Megatrends in Architecture

Only those who operate sustainably will be able to reap the long-term rewards – it was this statement, made by Hans-Karl von Carlowitz back in 1713, which he used to justify a megatrend that today shapes almost all the areas of our lives. While his idea of sustainability, dating back some 300 years ago, only referred to forestry, this idea has since become a general guiding principle for political, economic and ecological action.

Green building or ecological construction has become a megatrend; sustainably-designed buildings illustrate the move towards a sustainable life and a new building culture. Established ideas of conventional building types are being tested. Buildings which independently and sustainably produce energy with nature’s help are now conceivable. The equal partnership of architecture and nature is still a vision but, in light of the sustainability debate, quite possibly not just a pipe dream!

In addition, buildings with the charismatic RHEINZINK titanium zinc appearance are being constructed all over the world, and are being awarded with appropriate ecological labels. For example, the principles of sustainability and ecology were the focus of the developers of a research building at the University of Nottingham. The so-called RAD building presents a combination of the features of the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) sustainability measures and a passive house. BREEAM is an evaluation system for the ecological and socio-cultural aspects of buildings’ sustainability, whereas the passive house construction method offers a high level of comfort for the user/s and requires little energy for heating and cooling. The decision to clad the façade with RHEINZINK titanium zinc was made due to the sustainability advantages of natural materials which are able to do justice to the high demands of ecological house construction.

Modern, minimalist with lots of space to ’be’ – the form language of Scandinavian architecture is based on unassuming functionality. The central theme is the aesthetic concentration on the essential. Bright, clear and tidy, the northern design seems to satisfy the longing for simplicity in the seemingly ever more complicated world of today. The reductionist effect does not, however, feel cold or unapproachable, but quite the contrary, it feels warm and approachable, thanks to the use of natural materials such as wood.

The Scandinavian flair in architecture is inspired by clear fjords and endless forests. Sustainable products with a long service-life, such as wood from native forests, in combination with natural materials, like RHEINZINK, create a construct in which aesthetics, minimalism and functionality work harmoniously together. They form a design unit which represents a natural modernity. The extremely durable and resilient material is also interesting from an ecological perspective. More than 95% of the titanium zinc can be recycled without generating environmentally-damaging residues and with very low energy consumption.

The rapid growth of cities conceals many challenges which not only open up the urbanisation megatrend, but also new perspectives. In the second part of this series, we take a look at the urban life of the future which unities the potentials of nature and technology, for example, green facades improve air quality and regulate temperature, whilst smart buildings generate energy. The higher quality-of-life in cities is also expressed in the emotional quality of the buildings. With the colourful PRISMO und artCOLOR surface ranges, RHEINZINK is contributing to an urban, dynamic aesthetic which effectively complements the new green of the cities. However, absolutely in keeping with sustainability are also the various combination options of RHEINZINK titanium zinc with natural materials, such as wood or façade greening.

The RHEINZINK-PRISMO semi-transparent surface combines richness of colour with the naturalness of the material, whose zinc structure can be detected under the colour. Buildings thus attract attention and yet naturally still blend into their surroundings. A unique look is created which lives and depicts nature. In a harmonious combination with natural materials such as wood, RHEINZINK-PRISMO, in six impressive colours, lends every project that special something.

In addition, roofs and façades can be clad with RHEINZINK-artCOLOR in attractive colour compositions which convinces both visually and functionally convincing. The coloured accents liven up every building and give it a unique appearance. An example of this is the Mühlenwiesenzentrum in Bietigheim-Bissingen – this gleaming gold building stands out from its surroundings and can be seen, even from a distance, as a modern shopping centre due to its attractive metal façade. Over the glass entrance area, there is a dark façade which, in combination with the pearl-golden titanium zinc rhombi, creates an exciting contrast. UV-resistant and durable, thanks to a high-quality PVDF-coating, RHEINZINK-artCOLOR opens up contemporary and effective design possibilities for the city of tomorrow to architects, planners, craftsmen and building-owners.

The availability of building land is finite and it therefore makes sense to re-densify the existing urban fabric and make even better use of the existing infrastructure. This opens up opportunities for contemporary urban development and architecture to successively optimise space – this does, however, entail great responsibility towards the residents, nature and, of course, the environment. Density is a paradoxical expression; in the cities, it is associated with vitality and urbanity, but also a lack of space, which can cause stress. Moderate planning which considers city-specific building forms and the individual culture during redevelopment and redensification leads to successful renewal from within.

The conversion of buildings or former factory sites into attractive residential areas is an essential aspect of efficient space utilisation – it breathes new life into urban architecture. However, converted buildings do not always have to be restored in a particular style. The combining of historical and contemporary elements offers property developers, designers and planners a variety of creative possibilities. Furthermore, a building’s function can be completely redefined.

A successful realisation can be found in Vienna. Here, a former shoe factory, dating back to the 1920s, was extended with a clear, cubic construction which, due to its clarity and simple structure, harmonises beautifully with the existing industrial building. The architectural concept was based on the idea of bringing the ‘New York loft feeling at its best’ to Vienna – this has resulted in the creation of bright and spacious apartments.

The two-storey extension was a solid construction (reinforced concrete) with a rear ventilated façade. The architects favoured a vibrant, metallic cladding for the design in order to pick up not just on the industrial character, but also to maintain a contrast to the existing building. The decision was made in favour of RHEINZINK titanium zinc prePATINA, blue-grey, as this material naturally weathers and, due to its protective patina, is nearly maintenance-free throughout its entire service life.

The desire for self-determination affects our working life, just as it does our leisure activities. Fresh and contemporary concepts are needed for this individualisation of lifestyles, concepts which meet these demands and the changed living culture. As the expression of individual personality, the home has become significantly more important and should optimise the own living environments both functionally and emotionally. The following impressive views and insights into very special dreams of living which developers have fulfilled, together with RHEINZINK, perfectly reflect the individualisation megatrend.

A combined workshop and showroom in Kißlegg (Allgäu) links the two spheres of culture and craftsmanship in an uncomplicated way; the plumber’s workshop and showroom areas are located in a former stable building. The building extension was given a completely handcrafted rhombic façade whose design language emphasises the cubic character of the modern addition whilst, at the same, creating the ideal link to the historic plumber’s workshops at the base of the building. The individual special feature of the rhombi is the sculptural laying pattern. The upper rhomboid, in each case, has a tilt-back edge which engages with the front edge of the row below, thus creating a striking texture. This classic principle was individually further developed for the vertical connection of the rhombi – at the sides, the rhombi engage in cap profiles which are fixed to the battens and ensure that the vertical joints are rainproof. This special way of laying the tiles creates a varied, but always three-dimensional view from every angle which, with the different position of the sun, sets the scene for the respective shadows cast.

The conversion of a summer house into a stylish residential oasis, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, is another aesthetic example of an individual construction style using RHEINZINK. Here, first and foremost, the needs of the owner – an athlete, mother and entrepreneur – were taken into consideration, thus creating a very personal retreat for rest and relaxation. A characteristic feature of the two-storey building is the RHEINZINK titanium zinc sheeting which surrounds the façade and continues up to over the roof. The soffit and the inner sides of the façade of the shade-providing, projecting roof are completely made of wood. The variety of possible combinations of RHEINZINK with natural materials, such as wood, is the expression of an individuality which perfectly combines sustainability and style.