Evolution Design AG

Barry Callebaut Headquarters

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Barry Callebaut Headquarters

Evolution Design

PHOTOS
Wuermli Fotograf 

AREA
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

YEAR
2021

LOCATION
Switzerland

TYPE
Commercial › Office

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, relocated its Zurich-based headquarters to a new building, commissioning Evolution Design to design the new offices.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

One of the project briefs was to create a strong connection to Barry Callebaut’s culture and its confectionary products.

To respond to the brief, the architects conceived a design concept that reflects the variety of flavours, aromas and textures of cocoa products.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

A myriad of materials, patterns, haptics and graphics have been applied: Textures of wood and different fabrics, natural materials – like the upcycled cocoa husk flooring, saffron flower wallpaper, cork and moss – and a combination of earthy colours reflect the chocolate company’s ethos of sustainability, innovation and sensory pleasure.

«We assigned Barry Callebaut’s brand characteristics to different areas throughout the office, creating a bespoke language of materials, colours, patterns, haptics and graphics.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

This approach creates a workspace with a lot of diversity and choice and at the same time reflects the passion and values people share and are proud of at Barry Callebaut,» explains Stefan Camenzind, executive director of Evolution Design.

In line with Barry Callebaut’s vision, the workplace concept pays particular attention to sustainability and well-being.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Environmentally friendly, certified and upcycled materials have been used along with indoor greenery, in order to create a healthy, productive and pleasant indoor atmosphere.

Specifically selected oxygen generating plants in combination with sensors enable monitoring and automatic adjustment of the internal climate according to the data received.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Tailored sustainability standards have been developed to achieve project-relevant benchmarks in optimal lighting conditions, indoor air quality, room temperature, noise levels and environmental impact.

In order to encourage staff circulation between the three floors that Barry Callebaut occupies in a multi-storey building, the architects planned internal staircases that link three hubs on each floor.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Used primarily as coffee points for breaks, informal meetings and lunch, these hubs enable optimal circulation and create a sense of a journey through the various zones.

An integrated chocolate academy enables staff and visitors to watch the chocolatiers creating new products and taking part in masterclasses.

Located opposite the main entry area, the fully glazed chocolate academy creates the first impression of the newly designed head office, reflecting Barry Callebaut’s passion for cocoa products, craftsmanship and innovation.

Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf


Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf
Barry Callebaut Headquarters
© Wuermli Fotograf

Evolution Design AG
T +41 44 2539500
Evolution Design AG
Samariterstrasse 5, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland