Timber Tectonics

A Wooden Statement

Project
Studio
Location
Amsterdam
Realization
2010

Smack bang in the middle of a spacious, industrial warehouse on the outskirts of Amsterdam, an intriguing object houses this visual design studio’s meeting room and two dark rooms for film projection and editing. Instead of normally being located on the periphery of an office we placed the dark rooms centrally to indicate the nature of the firm’s work. Work stations line the edge of the space.

A simple volume based on the geometry of 3D-modelling

Not only the firm’s line of work provided inspiration. The visual modelling that is done in the studio inspired us to make an object with a minimal of polygons, transforming the program into an interesting shape while simultaneously subdividing the space for a clear routing. The elongated structure, which is dissected into three volumes, is constructed from a series of exposed timber frames much like a set of ribs, that transform in shape along the object. Creating a sense of dynamism, this changes the perception of the object when viewed from different angles. Providing abundant daylighting, a central rooflight emphasizes the length of the structure. Built independent of the existing architecture, the freestanding timber structure can be easily dismantled for relocation should the need arise.

Both for the cladding and structure, low grade spruce plywood is used – normally hidden in cabinetry or under flooring. During the construction process, waste was minimized by maximizing the use of each plywood sheet.

The decision to use an economic material extended beyond purely budgetary reasons. Alongside the cost issue we strongly believed that the juxtaposition of high definition detailing and a low grade material would make both stand out better. This contrast is also echoed in the relationship between the existing building and the central sculptural shape.