Topping-out ceremony marks the start of the final phase of construction for the new Materna building

Work is progressing rapidly on our major construction site. On 12 May, Materna’s board of directors and shareholders met with the architects, as well as guests from the business community, the city council and the construction companies involved, to celebrate the topping-out ceremony for the new Materna headquarters. The event marks the next significant milestone in the extensive construction project on the former Phoenix West industrial site. After just one and a half years of construction, the five-storey shell is largely complete and already has a roof over its head.

With ribbons fluttering in the spring-like weather, the topping-out wreath stood in front of the main entrance to the building shell, whilst our guests gathered in the conference room, which will in future accommodate around 200 participants at various events. The celebration and ceremony were opened by Martin Wibbe and featured speeches by the developers and guests, as well as expressions of thanks, particularly to the construction team. Dortmund’s Lord Mayor, Thomas Westphal, who had already honoured us with his presence at the foundation-laying ceremony, presented Materna with a horseshoe as a good-luck charm. Professor Eckhard Gerber of Gerber Architekten expressed particular thanks to his team and to everyone who has helped build and contribute to the new building so far for their excellent cooperation, and finally, in keeping with tradition, everyone raised a toast to the topping-out.

According to Prof. Eckhard Gerber, the architecture of the new building, with its tall, narrow wedge shape, is deliberately reminiscent of the Flatiron Building, an iconic structure in New York at the junction of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The building’s distinctive shape is also a metaphor for Materna’s cosmopolitan approach to the future. At the same time, the new Materna headquarters is a clear commitment to Dortmund as a location. Materna is setting an example both for itself and its staff, as well as for the successful structural transformation in Dortmund.

Growth needs space

The futuristic-looking new building reflects the development of the Materna Group, which has enjoyed great success for many years as a leading medium-sized IT company and, in the 2022 financial year, exceeded the 500 million euro turnover threshold for the first time with further growth of around 28 per cent. Staff numbers are growing in line with the revenue growth planned in our Mission 2025: over the past two years, we have welcomed more than 500 new staff members each year, and this year too, staff growth continues unabated. The new corporate headquarters will soon offer sufficient space and scope for development to accommodate this growth.

The final phase of construction has begun, and our staff are already looking forward to the new building, which will offer not only modern offices but also spacious, attractive social and relaxation areas. Highlights will include the large, landscaped courtyard, as well as a sky lounge with panoramic views over Dortmund, an in-house restaurant, a fitness room and a visitor centre.

Interior fit-out has already begun

Whilst the structural work will not be fully completed until summer 2023, work on the interior is already well under way. Facade work began as early as February, and interior fit-out started in March. The new Materna headquarters, which measures 290 metres from top to bottom, will be characterised above all by its bright and transparent interior spaces. The design and fit-out of these spaces will set new standards for modern working environments. When it comes to the materials for the interior fit-out, particular emphasis is being placed on selecting sustainable products. A specially fitted-out pilot area at Materna, which staff will soon be able to visit, offers a preview and first impression of the premises and the planned furnishings. We will continue to keep you updated on our new building.