ORBICO, one of the biggest distributors and suppliers of logistics services in the Bulgarian market and part of Orbiko Group (the largest distributor in Europe), chose IPA to design its largest logistics complex in Bulgaria.
The center combines two buildings - one logistics and one administrative; the logistics building received the highest award for "Building of the Year" in 2021.
The logistics building was designed to focus on functionality and organizing spaces and rooms efficiently - something characteristic of logistics building typology.
That is precisely why the task approach was tricky. At the beginning of the design process, we studied the company's needs and processes. Afterward, the findings of this study were integrated into every aspect of the building. This included the site organization to the design and layout of the storage rooms.
That is precisely why the task approach was tricky. At the beginning of the design process, we studied the company's needs and processes. Afterward, the findings of this study were integrated into every aspect of the building. This included the site organization to the design and layout of the storage rooms.
The clarity of the volumes is preserved, while the sense of contrast, which is primarily used in the choice of color, is also enhanced. The volume is in white but intermittently lined with dark gray horizontal stripes, designed in the spots where staff entrances are located. The contrasting color was also chosen for the striped glazing and section doors. This creates a rhythm in otherwise massive building facades and allows for a lighter and human-scale perception.
The main priority in the functional organization of the logistics base is the creation of excellent storage conditions. To achieve this, more than 25,000 pallets of seats were allocated, separated into different sectors. They are arranged in 6 rows in height, used on the most modern racking systems that meet the highest security requirements. Several main warehouses are individually allocated - one warehouse for automotive oils, one warehouse for customs control goods, and one warehouse with regulated temperature control.
Another priority in building design was finding the right organization to ensure maximum work speed. The building's layout is designed to save time in operational processes related to loading and unloading activities. The corridors allow for two-way movement of forklifts and easy maneuvering.
