FAAB Architecture Białobrzeski | Figuristic

Wave One Research Center

WAVE ONE RESEARCH CENTER

Faab

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

ARCHITECTS
Faab

STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Statikus

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
Proj-jack., Profen

MANUFACTURERS
Mosa, Sika, Aluprof, Laminam, Lira Lighting, Tarkett, Teknos, Audac, Bel Aqustic, Hansegrand Krystyna Bayer, Isinac, Koło Geberit Group, Pure, Paged, Polbruk, Swan Luminaire Bollard

HVAC CONSULTANTS
Scrol

FACADE CONTRACTOR
Anko

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Koma Nord

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
Michał Buturla

STRETCHED CEILING CONTRACTOR
Renova

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Tomasz Olkowski

CONCRETE SPECIALIST
Kappa Projekt

STAINLESS STEEL SPECIALIST
Pf Projekt

INVESTOR
Invicta

SANITARY ENGINEERS
Ecocad, Profen

STAIRCASE ENGINEER
Stolarstwo Andrzej Wandtke

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Centrum Parkietowe A. Pietrzak

PHOTOGRAPHS
Maciej Lulko

AREA
3160 M²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Sopot, Poland

CATEGORY
Laboratory, Research Center, Offices

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

Text description provided by architect.

Wave One, of the European Center for Families, is located 400 meters from the Baltic Sea in what is historically known as a health resort town.

The concept derives from the complexity of sea waves and the local vernacular of carved ornamental detailing on facade elements.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

Drawing from this, the architects created a site concept composed of five inter-related buildings, reminiscent of waves.

Wave One, the first to be built after a lengthy design and construction process, encompasses specialized medical laboratories including SARS-CoV-2 testing labs, a research & development center, and administration spaces.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

The white perforated facade, enfolding Wave One, was partly inspired by a series of photographs by Pierre Carreau, titled AquaViva. The architects analyzed the geometric complexity of the sea waves, captured by the photographer.

The arched 3D forms, frozen in time, were translated into an architectural language that shaped the building’s final form. With 1,362 perforated triangular panels, the facade, just like a wave, bend at its crest, the top of the building.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

The panel's perforations are a symbolic gesture in reference to: - the local tradition of placing ornamental details carved in wood on buildings’ facades, - flower of life, an ancient motif credited with healing powers, befitting the healthcare function of the investment.

The panel's perforations made it possible to bring about an airiness and dissipation of the building in space, particularly visible in the upper realm of the facade.

The East/west elevations take on 3D form with triangular panels of sintered white ceramics, skewing and reflecting sunlight onto the pavement. They create a transient detail, enlivening the immediate surroundings of the building.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

Equally, curvature - a reference to the concavity of a sea wave - inspired the shape of the building mass. 

The amply curved canopy over the South entrance was digitally 3D modeled by the architects and then submitted to the local contractors to prepare one-to-one mock-ups.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko

Adjustments were made on-site in order to create a seamless union with adjacent panels and ensure the fluidity of the perforated pattern.

A painstaking task, since curvature and deviation from the vertical, are along both axes of the facade, not excluding the additional presence of operable shutters.

Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko


Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko


Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko
Wave One Research Center
© Maciej Lulko


Wave One Research Center
Facade Detail
Wave One Research Center
Stair Detail
Wave One Research Center
Facade Detail
Wave One Research Center
Construction Detail


Wave One Research Center
Elevation
Wave One Research Center
Elevation


Wave One Research Center
Ground Floor Plan
Wave One Research Center
First Floor Plan
Wave One Research Center
Terrace Floor Plan
Wave One Research Center
Site Plan


Wave One Research Center
Axonometry
Wave One Research Center
Axonometry


Wave One Research Center
Section
Wave One Research Center
Section
Wave One Research Center
Section

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