Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2024
Of Brick And Breath
Architecture
Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities
Completed / Professional Category
Architect / Designer:
CHU YANG KENG
Studio:
IX Architects Pte Ltd
Design Team:
CHU YANG KENG, MAK YIING HUEY, TING HAO
Copyright:
CHU YANG KENG
Country:
Singapore
With the concept of “embracing nature”, the factory integrated locally sourced bricks, and passive strategies to give the factory typology a fresh new look. Brick walls in creative conformations, giving an enjoyable aesthetics and texture. Green design, by encouraging natural light and wind, provides a sustainable and enjoyable working environment.
The brick pattern at the facade is inspired by the rhythm of the locally produced fabric, batik. The brick is designed to adopt the variations and textures. Various types of orientation and sizes are composed together, bringing together complimentary textures, scale and patterns to the façade. This brings about a sense of familiarity and belonging for the workers.
The brief calls for a design of a cool and airy factory work environment to facilitate the production which involves high levels of heat generation. At the same time, strong gusts of wind hand to be prevented to avoid disruption of machine precision.
The openings between bricks provides sufficient day lighting and encourage ventilation of air and heat from the machines. These reduce the need for artificial lights and fans. A main garden outside the production space provides an enjoyable environment for the workers to have meals and unwind in a natural and relaxed environment. It comprises of various gardens, pavilions, and lake. These also are effective in reducing heat in the factory spaces. Openings in the brick skin also provide users with visual connection to green spaces from every single corner of the building.
The industrial area has a common image as a place that is dull and dirty. In contrast, this factory showcases how the common red brick can generate interesting aesthetic that is enjoyable to both workers and passer-by. Through passive environmental means and green spaces, the factory aims to provide a new typology that is economical, sustainable and provides enjoyable working environment for the workers.
This design is envisaged to be replicated in future expansion of the factory space, and also to encourage other factory designs to be more explorative with aesthetic and sustainability in mind.
With the concept of “embracing nature”, the factory integrated locally sourced bricks, and passive strategies to give the factory typology a fresh new look. Brick walls in creative conformations, giving an enjoyable aesthetics and texture. Green design, by encouraging natural light and wind, provides a sustainable and enjoyable working environment.
The brick pattern at the facade is inspired by the rhythm of the locally produced fabric, batik. The brick is designed to adopt the variations and textures. Various types of orientation and sizes are composed together, bringing together complimentary textures, scale and patterns to the façade. This brings about a sense of familiarity and belonging for the workers.
The brief calls for a design of a cool and airy factory work environment to facilitate the production which involves high levels of heat generation. At the same time, strong gusts of wind hand to be prevented to avoid disruption of machine precision.
The openings between bricks provides sufficient day lighting and encourage ventilation of air and heat from the machines. These reduce the need for artificial lights and fans. A main garden outside the production space provides an enjoyable environment for the workers to have meals and unwind in a natural and relaxed environment. It comprises of various gardens, pavilions, and lake. These also are effective in reducing heat in the factory spaces. Openings in the brick skin also provide users with visual connection to green spaces from every single corner of the building.
The industrial area has a common image as a place that is dull and dirty. In contrast, this factory showcases how the common red brick can generate interesting aesthetic that is enjoyable to both workers and passer-by. Through passive environmental means and green spaces, the factory aims to provide a new typology that is economical, sustainable and provides enjoyable working environment for the workers.
This design is envisaged to be replicated in future expansion of the factory space, and also to encourage other factory designs to be more explorative with aesthetic and sustainability in mind.
IX Architects Pte Ltd
IX Architects Pte Ltd (IXA) is a corporatized architectural practice registered with the Board of Architects, Singapore. From our humble beginnings in 2004, we are now a well-established and recognized regional architectural practice. IX Architects Pte Ltd excels on providing professional architectural services with personalized, quality touches. We strive to design and deliver high standard and creative works that are responsive to client’s needs and budget. Over the years, IXA has been providing a wide range of architectural and design services of different building types and nature. Since inception, the firm has chalked up an impressive and diverse portfolio in the region of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. With firm regional exposure and experience in design consultancy and project management, IXA is poised to continue providing uncompromising quality design services in the region and beyond.