Pelaren 1
18 september 2020
Clear-cut
When it gets noisy, take a clear-cut position. Look at things in a nuanced way before adopting a robust approach. The office building of a mobile operator located on one of the main access roads to Stockholm follows exactly these precepts. The building’s interior design is characterised by a range of different ambiences, atriums to promote communication and a striking red staircase, which is a key element linking all parts of the building. The interior has already received commendations and many prizes. But the façade is in danger of being overlooked although it seems just as worthy of acclaim. First of all, because the architecture makes a distinctive and assertive statement with its large-scale, modular 1960s style, which is not only state-of-the-art technically but also absolutely justified. The modular double façade counteracts the street noise, channels direct or reflected daylight into the building interior, creates a stunning exterior appearance and saves time and energy. And that is indeed the second factor. Thanks to prefabrication façade elements could be quickly and also individually produced and installed. And, now we come to the third point, since the intention was to build a memorable but in no way monotonous large structure, the architects opted for different formats and designs for the windows and their frames. In so doing, they have created a modular façade with a heterogeneous look. They planned square glass elements, recessed arcades and rows of large windows. Above all, they designed the ALUCOBOND® cladding for the frames in different ways: sometimes bevelled on only one side of the element, sometimes on both of them and sometimes on neither. This enlivens the façade with light refracting in a multitude of directions and, depending on light conditions, etching different highlights on the façade. The large façade front, which stands out in the cityscape, acquires depth, a rhythmic three part appearance and at one end, an iconic twelve-storey tower. No wonder the building has been nominated for the Swedish Glass Award 2020, as have other ALUCOBOND® façades, by the way. It really makes sense to take a clear-cut position and robust approach.
Project: Pelaren 1, Stockholm | Sweden
Architect: Arkitektbyrån Studio, Stockholm | Sweden
Fabricator & Installer: Fasadglas Bäcklin AB, Bromma | Sweden
Façade System: Tray Panels Special Design
Year of Construction: 2017
Product: ALUCOBOND® A2 metallic colours | Champagne Metallic 503
Photos: Robin Hayes