Smurfit Kappa has decided to renovate the offices of its carton factory in Žimrovice, Silesia, near Opava. Our unique design incorporating elements associated with the company's business and preserving the original elements of the building from the 1970s will impress both employees and clients. The first part of the project, which began in early 2024, is now complete.
Cardboard tubes used by Smurfit Kappa to roll paper are central to the new design. These tubes have an acoustic function and also provide a link between the work environment and the corporate identity. The company manufactured and supplied the tubes itself, and their use was tested with a team of packaging designers.
We kept original elements from the 1970s in the building, including unusual exposed concrete beams.
The whole building makes the most of its Brutalist origins, but by opening up the space and connecting it to the external environment around the paper mill and offices, we have toned down the original emphatic architecture and allowed the space to fully function as an executive office for the company's economic and IT departments. The original features add authenticity and connection to the building's long history.
Another noteworthy feature is the window that functions as a 'living picture' by the entrance. This allows everyone to view the surrounding nature, especially the river that has supplied the paper mill with water since its foundation. The Weisshuhn Canal is now a national technical monument.
The whole office has an open, bright feel to it and makes ample use of daylight and its connection to the outdoors. It offers employees views, inspiration and quality workspaces thanks to Only1's thoughtfully designed furniture.
