FROM THE ARCHITECTS DRAWING
When Convex, the leaders in sustainable packaging, wanted to bring their team together in the same building for the first time, the focus was on workflow efficiencies and teamwork. The new building design would have to add to this goal. Both the interior and exterior.
How the exterior can impact occupant productivity and wellbeing is well documented, if a little underappreciated for the most part. Controlling the amount of solar gain and glare can have a pronounced effect on occupant comfort and even the addition of seemingly shallow and small window eyebrows can be enough to cast a larger shadow in the right places inside.
In the case of Convex, the addition of a custom dapple window surround consisting of two layers, not only offered shading benefits for the interior, but it also uses the moire effect to create a subtly changing exterior aesthetic that reflects the vibrancy of teamwork.
TO DESIGN REALITY
A double layer of Insol dapple© perforated aluminium screening is used to box and surround glazing on the first level, to the north and east elevations. 750mm deep, 29.5m long and 3.8m high, the perforated 3mm sheets are finished in a Duratec powdercoat finish and affixed to the aluminium support structure.
The dapple screening diffuses the light when the sun sits at its most troublesome angles, casting a deep shadow into the building. This dappled interior light is practical enough to reduce the sun intensity and glare, and enchanting enough to lift the mood with its movement and life.
An extra bit of dappled magic can be seen on the screens themselves and in the shadows they cast on the exterior of the building. The double layering of dapple patterns created a moire pattern that shifts and changes with the passing of time. It transfixes the gaze, adding a dynamic finishing touch to a building that blends simplicity with substance.
