CHYBIK + KRISTOF designs research center of modular architecture

in collaboration with KOMA modular, CHYBIK + KRISTOF has designed a research center of modular architecture in the czech republic. developed as a place to challenge and explore new ways of building with modules, the architects have focused on creating organic shapes as opposed to the typical rectangular construction of modular architecture. planned for completion in 2020, the project is located on KOMA’s production site and forms part of a larger masterplan for the leading manufacturing company.

image courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF, LAN render

for the new center, CHYBIK + KRISTOF has taken leave from the typical modular structures that consist of right-angled units placed side by side. the scheme is instead comprised of a variety of spatial modules that are levelled onto the flooring modules, which are anchored to the foundation. both types of modules then function as columns, allowing them to hold the roof and form a continuous main space. in between these elements, glazed surfaces are employed to bring in an abundance of natural light from every angle, with the addition of two skylights to create a comfortable work environment.

image courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF, LAN render

the center, which is situated in KOMA modular‘s production grounds, is also designed to be adaptable to the needs of engineers and guest researchers. featuring 12 individual work stations and a main space for collaborative research projects, the building will serve as a flexible space for developing new ideas in modular constructions and a think-tank for the KOMA modular factory. the open, shared central space will be spatially organized and segmented to avoid negative aspects of large open space offices, maintaining a collaborative community with a fluid structure.

image courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF

the research center forms part of a greater masterplan that includes an entrance and a public area for the factory. this area is created around a triangular courtyard with lush greenery and a multifunctional amphitheater. two sides of the courtyard are defined by previously completed projects between CHYBIK + KRISTOF and KOMA: the employee cafeteria completed in 2013 and the reassembled EXPO pavilion that was originally built in 2015 in milan, which now functions as an administrative building. as a site that integrates the needs of both employees and visitors, the new center intends to go beyond a manufacturing site and become a place for research and innovation.

image courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF

founding architect of CHYBIK + KRISTOF, michal krištof, comments, ‘during our experience working with KOMA, we came to understand both the possibilities and limitations of modular architecture. each project brought new challenges and improvements. with the new research center, we wanted to push the spatial possibilities of modular architecture even further.’