National Distribution Control Building Competition
The building is coiled like a huge snake around the inner park (atrium) protecting the core of the structure, the pivot of the design. This linear sequence of spaces, articulates the several departments of the “Bord Gáis Networks – National Distribution Control Centre” towards the northern edge of the site, the one facing the highway. At this end the “head” of the snake arises so as to look at the traffic below, symbolizing the high spirit which someone acquires by training and education and at the same time, shaping a bright lighthouse on land, a panoramic landmark to pronounce the existence of “Bord Gáis Networks – National Distribution Control Centre”.
The building is coiled like a huge snake around the inner park (atrium) protecting the core of the structure, the pivot of the design. This linear sequence of spaces, articulates the several departments of the “Bord Gáis Networks – National Distribution Control Centre” towards the northern edge of the site, the one facing the highway. At this end the “head” of the snake arises so as to look at the traffic below, symbolizing the high spirit which someone acquires by training and education and at the same time, shaping a bright lighthouse on land, a panoramic landmark to pronounce the existence of “Bord Gáis Networks – National Distribution Control Centre”.
The first raw idea about this building was nothing but the image of a huge gas pipe that can be bent several times in order to form an office building and serve the company needs and the people using it. Just like the use of a real gas pipe, through which the gas company delivers its product and serves the community. The second symbolism of this scheme is a strong image of a huge snake facing the highway. The snake is a symbol of “mother earth” for many cultures, as it derives from it, like gas does. The sarcasm in this case is as we all know “there are no snakes in Ireland”. But maybe Ireland has got one after all.
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State |
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on drawing board |
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Owner |
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Bord Gáis Networks |
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Size |
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13000m2 |
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Location |
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DUBLIN, IRELAND |
This project refers to the design of a ground floor private residence with surrounding fencing, in the farm area of Epanomi (municipality of Thermaikos) which has a total area of 11557.50 sq.m. The ground floor house has been designed and developed based on the topographical details of the area . The building has visual engravings on the southwest, its entrance is located on the northeast and evolves around a outdoor living room. More specifically, the exterior seating area consists of a semi-outdoor area with a pergola, which includes the entrance to the house.
The main living spaces are located in the northwest part of the property. There is the kitchen with the dining room and the living room, as well as two bedrooms and a laundry space. To the southeast there are three guest bedrooms, one with a private bathroom and two with a shared one.
The external staircase located on the main patio leads to an outdoor seating area, which is designed on the roof, with a pergola. On the exterior space of the building one more pergola creates a shading system that serves the outdoor parking space. The outdoor space also hosts a hot tub, in connection to the master bedroom.
The central and connecting element of the composition is the atrium, from which there is access to the all the interior spaces. The design offers privacy where it is needed with large openings to the surrounding view.
