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Architecture
For Better
Architects
Station Hill Building
The Station Hill project represents a design proposal for the redevelopment of Reading town center in the United Kingdom. The primary objective of this project is to create a multifunctional building that incorporates a variety of spaces with distinct characteristics and purposes, ranging from commercial and public facilities to residential functions. Positioned as a visionary masterpiece, this design aims to transcend the notion of a conventional building, transforming it into a new economic hub that revitalizes and rejuvenates the economy of Reading City Center. In essence, the project encompasses a blend of commercial functions, public amenities, and residential units. The building itself spans five floors, with the residential units occupying the fourth and fifth levels. The overarching design philosophy centers around the dynamic principle, emphasizing the integration of diverse functions and their harmonious coexistence within a single structure.
Location
Reading, UK
Year
2021
Project
Mixed Use
Area:
2300m²
Design Team
AFB Architects
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The design concept underlying this proposal is grounded in three fundamental principles. The first principle involves the utmost regard for the surrounding neighborhoods and ensuring a harmonious integration with the existing architectural fabric. Secondly, the design aims to establish a vibrant and dynamic environment by employing a fluid and cohesive form that maximizes the potential of the site layout. The third principle entails a strong focus on sustainability, where the utilization of environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials aligns seamlessly with the sustainability vision upheld by the City of Reading.
In terms of functional organization, the building's design adopts a vertical division of its functions. The first, second, and third floors are dedicated to public activities, encompassing an array of diverse and dynamic functions, including commercial ventures alongside other public activities. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth floors are exclusively allocated for residential purposes, distinctly separated from the lower three levels, with separate entrances on the sides of the building. This design proposition contributes to stimulating the economy of Reading's city center by introducing mixed-use elements. At the same time, the proposal incorporates a number of residential units on the upper floors, aligning with the primary objective of creating an active urban hub that accommodates both commercial and residential functions. The architectural form of the building is defined by the intersection of two rectangles at the corner, resulting in a unified shape. These corners are thoughtfully softened, imparting a sense of dynamism and facilitating flexible and versatile internal spaces suitable for various uses.
Regarding the building system, the construction concept of the building was fundamentally derived from the utilization of precast concrete within its structural construction system. In terms of facade coverings, the building predominantly employed wood as the primary material for enveloping the exterior, as it offers environmentally friendly and sustainable attributes, further enhancing the building's overall specifications. Consequently, this establishment significantly embodies dynamism, not only in terms of its design and form but also with regards to its performance capabilities.
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