wiel arets architects: regiocentrale zuid

'regiocentrale zuid' by wiel arets architects, maasbracht, the netherlands
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects


'regiocentrale zuid', a levee and water coordination center for the river meuse in maasbracht of the netherlands
by dutch firm wiel arets architects is nearing completion. placing the areas water management facilities in one building,
positioned adjacent to the important inland shipping transportation route as well as resources which support agricultural,
wildlife and recreational activities. the river's water sustains drinking water and cools industrial processes while its
bed provides sand and gravel.

a plinth supports a cantilevered volume with rounded corners. an inner void forming the central core brings daylight
into the work spaces. translucent curtains allow for immediate adjustment to the acoustic and lighting qualities.
operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the structure will incorporate essential mechanical equipment,
nautical training center and educational facilities. a roof terrace with panoramic vistas of the encompassing landscape
replaces a ground level garden.



exterior
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



the upper level cantilevers beyond ground floor footprint
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



(left) rounded corners
(right) mirrored underside of cantilever reflects the environment
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



skylight above stairway
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



central core + atrium
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



(left) spaces separated with glass partitions for maximum transparency
(right) spaces are accessed from a corridor which wraps the central core
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



sliding glass partitions
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects



view from upper level
all images courtesy of wiel arets architects


project info:


type: office
location: maasbracht, the netherlands
date of design: 2009-2010
status: under construction
expected completion: summer 2012
total area: 1.850 m2
client: rijkswaterstaat maaswerken
architect: wiel arets
project team: bettina kraus, julius klatte, rob willemse
collaborators: jochem homminga, harold hermans