Aedas Architects of Leeds proposed an office building with stacked containers for a competition in Leeds, UK. The design is an shortlisted entry for the 36 The Calls architectural competition run by the Architects Journal with developer Citu.

Also click to read P+HS Architects‘ proposal.

The River Aire has always played an important role in the daily life and development of Leeds… … Loosely arranging and stacking ship containers between the existing buildings create space for both to breathe.

Aedas Architects

Rendering courtesy Aedas Architects

+ Project description courtesy of Aedas Architects

AEDAS, Leeds
36 The Calls – shortlisted entry

"Contained calls"

Conceptual diagram courtesy Aedas Architects

The form of the building is bold and iconic; its concept is derived from the former warehouse storage units that once inhabited the site. By loosely arranging these modules between the existing buildings, it creates space for both elements to 'breathe'. The intention is not to infill the site but to maintain the existing views and relationship with the River Aire and the surrounding context. The scheme enhances the public realm by providing more permeability across the site through the introduction of a South facing terrace linked to a Riverside walk, this will offer new connections to the adjacent future Calls Wharf development and provide valuable green space within the city.

Rendering courtesy Aedas Architects

The building is designed as a 'family' of elements that creates a new business community along the River Aire. The individual prefabricated modules provide 136m2 of open plan work space, and whilst they all share a 'family resemblance' they can be modified to respond to their occupants needs. The stacking of these elements allows for change and flexibility through the addition and subtraction of modules, these can be added both horizontally and vertically to allow for future expansion.

It is proposed that the pods are constructed using monocoque construction techniques. The main principle of the technique is that it supports structural load by using an objects external skin as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin. A robust and flexible monocoque structure will allow the building to change and evolve over time with minimal disruption. As the construction is flexible it is possible that the site could return to its current state once the lifetime of the building is complete.

Sustainable design, drawing courtesy Aedas Architects

It is proposed that the development will achieve a minimum Excellent BREEAM rating through the holistic design approach that has been adopted. We have utilised a building form to maximise cool north light and control solar gains, whilst maintaining natural ventilation through the atrium. The fabric of the modules is to adopt "passivhaus" principles – high thermal mass, low air leakage and high insulation, efficient services will be provided that have responsive controls and will be closely monitored. The building has the potential to achieve zero carbon with the inclusion of further residual energy and a community combined heat and power plant.

The scheme adopts the innovative sustainable design principles that responds to its unique environment and acts as a landmark on the Leeds skyline.

+ All drawings and images courtesy of Aedas Architects

PLET Table, image courtesy Reinier de Jong

Dutch Designer Reinier de Jong has designed the PLET Table which consists entirely of waste materials. Eighty different strips of reclaimed Perspex (PMMA) make up the translucent top which appears to be hovering above the solid oak wood base. The oak wood comes from a former dining table top. The plywood connection strip in the wood are traces of its previous life.

PLET is a low table which refers to Japanese interiors through its modest size and pure expression. The connective plywood strips in the wooden frame resonate in the aluminium strip which connects the frame to the top. The Perspex strips which make up the top have different thicknesses, colours and transparencies and making each PLET table unique. The space in which PLET table is put will affects the appearance because the light will make it look different every time.

+ About Reinier de Jong

Designer Reinier de Jong works on both architectural and product design. Contemporary yet timeless designs. Reinier de Jong has designed several acclaimed furniture designs like REK bookcase, KEER chair and VOLT table and award-winning architectural designs. Part of his work has been exhibited at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this year, for more of Reinier de Jong’s works: http://www.reinierdejong.com/salone1.html

+ All images courtesy Reinier de Jong

Sonia propose a new application for obsolete material from 2009 samples, a brilliant serie of coasters sets.High resistance to contrasts of temperature, 100 % recycling material, gives to this pieces a new function. Ideal complement for home that combine wood & glasses finishes.

During several years Sonia is involve in the design process an endless number ways to develop a product sustainable respecting the environment.

+ Design: Sonia

Ecobases, image courtesy Sonia