Successful Debut for the Salamander Think Tank with Architects
November 2024
Rethinking myWindow – A Fresh Perspective
Türkheim, 6 November 2024: Twelve architects from Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse accepted Salamander’s invitation to a two-day workshop held on 24 and 25 October in the Unterallgäu region, about an hour’s drive south of Munich. Salamander, a leading provider of energy-efficient and design-oriented window and door systems, welcomed the participants to its headquarters in Türkheim. The event began with an introduction to the so-called “myWindow_experience” showroom and a guided factory tour. The group then continued to Kronburg for a retreat. In d’Kammer, a former carefully renovated farmhouse, which reflects the architectural heritage of the Allgäu region, the architects engaged in in-depth discussions on building culture, with a focus on sustainability, materials, and typologies. The conversation also explored the current challenges faced in both new construction and renovation projects. The goal of the workshop was to gain a deeper understanding of architects’ needs: How can they be better supported in addressing today’s complex demands? What criteria influence their choice of window systems? Furthermore, what values and perspectives shape their work? The Salamander Think Tank was curated and moderated by Kristina Bacht, Publishing Director at AIT-Dialog in Hamburg.
Florian Beck, Architect and Partner at HPP Architekten, shared his thoughts: “I am generally open to the idea of developing a new, innovative, and circular synthetic material with modern, targeted properties in terms of ecology, economy, and design. Every material has its functional qualities and potential – that is the only way how a positive image can be created. I always advocate for an open mindset and for embracing the challenges of change.”
Creative Exchange, Lively Debate, and New Perspectives
On Thursday, 24 October, the first Salamander Think Tank kicked off at the company’s headquarters in Türkheim, where the participants were welcomed by Lurchi, the Salamander mascot. A short journey through time followed, offering fascinating insights into the company’s history and diverse product range, as showcased in the immersive “myWindow_experience” showroom. The visit concluded with an informative factory tour, after which the group continued on to Kronburg for the retreat.
The second day opened with discussions on current industry challenges and a keynote by Torsten Voigt from ift Rosenheim, the internationally renowned institute for testing and certification of building products, safety technologies and protective equipment. He explored the sustainability of wooden windows, especially considering that 80 percent of Germany’s forest stock is currently ailing. The group examined both the opportunities and limitations of plastic windows and discussed the broader implications of various frame materials from an ecological and economic standpoint.
Key questions included: How can Salamander windows with authentic materiality become more deeply embedded in the architectural mindset, particularly in the context of sustainability? And how can information gaps be effectively closed? These were followed by a partly controversial yet highly enriching exchange of views, as well as the presentation of several creative solution approaches.
Participants widely agreed that the first Salamander Think Tank provided a valuable platform to delve deeper into the Salamander window concept and to exchange ideas with peers. Particularly appreciated was the open and constructive dialogue with Salamander Co-CEOs and Managing Partners Götz and Till Schmiedeknecht.
The event concluded with a visit to the Rapunzel Visitor World in nearby Legau. Rapunzel is one of the leading organic food producers in Europe, its Visitor World opened in October 2023 at the company’s headquarters in the Unterallgäu. The building’s architect, Sinan Tiryaki of haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050, led the group through the space, explained the design concept and execution, and shared insights into the architectural challenges of this unique location.
The first Salamander Think Tank marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with planners and architects, with future events set to explore the cultural and technical challenges of contemporary construction and deepen the understanding of Salamander windows.
For more information, architects and planners are invited to contact the Salamander Communications Team: Birgit Kern-Harasymiw – bkern@sip.de
Salamander Industrie-Produkte GmbH
Birgit Kern-Harasymiw
Corporate Communications Manager
E-Mail: bkern@sip.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 8245 52 519
Mobil: +49 (0) 163 7870 534
www.salamander-windows.com