JTI Headquarters, Geneva
(Image: Adrien Barakat)
In March 2016, a major new headquarters for Japan Tobacco International (JTI) was completed in Geneva, Switzerland. The nine-storey building, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Inc. (SOM), features an innovative façade of glass triangles as well as a huge central courtyard, and has been praised as one of the most sustainable development projects in Europe.
The design was initially a collaboration between SOM’s architecture, structural engineering and interior teams, and was intended to draw reference ‘not only from its immediate context, but also Lake Geneva and the Alps, establishing a strong identity amongst its illustrious neighbours while responding sensitively to its low-rise context.’
(Image: Hufton + Crow)
Dictated by the challenging triangular site, the angular form is the result of two raised corners, providing the structure with its tilted profiles. The cantilevered space of the courtyard, with clear-spans of up to 75 m, create permeability through the site and facilitate direct pedestrian flow to a local transport hub.
The interior design concept maximises both vertical and horizontal interconnectivity, fulfilling JTI’s request for a social and collaborative environment for the 1,000-plus people employed.
(Image: Hufton + Crow)
The open-plan office space is intended to ‘break down corporate silos and contribute to the creation of a seamless workplace network, providing long-term flexibility to accommodate JTI’s evolving needs’. This was achieved using an peripheral torsional tube structural steel system allowing floor plates to span 18 m without columns.
(Image: Hufton + Crow)
The building incorporates an innovative Closed Cavity Façade (CFF), a curtain wall system that is responsive to external climatic conditions while maximising daylight penetration and providing exceptional views. The floor-to-ceiling glazed panels consist of an inner layer of triple glazing and an outer layer of single glazing, with a fabric roller blind in the cavity between. The panels are sealed and equipped with a pressurised supply of filtered and dehumidified air that prevents condensation and heat build-up inside.
(Image: Johannes Marburg)
The CCF system prioritises occupant comfort and reduces the building’s overall energy demand and carbon emissions, helping it to meet the requirements of European Energy Directives and the Swisse Minergie sustainability rating.
SOM claim that the system represents ‘one of the best-performing all-glass façade systems’ in their history.
Content and images courtesy of SOM.
For more information, see SOM.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building of the week series.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Design for deconstruction, office building.
- Emissivity.
- Glazing.
- Kaplan North Masterplan Complex.
- New York Horizon.
- Nexus.
- Office space planning.
- Skyfarm.
- Structural systems for offices.
- The Mile.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Wellbeing and creativity in workplace design - case studies.
- Wire mesh church installation.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.