Loos Architects

Schoten Workshop Building

Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek
Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek

SCHOTEN WORKSHOP BUILDING

Loos Architects

ARCHITECTS
Loos Architects

AREA
2375.0 m²

YEAR
2006

LOCATION
Belgium

CATEGORY
Workshop

Text description provided by architect.

The workshop building is located in a context of sculptural industrial buildings along the Albertkanaal, a canal connecting the cities of Antwerp and Luik.

Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek
Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek

Our task was to design an inexpensive building that houses an extraordinary multitude of functions: a concierge apartment, an office space, a meeting room, a cafeteria, changing rooms, a wood and a metal workshop, a garage and an outside storage space.

In order to keep the plot free of clutter, we decided to integrate the storage zone into the volume, literally increasing the sub- stance of the workshop building.

Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek
Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek

The required fence around the plot “shrinks to fit”: Instead of encircling the whole plot, it becomes a protective skin for the building.

In fact it forms an inexpensive façade with an intriguing moiré effect, through which its black hypodermis, consisting of insulation material, remains visible.

Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek
Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek

Inside, the workshops and storage spaces are situated in the body and tail of the building, while the more complex functions are fittingly located in its head.

An incision marking the main entrance splits the head into two: One part facing the West and containing the cafeteria and office space, the other facing the South and housing the concierge apartment which has a loggia looking out over the canal.

The result is a beast-like structure that can easily compete with its older neighbors when it comes to sculptural shape and recognizability.

Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek
Schoten Workshop Building
© Allard van der Hoek


Schoten Workshop Building
Concept
Schoten Workshop Building
Diagram


Schoten Workshop Building
Detail
Schoten Workshop Building
Perspective


Schoten Workshop Building
Floor Plans

Loos Architects
T +31 20 3300128 M +31 6 51229375
Loos Architects
Ribesstraat 2, 1032 JT Amsterdam, Netherlands