welcoming address.

Symbolically hitting the last nail: (from left) Thomas Köpp, Andreas Bothe, Dr Olaf Gericke, Dr Alexander Berger, Prof Eckhard Gerber.

The team at Gerber Architekten wishes you and your families a happy and peaceful Ramadan Mubarak. We wish you all health, happiness, and success!