This attention-grabbing building dubbed ‘Zipper’ RKM 740 Tower designed by J. Mayer H. Architects has become a cynosure owing to its unique façade of perforated metal. The project was Modelled in response to the rising urban density of the area in Düsseldorf-Heerdt in Germany, the hybrid skyscraper has a unique façade that opens and closes as per the buildings’ orientation. Read more about this tower below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
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A Distinctive Housing and Hospital Facility
Germany-based J. Mayer H. Architects has recently unveiled the design of its recently finished building. The sprawling plot combines residences with healthcare facilities and involves the makeover of a former park on the grounds of Dominikus-Krankenhaus hospital.
According to the architect, “Our project ZIPPER is part of the latest generation of these mixed-use concepts. The synergy effects thus achieved with comprehensive health grant the existing hospital trans-regional importance as the ‘prototype of a hospital for the future.” design had also won the 2011 international design competition- which the design team explains a ‘striking emblem of this transformation, visible from afar.’
Zipper-Like Façade
The project features a unique zipper-like patterning in its exterior that is designed in collaboration with facade consultant Ebener. It is defined by the gentle curvatures on its exterior made of perforated metal.
According to the firm, the wavy shell opens on the east, west and south sides of the building while also offering protection from harsh sun rays and wind. While it closes on the north side so that the building gets sound insulation from the traffic.
These zippers denoting transitions between open and closed are slow and ‘allow for flexible adaptation during the process of development over the years.’
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Inside the Skyscraper
The Zipper tower comprises a medical health center on the lower six floors while the fourteenth floor and above features a vital mix of housing units resulting in spaces drenched in apple light and are connected with generous balconies, loggias, terraces, and rooftop gardens.
Project Details
Project Name: Zipper, RKM 740 Tower
Architecture Firm: J. Mayer H. Architecture
Location: Düsseldorf-Heerdt, Germany
Gross floor area: 22.000 square meters
Partner in charge: Jürgen Mayer H. Andre Santer?
Project leader: Dr. Paul Angelier
Team: Ana I. Alonso, Isabell Fogden, Matthias Gotter, Max Margorskyi, Anna Pidhorna, Marta Ramirez Iglesias, Christine Rosemann, Jens Seiffert
Client: RKM Tower gmbh & Co. KG
Completion: 2022
Other Credits
Architect on site: Höhler + Partner, Aachen?
Building physics: Santer Bauphysik
Structural engineers: AWD Ingenieure?
Façade planning: Ebener gmbh
Landscape architects: RMP Stephan Lenzen Landschaftsarchitekten gmbh
Fire prevention engineers: Corall Ingenieure gmbh?
Acoustic planners: Peutz Consult gmbh?
Electrical engineers: ibb-Burren & Deuring Ingenieurbüro gmbh?
Lighting planners: Lichttransfer, Büro für Lichtplanung
Building services: Ingenieurbüro Liebert, Berlin, LP 2-3, Winter Ingenieure, Hamburg, LP 3-8, Ingenieurbüro Buss, Ahaus, LP 5-8 (Penthouse, Community Center)?
Photo Courtesy: David Franck | @davidfranck.de, unless otherwise stated
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