Matrix Beyond Bronze Kantoargebou Renovaasje

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project reimagines the Seagram Building by superimposing a 45-degree grid onto its modernist framework, creating a double-skin facade that enhances energy efficiency while preserving its heritage, with triangular wellness spaces in between. Added structures transform the office space into adaptable zones, serving as storage, partitions, and stairs that redefine the open-plan layout. The design prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and a forward-thinking workplace vision.

Dimensions & Packaging

The Seagram Building’s vertical structure and facade remain intact, while every other concrete floor and beams are replaced with a CLT system, integrating with the existing frame, ensuring vertical and lateral stability. The void between CLT and the original structure conceals a retrofitted mechanical system, optimizing energy efficiency and space utilization. This approach enhances functionality, sustainability, and allows the upgrades to happen without altering the building’s historic exterior.

Tags

Building Renovation, Workplace, Co-working Space, Modular Design, Sustainable Design

Production Technology

The facade retrofit employs a modular CLT and double-glazed curtain wall system, ensuring precision, reduced waste, and efficient on-site assembly. Sustainably sourced timber provides structural integrity and warmth, while high-performance glazing enhances insulation. The directional facade strategy and Integrated blinds offer additional shading, reducing energy demand. The modular approach allows seamless integration with the existing structure, preserving heritage while upgrading thermal and spatial efficiency.

Design Challenge

The greatest challenge was balancing modern sustainability with the Seagram Building’s historic integrity. The rigid modernist grid conflicted with the need for a workplace suggested by latest researches that value boundaries as a tool for productivity and well-being. The solution emerged by superimposing a 45-degree grid, introducing modular storage partition units and an inner facade system. This approach preserved the original aesthetic while enhancing building energy performance and redefining spatial boundaries as a positive element that enhances workplace quality.

Research

This research explores building energy efficiency, workplace design through post-pandemic shifts, and spatial psychology. It aims to provide a scalable strategy to transform heritage office buildings with improved sustainability and workers' well-being. Using case studies, simulations, and expert interviews, data was collected on improved building energy performance with added inner facade system, and altered office behavior with partitions. Testing modular partition of different plans and openness revealed how structured boundaries enhance focus and productivity, providing a direction for future workplace design.

Inspiration

The Seagram Building, a modernist icon, embodies minimalist elegance but reflects a time when energy efficiency was secondary. It highlights the challenge of adapting heritage buildings to modern performance standards and evolving workplace needs, especially post-pandemic. Open-plan offices, once symbols of collaboration, now face criticism for lacking personal boundaries. How can we honor modernist architecture while meeting today’s demand for sustainable, human-centered office spaces?

Project Duration

Future project in New York City

Operation Flow

Added structures serve as staggered partitions and storage walls, balancing fluid movement and the creation of spatial boundaries while redefining the open-plan layout. They form diverse work zones, integrating reception, meeting spaces, a library, a refreshment lounge, and staircases to foster interaction. Integrated AR/MR systems amplify collaboration, enabling seamless interaction between physical and remote virtual spaces.