UNStudio creates transparent work environment at mirai house

UNStudio creates transparent work environment at ‘mirai house‘
photos by christian richters and rick geenjaar
all images courtesy of UNStudio

designed by amsterdam-based architecture firm, UNStudio, the ‘mirai house’ employs a high performance skin dynamically framed in white to unify the three functions of astellas’ headquarters in leiden, the netherlands. consisting of six storeys of offices and laboratories, and a large entrance lobby, each programmatic element has its own segment of the building encircling the central courtyard. speaking to the company’s heritage, the garden is informed by traditional enclosed japanese landscaping. the importance of visual connection among the functions, open communication, a transparent work environment, and sufficient daylighting is emphasized by the extensive use of glass in the facade and skylights at the lower levels.
 

the building’s form is designed maximize daylight and visual connection among its three main functions

the sustainable building is supported with a lightweight aluminum structure, allowing for less material to be used in the foundation. sun exposure is limited by low-e coatings and the extensive use of shading. at the southern facade lamellas extend 20 to 30 cm from the building, but at the east and west facades they are only 4 cm deep. these brie soleil also serve an aesthetic function, adding color to the facade in the palette of manga animation films. above, 90 cm roof parapets also serve to reduce heat load and block penthouses from view. overall energy usage is further diminished by the green roof at the entrance, and an underground storage system.

(left): the white aluminum panels frame three building sections in a single unifying gesture
(right): sunshades ranging in size from 4 to 30 cm wrap the glass skin; adding color to facade, the hues of pink and green were informed by japanese manga animations

the central garden is based on traditional japanese landscaping

the courtyard is visible from all parts of the building.
(left): as seen from the restaurant roof terrace
(right) viewed from the lobby

collaborative meeting space

lounge, mail and locker area

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project info:

client: G&S vastgoed
location: bio science park, leiden, nl
area: offices approx. 11,200 m2. laboratories approx. 5,500 m2.  parking places 300.
site: 11270 m2, built 3921 m2
programme:  offices and laboratories
design: 2009
realisation: 2012
photos: christian richters and rick geenjaar
UNstudio design team: ben van berkel, caroline bos, gerard loozekoot with erwin horstmanshof and jörg petri, nanang santoso, sander schuur, ramon van der heijden, rikjan scholten, filippo lodi, imola berczi, peter irmscher, patrik noome
advisors:
construction: vd vorm engineering
installations: techniplan adviseurs (TPA)
contractor: G&S bouw
landscape: kees tolk ontwerp
interior: procore – arnold schoordijk