Meet Francis
Building Differently: Inside Dellizotti’s New Headquarters with Francis Schwall
Some construction projects follow a familiar path. Others force you to slow down and rethink your habits.
For Francis, the new offices and headquarters of Dellizotti clearly belonged to the second category.
With more than twenty years of experience in construction, Francis is used to complex sites, tight deadlines, and technical constraints. But this project brought a different challenge: how to build offices that are efficient, comfortable, and logical, while reducing their environmental impact — without overcomplicating everything.
The idea was simple on paper: use natural materials, prefabricate as much as possible, and let the building work with its environment instead of against it. In reality, it required precision, coordination, and a willingness to question standard methods.
This headquarters is not about making a statement. It’s about proving that another way of building is possible, realistic, and already operational. Francis shares how the project came together, what worked, what surprised him, and why this approach makes sense for the future of real estate and workspaces.
City
Luxembourg city center
Date
February 2026
Photos & Video
She Said Yes!
SSY Francis, what made you want to take on this project?
Francis I’ve seen a lot of projects over the years, but this one stood out quickly. Not because it was spectacular, but because it was different in its logic. The goal wasn’t just to build offices, but to rethink how a headquarters can function day to day. That challenge made me want to get involved.
SSY Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Francis I’ve been working in construction for over twenty years. I started in more technical and financial roles, then moved into coordination and project management. Having seen projects from different angles helps a lot. You understand where mistakes come from, and where you can simplify things without losing quality.
SSY What was the main idea behind this building?
Francis To build better, not necessarily more. We wanted something faster to assemble, easier to control, and more comfortable for the people inside. Sustainability was part of it, but always with a practical mindset. Every choice had to make sense technically and economically.
SSY The façade is quite unusual. How was it designed?
Francis We used prefabricated façade modules made of wood, straw, and clay. Each one was twelve meters high and installed in a single lift. It was a first for us at that scale. Thanks to this method, the building was enclosed in eight days, which is very efficient for this type of project.
SSY Why choose straw, wood, and clay?
Francis These materials are simple, local, and very effective. Straw has excellent insulation properties, clay helps regulate humidity, and wood provides structure. Together, they create a comfortable indoor climate without needing heavy technical systems.
SSY Was it a technical challenge to work with these materials?
Francis Yes, especially in terms of precision and coordination. Prefabrication leaves little room for error. Everything has to fit perfectly. But once installed, the results are very clear. The site is cleaner, faster, and easier to manage.
SSY You mention the building is circular. What does that mean here?
Francis Nothing is glued. All elements are assembled, which means they can be dismantled, reused, or moved in the future. Even though there is a concrete structure, the rest of the building was designed to evolve. That’s important when you think long-term.
SSY Indoor air quality was a strong focus. Why?
Francis Because people spend most of their day inside these offices. We paid attention to CO₂ levels, VOCs, and overall air circulation. The materials naturally help with that. You feel the difference when you walk in — the space feels calm and balanced.
SSY How does the building manage temperature?
Francis Very simply. The materials regulate heat and humidity. The building opens windows when needed, releases CO₂, and uses its thermal mass. It stays between 20 and 26°C without heating or air conditioning, which is quite impressive for office spaces.
SSY What about energy consumption?
Francis We installed solar panels and a battery system. The goal is around 60% self-consumption. For a headquarters that is used daily, that’s a strong result and a good step toward more autonomy.
SSY Was there a moment when you thought: “this really works”?
Francis Yes, when we installed the straw walls. Seeing them in place at that scale changes your perception. You realize that natural materials are not experimental anymore. They’re reliable and efficient.
SSY What does this project change in your way of working?
Francis It confirms that simpler solutions are often the best ones. When materials do their job naturally, you don’t need to compensate with complex systems. It’s more logical and easier to manage over time.
SSY What do you hope this building shows to others in construction?
Francis That building differently is possible today. Not in ten years. With the right mindset and good coordination, you can create comfortable, efficient buildings using simple materials.
SSY And personally, how do you feel about the result?
Francis I’m proud of it. Proud of the team, and proud that we dared to try something different. And honestly, I’m already looking forward to the next project built this way.
👉 See Also :
Inspiring stories on real estate, design and architecture on SSY! podcast.
Discover more Real Estate Inspiration Stories on how people shape their homes.
🏗️ Share this episode with someone who still thinks construction is only about structure — not about comfort, logic, and how a building actually feels to live in every day.
💡 Follow us to discover thoughtful architecture, smart construction choices, and honest stories from Luxembourg’s offices, homes, and creative spaces.
All links in the footer below 👇
#architecture #construction #realestate #workspaces #officedesign #naturalmaterials #sustainablebuilding #interiordesign #architecture #Luxembourg #designinspiration #realestate #ssy #shesaidyes
#SSY!
Stay in the loop