Richard Meier Architect by Rizzoli International Publications

Italcementi i.lab

Bergamo, Italy 2005–2012

Prominently positioned at the eastern end of the Kilometro Rosso Scientific Technology Park in Bergamo, Italy, the Italcementi i.lab is intended to be an iconic building expressing Italcementi’s position of leadership and commitment to research and innovation in the use of white concrete, and reflecting its celebrated reputation for technical expertise. The structure is a benchmark in sustainable design, having attained the first LEED platinum accreditation in Italy. The new building reinforces the boundaries of the triangular site and incorporates a program of technical and administrative spaces into two wings. Comprising two levels above grade and two basement levels including parking, the V-shaped configuration houses separate laboratory and administrative wings surrounding a central courtyard, which features a garden and provides service and underground parking access. Below-grade courtyards at the perimeter provide natural light to basement-level laboratory spaces and fresh air for the mechanical spaces and the garage. At the northeast corner of the building, which is also the terminating corner of the Scientific Technology Park, a large covered public plaza forms the main entrance leading to a two-story sky-lit atrium. The central atrium houses public reception as well as security control and provides circulation space for both of the structure’s wings via two glass elevators and a dramatic glass ramp, both sky-lit and featuring views of the historic hills of Bergamo. The interior organization of the laboratory wing responds to the highly specific functional requirements of the program. A simple structural grid and a central circulation corridor allow efficient and flexible layouts for various sectors. Above ground, laboratories and equipment are set back from the north facade, creating a second perimeter circulation corridor and common space. The administrative wing houses a two-story multipurpose hall accommodating approximately 250 people. A sky-lit board room floats within this © 2013 Rizzoli International Publications. All Rights space on the second floor. All rooms on both levels are organized

along a sky-lit gallery space that runs along the west facade, facing a vegetated roof garden. The cantilevered precast concrete roof of i.lab assumes a strong and elegant profile. The roof also forms a virtual fifth facade perforated with a system of skylights directing light into offices, circulation corridors, and laboratory spaces. Natural light filters through the top floor into the interior spaces, providing illumination that changes throughout the day while the interplay of natural light and shadow over the distinctive curtain wall—composed of concrete elements, visual frit, and clear glass—animates the facade. The exterior skin facing the highway consists of layered concrete screen walls in a fan configuration. The horizontal concrete louvers are designed to be an integral and distinctive feature of the curtain wall system. An innovative high-strength, pollution-reducing reinforced concrete was developed by Italcementi specifically for this structure and used for the north screen, the curtain wall mullion system, and precast wall and roof elements throughout the building. The fritted north facade allows indirect light to permeate the laboratory spaces. The remaining three sides of the building are clad with highperformance, low-emissivity, insulating clear glass. The mechanical systems incorporate this highly energy-efficient facade as well as renewable energy systems such as photovoltaics, solar thermal panels, and geothermal wells. Other sustainable features include the harvesting and reuse of rainwater, the adoption of recycled and regionally manufactured materials, the planting of native/adaptive species, and a selection of materials and systems geared toward optimal indoor air quality and lighting/thermal control for the building occupants.

Reserved. 44

Context

Circulation

Enclosure

Entry

Orthagonal

Program

Structure

Geometry

Site plan

Oxfordshire Residence

Oxfordshire, England 2007â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

The siting of the Oxfordshire Residence is notable not only for the views afforded and the expansiveness of the landscape but also for the richness of the spatial experience which begins before one even enters the property and which was the primary inspiration for the design. The design is distinguished by relationships of openness and compression, light and shadow, and the purity, beauty, and natural resources of this particular location in Oxfordshire.

designed based on human scale, purity of aesthetic, peerless construction methods and materials, and the conservation and utilization of natural resources.

This country residence has been created based on three guiding principles: an engaging response to the site, a resonant connection with the history of the place, and a vital progression toward sustainability. It would be impossible to conceive of a residence in this part of the United Kingdom without considering the typology of the English manor house. This design espouses many of the tenets behind this ideal: this is a family home which honors the surrounding woodlands and topography, drawing the occupant into a relationship with the natural world while creating space for comfortable living. Specific to the site of the house and the related buildings, the design seeks to integrate the landscape and views as part of its identity, bringing a natural balance between building and landscape. The structure and orientation of the house represent a direct response to the makeup of the site. The solidity of the back of the house effectively mirrors the density of the woodlands, while the lucidity of the glass in front embraces the openness of the landscape beyond. Similarly, walls and columns that dictate the interior layout are designed to complement the light and views specific to every vantage point, creating breathtaking common spaces. The design scheme for the Oxfordshire Residence also places an emphasis on sustainability, both in its contemporary meaning, which is to say that mechanisms for conservation, emission reduction, and renewable energy are employed wherever possible, and its traditional meaning, which is to say that this home is intended to stand the test ÂŠ 2013 Rizzoli International Publications. All Rights of time. The house is anchored to its site and has been carefully

Reserved. 78

First floor plan

Second floor plan

East elevation

North elevation

South elevation

West elevation

Luxembourg House

Circulation

Luxembourg 2007â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2012

Entry

The site for this private house is a sloped, wooded property located in an almost rural area that affords both seclusion and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The main volume of the house stands as a glass prism, L-shaped in form to separate its distinct spatial zones. An opaque plane envelops the house on the south and east sides, shielding the property from the street and neighboring houses, and anchoring the house to the landscape. The dialogue between this primary wall and the glass block of the house takes place in the interstitial space bridging the interior and exterior through a series of terraces and controls the infiltration of light and views through selective openings. The house is bisected by a circulation spine that connects to the stair hall and divides the house into its two spatial parts: a solid zone along the south, marked by a rhythm of structural piers, and a void zone to the north, accentuated by a lighter steel structural system. A glass facade envelops both zones, creating a sensation of movement that is independent of and balanced by the solid elements within.

Geometry

The lower level of the house, containing the technical spaces and parking, is carved into the site on the north side, opening to a sloped yard with a sauna, fitness area, and access to the garden above. The primary public spaces are located at the ground level, with an open kitchen, guest suite, and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playrooms along the south side, and the living and dining spaces along the north side. The bedrooms and master suite are placed along the south side of the upper floor, shielded from the exterior by the primary wall along the entire facade and from excessive sunlight by a system of glass louvers. Opposite these rooms a study, library, and lounge area overlook the doubleheight living space below.

Solid/Void

Program

Structure

Caption

100ft