wiel arets architects: regiocentrale zuid

‘regiocentrale zuid’ by wiel arets architects, maasbracht, the netherlands

‘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

the upper level cantilevers beyond ground floor footprint

(left) rounded corners (right) mirrored underside of cantilever reflects the environment

skylight above stairway

central core + atrium

(left) spaces separated with glass partitions for maximum transparency (right) spaces are accessed from a corridor which wraps the central core

sliding glass partitions

view from upper level

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