Bank Frick awards architecture contract for new head office

Bank Frick has closed the architectural competition for its new head office in Unterbendern. It will realise the designs of a planning team led by Bernardo Bader Architekten – with construction to begin in early 2028.

The plans involve a main building of six floors as well as two other buildings with four or five storeys respectively, each with a basement level. The buildings will comprise a concrete base and a timber structure featuring arcades. The new construction arranged around a green courtyard will then constitute the Bank Frick Campus.  

Contract awarded to Bernardo Bader Architekten

These plans were drafted by Bernardo Bader Architekten from Bregenz. “The design promotes exchange between employees, promotes our culture of innovation and opens up the campus to the entire community,” says Mario Frick, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Bank Frick selected this design from seven projects submitted, as we believe the campus concept is unparalleled in terms of its functionality and flexibility of use. What’s more, it brings to life our vision of a vibrant meeting place,” explains CFO Melanie Mündle.  

Open structures and modular spaces

Each building will feature an atrium in the centre, with modular offices arranged around it. This will give rise to interior spaces and open structures characterised by wood, large windows and daylight. “This interplay creates an inspiring environment that promotes health and makes the Bank Frick Campus the prelude to a new district – a place where architecture, nature and community come together on equal footing,” says architect Bernardo Bader.

A reception, an auditorium and meeting rooms are planned on the ground floor of the main building. The ground floors of the two other buildings will accommodate a public cafeteria with access to the inner courtyard as well as multifunctional spaces for fitness, sport and joint activities. “This is where our team will meet, share ideas or find a place of retreat. All in all, a modern world of work will arise that brings our employees together at one location,” says CFO Melanie Mündle.  

New head office at a central location

With this solution, the new head office will not only fit in with the landscape, but also the municipal development plan. “The Bank Frick Campus is a first, decisive building block for Unterbendern. The municipality is now positioning the site at the foot of Kirchhügel as a high-quality hub with an attractive mixture of users. Since the main road is to be rerouted in the future, accessibility will improve for all road users,” says Johannes Hasler, head of the local council.

Next step: specialist planning to begin in the first quarter

Bank Frick intends to engage the specialist planners in the first quarter in order to start the detailed planning phase. Altogether, the new construction will create up to 700 workplaces, which may be leased to third parties depending on the spatial requirements. The bank is thus realising the new office in line with its growth strategy. Bank Frick is scheduled to move into the buildings in 2031.