Business and Institutional

Sartorius (Research and Development Center, Building No. 26)

GermanyContractors: OKEL GmbH & Co. KG

Sartorius (Research and Development Center, Building No. 26) - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

The Sartorius research & development building with a total size of 10,200 m² features a technical center, laboratories, and offices on 4 floors. The building’s social center is the atrium, with a 20 m “green wall” for aesthetics and functionality, created by using Rigips® Die Blaue. Challenges such as high walls, acoustics, moisture protection, and fire protection up to F90 were solved by the contractor OKEL GmbH & Co. KG. The success of the project was attributed to goal-oriented cooperation among all involved disciplines, with the combined expertise of the contractor team, the architect and representatives of the building owner. DGNB Platinum was achieved for the first time for a research center.

Main information

Building size

10 200 m²

Building purpose / type

Research and
Development
Center

Building owner name

Sartorius AG

Architect name

Bünemann &
Collegen GmbH

Contractors

OKEL GmbH & Co. KG

Company name: OKEL GmbH & Co. KG

Main Representative: Burkhard OKEL

Other Representative: Mirko Rohdenburg

Number of collaborators: 70

Specialties: Dry lining with room acoustics, cooling and heating ceilings, Metal construction, Carpentry

Founded in: 1958

Biography: The company Okel GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1959 by Mr. Walter Okel with 15 employees who was specialised in painting, plastering and dry-lining. Since 1996 his son, Mr. Burkard Okel is the manager of the company and he has enlarged the company into new areas such as acoustic and thermal ceilings, fire protection, prefabrication of all wooden subconstructions, workshop for built-in furniture.

Website: www.okel.de

Key Challenges

Fire protection in hybrid construction
Cooperation between all parties
Acoustic requirements
Availability of building materials

Key Achievements

Careful planning: Detailed and precise planning was crucial to the success of this construction project
Experienced professionals: The use of qualified craftsmen and specialists ensured that the work was carried out professionally.
Quality materials: The use of high-quality materials contributes to the longevity and functionality of the building.
Efficient communication: Clear communication between all parties involved (architects, planners, builders, industrial and commercial partners, tradesmen) was important to avoid misunderstandings and coordinate progress.
Regular inspections: Regular construction site inspections and quality controls enabled problems to be recognised and avoided at an early stage.
Sustainability: The selection of durable materials helps to extend the life of the building and reduce the need for frequent renovation

Sustainability in the project

Wood instead of reinforced concrete, green walls and always pleasant temperatures thanks to what is currently Lower Saxony’s largest geothermal field directly under the employees’ feet: The Sartorius research and development building is not only home to innovative products; the company has also broken new ground with the building itself. In addition to the focus on sustainable construction and recyclable materials, the central atrium with its natural light and space for interdepartmental communication are key to the overall feel good in the building.