Excerpt: OfficeR by Plan Loci is a masterful response to the unique site, layering two distinct orientations to create a dynamic and sustainable design. The building establishes a new standard for environmentally responsible architecture with its innovative use of salvage and reclamation materials and dedication to reducing waste and heat consumption. It showcases that a design can be both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The building’s design is a masterful response to the site’s unique conditions, layering two distinct orientations to create a dynamic and sustainable architecture. The site’s relationship with its surrounding roads and the adjacent suburban railway line is thoughtfully integrated into the building’s form and layout. This layering is evident at multiple scales, from the overall massing of the building to the intricate details of the flooring and lighting systems.
The pyramidal form of the entrance area is a striking expression of this layering, serving as a meeting point for the two orientations that the building responds to. The perforated screen that envelops the main lobby stack and the structural system that undergirds the glazing also exhibit this layering, creating a sense of depth and visual interest. Even the flooring and lighting systems are carefully angled to reflect the site’s relationship with the railway, demonstrating the designers’ commitment to integrating the building with its context.
Sustainability is a core principle of the project, and the designers have employed both active and passive strategies to minimize the building’s environmental impact. The use of salvage and reclamation materials from the existing shed on the site is a notable example of this approach. Rather than demolishing the shed and sending its materials to a landfill, the designers have creatively repurposed them to create a distinctive architectural expression.
The bricks from the shed have been broken down into bats and used as the base of the foundation, while the structural girders have been incorporated into the new building. Even the corrugated roof has been given new life, finding its way into the entrance and screen wall around the building’s north-east corner. This approach not only reduces waste and minimizes the introduction of new materials but also celebrates the history and memory of the site.
The building’s façade is dominated by a glass surface that provides a seamless experience between the interiors and the outside. The inhabitants are treated to an abundance of natural light, carefully filtered to eliminate glare. The building’s orientation and the presence of large trees to the north and east ensure that the interiors are well-lit without being overwhelmed by direct sunlight.
The use of glass also facilitates transparency between various interior spaces, creating a sense of openness and visual connection. The basement, often a dark and neglected space, is instead lit by its adjacent landscaped courts, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The vertical core of the building is designed to perform as a community space, with the main staircase interspersed with various kinds of seating areas. This thoughtful design decision encourages social interaction and community building among the building’s occupants.
Throughout the project, the designers have demonstrated a commitment to reducing waste, energy consumption, and the introduction of new materials. The reclamation-based approach has nearly eliminated the need for redundant cladding, minimizing the introduction of additional processes and materials. This approach not only reduces the building’s environmental impact but also creates a distinctive architectural expression that speaks profoundly to the spirit of the industrial estate and the neighbourhood it stands in.
In conclusion, this building is a testament to the power of sustainable design. Through its thoughtful layering of form and function, its creative use of salvage and reclamation materials, and its commitment to reducing waste and energy consumption, the building sets a new standard for environmentally responsible architecture. As a model for sustainable design, this building is sure to inspire and educate, demonstrating the possibility of creating buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
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