Obuhov office building | Tchoban Voss Architekten

In St. Petersburg, architects from nps tchoban voss, Berlin transformed a former hospital into a representative address for businesses. The main contribution to the image change of the Obuhov office building was made by the new curtain-wall facing of aluminium panels in gold-metal coating. To achieve this effect, the architects designed a three dimensional design inspired by water and waves which disperses the evenness of the façade. The embossed waves, which are up to five cm deep, allow for an interaction of light and shadow which enlivens the otherwise even, huge surface. The idea was to have this identifying brand mark of the building repeat itself in the semi-public interior areas. To achieve this, nps tchoban voss architects had the characteristic light reflexes of the façade elements photographed. Having been graphically enlarged and fit with machined contrasts, these photographs served as the motive for the digitally printed glass panels used in the entire lobby area as wall covering. The newly developed panels from OKALUX consist of toughened safety glass with OKACOLOR printing on the back which is fully bonded on medium-density fibreboard and then blind-mounted. The reflexes ensuing from the artificial lighting give the seamless surfaces additional deepness while at the same time rendering the edges in the room invisible. Thus, a very individual spaciousness is created; almost like the mirror cabinet at an amusement park.