Office Building Extension in Poznan by EASST Architects

Project: Office Building Extension
Architects: EASST Architects
Location: Poznan, Poland
Photographs: Przemysław Turlej

Office Building Extension by EASST Architects

The renovated building is located in a part of the city that until recently served as an industrial zone. Nearby is the main wastewater treatment plant for the agglomeration, as well as various industrial and commercial objects. Over the past two decades, this landscape has begun to change significantly. It slowly transformed into multifunctional development. Residential buildings and other structures have appeared. However, our main intention was to highlight the original history of the place and create a building-monument to the industrial past of the district. This idea perfectly aligned with the investor's vision, who is implementing robotic car assembly lines in Europe. Therefore, we began designing by studying similar solutions. The city of Poznan has the Old Gas Station, whose buildings were designed in the shape of churches to express reverence for the concept of industrial globalization. Hence, the idea of creating a monument combining the history of the area with new technologies seemed most optimal. Especially considering that the project includes partial use of a large production hall with a big skylight and overhead crane, as well as plans to build an extension over the offices.

The original building was extended by 4 floors intended for office rental and for the investor implementing his technologies. Additionally, new stairs with comfortable steps and elevators were built. The stairs are illuminated by vertical glazing. The three-story structure extends beyond the first floor, providing more office space and a more expressive building form. Concrete columns supporting the upper floors were designed as external elements to emphasize the historical construction concept. The facade was enhanced with a scattered compositional arrangement of windows. The top floor will feature large glazing with an internal terrace. The roof also has a terrace offering views over the entire city. Nearly all floors will have an amazing panoramic view of the river. The building itself is very narrow from the side facades (projecting staircase landings), creating a monument-like effect of technology.

The new external envelope of the building references the historical industrial character of the area and will be made from corten steel. This brutal material perfectly highlights the original purpose of the site (the material was originally used in the US for railroad car fencing to reduce the need for painting, restoration and corrosion protection). Moreover, it was installed in a 'mature' phase as silver sheets that gradually turned red over time and under weather conditions, creating an additional spectacular effect for observers. Combined with black brick of the hall, this material provides a clear and vivid contrast. The entrance to the building is glazed and equipped with a reception for all floors.

The layout of individual floors allows any spatial arrangement, both open areas and small office spaces. Each floor has a common room with a kitchen area.

The building will be equipped with modern technologies related to alternative energy sources, such as heat recovery from air, photovoltaic and solar panels for hot water.

-Project description and images provided by EASST Architects