The general planning office agn Niederberghaus & Partner (agn) has been awarded the ICONIC AWARD 2026 for the architectural concept of the apetito AG EAT staff restaurant. This prize, initiated by the German Design Council, honours outstanding architecture, innovative planning, and sustainable solutions in the field of construction.
The current award was preceded by an architectural competition in 2018, which agn won with its design. As a result, agn was commissioned with the general planning of the project. The stated goal for the EAT project was to create a space that combines functional requirements with high amenity value and sustainable use within an independent architectural concept.
The award-winning new building in Rheine manifests itself as a striking pavilion. It combines the functions of eating, working, and meeting in a contemporary manner. The EAT surpasses the function of a traditional canteen and serves as a staff restaurant with versatile offerings, catering for employees and guests. It also functions as a showroom and provides spaces for co-working and meetings.
Architectural Integration and Sustainability Aspects
The new building also represents the new main entrance and connects the adjacent office and conference areas of the existing buildings. Architecturally, the pavilion is precisely integrated into the existing ensemble of production and office buildings. Christian Thomann, architect and project manager at agn, commented on the design philosophy. He pointed out that a timeless, restrained formal language was pursued, which at the same time develops an independent architectural expression. The use of natural materials has created a multi-functional space, which creates a special atmosphere through its wooden cassette construction with a green roof.
The spatial quality of the building is defined by a distinctive wooden roof construction, the application of natural materials, differentiated communal areas, and the close interlinking of interior and exterior spaces. From a constructive perspective, the project also pursues a sustainable approach. The roof construction is designed to be deconstructable, extensive green roofing promotes biodiversity, and heat supply is ensured by heat recovery from the process cooling of the property. In collaboration with apetito AG, agn aims for a DGNB Gold certification, which underscores the high environmental and quality orientation of the endeavour.
