AREA:
46,200 sf
LOCATION:
Greer, SC
Walter, an international company headquartered in Tübingen, Germany, partnered with Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture to design their new U.S. headquarters in Greer, South Carolina. Walter’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and precision in engineering top-quality tools has propelled the company to global success. Their vision for the new headquarters was to reflect these core values architecturally.
Walter acquired an existing 74,000-square-foot industrial facility to be renovated in two phases, ensuring the facility could maintain ongoing industrial operations throughout construction. Phase 1 focused on creating a state-of-the-art technology center—a collaborative engineering lab equipped to develop specialized precision tools. Phase 2 expanded the facility to include exhibition, training, meeting, and office spaces for demonstrations, workshops, and other educational and collaborative activities. Additionally, the industrial support facilities were upgraded to align with Walter’s operational excellence and values.
The design emphasizes visual transparency, innovative material use, and distinctive details that embody Walter’s vision. The building’s exterior was transformed with a curtain wall system and aluminum composite panels, providing a modern aesthetic and enhancing the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, glass window and door systems throughout the exhibition, training, and meeting areas further promote transparency and connectivity. The interior layout prioritizes collaboration, with spaces designed to enhance visual interaction and teamwork.
The choice of materials reflects precision and unique craftsmanship while also improving visual and acoustic performance. A standout feature of the design is the light sculpture in the exhibit hall, inspired by the golden ratio as a tribute to nature’s symmetry and the precision of Walter’s tooling. Visible from both the interior and exterior, this striking element creates a moment of intrigue and movement within the glass-encased exhibit hall that dynamically connects the ground and upper levels.
