The Maximino Martinez Commons appartement building at the University of California, Berkeley, remains a benchmark in innovative and sustainable design even after a decade. Created by Behnisch Architekten and EHDD, this vibrant student residence provides accommodation for 416 students and demonstrates an exemplary blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Harmonious Material Combination

The building’s facade features robust FC aluminium profiles (Type FC 30/500 x 1.2) with a PVDF coating in eight vibrant colours, complemented by warm timber elements. This material synergy creates an inviting and dynamic aesthetic. The aluminium profiles ensure stability and weather resistance, while the timber adds warmth and natural appeal. This blend of cool metal and warm wood results in a visually appealing and functional living environment.

To the reference page of the project

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability was at the core of the design. Natural ventilation and lighting minimize energy consumption, promoting a healthy living environment. Strategically placed windows and ventilation openings ensure the spaces are well-ventilated and illuminated year-round, reducing the need for artificial lighting and climate control. This not only saves energy but also minimizes the building’s environmental footprint. Recyclable materials were used throughout, underscoring the commitment to sustainability.

Prime Location

Situated in Berkeley, California, the residence offers an ideal setting for students. Proximity to the university and integration into a landscaped garden create a pleasant living atmosphere. Students benefit from the green surroundings, which are easily accessible on foot or by bike. The location fosters a sense of community and offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Technical Excellence

Air Systems installed the facades, with straight profiles and a robust PVDF coating ensuring longevity and weather resistance. The aluminium profiles were specifically chosen to withstand California’s extreme weather conditions, while the PVDF coating provides additional protection and minimizes maintenance costs. The facade installation was executed with precision, ensuring all elements fit seamlessly and present an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

Community and Urban Development

The residence enhances community spirit and contributes to urban development by offering inspiring living spaces. Communal areas and multifunctional rooms strengthen social interaction among students. Additionally, the building enhances the urban landscape and serves as a model for future sustainable projects in the region. Its innovative architecture and thoughtful design set new standards for student housing and promote sustainable urban development.

Conclusion

The Maximino Martinez Commons stands as a paradigm of modern, sustainable construction. The innovative material selection and comprehensive environmental strategy make it a notable example of contemporary architecture. It beautifully combines aesthetics and functionality, illustrating how sustainable design and advanced construction techniques can be harmonized. This project not only benefits the students of U.C. Berkeley but also serves as an inspiration for architects globally.

Celebrating 20 Years of the “Grand National Theatre Beijing”

Since opening up to the western world, China, the most populous country on Earth, has not only attracted western industrial firms but has also transformed the face of many major cities. Increasingly, buildings designed by international architects are emerging, marking the entry into a new epoch.

Twenty years ago, the Chinese government invested in a spectacular project that has since become a venue for opera, theater, and concert performances of international stature. The budget amounted to around 31 million euros. The opera house, located opposite the Forbidden City and in close proximity to the National Assembly, is designed in the form of a giant metal dome placed in the middle of a pond. The freestanding giant clamshell made of aluminum and titanium was completed in December 2004 and has since gained international significance as a cultural landmark of Beijing.

High-Tech Structure with Refinements

The building, accessible via an underwater gallery with a glass ceiling, extends 212 meters in length, 143 meters in width, and rises 46 meters high. Under one roof, the metal shell houses an opera house with 2,416 seats, a concert hall for 2,017 spectators, and a theater with 1,014 seats. An underground parking garage, covering 44,678 m², offers space for 950 cars and 1,420 bicycles.

The metal dome, supported by a delicate steel lattice structure, has a surface area of around 40,000 m². The middle section features a double-sided glass surface, spanning 105 meters in length and covering 12,000 m². The metal dome has a double-shell design. Its outer shell consists of a sealing load-bearing shell made of 0.9 mm thick, conical, stucco-designed Kalzip® aluminum standing seam profiles. The outer shell is mounted on titanium composite panels using clips specially developed for this project that grip over the seams of the Kalzip® sheets without penetration. This technique ensures secure attachment of the decorative panel cladding as well as perfect water drainage over the Kalzip® roof surface beneath.

Location Challenges

Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the project is extraordinary not only for its size and design. It is located in a highly earthquake-prone zone and must also withstand high wind loads. Challenging soil conditions required extensive measures to ensure a secure foundation for the structure, which extends down to 36 meters, including the underground parking garage.

The actual construction phase was preceded by extensive computer simulations and load tests on full-scale components to verify compliance with Chinese regulations. The dome’s base consists of an elastically mounted concrete ring, equipped with temporary sliding bearings on the longitudinal sides. These were used in the initial assembly phase to position pairs of lattice girders and connect them to the prefabricated oval central part of the dome. Subsequently, additional lattice girders were installed step by step and anchored to the lower concrete ring as well as the prefabricated dome center. Four diagonally positioned segments with diamond-shaped bracings further stabilize the lattice girders.

Intercontinental Teamwork

Great architecture is a “global business” today, as demonstrated by the “China Grand National Theatre.” Its creator, Paul Andreu, has designed and built over 50 airport buildings, including two terminals and the TGV and RER station at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, as well as the Shanghai Pudong Airport. Other major projects by him include the Maritime Museum in Osaka and the Guangzhou Gymnasium, a sports facility composed of three dome-shaped buildings inspired by the hilly landscape of the site, designed by Andreu as the venue for the 9th National Games of the Republic of China, opened in July 2001.

In the development phase of the Beijing project, Andreu was supported by the French company Setec travaux publics & industriels, which conducted studies on the statics and dynamics of the metal shell and the design of the opera, theater, and concert halls. The execution on-site was mainly in the hands of Chinese firms. The Kalzip® standing seam profiles were supplied by Kalzip GmbH, Koblenz, Germany.

Project Details:

• Client: Committee of the Grand National Theatre, Beijing
• Architect: Paul Andreu (Aéroports de Paris)
• Structural Studies: Setec, tpi Paris
• Main Contractor: Hong Kong Construction, Hong Kong
• Manufacturer: Kalzip GmbH, Koblenz
• Kalzip Installation: KGE, Beijing