This future proof office tower with large void and terraces offers unique shaped interlocking workspaces with impressive views over the city.
The city is a time machine. The changing of architectural and planning views is sometimes so close together like layers of sediment that you can read like a textbook on urban renewal. That book teaches that the city is difficult to predict, that the spirit of the times can be opportune. Around 20 years ago, we designed an office building on this location, however, only one half was realized at the time. Now we completed the existing complex by designing an office tower of 60 meters. The new design called Orato, makes a contemporary reference to the existing building with a grid façade of red anodized metal as a future-proof office development.
The building plot meets a water way and widens gradually between the Wenkenbachweg and the highway access lanes. Facing the highway, we restrained and simplified the design of Orato; we relieved the square grid of 3,6 meters by a large urban window, with a continuous spacious void behind it. This void cuts through all floors. Therefore, changing the floor shape continually and providing varying lines of sight throughout the office building.
The imagery of the continuous void is reflected on the outside of the Orato building. This provides a succession of shifting terraces towards the Wenkenbachweg, which results in a welcoming overhang above the main public entrance. The setup of the building, together with the voids and terraces generate unique floor shapes per level. The floor to ceiling high windows offer impressive views of the surrounding city and great transparency. The ground floor entrance is laid out as a living room for the neighbourhood and gives access to a foyer, a bar and a restaurant at the waterside.
The design of Orato is sustainable in its choice of materials and energy efficiency and emphasizes a high-quality interior environment. The hybrid climate system couple’s natural ventilation with construction mass induced air temperature management, all aimed at the highest level of comfort for the working areas.
We designed the building completely in 3D and did the complete draft work for the contractor in BIM, together with our advisors, within the given limited budget and timing.
PROJECT DATA
Client:
Zadelhoff beheer BV
Program:
approx. 12.000 m2 offices
Status:
Completion 2024
In collaboration with:
DEV_ development, Pieters Bouwtechniek,
Hans van Dam installatieadvies,
Peutz bouwfysica
Team:
John Bosch, Enrique Inbanez de Pablo,
Thijs Ultee
Photography:
Milan Hofmans
Wouter van der Sar
