Endress+Hauser

Project Lohko Box Lohko Picea Lohko Flex

At a glance

Product(s)

Lohko Box
Lohko Picea
Lohko Flex

Industry

Process automation and instrumentation

Country

Switzerland

A five-year journey to transform a growing campus

Endress+Hauser, a Swiss company specialising in process automation and laboratory instrumentation, set out to update their working environment with a bold goal: bring people back to campus and make more inviting work environments. With many operations spread across several spaces, the company wanted to centralise and rethink the layout of its growing campus. The solution included two new buildings and the complete redesign of several existing ones – all aimed at creating more usable, inclusive, and inspiring work environments.

The existing workspaces had become limited in flexibility and space. It was clear from the beginning that this renewal wasn’t just about including more desks, but about supporting all aspects of modern work – from focused solo tasks to project collaboration, quiet recharge, and informal interaction.

Process

A human-centered layout shaped by its users

Led by design firm Hunziker Bürodesign, the project began with an in-depth consultation phase that included employee workshops, interviews, and an ambassador system – where several employees represented their colleagues. This helped ensure that user needs weren’t just heard, but truly included in the planning.

“We made a real effort to include every idea that was reasonable and fit the project. The goal was always to reflect people’s needs in the final design.”

– Thomas Sokoll, Space Planner, Hunziker Bürodesign

The result was a carefully balanced layout that supports a wide range of work modes. It includes desk-sharing zones tailored to different roles, dedicated areas for engineers and production staff, as well as spaces for informal meetings and lounge and break moments. Across all nine buildings and sixteen floors, the layout maintains a clear visual language while remaining adaptable to future needs.

'Our teams appreciate the new environment — especially the open atmosphere. The pods have become part of everyday work and are used frequently across the space. Collaborating with our employees and the design team throughout the process was inspiring'
Petra Baumgartner Architecture + Construction, Endress+Hauser

The outcome

Pods with purpose – from selection to daily use

Pods were a core part of the workspace concept from the very beginning – seen as essential for supporting privacy, flexibility, and focused work within the open-plan layout.

“The pods were always a key part of the concept. Other elements changed along the way, but the pods stayed – they were essential from the beginning.”

– Thomas Sokoll, Hunziker Bürodesign

Taiga’s solutions were introduced through dealer partner Witzig, and after experiencing the pods firsthand at the campus, the design team identified Taiga as a strong match for both visual and functional goals. A company-wide vote between three pod suppliers confirmed this, with Taiga winning decisively thanks to its clean design, adaptability, and user comfort.

“It came down to how the pods feel – when you see them, step inside, and look at how they work in the space. Taiga just felt right, and we’re still very happy with the choice.”

– Thomas Sokoll, Hunziker Bürodesign

The Lohko series complemented the project’s modular shelving concept and supported a wide range of use cases – from quiet focus and calls in smaller pods to project work and small workshops in the larger Flex units. These pods helped define zones with both structure and openness, offering acoustic benefits while keeping the layout visually connected.

Several pods were also customised to improve accessibility: ramps were added to all Lohko Box 7 units, thresholds were lowered, doors automated, and handles redesigned for ease of use. Despite the multi-year timeline, the team noted that Taiga’s modularity helped the layout stay adaptable – a key factor in keeping up with changing work needs.

“The Taiga pods fit the architect’s vision perfectly. With a wide product range and smooth collaboration, the result is a space the client truly enjoys.”

– Mauro Bosco, Account Manager, Witzig – The Office Company

Employee-led design delivers real results

According to the design team, the employee feedback has been positive – especially around the quality and versatility of the new pods. They’ve become integral parts of daily work, enabling focus, calm, and flexibility.

Beyond furniture, the biggest success was the change process itself. Employees felt seen and heard. Their input shaped the project – and they now see themselves reflected in the space.

“Our teams appreciate the new environment — especially the open atmosphere. The pods have become part of everyday work and are used frequently across the space. Collaborating with our employees and the design team throughout the process was inspiring.”

– Petra Baumgarten, Architecture + Construction, Endress+Hauser

Designed to evolve – because people do

Pods have become a staple in how Endress+Hauser envisions office space. Their flexible, modular nature makes them ideal for both small and large organisations. Looking ahead, the design team sees a growing need for adaptability – pods that can evolve with teams, be reconfigured, and support a wider range of accessibility requirements.

“There are always trends – and we learn from them. But in the end, it’s about understanding people. That’s what makes a good workspace.”

– Thomas Sokoll, Hunziker Bürodesign