Champions League and football pitches
By Caroline Kruit, International Business Developer for Metadecor
At Metadecor, we create (read: engineer, produce, assemble, and install) remarkable façades all over the world. Along with ceilings, screens, and more. We tend to stay rather down-to-earth about it. Yes, we’ve set up an innovative pavilion at the Architecture Biennale in Venice. We’re working on unique façades in Europe, a golden pergola in the US... But we also apply the same craftsmanship and attention to detail when making a modest cladding for a materials depot in MD Strekmetaal.
"Who does not honour the small, is not worthy of the great." This litteral translation of the Dutch saying ‘Wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet weerd’ can be interpreted in many different ways in façade construction. It could relate to the scale of projects, their complexity, or even small details like screws (in the same colour as the panel being installed). Potential projects need to align with the way we work. Do we make special things? Absolutely! But we also make ‘ordinary’, very neat façades. Not everything we make is shown on news websites and social media, or at trade shows.
Presentation about SOMBRA, May 7th 2025, during Future Façade in Utrecht (NL). From left: Nikola Znaor (Airshade Technologies), Caroline Kruit and Martin Elslo (Metadecor).
Future Facade, Biennale Venice
Week 19 of 2025 was quite a rollercoaster for Metadecor. We attended a trade show in Utrecht and an opening (and what an opening: the Biennale!) in Venice, we had numerous projects in an exciting stage of assembly and installation, new projects and intensive acquisition talks. All of that in just four days (Monday May 5th was a Dutch national holiday). Staying grounded and maintaining our usual down-to-earth approach was certainly a challenge.
At the (new) Future Facade trade show in Utrecht (7th and 8th May 2025), we showcased patterns in aluminium and steel. In the Maze of Innovations, we presented a glimpse of the ingenuity and beauty of the SOMBRA pavilion, which we developed for the Time Space Existence exhibition in Venice in collaboration with a top team of companies. Innovation, unique façades, and smart construction techniques were the main topics of discussion.
Impression of the opening days of SOMBRA in Marinaressa Giardini in Venice (8-10 May, 2025).
Champions League
With the opening of SOMBRA (on 10th May 2025), we suddenly found ourselves in the Champions League final: the reactions to the pavilion in Venice – and the publications that appeared the following week on major platforms – told us that we had truly created something unique. Norman Foster, in collaboration with Porsche, developed a pier in the Arsenale, while MVRDV, with Metadecor, created a pavilion in the Marinaressa Giardini. Forget Dutch modesty: this is a masterpiece!
The initiators of SOMBRA: Nikola Znaor (Airshade Technologies) and Caroline Kruit (Metadecor).
The collaboration with the startup Airshade Technologies marked the beginning of our SOMBRA adventure. With the companies that joined the initiative (Alumet, MVRDV, ARUP, Van Rossum Consulting Engineers, AMOLF Institute, and Kersten Group), we elevated the project to an absurdly high level. Both the process and the outcome offer many positive learning moments, which we can carry forward into the next challenging project.
A Simple Game of Football
‘Back home’ in Kampen The Netherlands, we reflect on a week of extremes. The constructive conversations at the trade show, the positive reception of SOMBRA, the usual dynamics of a medium-sized construction company. The birthdays of four (!) colleagues. The handover of the façade for the materials depot for Plus Ultra in Utrecht – a modest project with panels from MD Strekmetaal – a fence, simple yet beautifully crafted. That too is something to be proud of. Together, we create remarkable façades. Together, we can achieve more than we sometimes realise. The Champions League arena and the football pitch around the corner: Metadecor plays on both. Football will be football 😉.
The materials depot of Plus Ultra in Utrecht (NL) with MD Expanded Metal, completed in week 19, 2025.
Kempinski Hotel Muscat Oman, the location of Arc Middle East 2025.
Dare to design!
Text: Caroline Kruit, International Business Developer for Metadecor
Invite a hundred-plus architects to a hotel in magical Oman for a weekend and confront them with a group of suppliers of building materials from across the world. Get the dialogue started with inspiring lectures of peers, make sure that the atmosphere and food are good and make a program that keeps them busy from breakfast until a late afternoon drink at the bar. Metadecor International was present at Arc Middle East and this is what we learned from that rollercoaster of conversations.
Arc Middle East programs one-on-one discussions and lectures about AI, hospitality and building certifications.
The real estate business in the Middle East is booming and lots of people from all over the world are flocking together in the region to play a part. A few hundred of them attended the three day Bond Event in Muscat. A more international group of architects, real estate developers and suppliers is hard to imagine: all continents were present. That fact is interesting in itself and it generates multiple perspectives on contemporary architecture and themes that are on the table during the early stages of projects. Worldwide.
Selling shadow (and façades?)
Looking back at the many conversations I had during the event, there are a few insights that I would like to share. Funnily enough, these insights have less to do with façades and shadow – the items that I was selling as a supplier – but more with the general attitude of the architects towards their designs. Yes, I had a couple of in-depth talks about energy efficiency and the significant function of the building envelope to create comfortable and healthy buildings. There were interesting discussions about resourcing aluminium, about material efficiency during the design process and designing for a circular building economy. These are most important topics, that we address on a daily basis at Metadecor. But what about architecture? In my opinion, beautiful (-ly made) architecture is the most sustainable form of building - wherever you build.
Bespoke does not equal expensive
In a world where costs are a (or: the) main driving factor in decision making in real estate – the Middle East is no exception to that rule – it seems that even the thought of budget cuts limits the creative process of architects. The need to ‘design within budget’ presses hard on first proposals, early sketches and professional ambition. To choose regular, of the shelve products is a safe strategy. But what if you are not aware of the costs of a certain – bespoke - solution? Is it that more expensive to make a unique pattern for your façade? No! Should all façade panels be square or rectangular? No, of course not! Bend and curve all you like – it won’t cost the world if you make a smart plan.
Do not close the door
Closing the door on creative and unique options, before you even open it – it is an attitude that is averse to the education of architects. No wonder that I sensed a mild (?) disappointment in the profession here and there, during my talks with architects. And this was my response: “Dare to design!” Take the effort, make the hours. Yes, it takes time to make something that nobody has made before. And time is money, we understand that. But the time you spend in designing a bespoke façade gives you something as a bonus: the love for your own profession.
Oman was the location for Arc Middle East 2025: it inspired even an International Business Developer to some creativity.
Feel the love, walk the mile
Our message to architects and developers worldwide: ask for our advice and we will work with you towards a bespoke solution that will fit that stringent budget. Let’s walk the extra mile and invest time (and creativity) into something that is not standard, but unique and beautiful on its own. And functional, of course. While we’re at it, we can incorporate multiple qualities in the design and the façade itself. It makes the effort even more worthwhile, to add invisible features to a very much visible architecture. Use the knowledge and experience at Metadecor to optimize, simplify and make the best translation from design to production. Start with the ambition and work from there. Do not ask for our catalogue. Metadecor doesn’t have one. Perhaps it would make your job a little bit easier – but that is just what we want to avoid. We dare you. Please challenge us too.
Arc Middle East in Oman, February 2025 - an event with architects, project developers and suppliers, discussing innovation and current developments in architecture and building technology.
Looking back in reverse
No, we are not going to do a retrospective on 2024. We are going to look ahead: what will 2025 bring us? We are not choosing the easy path in the coming months, that is already clear. Every Metadecor project is unique and has a deeper meaning – in the design, functionality or method of production and installation – and we will tell you more about this in the coming year.
With many challenging projects in progress, in design and engineering and its own Shadow Pavilion in the making, Metadecor's third decade is about progress, innovation, high performance with low-tech and the Art of Creating Shadow.
We learned a lot in 2024, the year that Metadecor existed for twenty years. We not only learned from the projects we were allowed to do, but also about ourselves, the values we stand for and the challenges we can and want to take on. Metadecor has grown again and not only in turnover figures.
Multifunctional elements
2025 is the year of delivery and publication of a number of projects that have involved a lot of practical thinking and smart ingenuity. A façade renovation in the south of France, a beautiful stadium in Helmond, a brutal building with a corten façade in Belgium, a pergola in California, a ceiling with a world map, a subtle screen for a villa... we are eager to publish them, to show what beautiful things we can make.
We would like to tell you what these projects are, do and can do, other than being attractive: keeping out sun, wind and rain, contributing to the energy efficiency of the buildings, sustainable and logistical solutions for difficult locations, embedding a building in a (historical) context, smart production and assembly techniques… There are so many layers of meaning and function!
Design a shadow, then the façade
We are therefore challenging our network (and ourselves) for the year 2025: we are turning it around. First think about what a façade should do, be able to do and be - before a design is made.
First design those beautiful shadow patterns - then think about what kind of façade you need. Reverse logic. Completely close that south façade to limit the sun load? This may not be necessary at all with an MD Formatura element for a glass façade, where the twisted elements block the greatest solar load but daylight is admitted - sparingly.
“Shadow” is of course a metaphor when we talk about the Art of Creating Shadow. It is not only about keeping out or directing sun(light), but also about all those other themes that have been mentioned and are "included" in a design process, but could just as well be the starting point. Start with functionalities and the (side) effects and design the best solution from there.
Shadow Pavilion - ode to the sun
To show what we mean by 'thinking differently' and 'challenging yourself', Metadecor has taken the initiative for the Shadow Pavilion. This pavilion is an ode to the sun and an example of carefully handling everything that the sun brings us, dynamic sun protection without the use of electricity and responsible use of building materials.
The Shadow Pavilion is a collaboration with startup Airshade Technologies (see the page about the prototype we built together for Abu Dhabi), Alumet (our partner in anodizing), architectural firm MVRDV, Van Rossem Raadgevend Ingenieurs (for the construction), ARUP (for the solar studies and geometric and mechanical elaboration) and AMOLF Institute (for the development of the 3D printed actuators of the Airshade installation). We expect to present the pavilion to an international audience in early May.
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BIG5 Global: Five BIG Conclusions
Metadecor International participated in BIG 5 Global which was held in Dubai in the last week of November 2024. The Benelux Pavilion was located in Hall 8 of this main event for the construction industry in the UAE. Four days of talking about (new) building projects, façades and building technology: it gave a lot of food for thought.
The Halls of World Trade Center in Dubai were somewhat of a unique ‘ecosystem’ during BIG5 Global, with the temperature inside just above 20 degrees Celsius and no natural daylight. Meanwhile, temperatures outside reached beyond 30 degrees with a cheerful sun above the fairgrounds until just before closing time. Stepping inside at daybreak, leaving the building in the growing dark: it is the direct lead to Big Conclusion number 1 of 5 that we assembled at the end of the week.
Air conditioning is unavoidable in climates like in Dubai, but less AC is always better and healthier. With the predicted global warming, the use of air conditioning will increase in Europe too. How to accomplish less air conditioning? By creating more shade! Keep that sun (and the direct heat) away from the glass, away from the insulated envelope. With a double façade, a 'second skin' of (perforated) metal, for example, significant reductions in AC are within reach;
Passive shading is gaining ground in popularity. Yes, you read that correctly. Popularity. Not necessity. It is comfortable to reside and live in a selfshading building. See conclusion number 1. In the Middle-East, external (passive/dynamic) shading is not required or regulated (nor is it in Europe), but the awareness that the comfort and energy-efficiency can benefit from passive shading is growing rapidly;
Ornamentation implicates identity. Patterns make buildings and history recognizable. That is a given in Middle Eastern architecture. But this actually applies to all architecture and in all countries. At the fair in Dubai, people's eyes widened when they saw Het Plantsoen in Leiden and Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam. Beautiful, contemporary patterns to cherish – forever. Sustainability in architecture – in its purest form;
Plantsoen in Leiden
Theatre Zuidplein in Rotterdam
A façade company as a 'one stop shop' for the entire process : from co-creation to engineering, project management, production, preassembly, transport and installation - it is a concept that makes Metadecor fairly unique. With our approach we want to help you: it starts with the support of the design team by our engineers, open communication with the client and cooperation on the construction site - with local partners or our own team(s). It is - for us - a good business model, that results in high quality solutions;
A (very) long lifespan for all parts of a building, including the façade, is climbing on the agenda. PDEs and LCAs are becoming increasingly important in the Middle East. For example: we work with partners who can provide increasingly higher guarantees on surface treatment for aluminium. “I want a 100-year guarantee for your façades,” said one developer from Sharjah. We can't give him that yet, but it sounds like a good ambition for the future.
Low Tech Façades for the Middle East
During the month of November 2024, Metadecor will attend and join several events in the Middle East to promote sun shading facades and low tech façade solutions for healthy cities. On the stage of Cityscapes Global in Riyadh (KSA), Caroline will join a discussion about ‘Energy Solutions in Property Development’. Metadecor International is also part of the Benelux Pavilion at one of the biggest trade shows in the region: BIG5 Global in Dubai. Get your free entrance with this link: https://ap.lc/LLJgA
In the Middle East, the month of November is all about events and networking. It undoubtedly has to do with the milder climate that makes it possible to have large gatherings in large halls and in the open space. But even in November, being outside means looking for a place in the shadow and being inside is moving in an mechanically airconditioned environment. Topics like sun shading or reducing the need/capacity for air-conditioning are in almost every conversation.
Façade engineering on stage
‘Low-tech façade solutions for healthy cities’ is the title of the abstract that Metadecor submitted for the Cityscapes Global event in Saudi Arabia (11-14 November 2024). As a result, Caroline will join the Asset Horizons stage in Riyadh and talk about the benefits of sun shading façades and integrated façade solutions on November 13th. For Metadecor, it is the first time we can showcase our knowledge and experience in façade engineering on a stage with other engineers, in front of an audience of decision makers in real estate development. An exciting prospect!
Booth 8C354 at BIG5 Global
In the last week of November, the World Trade Center Exhibition Grounds in Dubai are dedicated to the BIG5 Global, one of the largest construction trade shows in the world. Metadecor International occupies booth C354 in Hall 8, as part of the Benelux Pavilion. From November 26 until Friday the 29th, Wilco and Caroline will engage with the visitors of the event and – outside opening hours of BIG5 – meet the network that Metadecor has developed in the region over the past years.
We are looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces in Dubai, and talk about the topics that are close to our hearts: creating sun shading facades that not only are functional, but architectural gems as well. For new and existing buildings there are low-tech and very effective façade solutions that will create huge benefits for the users (and owners) of the built environment. Yes, the discussions will be different from the ones we had in Rotterdam in September. We want to give information and inspiration to the visitors of BIG5 Global and expect to get the same in return.
The Art of Creating Shadow
In September we participated in the event Architect@Work in Rotterdam, engaging in multiple conversations with architects, engineers, interior designers and fellow exhibitors. If there is one theme that was discussed at length: shadow. The Art of Creating Shade should be a compulsory subject in any design education.
Architectural shadow? Is there such a thing? We believe there is. Over the years, we have created many façades with interesting semi-transparent patterns and figures, enjoying and describing the architectural expression of the exterior. During that same period, we – almost daily – enjoy the patterns that shadow creates on the floors and walls of our headquarters in Kampen. Geometrical patterns, in this case, created by the MD Formatura FO223 façade on the outside.
Main design criterium
Shadow gives spaces an extra layer of experience and meaning. It creates ever changing angles of light and darkness and influences the way you look, move and feel comfort (or not) in that space. Behind facades with MD Designperforation or MD Formatura, the patterns add an extra layer of cognitive emotions. In most projects, that feels like a bonus. But what if we elevate the topic to a main design criterium? Start with the form and pattern of shadow and design a façade from that angle?
Middle Eastern Tapestry
The design in the façade of Theatre Zuidplein in Rotterdam was created using parametric design tools and choosing only one tiny triangle as the form with which to make an appealing composition. The effect in the façade is magical, especially during the night when the building lights up like a lantern. But the bonus is the effect the shadow has in the interior. With the right angle of the sun, visitors of the theatre experience shadow like a Middle Eastern Tapestry. Like walking in a fairytale out of One Thousand and One Nights.
Light as a tool
Whether the architect or designer uses artificial lightning or depends on daylight as the ‘magic maker’: shadow patterns are an opportunity not to be missed. At Architect@Work Rotterdam we showcased a golden coated aluminium leaf from the recently completed Renaissance Hotel project: in Amsterdam it adorns the ceiling with a subtle strip of LED-lightning around the edges. An element of the rooftop extension of warehouse Santos in Rotterdam also attracted the attention of the visitors of the show. In our interview with the architects Karin and Karin they tell about the surprising shadow effects of that façade.
From art to science
For us, the conversations we had in Rotterdam and the projects we are currently working on give enough encouragement to dive deeper into the world of shadows. We really want to explore, experiment and experience more architectural shadow and measure its effect on the wellbeing of the users of buildings and public spaces. In other words, we will dive into The Science of Creating Shadow and hope that architects and clients will join us on that journey. To be continued.
Intern Alyssa explores the US market
Entering a market without thorough research? That’s simply not a good strategy! Every country, market, or sector has its own unique charateristics and it is a company’s responsibility to explore and understand these, in order to establish a presence.
My name is Alyssa Schra, a 20-year-old International Business student. I am currently in my last year of the studies, which focuses on specialization and writing my thesis, and that is exactly what I will be doing at Metadecor.
Metadecor has named the United States as a target group since 2023 and is committed to focus more on this region. Such a large and diverse market as America requires a lot of time, energy, and perseverance. My research will consist of analyzing the states of California and New York, including conducting interviews with industry professionals. Through this research, I aim to lay a foundation on which the company can move forward in expanding to the USA.
Detail of the façade of Imatec in Luxembourg
5 trends in façade construction in 2024
Over a year ago, we published five trends for 2023, and a consistent trend watcher does so every year. Have there been a lot of changes over the past year? Its sometimes said that the construction industry shifts like a heavy loaded container ship, but this image deserves some revision. At Metadecor we see new developments that we want to share.
Love for rust
Yes, the demand to weather-resistant steel (or: corten steel) has increased again. Formerly it was linked to industrial environment (and exciting – monumental – buildings), the demand is now for rusting façades for new residential and commercial construction. With or without perforations. Upholding façades with corten cladding is a tough love (literally three times as heavy as aluminum), which changes in character over time. Don’t forget that every time rain falls, the façade will weep tears of rust particles – endlessly. So that needs to be worked out in detail!
Every city its own pattern or shape?
When it comes to patterns for MD Designperforation or MD Formatura, we always try to find out where the desire of a certain pattern or shape comes from. Now we see something different: in Rotterdam they like triangles, in The Hague the holes are round, and in Amsterdam the shapes are rather organic. In Eastern provinces, it’s all a bit more geometric. Now we see trends, but we don’t do garden variety philosophy, so feel free to draw your own conclusions.
Renaissance Hotel in Amsterdam
As long as it moves
First it was ‘façades with movable shutters’. ‘Then it became ‘movable façades’. A few steps further and we have a (global?) trend called ‘kinetic façades’. What is the difference? If the movement in the façade is functional (think of solar control panels or privacy screens) then it is a movable façade. If movement is used to call attention, to highlight architecture or just because it can be done (with a little electricity but preferably without), we call it kinetic. For our engineers these are exciting projects, the façades with MD Apertura. We already have many great references and more are sure to follow.
Bigger, smarter and faster
In the new assembly hall of Metadecor, next to the headquarters in Kampen, a construction-wide trend is literally in progress, prefabrication and assembly of elements as large as possible. On-site assembly time is getting shorter and shorter, assembly methods smarter and smarter. Projects such as HSC Zuidwolde and parking lot Binnendok were brought to the construction site in façade-sized panels and assembled at a rapid pace in small teams, carefully coordinated with the other construction streams of the projects. The hall has been in use for over six months now and we have almost forgotten what it was like ‘before’.
Designing with shadow
Summer was at times (very) hot and (too?) sunny and with that terms like “overheating” and “outdoor shading” came into the news. People rightly sought the shade. Shade is a beautiful design criterium for transparent façades. Daylight simulations are often the basis for certain configurations or the choice of a transparent or less transparent façade. In fact, what designers do, they design shadows. Think about the shadowpatterns that MD Formatura and MD Designperforation can create on floors, ceilings, and walls. At the headquarters of Metadecor we experience throughout the year the power of such transparent façades with beautiful shadow effects. In summer it is clearly cooler. When the winter sun breaks through the clouds, we enjoy the beautiful patterns on the walls and floors in the stairwell.
Metadecor Headquarters in Kampen
Curious about more developments in façade construction? Feel free to visit our headquarters in Kampen to see, feel, and experience the panels of many reference projects. A façade can be so much more than just that wonderful exterior. We are happy to think along with you.
Photographer: Stephanie Brinkkoeter
Crown on the Dutch Photo Museum in Rotterdam
"It's especially beautiful when the sun is low"
The golden crown of the monumental Santos warehouse in South Rotterdam has received a lot of attention in the (trade) press even before it was officially opened as the Dutch Photo Museum. The aluminum skin with a pattern of triangles appears to be mediagenic. Beautiful photos with reflection and shadows are discussed. Architects Karin Renner (Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten) and Karin Wolf (WDJARCHITECTEN) talk about the lengthy process that led to this geometric additional floor that can be felt deep in the building.
The “Santos” project started seventeen years ago. Karin Renner remembers conversations in 2007 with urban planner Riek Bakker about an initial consultation for the future of Rijnhaven, which Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten (RHWZ) had created in collaboration with Egbert Kossak, the then urban planner of the city of Hamburg. “This warehouse already had a special role in the plan,” says Karin, “It was a characterful building in the visual axis, which would be preserved as a reference to the history of the area. But then came the 2008 crisis and development was halted.”
Everyone knows Santos
The project was only resumed in 2016. WDJARCHITECTEN had done a study into a possible transformation of the monument, “a reorganization of the inside”. A client came. This organization had already transformed a few similar locations in Germany into creative stopping places and now wanted to combine that concept with short-stay apartments. Rotterdam would become the first Dutch location. That was also the moment that Karin Wolf joined in: “It was one of the first projects I got at WDJA. What struck me: everyone knows the Santos building. All engineering students have made a plan for it at some point.”
Eight years ago there was a vision (urban planning, zoning plan) and a sketch, in which the building was 'added' two floors. Karin Renner: “Something special had to be placed on the monument. Two floors and a place to let the light in.” Karin Wolf: “With Stilwerk there was a program that fit very well. With co-working places, a restaurant and the showroom as a transition to the private apartments.” The project finally went into implementation in 2022 with Burgy Bouw as main contractor.
Lots of models
Karin Renner: “We made many models for that 'optopping' (additional floors) on a scale of one to five hundred. In the beginning the shapes were quite asymmetrical. We wanted to emphasize the sculptural strength of the structure in the shape of the five facades. Five facades because the roof is also visible from the new towers in the area. An additional advantage of the roof structure was that it created space for the installations.”
“It was also important that we followed the lines of the monument exactly. The Santos grids are special: they are vertical elements that we wanted to make visible in the roof and facade,” says Karin Wolf. “You want to continue to see it as a whole. Like a spaceship landing on an old building. Now there is a very subtle touch. As if the new part kisses the old part.”
A striking staircase in the heart
The transition from the fifth facade to the inner world of the old building was a long procedure in the design process. “The danger is that the new becomes too dominant in the experience. That is why we added a strong interior element to the top floor: a staircase with the same cladding as the roof and facades of the structure,” says Karin Renner. “The connection is clear and visible.” The stairs from the dream ship descend into the monument and take in a lot of daylight. “The heart of the monument has been kept open and transparent, so that the horizontal floor layers are clearly visible,” says Karin Wolf. “On the lower floors the stairs look modest.”
Shining light gold
Choosing the color for the skin of the construction was a process of “testing and tasting”, both architects laugh. “Although the first models also had a golden structure,” Karin Wolf remembers. “We also looked at corten steel, but we thought that was a bit dark. And heavy, also in terms of weight!”, says Karin Renner. Ultimately, 'light gold' was chosen - anodization with AluGOLD01. “Silver was too cold, yellow-gold too intense. This light gold color gave the most beautiful combination with the Santos bricks.”
Full-scale experience
The design of the pattern was also a special process. During construction meetings, the architects came to the construction site with 'perforated' A0 cardboard models. “Yes, you are unsure about what effect the pattern has on a 1:1 scale. It is good to test this on a full scale, near the building,” says Karin Renner. Other issues were investigated, such as the effect of the pattern on bird behavior and sound. Karin Renner: “You cannot answer those questions without research. For example, at the Elbphilharmonic in Hamburg, the birds are kept away with a sound that is inaudible to humans. That would also be a solution here.”
From the west with evening light
When creating the patterns, the architects worked with various 3D programs and daylight simulations. Yet there are effects that feel like an unexpected gift. Karin Wolf: “It was wonderful that we were able to provide daylight at the ends of the corridors at the apartments. When the sun enters there, you get reflections on the inner walls. That is a very nice effect.” Karin Renner believes that the patterns from outside are also richer than expected. “In certain sunlight it gives a 3D effect in the facade, like a soft textile curtain, while they are really flat aluminum plates with a perforated pattern. Especially if you look from the west with evening light… that works very well.” The architects agree: with a low sun, the light comes in very far and the patterns create enchanting effects.
Nice collaboration with Metadecor
It has been a complicated project for all parties in the construction process. During construction, a new client came for the building: the Dutch Photo Museum will open its doors in 2025. “Also a wonderful match between program and building,” says Karin Wolf. The production of the structure was already in full swing under the direction of Burgy Bouw, the design has not been changed. “The collaboration with Metadecor has really supported us,” says Karin Renner. “You need someone who understands what you want. We found that understanding with Martin Eslo, the senior engineer. Even when developing the less visible elements, such as the rear structure, he continuously asked for our opinion about possible solutions. That collaboration was really nice.”
Global BIM Awards 2024
It's been a year since our project 'House of Culture and Sports' in Zuidwolde won the Construsoft BIM Award. Because we won, we are now also participating in the Global BIM Awards and voting is open again (until September 30): House for culture and sport | Tekla
The facade undulates around the building, so no part is the same. To ensure the dimensions of all unique parts, we paid a lot of attention to making smart connections between parts in Tekla. For example with cut mortise and tenon joints.
One of the most difficult connections is mounting the wooden slats on the aluminum frames. This connection has a number of requirements:
- A slat is almost never parallel to the frame (there is always a small angle twist);
- The contact surface between the wood and the aluminum must be kept to a minimum;
- Finally, the center-to-center distance of the slats varies.
To be able to meet these requirements in one connection, we opted for a laser-cut comb-shaped plate. This plate reduces the contact surface between wood and aluminum, allows angular rotation and determines the position of the wooden slat in relation to the aluminum. This makes the assembly of the slats easier. All the complexity is in the cut part.