CHILLAPPLE Group International Architecture FREE Interior Design Pictures, Exterior Designs, : The Netherlands

DHV Architects shared with us their latest project. “Halo” is located in The Afsluitdijk, a major causeway located in The Netherlands. The Afsluitdijk is a major icon of Dutch engineering and is about to embark on a new future. Climate change forms the backdrop for sustainable development at the Afsluitdijk, whereby the Netherlands will once again push the boundaries of technological advancement.

More images and architect’s description after the break.

Halo is projected on the Afsluitdijk as an infrastructural instrument for realising sustainability. The design addresses the unique qualities of the dike, improves them and makes them visible and accessible. The design consists of a floating structure which adjoins the infrastructure at Breezanddijk. The entire programme has been incorporated into the fully flexible floating structure. The architecture is prominent and at the same time reserved. It is an icon of sustainability for Friesland.

Halo’s identity is inseparably linked to the identity of the Afsluitdijk itself.

1. There are similarities between the dimensions of the design and Breezanddijk. The wind, which always plays a prominent role at the dike, is literally represented on the external façade and generates energy at the same time. The sturdy support columns highlight specific qualities of their surroundings – the air, the water, the birds, water levels and the tide.

2. Halo is an infrastructural design; it is a museological-like route, a bridge between salt and fresh water and a direct representation of the subject at hand – sustainability. The Afsluitdijk, as a feat of water engineering, has multiple infrastructural and water engineering elements – a motorway, a cycle path, longitudinal dikes, multiple scour sluices, parking places and a work island. With this in mind, Halo is a welcome addition.

3. Dudok’s monument is an eye-catching structure at the Afsluitdijk. It has a great deal of symbolism and acts as a reminder for the need and the historical development of the dike. Halo’s striking image also catches the imagination. The floating rectangular structure symbolises a framework of intensive sustainability and creates an iconic image which represents the need for a sustainable future.

Spatial awareness and use

1. The panoramic views epitomise the feeling of space at the Afsluitdijk. This quality is exploited by lifting the programme in a floating framework supported by sturdy columns. The natural soil remains intact and enhances the feeling of space provided by the broad horizon.

2. The floating structure creates a noticeable spatial bond between the Waddenzee and IJsselmeer, between salt and fresh water and between culture and nature. The stunning views can always be savoured. Not only at the Afsluitdijk and at its surroundings but also on the ever changing water experiments in pond harbours (blue energy, cross-over bridges for fish, water purification etc).

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3. Halo will be an attraction for people visiting by car and is designed to generously receive these visitors. A slow-traffic route connects the existing infrastructure of Breezanddijk with the driveway in the building. This driveway acts as a museologicol route and provides the necessary parking space.

4. Motorway users will pass underneath the Halo. The road that passes under the structure offers motorists a quick glimpse of the activities that take place inside. On average, thoroughfare takes around 6 seconds. Both docks will remain open for small marine vessels.

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5. Halo offers space for all imaginable purposes, including research, durability tests, parking, hotels, conferences and a museum. It is an all-round environment which represents innovation and lasting development. The design has a footprint of 560 m² and a total gross surface area between 24,000 m² and maximum 40,000 m², depending on spatial density.

6. The support columns serve the floating structure in a unique manner. The columns lead to building components such as reception halls, toilets, elevators, stairways and lifts. They also act as spatial orientation points for users. Between the columns one finds all-round spaces that can be refurbished and easily modified depending on intended objectives and purposes.

Sustainable flexibility

Halo clearly distinguishes between non-changeable components – the building’s primary structures – and changeable flexible components. Basic energy for the structure is provided by the eye-catching outer facade. For the columns, sustainable energy is supplied via specific environmental factors, which means the columns can also not be modified.

The floating structure offers space for all functional comforts, and can be furbished with total flexibility. This flexible refurbishment can be witnessed on internal facades of the framework. If functions are incorporated into the floating structure, then they will be based on energy autarchy.

This may be realised via the very latest sun panels or, for example, via the latest passive house principles. Thus innovations and technological developments within the lifespan of Halo can be implemented in the most efficient and visible manner – and why not every 500 days.

Sustainable beauty

Halo has been designed as a spatial backdrop. All necessary building functions and the outer facade have been incorporated into the permanent set-up. This helps to safeguard the beauty of the Afsluitdijk.

Architects: BNB Architects + B06 Architect
Location: IJburg, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Commissioners: Vereniging van Opdrachgevers
Engineering: Van Rossum
Project Area: 3,400 sqm
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: Courtesy of BNB Architects

Final acceptance

The newest addition to IJburg can already be seen from the A10 interstate near exit 114 and has already been given a name: the xxx’s. A prominent and elegant building, formed by a diagonal grid covering the façades. From the interior or the balcony, a striking view across the water with the A10 as a background.

Process

3Years ago, BNB architects and B06 architect-firm took the initiative in self-developing an office building for their own use. The municipality gave them a 2 month option on a building plot on Steigereiland with a GFA capacity of 3500 m2. In this period a sketch design had to be drawn, 65% of letters of intent to be gathered and a financial plan had to be realised.

On their own, the two firms were good for 700 m2, thereby creating the idea of CBC. Anyone who decides to join becomes commissioner and is therefore able to participate in decisions and buys condominium at cost. Within 2 months, 8 end users had been found eager to participate in developing their own office, giving the option on the plot a follow-up.

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It soon became clear that assistance in the group process was needed. The principle of CBC had never been tried before and therefore had to be invented, in organisation as well as law. For this, Lingotto real estate was hired as a delegated commissioner.

Building

The assignment laid out by the municipality required a universal icon. A search for an elegant not conspicuous way to make a distinctive building began. A sturdy, industrial and no-nonsense building. In the end the choice was made to rotate the window frames by about 45 degrees, crossed by diaphragm ribs creating a triangular pattern. This grid covers the entire façade. On a sunny day throughout the building an array of shadow-lines appears. The only exception is a cut-out at ground level accommodating the entrance.

Because the diaphragm ribs are situated outside of the façade an exciting view of lines is shown, changing from every angle you look at it. Also, the ribs are being reflected in the glass creating even more plasticity. Consulting façade builders Bos brothers from Goudriaan, Jatoba wood

(FSC certified) was chosen. The story high façade elements were prefabricated, the corners even in 3D. The wood was given a protective treatment once, against construction damage and will eventually turn grey. The carcass is built from steel columns and concrete floors, with floor heating and cooling. Even though it is a basic shell, all ducting has been hidden.

ground floor plan

CBC Building - BNB Architects - B06 Architect

Floor plan

The floor-plan is also slightly unusual. The hall with void is parallel to the north facade, connecting 20 units, 5 on each floor. The wall between the hall and the units is entirely transparent creating an optimal view for everyone. Because of this situation all logistic movement in the building is visible giving it a life.

It also accommodates chance meetings and interaction between companies. Along the south side the wooden grid continues. However, the climatic shell has at this point been retracted for 1,5 meters, creating a fantastic balcony which also blocks part of the direct sunlight. In this part of the grid the only glass used is for protection at the edge.

All doors and windowframes are 3.3 meters tall, a choice which would be budgeted out in any standard building, but was received with enthusiasm by the commissioner association (CA) as was the balcony. An end user enjoys something extra.