Construction sites seem to be everywhere in Luxembourg at the moment, including at the headquarters of the Chambre des métiers based in Kirchberg. The building originally opened in 1993 and is undergoing not just a renovation but also an extension. 

“The building is evolving, as when we moved from rue Glesener to Kirchberg in 1993,” says its director Tom Wirion. “It’s about anticipating the needs of our institution and reflecting the diversity of our sector.”

The works include the renovation of 600m2 of existing office space and the construction of an additional 600m2 across two levels, with the particularity of having a wooden structure.

This latter element will be a feature of the existing building, showcasing current construction trends. "The idea is to represent the modern image of craftsmanship in the context of sustainable development and energy transition," Wirion explains.

He anticipates the work to be finalised at the end of 2020 and has mandated Cushman & Wakefield to find new occupants.

As for the amount of the investment, it currently remains a secret. “This is an appropriate budget in relation to the ambitions of the Chamber of Trades,” the director adds. 

A sectoral approach

The Chamber of Trades headquarters is not exclusively occupied by the professional chamber, which rents out space to the Federation of Craftsmen (Fédération des Artisans) and other occupants linked to the construction trades. This sectoral approach seems to remain the predominant one for the director of the institution, who hopes to be able to keep it. 

In total, the approximately 1,200m2 of new space will be adaptable to the demands of future occupants. “Today we have to be flexible and adaptable,” Wirion insists. 

Approximately 130 people currently occupy the offices in this building, including 80 for the Chamber of Trades. 

This article was originally published in French on Paperjam.lu and has been translated and edited for Delano.