Studio Hoffelner Schmid selects Skan and Palma to illuminate a hybrid Austrian bank

Designed by Studio Hoffelner Schmid, managed by M.O.O.CON and with lighting design by Designbüro Christian Ploderer, the new Raiffeisenbank headquarters in St. Pölten – the “Raiffeisen corner” – is a 5,250 m² hybrid project that serves as a lively hub for the region. Conceived as “an open house for all”, the building accommodates a branch and advisory centre, as well as a restaurant, café, event space, co-working space and terraces on multiple floors.

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

“The façade oscillates between openness and closedness and thus reflects the open, but also discreet banking business itself.”

Studio Hoffelner Schmid

The anthracite-coloured exterior exudes confidence without appearing dominant. Fibreglass and concrete cornices envelop the building in contrast with an array of large glass windows looking down from various light-filled office and meeting spaces.

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank
Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

The interior is designed with plenty of wood, which in combination with biophilic details exudes a warm and natural ambience. The main stairwell features clay plaster walls and wide steps made of terrazzo blocks. Composed in variations of one, two or three spheres, Palma pendants and plantings are suspended overhead to form a luminous hanging garden.

“The use of sophisticated products that combine light and planting makes the premises appear particularly harmonious.”

Studio Hoffelner Schmid

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

Designed to evolve over time, Palma’s capacity to create atmosphere increases with its growth. Each blown opal glass orb is sealed by an aluminium strap suspended from almost imperceptible cables, below which a hanging plant floats independently. The work of Antoni Arola, these alluring configurations seem to hover in mid-air and simultaneously climb upward towards the ceiling.

The interior design of the Raiffeisenbank co-working space combines natural materials such as oak wood, softened by carefully coordinated furniture and felt in muted colours. Wooden slats on the walls contribute to a cosy working atmosphere while multiple Skan pendants lend each meeting room a quiet elegance.

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

Sleek and understated, Skan combines lean lines with a soothing purity of form. Designed by Lievore, Altherr and Molina, the LED-powered pendant features a steel canopy and classic shade diffuser that casts a broad downlight over various tables and workstations.

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank
Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

For the “Raiffeisen corner”, Terra Red and Beige luminaires hang delicately from the ceiling, enhancing each space with a sense of comfort and wellbeing.

Vibia The Edit - Skan and Palma Austrian Bank

“Since the home office has become an integral part of working, the “corporate offices” must become atmospherically dense “homes”… equipped with qualities that the home office itself cannot fulfil.”

Studio Hoffelner Schmid

Credits:
– Photography: Hertha Hurnaus
– Architects: feld72 and Hoffelner Schmid

Featured Products:
Skan
Palma