EY Luxembourg: Amplifying a National Identity Through Workspace Design
When EY sought to create a new benchmark for workspaces in Luxembourg, it partnered with Tétris to translate its deep local heritage into a 7,500 sqm immersive office experience. The ambitious project integrated circular economy principles, a design concept rooted in the nation’s six regions, and a daring Design & Build transformation of a basement archive into a premium, light-filled client hub.
The ambition
With nearly 50 years of history in Luxembourg, EY’s ambition was twofold. First, to ensure every square meter of the building delivered tangible value, which meant strategically transforming underutilized spaces like the basement archives. Second, to create a workspace that was a physical manifestation of the firm’s deep Luxembourgish roots and diverse culture.
The challenge was to fuse these operational and cultural goals into a single, cohesive environment that would establish a new standard for offices in Luxembourg.
How we helped
Tétris delivered an integrated Design & Build solution that managed every aspect from initial concept to final construction, ensuring the ambitious vision was executed flawlessly.
A design journey through Luxembourg
The creative foundation was an immersive journey through Luxembourg’s iconic regions. This innovative concept was woven into the building’s fabric, with each zone reflecting the spirit of a different territory through distinct materials, colors, and cultural references.
- Mullerthal & Eislek: These regions, known for nature and tranquility, inspired calm, focused workstations with curated biophilia and soothing color palettes.
- Minett: Reflecting an industrial heritage, this theme defined the energetic collaborative areas with terra shades, acoustic panels made from natural cotton and earth pigments and antique brass lighting.
- Luxembourg City: The cosmopolitan capital informed the elegant atmosphere of the formal meeting rooms and client lounges, using premium materials like wooden floor and stone.
The design comes to life from the moment of arrival. Visitors are greeted by a reception featuring a flowing, organically shaped ceiling with integrated lighting and a curved, stone-clad counter, set against soft limewash paint.
The central atrium is a showcase of biophilic design, with dramatic DeltaLight Superloop fixtures dripping with greenery over calm work zones.
The region-based design fosters intuitive movement and a strong sense of place, while the transformed basement provides a unique, high-impact destination for client events and meetings.
Technical Mastery in Design & Build
The project’s greatest technical challenge was the basement. Tétris identified the potential to convert dark, underutilized archive space into a high-value asset. Our Design & Build team engineered a complex transformation:
- Demolishing masonry walls and creating openings in concrete structures.
- Cutting new skylights into the ceiling slab to flood the subterranean level with natural light.
- Installing new ventilation and climate control systems to guarantee premium comfort.
This entire complex build was managed in phases over 13 months, allowing EY to begin occupying floors progressively without disrupting the tight delivery schedule.
“Imagine transforming archives into a high-end client space. Tétris proposed it, EY approved, and we delivered it. Our integrated team had the technical foresight to turn a forgotten basement into a landmark feature by engineering ways to bring in natural light and premium comfort.”s to bring in natural light and premium comfort.”
Smart Circular Economy Integration
From day one, sustainability was embedded in the design, not added as an afterthought. Our proactive circular economy strategy included:
Measuring Impact: This calculated approach measurably avoided 187 tons of CO2, turning a design constraint into a quantifiable success.
Maximizing Reuse: We audited all existing assets, leading to the reuse of mobile walls, infrastructure elements, and, most visibly, 2,300 sqm of existing carpet which was integrated directly into the new Mullerthal design concept.
The result
The new EY Luxembourg office successfully achieves its ambition, creating a vibrant, human-centric environment that flawlessly marries a global corporate identity with local soul.
By managing the creative design, sustainability goals, and complex construction challenges under one roof, Tétris delivered the project on schedule despite its complexities.
The final workspace not only sets a new benchmark for design in Luxembourg but also stands as a powerful showcase of what a true, end-to-end Design & Build partnership can achieve for its clients.
Commitment to sustainability
Read the deep dive on the circular economy strategy that made this project a benchmark for sustainable fit-out.
