dua arquitectos tops sustainable laboratories with container-like volume in argentina

argentinian architecture firm, dua arquitectos, recently completed a laboratory building in santa fe, argentina. the project – laboratorios camara arbitral de cereales – features a bright yellow, cantilevered volume that projects out to the street. the metal volume sits over a clear and metal facade that invites guests into the laboratories.

photo © ramiro sosa

the architects designed the project to be sustainable and wanted to use renewable energy, ration the consumption of water and for it to have a low environmental impact. to achieve this, the walls and ceilings act as barriers to improve the thermal efficiency of the building. the work spaces include low energy consumption lighting systems, solar water heaters were placed on the roof, and the areas are mostly naturally lit and ventilated.

photo © ramiro sosa

the main circulation of the building faces the west, which minimizes the solar incidence on the work spaces located on the east. these work spaces are enclosed in volumes with small openings providing a comfortable work environment. the architects even placed solar protection elements on the west to reduce the solar incidence on the glass.

photo © ramiro sosa

the building’s program is composed of three laboratories that analyze cereals and seeds, administrative offices, and management offices. the ground floor includes the administrative offices, reception and service areas. these spaces are linked by a circulation spine to the three labs. on the upper floor, the yellow container volume hosts the offices of each sector, the manager office towards the front, and the second level of laboratories.

photo © ramiro sosa

the architects used a combination of metal and reinforced concrete elements for the contemporary design. the yellow volume is coated with miniwave metal sheets and the interiors are made with a steel framing system and plasterboard partition walls.

photo © ramiro sosa

project info:

architects: dua arquitectos

location: santa fe, argentina

project year: 2019

category: laboratories

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom