The NanoFactory provides a new home for attocube systems AG and neaspec GmbH – two Munich nanotechnology specialists and companies of the WITTENSTEIN group. The sales team of WITTENSTEIN alpha GmbH, who until now have been based in Ottobrunn, will likewise take up residence in the ‘Haar triangle’. 

Openness and space for ideas and interaction

The focal point of the building is the light-flooded atrium – an opportunity to meet and communicate and the central reception area for customers and visitors. From there you can see right up to the roof: atriums offset from one another create air-filled spaces across two stories in an interplay of dimensions which makes this tall, open space appear wonderfully light and airy. Open communication zones and lounge areas on the mezzanines provide opportunities for informal exchanges among employees.

The first floor of the curved building incorporates the conference rooms, a showroom and a cafe with a patio. The ‘atomic kitchen’ follows the concept of openness and transparency from more than just the architectural design perspective; not only employees and their guests but the general public, too, are welcome to take advantage of the bistro. 

A stairway provides access to the mezzanine, where a 5 x 2 meter, floor-to-ceiling glass wall offers a splendid view into the heart of the NanoFactory: the manufactory and adjacent laboratories. A huge glass cube in the center serves as a testing room.

The two upper floors house the development areas, meeting rooms and offices, with insulated acoustic ceilings and large glass fronts contributing to an optimal work environment. From the spacious, green rooftop terrace, which is freely accessible to employees, you can enjoy a panoramic outlook over the surrounding buildings and installations.


Short lines of communication for greater flexibility and efficiency

Innovative products go hand in hand with optimized manufacturing processes and modern infrastructure. When planning the building, particular attention was paid to short lines of communication: the development, production, delivery and warehouse areas are all ‘workflow optimized’. Processes and workflows are leaner and more efficient as a result – a precondition of scalable manufacturing.


Responsible and sustainable

The WITTENSTEIN group – the client and owner of the NanoFactory – has a deep-rooted conviction of which the new building represents a logical continuation: that there is no alternative to responsible investment in a sustainable future. The NanoFactory was built using the most advanced techniques and materials available: approximately 60% of the facade was designed with the triple glazing familiar from passive houses while the non-transparent 40% reduces the energy input to a minimum. The individual lamellae of the steel-and-glass frontage can be opened to enable resource-friendly night cooling in summer. The building services are energy efficient, and thanks to the specially insulated outer shell the NanoFactory is also a low-energy building under the German KfW 55 standard. 

The official opening of the NanoFactory marks the start of a new era in the history of attocube systems AG, established in 2001. The foundation has now been laid for further growth.


The NanoFactory: Key data

• Capital investment: 20 million euros
• Architect: HENN Architekten, Munich
• Client: Wittenstein Immobilien GmbH
• Hybrid building: Combination of production areas, offices and catering
  
   
• Height: 14 m, 3 stories
• Lot size: 5720 m²
• Floor space: 9205 m² 
• Production space: 1200 m²
• Restaurant: 300 m²
• Rooftop terrace: 300 m²
  
   
• Facade: Superinsulated exterior, partially with triple glazing, glass frontage totaling approx. 1800 m²
  
   
• Energy supplies: 
  The building gets its power from a district heating network.
  Electricity is supplied via the medium voltage grid.
  The ventilation system has a heating and cooling function with a heat recovery rate of between 70 and 75%.
  
   
• Lighting and acoustics:
  Daylight linked lighting control.
  Soundproofed ceiling and floor cladding in the project spaces and offices.
  
   
• Production areas:
  Flexible layout.
  Optimal flow of goods from inbound delivery to shipping.
  Clean assembly environment because all goods are repacked in ESD compliant storage and supply containers.
  
   
• Chronology:
  November 17, 2016: Ground-breaking dig
  September 8, 2017: Topping-out ceremony 
  September 3, 2018: Moving-in date
  October 11, 2018: Official opening

Photos:
Photo 1: Exterior view of the NanoFactory
Photo 2: 3rd floor: Open space & library
Photo 3: 3rd floor: Close-up of the atrium
Photo 4: View of the atrium from below    
Photo 5: Testing room in the manufactory
Photo 6: View from the mezzanine into the manufactory