ector hoogstad architecten: metaforum at TU eindhoven

‘metaforum at TU eindhoven’ by ector hoogstad architecten, eindhoven, the netherlands image © norbert van onna all images courtesy of ector hoogstad architecten

rotterdam-based ector hoogstad architecten have recently completed the ‘metaforum’ at the TU campus in eindhoven, the netherlands. the faculty of mathematics and computer science has been placed on the roof of the W-hal which was constructed in 1958 to have a hectare of flexible interiors for machines and experiments. ground level footbridges connect to surrounding structures and the panoramic staircase leads into the building’s library. contained within a metal block, the addition floats above this space with a system of twenty slender steel columns. unobstructed sight lines across the interior’s multiple levels creates a feeling for a communal gathering location. catering facilities and shops as well as many study areas and lounges are integrated for student use.

the central stairwell or lift takes students into the new hall overhead. mechanical systems are integrated into the first floor to minimize any exposed rooftop equipment on the restored historic rooftop. the original facade was insulated by a specially-developed method of chair-profiles to insulate the curtain wall. entirely reversible, the technique leaves the outside faces unaltered. this may become a standard solution for similar conservation projects in the future.

library image © petra appelhof

slender inclined columns support the rooftop addition image © petra appelhof

angled columns soar through the interior spaces images © petra appelhof

central staircase with panoramic views image © petra appelhof

lounge image © petra appelhof

terrace image © petra appelhof

at night image © petra appelhof

site plan

project info:

commissioning party: tu eindhoven, accommodation department  address: de lampendriessen/ de wielen/ de veken, eindhoven design: ector hoogstad architecten project team: joost ector, max pape, chris arts, ralph sijstermans, ridwan tehupelasury, kees bongers, hetty mommersteeg, arja hoogstad, gijs weijnen, victor braat, wesley de bruijn, ralph noordhoek, sabine alders and damion schwarzkachel date of commission: june 2007 completion: july 2012 gross floor area: 26,912 m2 advice to commissioning party and construction management: HEVO structural advice: ABT advice on installations and building physics: nelissen ingenieursburo architectural contractor: hurks bouw zuid electrical, mechanical and sanitary installations: imtech building services contractor for facade renovation: oskomera projecten photographs: petra appelhof, norbert van onna and bart van overbeeke