ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Shou sugi ban in Maarn, the Netherlands by BYTR ArchitectsJanuary 24th, 2012 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: BYTR Architects The sculptural form of this extension is a nice contrast with the minimal expression of the 1950’s house. The shape of the extension and the position of it’s windows are carefully related to the interior functions. The skylight in the highest point provides extra daylight to flood the kitchen desk. The stretched window in the back facade provides a panoramic view into the garden.
The extension is built with sustainable materials and techniques. The prefab wooden walls are insulated with recycled paper scraps, which results in an insulation value that is twice as high as the current regulations prescribe. The cladding is made of platonised wood, of which the frontside is carbonised using fire. This carbon layer gives the extension a deep black glow and simultaneously acts as a protective layer for the wood, resulting in a completely maintenance free facade. All construction elements are prefabricated and constructed at site, resulting in a total building time of 8 weeks. After the cellar and foundations were cast in concrete, the wooden extension got placed in one working day. BYTR architects is a Rotterdam (NL) based practice, founded in 2007 BY Tjerk van de Wetering and Richèl Lubbers. They both worked at numerous renowned offices where they acquired a considerable experience on both architecture and urbanism. The office works on a broad spectrum of design projects specialized in (green) transformation of buildings and public space, based on three design principles: fresh, fair and flexible. Every new commission starts with fresh analyses of the program. During the whole design process we keep monitoring the initial assumptions. We investigate the possibility to apply innovations by incorporating knowledge we obtained in previous projects.
Using fair materials and sustainable techniques is an obvious choice for BYTR. Together with a balanced design, this generates projects with a long lifespan. BYTR has a keen eye for the future, looking for flexible solutions in both construction and program. It’s an important condition for sustainable design. By considering now how a possible transformation in the future would be like, it is possible to stretch the lifespan of the built environment. The designs of BYTR are characterized by a symbiosis of multiple disciplines. If necessary we collaborate with professional advisors who share our vision of ‘fresh, fair and flexible’. A thoughtful design requires a flexible working ethic of all members within the design team.
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Tags: Maarn, The Netherlands Category: House |