Monday, September 29, 2025

Communication, collaboration and sustainability: Roche invests €25 million in the workplace of tomorrow in Penzberg

Roche in Penzberg is setting new standards for the future of office work. With an investment of nearly €25 million, Building 121 is being extensively modernized and will become a flagship project for modern workplaces by autumn 2026.

Across 10,000 square meters, new, open, and light-flooded office areas will be created, offering space for around 1,200 employees – twice as many as before. At the heart of the redesign is the concept of Activity Based Working: employees can choose between desks for focused work, creative lounge areas for idea sharing, or meeting rooms for teamwork, depending on the task at hand. The goal is to actively foster innovation and collaboration through flexible spaces.

“Innovation often arises from direct team interaction, which is why we want to create a modern and attractive work environment that promotes exactly that,” explains Paul Wiggermann, Site Manager at Roche in Penzberg.

Sustainability as a guiding principle

In addition to promoting communication and collaboration, Roche emphasizes ecological responsibility. Sustainable building materials such as jute, cocoa bean shells, and recycled carpets are being used. Existing glass partitions, furniture, and acoustic elements are also being reused. These measures will save around 4,200 tons of CO₂ – equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 400 people in Germany.

With this project, Roche demonstrates that the workplaces of the future can be both innovative and sustainable. The Penzberg site is set to serve as a blueprint for other Roche locations worldwide.