Concrete Sandwich Office Building by NOMAL: Innovative Design and Aesthetic Solutions

Concrete Sandwich Office Building by NOMAL

Location: South Korea
Area: 664 m²
Completion Year: 2024
Lead Architects: Minyuk Chai, Bokki Lee, Seyeon Cho

Project Overview

The Concrete Sandwich Office Building, designed by NOMAL, reflects current architectural trends. It maximizes the use of land and interior space while minimizing costs. The project navigates the complexities of rising construction costs and interest rates post-COVID-19.

Design Philosophy

The building’s design aims for a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Architects sought to enhance the visual appeal while adhering to practical requirements. The structure also prioritizes energy efficiency using prefabricated materials like sandwich panels for insulation.

Building Features

• The first floor is designed for indoor use, excluding parking.
• Floors two and three maximize upward space, while terraces on upper levels create outdoor areas.
• The west and south sides of the original building remain intact, reusing material to reduce expenses.

Structural Innovations

The design incorporates a triangular pyramid shape. The change in height regulations allowed for an increase in building volume, optimizing space usage. The team employed a ‘subtraction game’ concept, simplifying elements for construction efficiency.

Material Choices

The exterior uses sandwich panels designed for insulation, painted to resemble concrete. These decisions enhance the aesthetic appeal while ensuring easy maintenance.

Community Engagement

This project was completed with respect for neighboring properties and environmental considerations. Windows are strategically minimized to reduce potential interference.

Conclusion

The Concrete Sandwich Office Building embodies a modern architectural response to economic challenges. It successfully combines practicality with a focus on design quality, creating a functional yet visually engaging workspace.