3XN architects
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of Adam Mørk |
The idea behind the Middelfart Savings Bank design is to let the building room an entire public space with a small square, shops, and a café. All this kept together under the same big dramatic roof, the roof is a large elegant wooden structure with numerous openings, which provide the framed sea views towards Lillebælt. It is also maximizing the penetration of sun-lighting during the winter, thus to reduce the energy consumption.
"Middelfart Savings Bank is a social institution and they feel a great responsibility for their local area. We wanted to reflect that by creating a social space which embraces the city and the inhabitants as well as the bank itself."
Kim Herforth Nielsen, Principal of 3XN
Press Release courtesy of 3XN architects
Remarkable Architecture in small town, Denmark
Characterized by a dramatic roofscape, the Middelfart Savings Bank will be putting the Danish town on the island of Fyn on the architectural map – and at the same time provide a new public space for local citizens.The 83 prism like skylights compose the spectacular roof surface defining the geometry of the rest of the building – in reference to the maritime environment on the harbor front as well as the surrounding timber framed buildings. The roof is designed to frame a perfect view towards the Lillebælt waters as well with a functional purpose of shading from direct sunlight.
Under the roof different functions such as a bookshop, a café, a real estate agent and the cash desk are placed around a central plaza, resulting in the building forming an informal public meeting space.
Internationally renowned artist Olafur Eliasson has created an art installation for the plaza. Six ‘shooting star’ kaleidoscopes inspired by the triangular geometry of the building are lowered into the ground floor granite adding an extra dimension to the structure.
Middelfart Savings Bank’s new head office was awarded the MIPIM Future Projects Award in 2006. It was recently inaugurated April 16 2010.
Project description
3XNs visionary and empathetic winning proposal unites the Middelfart savings Bank’s high ambitions for their new head office. The building must ensure a perfect environment for the employees, while also positively stress demands for high architectural quality in the future development along the harbour front.
One large roof covers all functions in the building. The roof is a large elegant wooden structure with numerous openings. The openings bring in abundant amounts of daylight and allow for direct view of the sea from all places in the building, up and down. In this way, the light and friendly atmosphere sought for by the bank is achieved.
The rest of the bank’s area is spread at a series of terraces with open connections to the plaza – and to each other. The terraces are connected by spacious staircases that provide good opportunities for the important informal meeting. With its central position, the building will become a natural meeting point for clients, staff and visitors. In relation to the surrounding city, a delicate balance has been achieved – a beautiful, contemporary and well functioning building that integrates respectfully in the overall picture.
Sustainable case study
Thermoactive Hydronic Elements
In addition to developing a comprehensive and holistic sustainable strategy for each project, the Research & Development department at 3XN scans the marketplace and actively implements latest technologies and sustainable innovations into our projects. Developed through the Danish Technical University, and now a part of the curriculum, the implementation of the latest technologies in energy efficient heating and cooling of buildings for the headquarters of Middelfart Savings Bank has been viewed as groundbreaking. The method utilizes the mass and ability of concrete to adjust the room temperature by absorbing and releasing heat. The method is based upon pre-fabricated concrete decks with embedded plastic pipes.
Large Energy Savings
With these thermoactive concrete elements it is possible to reduce the energy consumption for heating by 30 percent and the energy consumption for cooling and mechanical ventilation by up to 85 percent; in total, an energy saving of 30-50 percent. This is due to the fact that the system allows for better use of alternative supply sources, i.e. the plant can operate as a lowtemperature floor heating system during winter, based upon heat-driven heat pumps, and during summer, the cool night air, soil tubes, ground water or sea water can be used for cooling.
The people
Architects: 3XN architectsLocation: Havnegade 21, Middelfart, Denmark
Client: Trekantens Ejendomsselskab A/S
Engineer: COWI
Landscape Architect: Schønherr
Award: 1. prize in invited competition 2005
Completion: 2010
Size: 5.000 m2
Prize: MIPIM
Photographs: Adam Mørk
