Moving from England to Switzerland, Parker Hannifin envisioned a new headquarters that reflect Swiss hallmarks of precision and transparency, while serving as a dramatic showcase to attract visitors and staff. The response is an elemental and minimalist expression, rooted in regional building characteristics and connected to its site. Visitors to Lake Geneva remark on the constantly shifting natural light; on approach, this structure undergoes subtle changes as the stark stucco and reflective glass interact and respond to dynamic weather and light conditions.

Nestled into a sloping site, the main pavilion – skinned in stucco – welcomes a large volume of visitors and houses amenities. The office wing’s floor-to-ceiling glass skin maximizes natural light and views for all employees. The board room, on the second level over the entry, has a private terrace with commanding views to the lake and Alps. Internal motorized louvers in the triple-glazed curtain wall system keep energy consumption and glare minimized. The interior palette sets a distinctly timelessly Swiss tone, featuring crisply detailed native limestone and blonde woods. The use of color and material was so well received by the client that it prompted our formation of an international master palette for both interior and exterior design of Parker Hannifin’s North America, Europe, and Asia facilities.