Location | Tongeren |
Start and end year | 1992-1995 |
Builder | SKF European Distribution Centre |
Website | www.skf.com |
Building type | Distribution centre |
Status | Completed |
In collaboration | Technum |
SKF is world wide leading manufacturer of bearings, with more than 80 production units over 5 continents.
It was important to SKF that the new project of a European Distribution Center showed a public visibility. The architecture should have the expression of a high technology and refinement, and at the same time wear a sober elegance in the function of warehouse.
Clearly visible for passing travelers along the nearby highway are the large inclined windows in the façade of the low bay warehouse, ending in circles at the bottom and on top. At the roof level they are continued in half cylindrical daylights.
They are a symbol of dynamics and movement, and can also be seen as a large zoom-in view of the detail of a bearing.
The impression of lightness and technology of the office building part was obtained through a light grey continuous steel porch structure in front of the facade, also acting with its laufer floors as sunscreen above the windows.
The later added high bay automated warehouse has an independent steel structure, and its volume finishing shows the same dynamic and expressive look.