MacIver-Ek Chevroulet+ALIAS
Barbastella lands smoothly on the sloped site. Under her two large wings, a choreography of trucks unfolds.
The project consists of two thermal zones: a compact heated inner core hosting offices, workshops and technical areas, which is surrounded by tempered hangars acting as a thermal buffer. When the large hanging doors open, the entire envelope of the building lifts up, removing the threshold between the inside and outside, thus ensuring a barrier-free circulation – the socalled logistic landscape.
The solar panel roof generates enough energy to heat the building as well as to produce the hydrogen fuel for the vehicles. Also the considerable surface collects enough rainwater for the daily cleaning of the trucks.
The surplus seeps smoothly into the soil. Just below the roof, the spaces for the staff are accommodated with a spectacular view onto the logistic landscape and direct access to the outdoor courtyards, which naturally illuminate the interior spaces.
Barbastella’s compact inner core, flanked by expansive hangars, showcases an approach to efficient logistics while prioritizing a sustainable architecture in a constant dialogue with its surroundings.
Authors: MacIver-Ek Chevroulet+ALIAS.
Engineer: Dr. Ole Ohlbrock.
Website: maciverekchevroulet.ch + alias.ooo
Location: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Year: 2023
Competition: Competition for a mountain road maintenance center.
Prize: 4th prize.