SSA Think! Green Manifesto

THINK!

Studio Seilern Architects

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STUDIO SEILERN ARCHITECTS

GREEN MANIFESTO

Studio Seilern Architects

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‘As architects, we are inventors, curators, and custodians of the cities of the future generations. The responsibility therefore lies within our work and our thought-process to think beyond legislations and guidelines.’ - Christina Seilern

Our sustainability manifesto has been written with the notion that in a world of global warming, pandemic, urban sprawl, overpopulation and food insecurity, we, as architects and citizens, must not just comply to a sustainability mantra, but must operate critically and evolve our thinking in the work that we do. Sustainability and wellbeing are intrinsically interconnected. Our work continually evolves in our attempt and our wish to work with nature, rather than against it.

At Studio Seilern, we aim to design for positive change through our ingenuity. We commit to make our projects exemplars of sustainable development every step of the way, from energy usage during construction and operation, to nature conservation and socioeconomical sustainability. We intend to do so by combining the most innovative technologies with systems inspired by nature. Our design decisions will continue to be driven by our passion and respect for nature and our desire to restore its equilibrium in order to achieve a more equitable future and demonstrate how environmental and social sustainability can generate commercial value.

This forms the basis of our sustainability manifesto, with the aim of continually evolving our thinking through research and reflection and applying that to the buildings we design.

Christina Seilern Principal Studio Seilern Architects

we are

contextualists

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nature

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

energy demands

Integrative Approach

Passive Design Features

we reduce the

of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

is an integral tool of our designs as a formal building material

Balance Between Nature & The Built Environment

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we create

active, safe, quiet and contemplative spaces

reuse, recycle and retrofit

materials and structures to achieve lower embodied carbon

that benefit the occupants’ health and wellbeing

Wellbeing & Social Value

Resilient Design

we create

commercial value and revenue with adaptable, multifunctional and low operating cost spaces

Economic Sustainability

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Restaurant Gutsch nature

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nature contextualists

Shenzen Andermatt Cultural House Concert Hall

Boksto 6

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

contextualists

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Integrative Approach

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Dubai Creek Harbour we are

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contextualists

Aiglon PAC

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Lekki Beach

Somerset House Auditorium Gota Dam El Gouna C.C.

Oak Cottage

Passive Design Features

Owest Apartments

nature

we reduce the

energy demands of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

is an integral tool of our designs as a formal building material

Balance Between Nature & The Built Environment

Wellbeing & Social Value

Hewer Street

active, safe, quiet commercial value and and contemplative revenue spaces with adaptable, multifunctional that benefit theand low operating occupants’ healthcost and spaces wellbeing

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commercial value and revenue with adaptable, multifunctional and low operating cost spaces

Resilient Design

Ras el-Tin

Ansdell Street

that benefit the occupants’ health and wellbeing

Albion Barn

materials and structures to achieve lower embodied carbon

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Oxpens 540 West 21st St.

Science City Prinz Eugenstrasse

KSI Geneva Jabi Lake reuse, recycle and retrofit

Shenzen Opera House

active, safe, quiet and contemplative spaces

KSI Rabat

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G.W Annenberg PAC

Economic Sustainability

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Ras el-Tin Opera exterior view

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we are

contextualists

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

We are contextualists and focus on: •

Finding contextual relevant solutions that are embodied in the project rather than an addon.

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Integrating local characteristics of the site. From landmarks to intimate residential spaces, our work embodies in-depth research of the synergetic interaction of architecture with nature, culture, ecology and society.

•

Researching the cultural needs of communities, we consider that sustainability and preservation of cultural identities are complimentary and adopt sustainable approaches based on the research of vernacular architectures.

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El Gouna under construction

EL GOUNA, EGYPT

Scope: Conference Centre & Concert Hall Area: 30,000 m²

• Adapting To Local Climatic Conditions

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El Gouna has a desert climate that can be described as subtropical

Given the hot Egyptian climate, we decided to create a shaded

and is characterised by a very dry and hot summer and is windy

perimeter colonnade around the entire building, placed in an

year-round. Creating comfortable outside public spaces, with

artificial lagoon, giving it its distinctive character. The colonnades

shading and integrated water features for cooling, was a key

are positioned in a staggered way to achieve maximum shading on

design principle from very early on.

both the plaza and the building.

Courtyard elevator

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commercial value and revenue with adaptable, multifunctional and low-on-operating costs spaces

BOKSTO 6, LITHUANIA

Scope: Mixed use (Spa, Offices, Residential, Chapel and Restaurant) Area: 13,265 m²

• Respect of Historical Fabric Out approach to the restoration of these buildings hinges on the

brickwork, they were inserted as part of an architectural feature

idea of not wanting to replicate or necessarily repair the existing

built as a separate element along the perimeter of the room,

fabric. Any contemporary insertions such as electrical services or

maintaining the untouched original Baroque vaults.

plumbing respects the historical fabric of the building following a ”box-in-box” approach. Rather than having these elements fitted in the existing walls, causing damage to the value of the original Studio Seilern Architects

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Exterior view

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GUTSCH RESTAURANT, SWITZERLAND Scope: Restaurant Area: GEA 860 m²

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Inspired by Vernacular Architecture

Made out of local stone and reflecting the silhouette of vernacular Swiss villages, Restaurant Gutsch caters for both the aesthetic and climatic challenges of this unique site. The wide opening offers panoramic views over the valley of Andermatt. Short construction phases and the difficult access to the site forced us to develop prefabricated system of modules, which will were mounted on site.

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Certification: Minergie

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Balconies view

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Prinz Eugenstrasse exterior view

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we are

contextualists

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

PASSIVE DESIGN FEATURES

we reduce the

energy demands of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

Our integrative passive designs explore: •

Innovative and strategic ways of restoring the balance between the built environment and nature.

•

The use of architectural archetypes such as light, materials and form to imagine timeless passive designs.

•

The use of local, low embodied carbon and healthy materials aiming for Net Embodied Carbon.

•

Technology and passive design features to reach optimum energy performance and facilitate relationships between people and their place.

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Boksto 6 under construction

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Sustainability strategy roof section

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BOKSTO 6, LITHUANIA

Scope: Mixed use (Spa, Offices, Residential, Chapel and Restaurant) Area: 13,265 m²

• •

Roof Strategy Geothermal Systems & Rainwater Collection

Our roof is a construction of vertical steel slats revealing areas

Due to the large area of the site and ample pitched roofs, a

of glazing underneath and allowing the roof openings to be

rainwater harvesting system is incorporated that will generate all

integrated into the roofing system. The glass and skylights are set

grey-water needs year-round. Because the complex consists of

behind the oxidised steel screen, and are only revealed through

both restoration and new build sitting on 7.6 acres site, ample land

the vertical arrangement.

area enables us to utilise earth-connected geothermal systems by installing ground source heating and cooling pipes.

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Exterior view of the tower

DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR, DUBAI Scope: Hotel & Serviced Apartments Area: 200,800 m² / 300m tall

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Design Services M&E Strategy

Our strategy has been developed based on a holistic, integrated

at ground floor level and low voltage vertical distribution to each

approach with simple and cost effective installation, an iconic

floor have also been integrated.

glazed facade which maximises daylight, reduces the risk of glare and minimises energy consumption. Additionally the use of intermediate plant rooms for ventilation, chilled water and domestic hot and cold water tanks, centralised transformer rooms Studio Seilern Architects

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Opera House exterior view

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Sustainability strategy diagram

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SHENZHEN OPERA HOUSE, CHINA Scope: Opera House Area: 222,000 m²

• Blue Infrastructure Strategies •

Renewable Energies

The lake provides storm water attenuation to minimise flood risk

water as possible on site. Electric

and stores rainwater as part of a rainwater recycling system.

the contribution from renewable PV generated electricity and

batteries

will

maximise

The large surface area of the lake will maximise an evaporative

photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate renewable electricity.

cooling effect on the water, stored as part of a low energy cooling

Heating and cooling will use electric chillers and heat pumps to

strategy and functions as a thermal store and heat rejection for

reduce emissions.

both heating and cooling. The design seeks to generate as much Studio Seilern Architects

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we are

contextualists

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

nature

we reduce the

energy demands of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

BALANCE BETWEEN NATURE & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

is an integral tool of our designs as a formal building material

Our projects draw inspiration from nature and more specifically we: •

Aim to use systems that originate from nature, such as recycling, desalination and evaporative cooling.

•

Are mindful from the outset and consider to have both a significant opportunity and a responsibility to protect, enhance and restore the world’s natural and social systems.

•

Design spaces that provide strong visual and physical connections between nature and the built environment contributing as a result, to the wellbeing of occupants.

•

Treat light and landscaping as building materials rather than just the ‘green stuff that surrounds buildings’.

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Primary school view

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contextualists

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

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KSI RABAT, MOROCCO

Scope: Primary & Secondary IB Schools Area: 7,118 m²

•

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Outdoor Spaces For Students

The provision for adequate outdoor sports facilities, informal

tree-lined avenue to the west of the site, an extension of this

and social spaces are as essential as the school buildings that

green heart for the school. The primary and secondary schools

occupy the site. The buildings form an acoustic buffer between

create a green buffer between the residential area to the east and

the neighbouring residential areas and the sports and play area.

the commercial area to the west. Forming the southern edge of

The latter has been placed as far away as possible, so as not to

the site, the primary school building curates a distinctive green

disturb the neighbourhood, while taking advantage of the green

architecture of raised gardens and extended balconies.

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contextualists

The auditorium exterior view

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

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energy demands natural characteristics of the site of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

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C.W. ANNENBERG PAC, UK Scope: Performance Arts Centre Area: Ph.1 2,262 m² Ph.2 3,512 m²

Certification: BREEAM Very Good

• Integration with the Natural & Historical Context The campus of Wellington College contains several listed buildings

Our scheme created a new Performing Arts Centre in place of the

and the landscaping was as important to the initial design of the

existing theatre, retaining some selected elements of the existing

institution as the form of the buildings themselves. Our approach

building. The bold circular design for the auditorium created an

was one of in-depth research of the site’s historical context, the

organic form which engages with and integrates directly into its

landscape and its contribution to the setting of these heritage

beautiful woodland setting.

assets.

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G.W. Annenberg Performing Arts Centre

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Exterior view of the apartments

OWEST APARTMENTS, EGYPT Scope: Multi-family apartments Area: 1,500 m²

•

Public & Private Green Spaces

The strong emphasis between interior and exterior spaces guides the design of the building, where the inhabitants can enjoy views of the park beyond while sitting on an enlarged terrace that is tucked in to create the maximum amount of privacy. Every apartment benefits from an extensively greened terrace as a series of floating gardens decorating and softening the façades of the building.

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we are

contextualists

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

we reduce the

energy demands of our buildings through strategic orientation and massing

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Exterior view of the undulating facades

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NEW SHENZHEN CULTURAL CENTRE, CHINA Scope: Cultural Centre Area: 83,000 m²

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Outdoor Social And Cultural Spaces

The layering of the buildings’ functions are organised around multiple outdoor spaces that can be used for exhibitions, performances and cultural interventions. Every building function has its own outdoor garden, where activities can occur in a shaded and cooled environment. An outdoor amphitheatre offers views to the city and mountains.

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Shenzhen Cultural Centre

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we create

active, safe, quiet and contemplative spaces that benefit the occupants’ health and wellbeing

WELLBEING & SOCIAL VALUE

m

We prioritise the health and wellbeing of occupants and the planet by: •

Creating interactive and inclusive spaces for social and cultural interactions.

•

Engaging natural surroundings and creating a continuous dialogue between outdoor public spaces and interiors, to create vibrant mixed used spaces.

•

Focusing on providing natural lighting and ventilation and prioritising the thermal and acoustic comfort of spaces.

•

Encouraging sustainable connectivity and transport through our designs.

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Ansdell roof sketch

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Ansdell exterior view

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ANSDELL, UK Scope: Office Area: 1,360 m²

•

Improvement of Natural Light & Natural Ventilation

The new façade incorporated additional commercial large scale

maximum control of their own environment for the building’s

windows to mitigate the lack of natural light. At ground level,

occupants, so that they could adjust their working environment

large warehouse type window openings with floor to ceiling

for their thermal and visual comfort. Good amenity spaces

height windows were introduced, giving the building a distinctive

differentiates our project from other typical office developments

character more reflective of its use. As opposed to a typical sealed

of this type in London.

office with homogeneous open plan environment, we provided 42

Certification: BREEAM Excellent

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contextualists

Balconies view

in that we integrate the cultural, social and natural characteristics of the site

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KSI GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Scope: Nursery, Primary & Secondary IB Schools Area: 7,000 m²

•

A Holistic And Nurturing Educational Facility

External areas have been allocated to sport, play and informal

the green central courtyard and the transparent volumes that sit

spaces that encourage social interaction. It is a new building and

on this level and enhance the experience of this park-within-the-

its geometry responds to the needs of the brief, the greenness

building.

of the site, site access, reduction of noise levels and complex planning codes. The ground level of the building merges into the landscape, and the floor follows the contours of the existing site, Studio Seilern Architects

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Hand sketch

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KSI Geneva section

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active, safe, quiet and contemplative spaces that benefit the occupants’ health and wellbeing

RESILIENT DESIGN

reuse, recycle and retrofit

materials and structures to achieve lower embodied carbon

We aim to implement resilient design strategies that: •

Emerge from our desire to envision flexible spaces which respond to future changes in society, lifestyle and adaption to climate change. ‘Flexibility of use’ and the impact this has on operational costs versus capital budget are at the core of our designs.

•

Emerge from our rigorous research of sustainable, local, ethically sourced materials which, combined with new technologies and our strong collaboration with experts, enable us to design resilient and adaptable spaces.

•

Aim for Whole Life Zero Carbon for our projects and we commit to prioritising the use of renewables appropriate to each project`s context.

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Exterior view

PRINZ EUGENSTRASS, VIENNA Scope: Residential Roof Extension Area: 6385 m²

•

Minimising Disruption in an Area

The project, a roof extension with penthouse apartments, prioritises economic, social and environmental wellbeing and aims to limit the disruption to the neighbourhood from construction works by choosing a pre-fabricated construction system with on-site assemblage.

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Interior view

Exterior view of the granite block

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reuse, recycle reuse, recycle reuse, recycle and retrofit andand retrofit retrofit

we create we create we create

active, safe, active, safe, quiet active, safe, quiet in that wein integrate the is an integral of our commercial value that antool integral tool of ourquiet commercial value commercial value in that we integrate the we integrate the an integral tool ofis our we reducewe thereduce is materials and structures materials and structures materials and structures the social andsocial and we reduce the designs as a formal cultural, designs as a formal and contemplative contemplative and contemplative cultural,cultural, social and designs as a and formal and revenue andand revenue revenue tolower achieve to achieve to achieve lowerlower demands energy demands characteristics of energy demands natural of energy building natural natural characteristics of characteristics building building spaces spaces spaces embodied carbon embodied carbon embodied carbon with adaptable, with adaptable, with adaptable, of our buildings of our buildings of our buildings the site the site the site material material material multifunctional multifunctional and and and that benefit multifunctional that benefit the that benefit the the through strategic through through strategicstrategic low-on-operating low-on-operating costscostscosts occupants’ low-on-operating occupants’ health andhealth occupants’ health and and orientation and and orientation and orientation spaces spaces wellbeing spaces wellbeing wellbeing massing massing massing

GOTA DAM, EAST AFRICA Scope: Private house Area: 1,500 m²

•

Reuse of Material Waste

All the granite that was excavated on site was reused in order to fabricate the sinks and gutters of the house. Due to economical challenges, all materials had to be sourced locally apart from specialist items such as the glass and roof waterproofing. As contextualists, we adapted our ethos and design to the local conditions of the project.

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Reuse of excavated granite as a cladding material for Gota Dam

Gota Dam excavation area

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Natural light coming from the roof merges interior and exterior

Studio Seilern Architects

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The courtyard

we we we we are reuse, recycle reuse, recycle reuse, recycle we create we create we create we create contextualists we create naturewe create and retrofit retrofit retrofit active, safe, quiet andand active, safe, quiet active, safe, quiet in that we integrate the is an integral toolcommercial of ourvalue value commercial commercial value materials and structures materials structures we reduce the and materials and structures cultural, social and designs as a formal and contemplativeto achieve and contemplative and contemplative and revenue and revenue and revenue tolower achieve to achieve lowerlower energy demands natural characteristics of building spaces spaces spaces embodied carbon embodied carbon embodied carbon with adaptable, with adaptable, with adaptable, of our buildings the site material multifunctional multifunctional and and and that benefit the strategic multifunctional that benefit the that benefit the through low-on-operating low-on-operating costscostscosts occupants’ and and low-on-operating occupants’ health andhealth occupants’ health and orientation spaces spaces wellbeing massing spaces wellbeing wellbeing

OXPENS APARTHOTEL, UK Scope: Masterplan (Aparthotel) Area: 12,051 m²

•

The Ground Floor as An Urban Living Room

The Oxpens Aparthotel is designed to fulfill the many and diverse

in the evenings. Though the privacy of the upstairs bedrooms

needs of a vibrant new community. Central to this is the drive to

will remain, the ground floor will open up to the public as an urban

offer a range of ways in which the building is used, always on the

plaza. The sustainability of the building is critical, with the stated

basis that the communal spaces are inclusive and open to all. The

aim that it should achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

ground floor will be an open and flowing space, providing a place to work and think during the day and a space to relax with a drink 52

Exterior view

we are

we are

we are

contextualists contextualists contextualists

we we we

we create we create we create nature nature nature

reuse, recycle reuse, recycle reuse, recycle and retrofit andand retrofit retrofit

we create we create we create

active, safe, active, safe, quiet active, safe, quiet in that wein integrate the is an integral of our commercial value that antool integral tool of ourquiet commercial value commercial value in that we integrate the we integrate the an integral tool ofis our we reducewe thereduce is materials and structures materials and structures materials and structures the social andsocial and we reduce the designs as a formal cultural, designs as a formal and contemplative contemplative and contemplative cultural,cultural, social and designs as a and formal and revenue andand revenue revenue tolower achieve to achieve to achieve lowerlower demands energy demands characteristics of energy demands natural of energy building natural natural characteristics of characteristics building building spaces spaces spaces embodied carbon embodied carbon embodied carbon with adaptable, with adaptable, with adaptable, of our buildings of our buildings of our buildings the site the site the site material material material multifunctional multifunctional and and and that benefit multifunctional that benefit the that benefit the the through strategic through through strategicstrategic low-on-operating low-on-operating costscostscosts occupants’ low-on-operating occupants’ health andhealth occupants’ health and and orientation and and orientation and orientation spaces spaces wellbeing spaces wellbeing wellbeing massing massing massing

EL GOUNA, EGYPT

Scope: Conference Centre & Concert Hall Covered Area: 9,700 m²

• •

Water Cycle - Zero Energy Artificial Lagoon Material Reuse

The new 30,000 m2 lagoon is a gravity-based system, supplied

reduce the number of typologies needed for the precast elements,

from existing saline water wells that discharge back to the Red

helping to speed up the process by using the minimum number of

Sea. Rather than relying on mechanical pumps, using the existing

moulds necessary to create the colonnades, which were reused.

natural water system as a source was the preferred environmental design approach. For the monumental colonnade, the modularity of the construction system was very important. We managed to Studio Seilern Architects

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Oxpens Aparthotel view from the street

Studio Seilern Architects

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we

we create

active, safe, quiet and contemplative spaces

reuse, recycle and retrofit

materials and structures to achieve lower embodied carbon

that benefit the occupants’ health and wellbeing

6. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY 56

we create

commercial value and revenue with adaptable, multifunctional and low operating cost spaces

We believe that economic and social sustainability cannot be looked at separately and so: •

The ability to assess what are the key components to the success of a project and finding a balance between pragmatic and visionary architectural approaches is something that we address early on.

•

Our commitment to sustainability drives innovation, resilience, risk reduction and provides attractive project life cycle returns on investment.

•

Our goal is to achieve a Sustainable Life Cycle Cost for our projects by measuring along with overall running costs, energy, management and maintenance costs as well as the added value of the sustainable outcomes of our designs.

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Andermatt Concert Hall interior view

Studio Seilern Architects

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Performance space interior view

EL GOUNA, EGYPT

Scope: Conference Centre & Concert Hall Covered Area: 9,700 m²

•

Rigorous Value Engineering & High Design Standards

By following a rigorous value engineering process we examined each design element for the project in order to reduce its budget from £45million to £30million. This was achieved through a robust series of value-engineering exercises throughout the design process which helped the user, the client and the design team to prioritise the essential from the less essential, without jeopardising 60

our high design standards.

we we we we are we are reuse, recycle reuse, recycle reuse, recycle we are we create we nature create we create we create we create we create contextualists nature contextualists contextualists natureactive, and retrofit commercial andand retrofit retrofit active, safe, safe, quiet active, safe, quiet in that wein integrate the is an integral of our that antool integral tool of ourquiet commercial value value commercial value in that we integrate the we integrate the an integral tool ofis our we reducewe thereduce is materials and structures materials and structures the materials and structures social andsocial and we reduce the designs as a formal cultural, designs as a formal and contemplative contemplative and contemplative cultural,cultural, social and designs as a and formal and revenue andand revenue revenue tolower achieve to achieve to achieve lowerlower demands energy demands characteristics of energy demands natural of energy building natural natural characteristics of characteristics building building spaces spaces spaces embodied carbon embodied carbon embodied carbon with adaptable, with adaptable, with adaptable, of our buildings of our buildings of our buildings the site the site the site material material material multifunctional multifunctional and and and that benefit multifunctional that benefit the that benefit the the through strategic through through strategicstrategic low-on-operating low-on-operating costscostscosts occupants’ low-on-operating occupants’ health andhealth occupants’ health and and orientation and and orientation and orientation spaces spaces wellbeing spaces wellbeing wellbeing massing massing massing

Before

After

we we we we are we are reuse, recycle reuse, recycle reuse, recycle we are we create we nature create we create we create we create we create contextualists nature contextualists contextualists natureactive, and retrofit commercial andand retrofit retrofit active, safe, safe, quiet active, safe, quiet in that wein integrate the is an integral of our that antool integral tool of ourquiet commercial value value commercial value in that we integrate the we integrate the an integral tool ofis our we reducewe thereduce is materials and structures materials and structures the materials and structures social andsocial and we reduce the designs as a formal cultural, designs as a formal and contemplative contemplative and contemplative cultural,cultural, social and designs as a and formal and revenue andand revenue revenue tolower achieve to achieve to achieve lowerlower demands energy demands characteristics of energy demands natural of energy building natural natural characteristics of characteristics building building spaces spaces spaces embodied carbon embodied carbon embodied carbon with adaptable, with adaptable, with adaptable, of our buildings of our buildings of our buildings the site the site the site material material material multifunctional multifunctional and and and that benefit multifunctional that benefit the that benefit the the through strategic through through strategicstrategic low-on-operating low-on-operating costscostscosts occupants’ low-on-operating occupants’ health andhealth occupants’ health and and orientation and and orientation and orientation spaces spaces wellbeing spaces wellbeing wellbeing massing massing massing

ANDERMATT CONCERT HALL, SWITZERLAND Scope: Concert Hall Area: 2341 m²

•

Certification: Minergie

Revenue Generating Component of the Local Hotel

Andermatt Concert Hall overcame many limitations to create an

generating component for local hotels and an enviable music

unexpected space, with the project innovatively transforming

facility for the city`s music festival.

an existing underground space that was originally intended to be used for conventions and events for nearby hotels, into a world-class performance venue. In doing so, the 663-seat, £13 million Andermatt Concert Hall has become a key revenue Studio Seilern Architects

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Ras el-Tin masterplan sketch

The Anfushi bridge for Ra el-Tin

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Green Manifesto Studio Seilern Architects 24 Scrubs Lane London NW10 6RA T +44 (0)20 8969 2567 info@studioseilern.com www.studioseilern.com Copyright Š 2020 by Studio Seilern Architects All rights reserved.

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