38 Clay Plaster Cones Crisscross to Form a Climate-Sensitive Pavilion | querkraft

Historical wind towers and climate-regulating properties of the traditional Arab clay architecture inspire the Austrian pavilion. Designed by Vienna-based architecture studio querkraft architekten, the Austrian pavilion reinterprets Dubai’s building traditions through its striking 38 intersecting cones of different heights that form the shape of a pavilion. Know more about it on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).

Set up at EXPO 2020 Dubai, the Austrian pavilion offers adequate space to enter into a multicultural dialogue on questions of a sustainable future. With ‘Austria makes sense’ slogan, the pavilion represented its country in a sensual way. Nestled around three green courtyards, the Austrian pavilion comprises unique room sequences that distinguish the inside and the outside.

The haptic surfaces of the pavilion are made of clay plaster, while the canopy of leaves rustles through the open cones. The pavilion executes a play of light and shadow and brings the audience closer to culture and technical innovations. The use of local building methods and smart climate engineering from Austria makes the pavilion dispense with conventional air conditioning technology even in the hottest desert climate. Compared to similar building types, the energy requirement has been reduced by more than 70 per cent.

The Austrian pavilion has been executed with the economical use of resources. Each cone of the pavilion is constructed from eight different fabricated parts in an igloo system. Post 182 days after the event, the cones of the pavilion had been dismantled into their individual parts and reassembled in a new location in the Arab world.

Project details

Location: Dubai, UAE

Size: 1.600 m2

Client: Austrian Federal Ministry of Digital and Economic Affairs; Austrian Federal Economic Chamber

Project management: Werner Consult

General planning: querkraft architekten

Project architect: Clemens Russ

Team: Fabian Kahr, Guillermo Alvarez, Konrad Brack, Verena Fessele, Fraym Hanna, Elisabeth Hofstetter, Maja Karska and Felix Zitter

Team (competition): Stefanie Meyer and Tim Stahlhut

Exhibition design: Buro Wien; Ars Electronica Solutions

Visual identity and graphic design: Bleed

Structural engineering: Werkraum Ingenieure; WME Engineering Consultants

Climate engineering: Ingenieurburo P Jung

Landscape design: Kieran Fraser Landscape Design; Green4cities

Fire protection: Design Confidence

Light design: Pokorny Lichtarchitektur

Acoustic engineering: David Haigner

AV/IT engineering: WME Engineering Consultants

Security engineering: WME Engineering Consultants

Architect of records: WME Engineering Consultants

General contractor: Nussli Group

Cost management: Vienna Consulting Engineers

Kitchen planning: Sofia Refrigeration

Geology: Geotechnik Bauingenieure

Visualization: Patricia Bagienski

Model building: Modellwerkstatt Gerhard Stocker Design and Function

Photographs: Andreas Keller, Day Eid, Kieran Fraser, Carmen Egger and Fabian Kahr; Courtesy: querkraft architekten

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Concrete, Glass, and Brick Lattice Screens Define the Exterior of This Nursing College in Surat | Neogenesis+Studi0261

The Nursing College Ashaktashram, designed by Neogenesis+Studi0261, sports a sleek exterior featuring concrete, glass, and brick lattice screens that manage sunlight and airflow while ensuring privacy and security.

Read more

Sternhagen teams up with Sussanne Khan to launch a curated bathware collection

The SK 02 Collection of bath fittings showcases the exciting innovations of the brand reports Surfaces Reporter (SR)

Read more

Aston Martins First Residential Skyscraper in Miami, Inspired by Cars and Hurricanes | Bodas Mian Anger

This 66-storey residential tower, developed by G&G Business Developments, is Aston Martins first foray into branded residences.

Read more

The Beauty of Parallel Walls and Circular Cutouts in This Karnataka Family Home | Aakar Group of Consultancy

Named for its unique design, with parallel walls adorned with circular cutouts, its a contemporary take on traditional Muslim family features.

Read more


This is alt