ARCHITECTURE
Aluminium Centrum, Architectural Touchstone
Aluminium is used extensively in the construction industry and has been for decades.
17 January, 2016
This one building in particular, inaugurated in 2001, helped rewrite the rules for what was possible when building with aluminium.
The Aluminium Centrum is the headquarters of the aluminium industry in the Netherlands, so it's logical that the building would feature sustainable, durable aluminium in its construction. What's a little more surprising is an innovative design that puts the building atop a "forest" of aluminium trees, creating an aesthetic signature that makes nature a priority and helps the facility blend into its natural surroundings.
The Aluminium Centrum, designed by Micha de Haas architects, is perched atop 368 spindly aluminium columns meant to showcase the strength and lightness of aluminium. In effect, the facility extends the mission of the organization in demonstrating the different products and qualities that aluminium offers.
The Aluminium Centrum, designed by Micha de Haas architects, is perched atop 368 spindly aluminium columns meant to showcase the strength and lightness of aluminium. In effect, the facility extends the mission of the organization in demonstrating the different products and qualities that aluminium offers.
Image: ALUCOBOND
The building in Nieuwegein, on the outskirts of Utrecht, rests on six-meter columns as it stretches out over the waters of an artificial lake – creating double the impact in the water's reflection. The entrance connects to land at a slope from which the building extends, with a glass elevator that rises to the office space above.
Rectangular windows, placed in various geometric configurations around the building, let in the Dutch sunlight. The building itself, clad entirely in aluminium, is built of concrete and steel. One of the key messages of the structure is to demonstrate how aluminium supports the weight, so the stabilization is achieved by the columns themselves without additional bracing, as specified by the architect's wishes.
Rectangular windows, placed in various geometric configurations around the building, let in the Dutch sunlight. The building itself, clad entirely in aluminium, is built of concrete and steel. One of the key messages of the structure is to demonstrate how aluminium supports the weight, so the stabilization is achieved by the columns themselves without additional bracing, as specified by the architect's wishes.
That meant a study was conducted to determine the correct placements, groupings and angles of the aluminium "trees" beneath the office space to ensure their load-bearing capacity. The results included aluminium beams that support the underside, and different column widths running from 60 mm to 210 mm. A slight angle on thicker columns in the forest braces the building without ruining the intended arborial effect. The beams are positioned and clustered below to deliver optimal structural results.
In the original design, aluminium panels in 600mm widths were envisioned, but the architects and engineers together decided to change that to 1150mm panels. The decision required fewer panels for construction and therefore reduced costs, but it also led to a more distinctive exterior appearance.
How well did this vision of an aluminium forest work? The facility isn't new, and it's been standing on its spindly stilts for 15 years now. It has literally become a "textbook case" of how aluminium is used in construction.
Image: Petteri Kantokari
In the original design, aluminium panels in 600mm widths were envisioned, but the architects and engineers together decided to change that to 1150mm panels. The decision required fewer panels for construction and therefore reduced costs, but it also led to a more distinctive exterior appearance.
How well did this vision of an aluminium forest work? The facility isn't new, and it's been standing on its spindly stilts for 15 years now. It has literally become a "textbook case" of how aluminium is used in construction.
Image: Petteri Kantokari
"This is the first public building whose primary bearing structure is made completely of aluminium," write Victoria Ballard Bell and Patrick Rand, the authors of "Materials for Architectural Design."
"This project demonstrates the extraordinary benefits of close collaboration between architect, engineer, material manufacturer and craftspeople," they write, adding that the Aluminium Centrum building reflects innovation both inside and out. "Several innovative features originated with this project, such as the patented column and cladding system used in the office walls."
"This project demonstrates the extraordinary benefits of close collaboration between architect, engineer, material manufacturer and craftspeople," they write, adding that the Aluminium Centrum building reflects innovation both inside and out. "Several innovative features originated with this project, such as the patented column and cladding system used in the office walls."
Images: Micha de Haas
The book notes how some aluminium applications were adapted from the aerospace industry – like the use of more small structural elements instead of a few large ones, as is done in aircraft construction.
"The resulting project is a working showcase for aluminium," the authors add.
It is, and that serves the Dutch aluminium industry well. But if you ask the architects, they'll tell you the Centrum building was inspired by nature – specifically, the grace of slender poplar trees in the Dutch landscape, which rise distinctly to create a canopy together.
"The resulting project is a working showcase for aluminium," the authors add.
It is, and that serves the Dutch aluminium industry well. But if you ask the architects, they'll tell you the Centrum building was inspired by nature – specifically, the grace of slender poplar trees in the Dutch landscape, which rise distinctly to create a canopy together.
Banner image: Willem Franken/Micha de Haas