Architectural Cases

BIG's design for Dymak's headquarters in Odense, Denmark, reimagines the conventional office space, transforming it into a dynamic, full-scale showcase of building materials. This 2,800-square-meter structure is strategically situated between an industrial area and the natural beauty of Glisholm Lake's wetlands. Its innovative circular layout incorporates a lush central courtyard, which floods the interiors with daylight, seamlessly blends the natural landscape with the workspace, and provides shared spaces that enhance daily interactions.

The architectural firm has meticulously woven a variety of finishes, typically displayed as individual samples in showrooms, directly into the building's fabric. Materials such as mass timber, clay, cork, eelgrass, and ceilings crafted from recycled paper fibers are integral to the working environment. This approach allows both staff and visitors to experience these elements on a grand scale, moving beyond mere observation to active engagement within rooms, workstations, and common areas, thereby evolving the concept of a static catalog into an immersive, living exhibition.

The circular footprint of the building enables BIG's architects to arrange the offices around a protected green courtyard, ensuring that nearly every workspace benefits from views of this central, planted atrium. The brick flooring extends from the interior out into the courtyard, where expansive seating and indigenous flora create an amphitheater-like setting suitable for informal meetings and daily gatherings. The structure's undulating roof is designed with both aesthetic and functional performance in mind; it ascends to the north to capture panoramic views of the surrounding woodland, while descending to the south to mitigate solar gain, enhance internal comfort, and shield the building from traffic noise. This distinctive, folded geometry also optimizes the surface for approximately 880 custom-shaped photovoltaic panels, seamlessly integrating renewable energy generation into the architectural design. Along the facade, a timber and glass grid system expertly filters natural light, with vertical fins becoming denser on the southern side and more open to the north, effectively framing views and regulating thermal performance. Outside, BIG's landscape team has designed planted basins and open drainage channels to manage and retain rainwater, further harmonizing the building with its natural surroundings.

This innovative project showcases how thoughtful design and material integration can create an inspiring and sustainable workplace. The Dymak headquarters exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to commercial architecture, where every element contributes to a holistic and enriching experience, fostering productivity and well-being within a naturally integrated setting.

TOTO's WASHLET® system is revolutionizing the concept of personal hygiene and comfort in modern bathrooms. By blending sophisticated technology with elegant design, this innovative product transforms ordinary routines into extraordinary experiences. It represents a new benchmark for interior architects and designers seeking to integrate advanced intelligence and aesthetic appeal into contemporary living spaces, offering a complete solution for a refined bathroom environment.

PROGETTO's Role in Advancing Bathroom Innovation with TOTO WASHLET®

For over a century, TOTO, a global leader in sanitary ware, has been at the forefront of technological advancement in bathroom solutions. With more than 70 million WASHLET® units installed worldwide, its Japanese legacy of excellence extends to Greece and Cyprus through PROGETTO, its exclusive distributor. PROGETTO, a curator of high-quality building materials, collaborates closely with professionals from its offices in Athens and Thessaloniki, providing extensive support, from product selection and technical guidance to installation and post-purchase services, ensuring seamless integration of TOTO's innovations.

PROGETTO emphasizes a partnership approach, starting with a deep understanding of project objectives rather than a mere sales transaction. This commitment ensures that every product aligns with the architect's vision, balancing structural functionality with elegant spatial design. The TOTO WASHLET® exemplifies this philosophy, offering a hygiene system that combines exceptional technical intelligence with minimalist aesthetics. It features an integrated heated seat, a subtle deodorization system, an automated lid, and a precisely controlled warm-water stream, all encased in a design that minimizes visual clutter. This focus on user experience, rather than just technology, delivers superior comfort, cleanliness, and effortless routine. Furthermore, the system incorporates advanced flushing technologies that optimize cleaning efficiency while minimizing water consumption, aligning with TOTO's 'People, Planet, Water' environmental vision and setting a new standard for eco-conscious performance in modern living.

Reflecting on the Future of Bathroom Design and Personal Well-being

The evolution of products like the TOTO WASHLET® prompts us to reconsider our daily environments. It highlights a growing trend where technological advancements are not merely about convenience but about enhancing overall well-being and sustainability. As architects and consumers, we are increasingly presented with opportunities to choose solutions that offer both sophisticated functionality and a commitment to environmental responsibility. This shift encourages us to value designs that are not only visually appealing but also contribute positively to our comfort, health, and the planet, truly making our living spaces smarter and more harmonious.