Play of water & light

Responding to that, the new boat/club house has been designed as a cube containing a play of water and light: an amorphous concrete load-bearing structure encased in a glass envelope. In the load-bearing structure one recognizes the ring patterns of a water surface in motion, while the semi-transparent glass facade is decorated with a microscopically fine, irregular wave pattern. This layered facade design turns the interior into a special experience, a 'kaleidoscope of the surroundings', to quote the architects. Outside, the reflection of sunlight on water and of water on the glass facade strengthens the suggestion of movement invoked by the facade.

Located right next to the boat moorings, the building also acts as a round-the-clock beacon, so an artificial lighting plan was required. Working with lighting manufacturer Zumtobel, Baumschlager-Eberle developed a special LED lighting for ceiling and facade, which causes the building to change colour and lights up the undulating construction behind the glass. (Kirsten Hannema)