Cologne, Germany
Project: New administrative building for DAHLHAUSEN Medizintechnik
Client: P. J. DAHLHAUSEN & Co. GmbH
Architecture and Interior Architecture: ARCTUM
Lighting Design: ARCTUM
Photography: Alexander Strifler
Year: 2024
The new heart of a long-established company
In the south of Cologne, a new site has been created for DAHLHAUSEN Medizintechnik that brings administration, communication and logistics together in a clearly structured architectural entity. The new building combines high standards of energy efficiency, functionality and future viability with an architectural language that conveys calm, orientation and a sense of value.
The V-shaped administrative building deliberately shields the busy road while opening up with generous glazed areas towards the adjacent green belt. Inside, bright and transparent working environments emerge, providing structure while allowing openness. Light plays a central role in this context: it organises, connects and makes the architectural concept tangible in everyday use.
Working closely with ARCTUM, SATTLER realised the complete decorative and technical lighting concept – ranging from representative ring luminaires in the foyer to flexible PALADIO systems with AVVENI spot luminaires in the work and showcase areas.
Lighting concept: identity + orientation
The project follows a clear lighting logic:
Iconic luminaires and decorative custom solutions create identity, while linear systems provide orientation and functional reliability.
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Ring luminaires (DOPPIO / DUETTO) define communication areas and representative zones.
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Linear PALADIO systems translate the building’s circulation and architectural rhythm into continuous light lines.
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AVVENI spot luminaires deliver precision wherever content, workstations or exhibits require focused emphasis.
The result is a calm, high-quality overall appearance that supports the architectural material and colour palette without drawing undue attention to itself.
Planning insight: the V geometry consistently translated
The V-shaped geometry creates natural circulation paths between the street, the foyer and the surrounding green space. This principle is consistently continued through the lighting design: PALADIO light lines guide and connect, while circular DUETTO and DOPPIO luminaires act as calm focal points defining communication zones.
The outcome is a balanced interplay of guidance and focus – enabling intuitive orientation, clear spatial hierarchies and a representative presence where it matters.
Design, material and technology in harmony
Design & creation
Purist forms such as the DOPPIO ring luminaire and the clear linear language of the PALADIO systems complement the architecture without dominating it.
Material & appearance
Brushed aluminium, anodised surfaces and precisely engineered lens and prismatic systems stand for durability and visual calm.
Technology & innovation
DALI control, optional Casambi integration and glare-controlled UGR values below 19 ensure functional reliability in office and meeting areas.
Foyer – arrival as a statement
Two large-format DOPPIO ring luminaires deliberately mark the moment of arrival. Their direct/indirect light distribution creates a bright, welcoming ceiling effect, visually elevates the space and reveals the material quality of the reception area.
In combination with the generous glazing towards the green belt, the lighting unfolds its full effect: during the day as a complement to natural light, and in the evening as a luminous centrepiece. The foyer becomes an entrance that conveys openness, elegance and the ambition of a long-established company.
The foyer is transformed into an impressive entrance by the DOPPIO ring luminaires: they lend the space clarity and elegance, provide orientation and at the same time create a strong architectural statement.
Meeting rooms – focus and presence
In the meeting rooms, several ring luminaires in graduated diameters provide uniform, glare-free general lighting. The homogeneous light distribution supports facial expressions and gestures – essential for meetings, workshops and hybrid video conferences.
Indirect lighting components calm the ceiling surfaces and give the rooms a representative character. The result is an atmosphere that encourages focused work while conveying a sense of quality and professionalism.
Within the meeting rooms, the ring luminaires create balanced brightness and stage the conference table as the communicative centre – supporting concentrated work, lively discussions and a calm, high-quality spatial impression.
Work and showcase zones – flexibility in everyday use
The PALADIO TRACK 35 systems form the linear backbone of the lighting concept. Flexible AVVENI spot luminaires can be precisely aligned and repositioned at any time – ideal for accentuating workstations, exhibits or information areas.
By combining linear ambient lighting with precise accent lighting, a versatile lighting stage emerges that adapts to different working scenarios: from evenly lit everyday office use to more scenographic presentations.
PALADIO TRACK systems with integrated AVVENI heads bring flexibility and precision to the lighting design. They highlight work surfaces and exhibits with pinpoint accuracy, can be easily reconfigured and give the spaces a modern, adaptable character.
Cafeteria – function meets atmosphere
In the cafeteria, PALITO LINEA pendant luminaires structure the table and standing areas with a calm, elegant line of light. Complementary EVOLUTION pendant luminaires add warm accent lighting above counters and serving zones.
During the day, the space feels bright and welcoming; in the evening, the lighting creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to linger. The linear clarity of the luminaires supports the geometry of the space and strengthens the sense of community.
The EVOLUTION S pendant luminaire creates a sculptural accent in the cafeteria.
As a decorative pendant luminaire, it visually structures the space and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for informal encounters and breaks.
Sanitary areas – functional clarity
Here, a reduced, functional lighting solution takes centre stage: linear luminaires and downlights provide uniform ambient brightness and a clean, hygienic appearance. Vertical surfaces are deliberately illuminated, ensuring mirror areas are clearly and shadow-free lit – an essential prerequisite for user comfort.
The selected lighting solution is not only easy to maintain and durable, but also integrates discreetly into the calm design language of the spaces. The result is an overall impression that conveys cleanliness and functionality without appearing intrusive.
Corridors and circulation areas
Linear PALADIO luminaires guide users through the entire building as continuous “lines of light”. They provide direction without drawing attention to themselves and create a calm, consistent ceiling appearance.
Uniform lighting ensures visibility and safety throughout all circulation areas, while carefully placed accents at key junctions support orientation. Visitors and employees alike experience intuitive wayfinding – a harmonious interaction of architecture and light that enhances orientation and underlines the building’s quality.
The corridor becomes a place of encounter.
While the linear base lighting provides orientation and safety, selectively placed accent lighting highlights the café situation within the corridor and adds a sense of spatial quality to the circulation area.
Overall impression
The lighting concept for DAHLHAUSEN combines representation, functionality and atmosphere. It translates the architectural clarity of the building into light, creates orientation and defines zones of communication.
From planning and manufacturing through to installation, SATTLER was closely involved throughout the project. Every detail – from the large-format DOPPIO ring luminaires to the custom-made PALADIO segments – was manufactured in the SATTLER manufactory in Göppingen, carefully tested and precisely installed.
From concept to realisation
What began as a concept on paper became built reality through close coordination between the client, the planners and SATTLER. The result is an administrative building defined by light – functional, representative and sustainable.
Our thanks go to P. J. DAHLHAUSEN & Co. GmbH for their trust, and to ARCTUM for the collaborative partnership. Together, a project was realised that brings architecture, technology and light together as a clear and coherent whole.
Products used:
PALADIO LENS 35
DIRECT / INDIRECT | SINGLE LUMINAIRE
1,690 mm
PALADIO TRACK 35
DIRECT | SINGLE LUMINAIRE
3,370 mm
PALADIO TRACK 35
DIRECT | SINGLE LUMINAIRE
3,930 mm
PALADIO TRACK 35
DIRECT | SINGLE LUMINAIRE
2,810 mm
AVVENI SPOT PALADIO
216 mm
DOPPIO
DIRECT / INDIRECT
2300
DOPPIO
DIRECT / INDIRECT
1900
PALADIO PRISM 35
DIRECT | SINGLE LUMINAIRE
1,690 mm
Palito Linea
1,250 mm
EVOLUTION SPOT
M
157 mm
EVOLUTION SPOT
S
110 mm
BE 2
round
118
EVOLUTION M
1,258 mm
Autor: Alexander Strifler
