Heritage as resource

UAUIM - Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning

Project idea

The idea was to refurbish and extend an historical monument located in the central part of the Bucharest, in a very meaningful and old area. The purpose function is a medium-sized architectural office of round 40 persons.The extension follows a minimalist approach that makes a neutral background for the old building.The skin of the extension matches different layers of transparency while titanium canopy floats above the old building where a green roof was purposed as a relaxing area with a spectacular view towards the roofs of the old city.

Project description

The old building hosts managers offices, meeting rooms and public spaces with exhibition area, a small cafeteria and a common place for relaxing activities. The extension wing contains the design offices, the model area and all related functions.
The public access was capt in the old building in the ground-floor area while the stuff and personnel use a separate access in the extension basement, through a new recessed courtyard. The historical stair is capt to connect the spaces both old and new.

Technical information

The extension has a light metal structure with a U-Glass/aluminium frame windows skin.
The historical building is consolidated with concrete elements due to seismic reasons while the basement of the extension is a solid concrete box.
the old building is not insulated using the thermal activated mass of the thick masonry walls while all the wood carpentry was preserved with traditional windows. In addition, the extension is highly insulated, has enhanced natural light autonomy and thermal activated slabs for heating and cooling.
A sustainable approach was followed with a rain water harvesting system for indoor use, heat pumps for heating and cooling and heat recovery ventilation as a statement for enhanced indoor comfort.

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