Contemporary architects
Ludloff + Ludloff architects – A merciless corrective
The section transforms the intricacy of space into one single plane, a de-spatialization that helps to unravel the complexity of the design leading back to its core.
Like a scalpel we cut through everything that later will be withheld from the spatial experience, the concealed is revealed. Through the negation of space, the section becomes the proving instrument for the synergy of protagonist and proportion. Scale is being defined, circulation is being studied, no other architectural drawing depicts the coherence of design and function as precise as the section.
With a vague, searching sketch, perspectives and models we generate the principle of imprecision that the method is based on. The section however, detailed, precise and two dimensionally bound, is our merciless corrective. With its, later invisible, motif we decide about success and failure of our work.
But soon the section has fulfilled its purpose and won’t be explored any further, the surface becomes the space defining element, it is the focal point.
Now all that matters is the physical experience.
The section has disappeared.
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Canteen at the Tempelhofer Feld
Berlin (D) 2010
The southern façade opens towards a terrace with oak decking via a folded glass wall. Oval cutouts integrate the existing trees – the lines between trees and built construction are blurred. Wood beams against a green background characterise the interior. The structure was developed in intensive collaboration between the architects, structural engineers, and construction firms. 6 by 28 cm strong beams of cost-efficient solid wood were applied to the underside of only 50 mm strong laminated veneer panels. The beams aren’t set parallel to each other, but instead, are distributed in a seemingly irregular pattern. Since beam ends and the supporting structure are ten centimetres apart, only the prefabricated panel is supported by the wood post-and-beam facade construction. Its cross sections were dimensioned to avoid the need for separate columns. Indeed, when the light is turned on, an impression of sunlight filtered through tree foliage comes to mind.
Refurbishment of a Gym at the Tempelhofer Feld,
Berlin (D) 2011
After having been commissioned to renovate the gym ludloff + ludloff architects had to take into consideration the energy aspects in addition to finding a suitable contemporary interpretation of the design qualities of the post-war building complex. The gym at the Tempelhofer Feld was renovated considering the grey energy factor, whereby all constructions were planned keeping in mind the end of the life cycle.
After years of subjection of the building fabric to heterogeneous measures, the renovation has reinstated the sensuous lightness and originally generous, lan- dscaped urban setting. Physical education and exercise can again be experienced as an uplifting harmonization of body, mind and space.
Research and Development Centre Sedus Stoll AG,
Dogern (D) 2010
Due to its scale and volume the Development Centre forms a link between the neighbouring residential area and the premises of the Sedus Stoll AG. The design of the facade as a ‘hidden’ and yet apparently ‘simple’ sculptural form is an experience of space reality in the context of the image like warehouse. For acoustical reasons the building’s base, with workshop and laboratories is made of concrete, the upper part is built in a light timber construction, the façade of textile membrane claddings are done with woven glass. The overlapping transparent façades create various degrees of transparency, which give the building an almost intangible lightness. A spiral staircase leads from the foyer to the upper floor which is experienced as a monospace. The ceiling is folded along the roof ridge and stretches down as a wall surface to the band of windows. The roof seems to float above.
House FL
Berlin (D) 2009
House FL suggests a re-interpretation of the single-space house, eliminating all corridors to create a continuous circula- tion space. This spatial continuity connecting all the floors is divided into different colour spaces. The strong colours generate sensations of visual enclosure and differentiate areas of the house. The top floor is defined by a deep red floor finish accompanied by sky blue, burgundy red and orange wall surfaces. Circular rooflights above the staircase create a bright and lively space. A glass curtain wall with sliding elements forms the garden façade to the south, while a closed, highly insulated timber wall forms the street façade to the north.
The windows are flush with the wooden surface, generating a boldly sculptural volume. The low-energy house is highly insulated and employs passive solar heating strategies in combination with heat supplied by a 99 meter (325 ft) deep geothermal installation.
