CSM HQ Office
LIMASSOL - CYPRUS
COMPLETED 2015
WORKSPACE
PHOTO CREDITS - VICTOR HADJIKYRIACOU
The annex to the company’s original 1980s head office was conceived as a forward-thinking response to the spatial and functional constraints of the existing building. As the company expanded, the original structure’s limited open space proved insufficient to support evolving operational needs. Rather than alter or compromise the integrity of the existing building, the design team opted for a strategic intervention: the creation of a new annex on an adjacent site.
This approach allowed for seamless spatial growth while preserving continuity in architectural language and workplace culture.
The new annex embodies a contemporary design philosophy cantered around sustainability, spatial flexibility, and user wellbeing. A key architectural feature is the south-facing double-skin façade, comprised of two walls of high-performance double glazing separated by a 60cm ventilated cavity. This cavity serves as a passive climate control system: air enters at the base, rises through natural convection, and exits at the top, helping to regulate internal temperatures year-round. In winter, the system pre-heats incoming air, reducing the building’s heating demand. In summer, it acts as a thermal buffer, minimizing solar heat gain. This innovative façade significantly reduces reliance on mechanical HVAC systems, contributing to lower operational costs and enhanced environmental performance.
The structure itself is elevated on pilotis, freeing the ground plane and reinforcing a sense of openness. This approach also allows for flexible landscaping and an efficient layout for the parking needs of the employees. Constructed from a reinforced concrete frame, the building ensures long-term durability and stability. All building services—electrical, HVAC, data, and water—are integrated into a raised floor system, enabling easy access for maintenance and future upgrades. This design decision maximizes interior flexibility, allowing the office layout to evolve in tandem with organizational changes.
The interior environment is designed to foster productivity, comfort, and collaboration. Natural daylight penetrates deep into the floorplates through the glazed façades, while shading louvers prevent glare and overheating. Operable elements in the façade further enhance natural ventilation, giving occupants a greater sense of control over their immediate environment. The combination of passive design strategies and occupant-centric features makes the building not only energy-efficient but also psychologically and physically attuned to its users.
To optimize performance, the building is equipped with a smart Building Management System (BMS). This system dynamically monitors and adjusts airflow within the façade cavity, controls the angle of the external louvers, and modulates the heating and cooling systems based on real-time weather data and occupancy levels. The BMS ensures that the building operates at peak efficiency throughout the year, maintaining thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Ultimately, the head office annex sets a new benchmark for sustainable, flexible, and human-centred office design. It demonstrates how thoughtful architectural solutions can address immediate spatial needs while also embodying long-term environmental stewardship and workplace innovation.
