OKB Headquarters by Seilerlinhart

Situated in the evolving northern district of Sarnen, where industrial, residential, and transport infrastructures converge, the new headquarters for Obwaldner Kantonalbank (OKB) signals the beginning of a dynamic urban transformation. Positioned strategically at the junction of Kägiswilerstrasse and the newly planned neighbourhood street Im Feld, this building forms a vital interface between the verdant residential quarters and the more expansive commercial zones.

Architectural Expression: Stability, Regionality, and Identity

From the exterior, the OKB Headquarters asserts itself as a strong, sculptural landmark, embodying a duality of robustness and refinement. The façade combines finely articulated dark wood panelling with a solid concrete plinth at the base, referencing regional materials while evoking notions of stability and permanence—key values for a financial institution.

The nuanced detailing of the façade varies between floors: the two lower customer-oriented levels feature distinct timber and window treatments that differentiate them from the three upper office floors dedicated to employees. This subtle variation supports the building’s dual function while maintaining a cohesive formal identity.

Functional Layout: Flexibility and Collaboration

Designed to accommodate approximately 160 employees, the building supports a range of work modes—from individual offices to open-plan workspaces—reflecting contemporary trends in workplace design. Dedicated meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space facilitate client engagement and events, while an internal cafeteria and bank-specific ancillary areas ensure operational efficiency.

Beneath these work environments, the building includes a car park to serve staff and visitors alike, further supporting accessibility and convenience.

Structural Innovation: Visible Timber as a Defining Feature

The structural heart of the building is its visible timber framework, a defining architectural and identity element. At its core lies a concrete access core, around which a bar structure of columns and beams made exclusively from locally sourced ash and spruce wood is assembled. This choice emphasizes sustainability, supports local forestry industries, and imparts a warm, natural ambiance to the interiors.

Within this wooden framework, lightweight partition walls form enclosed spaces, while building services are integrated seamlessly into the design, positioned between the visible beams of the distinctive ribbed ceilings. This structural approach not only optimizes material use but also allows for maximum flexibility in future spatial reconfigurations, adapting to evolving office needs.

Sustainable Building Technology: Efficient, Renewable, and Flexible

Sustainability is integrated at every level of the building’s design. Ceiling sails, suspended both freely within the ribbed ceilings and integrated into suspended ceilings, provide efficient air conditioning, handling ventilation, heating, and cooling with subtlety and effectiveness.

The building features a raised floor system with flexible electrical installations, facilitating easy updates and maintenance. Energy is sourced through reversible heat pumps and chillers utilizing groundwater, a renewable and sustainable energy source. Complementing this, a flat-sloped photovoltaic array installed on the roof contributes to on-site renewable energy production, reducing the building’s environmental footprint.

Towards a New Urban Landmark

As the first phase of the broader Sarnen Nord development, the OKB Headquarters is poised to set a precedent for the district’s future character—combining environmental responsibility, architectural refinement, and functional adaptability. The building exemplifies how regional materials and craftsmanship can be leveraged to create a contemporary, resilient workplace that respects both its cultural context and ecological imperatives.

Photography: Rasmus Norlander