Black Panther still displaying its glossy coat

Built in 2010, this office building's spectacular volume and facade were inspired by the movement and form of a black panther. Its robust glass panels give the building a bold, homogeneous surface which stood the test of time, with minimal maintenance and seamless repairs where necessary.

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A facade that has stood the test of time

The 'Black Panther' is the headquarters of the MPG GmbH (Michael Pachleitner Group), which manufactures glasses and optical lenses. Based on a design by Graz-based GSarchitects, the building was created to symbolise the energy within the expanding company. A special feature is the Panther's 'coat' - a multi-layered facade structure that creates remarkable reflective effects. With an area of around 3,600 square meters, the building is clad on all sides with a rainscreen cladding system of black glass panels. The floor plan of the building resembles a boomerang: with two building wings connected by a large atrium.

Meet the architect

GSarchitects

“The building owner envisioned a timeless design that would retain its beauty for years to come. To bring this vision to life, we carefully selected materials that deliver enduring aesthetics and performance, eliminating the need for frequent refurbishments. Investing in superior quality from the start has truly paid off, ensuring the building’s lasting elegance and functionality."

Danijela Gojic, architect, GSarchitects

Revisited: "Black Panther". Watch the video of the company headquarters in Graz with its unique shape and façade now! (09:08)

Materials Overview library

Explore your options

Visit our interactive Materials Overview library to explore different materials and aesthetics options. This tool allows you to compare and contrast different textures, colours and styles - allowing you to quickly visualise and optionise ideas for your building's facade design.

Visit the Materials Overview

[ark] magazine

The StoJournal for Architects

This story appeared in [ark] magazine No.69. The planning and execution trades are responsible for ensuring compliance with local standards and regulations, as well as realising and warranting of the architectural details and solutions included in this case study.

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Preview of [ark] magazine, the StoJournal for Architects
Preview of [ark] magazine