© PK-Odessa

• Architects: Almannai Fischer Architects, Harald Fuchshuber Engineer
• Architects In Charge: Florian Fischer and Harald Fuchshuber
• Area: 1800.0 m2
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: PK-Odessa

• Design Team: Rolf Enzel, Florian Fischer, Harald Fuchshuber, Benjamin Jaschke, Antonia Sivjakov
• Structural Engineering: HSB Ingenieure, Mehring
• Landscape: Link Landschaftsarchitekten, Altötting
• Technical Engineering: intertech GmbH, Wolfgang Schultes, Landau
• Electric Engineering: Elektro Rössler GmbH mit Stefan Wilhelm, Burghausen

© PK-Odessa

From the architect. Haiming, a village with almost 2000 inhabitants lies at the meeting of the rivers Inn and Salzach. The natural environment of both rivers, their valleys and meadows, characterise the landscape of the Niedergern. Rare bird species nest and breed in the nature reserve “Unterer Inn” and numerous beavers do their work. In the west of the village, behind the cow pastures and the forests, you can see the smoky chimneys of the nearby industrial area with its refineries and chemical plants. The design for a new club sports hall for SV Haiming also results from a similar ambivalence of “values”. Despite many built banalities the village centre is still intact. The urban setting of the new Sports Hall refers to this harmonious frame of reference. It follows the primacy of restraint and subordination. The play with banality actually is even the starting point of the design. Construction wise, but also on an architectural and formal level, the hall seems to be taken from the catalogue of local timber construction and precast factories.

© PK-Odessa

It refers to the cheapest and ignoble means of joinery – to the galvanized gang nail plate and corresponding binder and wall systems. In the sense of a spatial framework – which it actually isn’t – the roof construction creates the image of a filigrees surplus of supporting elements. On the other hand the posts, bars and diagonals are appropriated as large wall graphics. The breaking of the rule, as in the case of fat, sculptural-formed concrete beam on the inside of the south wall and the merely suspended prefabricates columns on the outside, are just as important as the rules and their formalisms themselves. 

Section

1st Floor Plan

Section

The direct catchy image of a structure vs. a sort of vagueness of what is truly load bearing and what is only an image of it. This ultimately results in a tension in contrasting pairs such as forced banality vs. a romantic scale on the outside and constructional pragmatism vs. “heroic” exaggerated construction on the inside.

© PK-Odessa

Product Description. We wanted to fulfil the explicit wish to build the sports hall as cheap as possible. We tried to interpret this (restraining) fact as a design freedom. So with great pleasure but with extreme discipline at the same time we were searching for possibilities of undermining the standards of a common and usual sports halls. This is also the beauty, if the standard is not applicable, because then the building would be too expensive. Then one cannot fall back on it. If this had not been the case, the hall would probably look like many others. Therefore we have used a kind of transfer of technology by using a timber construction system that is usually not used for public buildings, but mainly for agriculture buildings or for discount stores such as Aldi or Lidl: the galvanized gang nail plate. This is the cheapest and ignoble means of joinery. And with their corresponding binder and wall systems we tried to create a kind of a spatial framework – which it actually isn´t – but the roof construction creates the image of a filigrees surplus of supporting elements. On the other hand the posts, bars and diagonals are appropriated as large wall graphics.

© PK-Odessa

© PK-Odessa

We wanted to create the “feeling” both of an ideal or even heroic space and of a very functional even relaxed space – just for doing sports. So we admit that we tried to create a kind of sacred space dealing only with structure and light on the one hand … But we also tried to avoid the consequences of such a space and atmosphere. So the user should of course not be irretated in practicing sports. The sports hall therefore is a very robust space. We try to achieve this by the staging (Inszenierung) of the selected structure and, in particular, by the north wall with its polycarbonate elements in front of the structure and the light incident filtered through it into the hall. And on the other hand, by using very robust materials and simple details, and also by a culture of the raw / simple. 

© PK-Odessa

http://ift.tt/2gNKp68

© Guido Erbring

• Architects: Voss Architecture
• Location: Koningsweg 101, 5211 BH ‘s-Hertogenbosch,The Netherlands
• Architects In Charge: Bert Voss, Roel Scheepmaker, Dederique Meijs, Dolf Nijsen
• Area: 9100.0 m2
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Guido Erbring, Voss architecture

• Collaborator Exterior Design: Van Aken Architecten, Eindhoven
• Structural Engineer: Van de Laar, Eindhoven
• Installation Consultant: Deerns, Rijswijk
• Fire And Sustainability Consultant: DGMR, The Hague
• Lighting Consultant: Arpalight, Bavel
• Client: Brand Loyalty Int.

© Guido Erbring

From the architect. The challenge in this project was the transformation from a dull, outdated office block to an inspiring and energizing meeting place, based on the ideas of our client, Brand Loyalty, a worldwide player in retail loyalty. The client had a distinguished view on the looks of an office; a professional but homely feel, combined with transparency and as many open areas as possible. Everything with a ‘hospitality’ feel to it.

© Voss architecture

The office also functions as a meeting point and knowledge centre where employees from all over the world can update their skills. Thanks to a fully equipped auditorium and training rooms now seminars, workshops and training can be done in-house.

© Voss architecture

During the transition the whole building is stripped and big atria are made to get more light into the heart of the building. In the main atrium, close to the entrance, a sculptural spiral staircase is designed. This eyecatcher, together with the submerged pool in the floor of the central lobby, immediately defines the special space you are entering. The atmosphere of the entrance area is designed after a hotel lobby, open and welcoming.

© Voss architecture

The structural cores of the building were originally finished with gravel concrete. To fit in with the new warm and natural look and feel they are clad with dark, grooved wood. Thin enough to steam and bend around the round corners of the cores. This new finish really stands out in contrast with the natural stone floor on the ground floor and the white stucco walls and open staircase.

Section

The restaurant on the ground floor is designed like a modern restaurant you find in the city. It has an open kitchen that serves a small menu every day where the employees can choose from. Around the kitchen there are several different areas you can eat and meet. They differ in type and form of seating and atmosphere, so everyone can find his or her favourite spot.

© Voss architecture

© Voss architecture

On the other side of the entrance lobby a coffee bar / after work bar is designed. The walls here are finished in dark brown leather, that combined with the custom wooden furniture and elegant lighting creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Making this also a perfect meeting place during the day.

© Voss architecture

Designing the actual office floors was a challenge. How to make an office that should not resemble an office? To create a warm, but at the same time still professional, look-and-feel we designed a lot of the furniture ourselves. The pantries, the build-in sideboards, but also all workplaces, finished in elms wood. Being able to do so gave us the opportunity to refine the overall design en atmosphere into the smallest details.

1st Floor Plan

Now the office is in use our mission seems to be accomplished. The office really is an inspiring meeting place you wish you would never have to leave!

© Guido Erbring

Product Description. An important element of interior design, that is easily overlooked, is lighting. In this project the lighting also needed to be sophisticated, modern, but still blend in with the overall atmosphere of hospitality and warmth. The Nimbus lighting appliances we used in the design really do this. They fit in, but at the same time also add a new dimension to the design. The Office Air lights are even integrated into the desks to create an environment where the lighting really part of the overall design and a natural element in the room.

© Guido Erbring

http://ift.tt/2hwdnZH

© Joel Tettamanti

• Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Lead Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates / Javier Villar Ruiz (Partner in charge) with: Nicola Maniero, Rita Topa, Marc Moukarzel, Jaeyung Joo, Cristina Gimenez
• Local Architect: CCHE
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Joel Tettamanti, Michel Denance

• Structural Engineer Competition Phase: Ejiri Structural Eng./ Util
• Mep Consultants Competition Phase: BuroHappold Engineering
• Local Architect Competition Phase: Holzer Kobler Architekturen
• Total Contractor: Marti Construction SA
• Lighting Design: L’Observatoire Internationale
• Structure: ngphi SA (project phase); Ejiri Eng./ Util(competition and preliminary phase)
• Building Services : BG Ingénieurs Conseils
• Thermal & Acoustics: AAB
• Woodworks: JPF Ducret

© Michel Denance

From the architect. The new campus for Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) is named Artlab, which consists of three programs – an Arts & Science Pavilion, a Technology & Information Gallery, and the Montreux Jazz Café. The three boxes are tucked under a grand pitched roof that stretches as long as 235m. Between each box, we designed an aperture area that generates two axes. The two lines help to marshal the ow of people and reorganize all the buildings in the campus.

© Michel Denance

There is a Japanese saying, “living under one roof,” which means various and different individuals get together and team up, and Artlab is exactly the architectural translation of this expression.

© Michel Denance

© Michel Denance

For the structure and the exterior, we used timbers that are commonly found in Switzerland, in order to create space with local warmth. The wooden pillars are sandwiched with steel plates on both sides so that the space can be equally gentle and transparent. The roofing is in stone, which is based on the method applied in ordinary Swiss houses. The roof transfigures like origami according to the function underneath, and creates faces responding to light and shadow.

© Michel Denance

Project description
The project site is a vast lawn, a void in the middle of the EPFL campus. It disconnects the North side of the campus (where the Esplanade plaza, social heart of the campus, and the tram station are) from the students’ residential area in the South. Also it separates the dense West part of the campus from the currently evolving East side that is articulated around the Learning Center which, despite its impressive presence, has not been able to organize and cohere its surroundings, until now, residual and dysfunctional.

Exploded Axonometric

The given vast project site allowed us to locate and configure the pavilions in many ways. Finally we decided to gather the three required pavilions into one very thin and long building that, as a purposeful trace in the territory, thus transforming the site from being a dysfunctional void into a new public space within the campus.

© Michel Denance

-The 240m long roof will provide shelter to the pedestrian ow from the north Esplanade plaza down South to the residences throughout the day.

© Michel Denance

-The porches provided between the pavilions uni ed under the roof are connected one to the main street coming from the West side where main public parking areas are located, and the other to the new tree promenade from the East. Therefore, the porches will provide permeability through the building attracting and connecting these West and East sides of the campus.

© Michel Denance

By transforming the site into a place where students, professors and visitors will comfortably pass by every day enjoying the new activities that will take place under this roof, we are con dent that this whole area will become an essential spot within the campus that will bring a more social and cultural dimension to the EPFL.

© Michel Denance

Structure
In order to frame and protect the view of the lake from the existing Esplanade plaza, the building remains very thin in its northern end, about 5m, and its sections widens up to 16m on its southern end. To solve structurally such an exaggerated slender building that always changes in width, we developed a new kind of structure solution combining wood and steel. Changing the proportion of the wood/steel composition allowed to have all the 57 structure portals (that are all different in span) to have the exact same section throughout the building, making the whole envelope of the project modular and able to be prefabricated.

© Michel Denance

Structural Frame

© Michel Denance

Structural Frame Schedule

Façade
The building’s eaves provide shelter for those walking along the piazza between the Esplanade, heart of the campus, and the student housing in the South. Due to those eaves protecting the upper side of the façade, its wooden cladding would age in a heterogeneous way throughout the surface; therefore the wood was pre-aged in order to achieve a stable presence during its life span. Local larch was chosen for the façade as it has good endurance based on local practice. The light gray tone of the pre-aged wood cladding, together with the dark grey slate roofing, give a rather quiet and subtle presence to the building, despite its remarkable length. These cold grayish tones dialogue with those of other buildings surrounding the piazza and as well with the generally overcast weather of Lausanne. It is only when one gets closer to the building, receiving shelter by its roof, that we discover the warmth of its vast wooden ceiling. 

© Michel Denance

http://ift.tt/2gLcZaf

© Spaceshift Studio

• Architects: VaSLab Architecture
• Location: Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
• Architect In Charge: Vasu Virajsilp
• Area: 1351.0 m2
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Spaceshift Studio

• Interior Designer: PHTAA Living Design
• Landscape Architect: MAGLA
• Structural Engineer: Konpoj Jittijaroonlarp
• Main Contractor: Doubleclick Construction

© Spaceshift Studio

From the architect. Overlapping House is located in Nakhonratchasima, Thailand, close to Khao Yai National Park, the 3^rd largest park in Thailand with 300 kilo square meters. The area is famous for tropical seasonal forests and grasslands. This 1,351 sqm. vacation house is designed to be a weekend getaway for the house owner, Yuwalee Leenutapong and her family. It consists of 8 bedrooms, common area of living-dining-pantry, an onsen, and big balconies and outdoor terraces including the rooftop that overlooks the beautiful mountains.

© Spaceshift Studio

© Spaceshift Studio

Inspired from the contour at the hillside site, the architect from Vaslab Architecture designs the floor levels and the mass-form of the house to overlap each other creating a number of different recreational spaces throughout the house. As the house sits on the top of the hill, the architect takes the design advantage to have its front façade facing north to see the best of the panoramic mountain views, which makes all the 8 bedrooms and the ground floor common space sharing the same views. The house main axis runs along the site contour in east-west direction and it gets also the good natural ventilation from the southwest. As seen from the exterior, one can see the two deviated masses interlock and overlap with each other. The overlapping characteristic of these 1^st and 2^nd levels creates a number of different shaded and sunny areas that are used for recreational spaces including the front all-day shaded terrace that can look out to see the mountain lines and the BBQ terrace that sits on the lower level.

© Spaceshift Studio

© Spaceshift Studio

The house structure is post-beam reinforced concrete system with the mat foundation for the footing as the house is located on the rock mountain. The exterior finishes are bare-concrete and local mountain stones, designed to be harmonious with the site context. Teak wood is used to soften the masculine façade and it also continues outside-in to the interior spaces.

© Spaceshift Studio

Not only that the deviated axis defines the exterior house form, the interior space and its functions are also defined by this deviated axis. For all the rooms and spaces are not in the symmetrical shapes, as seen in other general houses, that makes the function arrangement of the spaces quite challenging and more interesting. For the house interior, PHTAA Living Design, takes this challenging point and then designs the open-plan for the first floor common area where all the divided functional spaces are all connected in the big living space with no walls but each has its own boundary.

© Spaceshift Studio

1st Floor Plan

© Spaceshift Studio

Product Description. The use of grey skim coat over the cast-in-place concrete and brick walls helps smoothing the exterior and interior finishes. It is also durable and sustainable for the weather in Nakhon Ratchasima.

© Spaceshift Studio

http://ift.tt/2hxn07o