CHYBIK + KRISTOF in collaboration with KOMA Modular have jointly established a Modular Research Center, located in Vizovice, Czech Republic.
The 170-square-meter research center is an innovative space that challenges and expands existing modular building concepts. Like a think tank’s new research center located on the edge of the KOMA complex, it subtly integrates the factory with the surrounding environment, while creating a large semi-public social gathering plaza, providing living space for employees and contributing to improving workplace culture.
The single-story building allows passers-by to see the factory from the street, further enhancing the accessibility, transparency, and accessibility of the area.
The collaboration between CHYBIK + KRISTOF Architects and KOMA began in 2014 with the development of a master plan for the entrance and public areas comprising three modular buildings. The plan showcases the design of the strategic configuration of the factory entrance, which not only expands the public space but where each structure shows modular versatility.
The newly completed research center (2022) presents the third and final modular design, rooted in the concept of rotating modules as pillars, allowing the building’s malleable spaces to further extend the concept of modular construction.
The Modular Research Center will be the innovation center of the factory complex, using modules to develop and explore new potential construction methods. As an incubator of concepts, the building is an important gathering spot for all professionals to create unique and innovative products, a default meeting point, and an evolutionary center for a modular future. The main function of the structure further establishes the important transparent elements reflected in the building. To create an open and friendly complex for the local community.
As a prototype for a new, adaptable modular system, the research center underscores its studio’s commitment to expanding the limits of modular architecture and engaging in supporting local communities. The studio focuses on making new shapes with unlimited modularity and showcases innovative systems of versatile modular shapes designed to transform old patterns and extend traditional rectangular structures to facilitate a transparent working environment.
In order to break out of the traditional restrictive habit of using side-by-side, right-angle units, the research center re-imagines a model that is different from the norm on the basis of using a modular structure, making it a modular architecture that is easy to use in the future.
The Modular Research Center contains three main modular elements: the floor, modular spaces, and roof units form a new and unique system – the space units containing the facilities are laid flat on the ground modules, which are anchored to the foundation and play the role of the pillar effect. Giant windows placed between the modules and the roof bring in ample natural light, keeping the workplace open and connected to the outside spaces.
The juxtaposition of the main modules and glass surfaces creates a space dedicated to both horizontal and vertical work. This spacious open area itself is completely flexible, avoiding the drawbacks of large open office spaces, and can be re-adjusted to the specific needs of any other project to form multiple adaptable independent workstations. As a natural extension of the modular concept, the furniture design also allows office equipment to be supplemented, changed, and adapted to new needs over time – equipment parts can be customized simply by reconnecting elements.
The Modular Research Center’s materials also help to further reflect and understand the innovative modular concept of the research center, with its perforated skin and visible details fully exploited in natural form. Aluminum, as a material that KOMA produces and uses on a daily basis, further contributes to the understanding of modular construction.
Project Info:
Project Team: Ondřej Chybík, Michal Krištof, Ondřej Mundl, Lukáš Habrovec, Martin Holý, Michal Klimeš, Dávid Medzihorský, Vojtěch Kouřil, David Bernátek, Petr Novák, Vladimír Šobich, Přemek Zhoř
Landscape architecture: Atelier zahradní a krajinářské architektury Sendler
Technical solutions: Jiří Valenta, Oldřich Studený, Petr Chval
Photograpy: Jesús Granada, Alex Shoots Buildings, Julius Filip, Pavel Barták
Illustrations: Alexey Klyuykov, CHYBIK + KRISTOF
