NL architects: gate house IPKW

‘gate house IPKW’ by NL architects, arnhem, the netherlands image © jeroen muschall images courtesy of NL architects

amsterdam-based practice NL architects, have just completed ‘gate house IPKW’, a surveillance structure for a technology-focused campus of new and old buldings in arnhem, the netherlands. open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this gate is a mandatory stopping point to gain access to the fenced business park, requiring visitors to be registered, announced and directed to their destination. plans to double the width of the access road inevitably led to revisions to the existing construct. the heavy duty infrastructure and electrical wiring concealed inside eliminated the option for demolition as the operations of the complex would be jeopardized. instead, creative re-use led to slicing, removing and adding elements in a surgical manner.

resting above a glass box, a black mass forms a thick roof plane and contains the prior infrastructure. surfaced with retro-reflective film which minimizes the scattering of light particles, the cladding appears dark during the day and white at night. without an angle of incidence, the observer encounters a unique interaction with the light source since it is returned towards its origin. vehicles red brake lights and orange blinkers will introduce new colors to the facade. the transparent lobby features a front desk with 360 degree views and an enclosed office. individuals may freely enter for information and directions, or take a moment to prepare for an appointment by having a snack.

image © jeroen musch

image © ralph kamena

image © jeroen musch

floor plan / level 0

elevation

floor plan / level 0 existing

existing elevation

diagram

axonometric

NL architects (54)