Workshop Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia Architecture, Architect, German Project

Workshop Siegen : Architecture, Germany

Building in northwest Germany – design by Ian Shaw Architekten

29 Jan 2013

Workshop Siegen Building

Design: Ian Shaw Architekten

Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, north west Germany

Date built: 2012

Location: Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian, part of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Workshop Siegen

This scheme’s abstract form references the classic garage format with forecourt. The simple steel frame structure is clad in translucent panels to reduce energy consumption and facilitate productivity. At night, the workshop functions as a light beacon, illuminating the main entrance to the industrial complex. Internally, the building’s skin delivers a defused light, creating a relaxed environment in which to work, uncluttered by the visual harshness of the industrial surroundings.

photo © felix krumbholz courtesy of Ian Shaw Architekten

In addition to its high insulation, light defusing and signage properties, the translucent panelling’s sub-structural configuration sits comfortably within the horizontal grid pattern articulated by the mainframe and mullions. These elements combine to accentuate the workshop’s distinctive cantilevered roof form and ground the building in its location.

photo © felix krumbholz courtesy of Ian Shaw Architekten

The office space is configured in concrete, its weight stabilising the main structure. This eliminates the need for cross bracing in the outer skin, thereby ensuring the clarity of the design and its architectural impact as a light beacon. Only standard industrial products were used in the making of Workshop Siegen.

photo © felix krumbholz courtesy of Ian Shaw Architekten