Featured Project
Back to the future
The municipal archive of the Netherlands’ “West-Brabant” region in the town of Bergen op Zoom could not have found a better location, since the old walls of the 16th-century brick building previously served as a carriage house and could certainly tell a few stories of their own. Following careful renovation by Weyts Architecten, the technology from Gira forms the bridge to the future: The door communication system ensures convenient security, since the Gira “Door Station Video AP” with its integrated color camera leaves nothing hidden, its wide-angle lens capturing an area of up to 100 degrees. In addition, the lens can also be tilted manually in any direction by 20 degrees. If it gets dark outside, the camera automatically switches to nighttime operation with LED illumination. Thanks to the cover frame and the integrated heating, it is easily able to resist rain and sub-zero temperatures.
Meanwhile, the Gira “E3” switch program with its soft design language blends ideally withthe new interior architecture of the space. Here, the architects decided to use color: Matt grey-blue in connection with fine grey tones creates a calm atmosphere that fosters concentrated work in the offices and the reading room. With its two-part construction made up of supporting and cover frames, the “E3” switch program picks up on the new design and permits individual combinations. The look of the controls is also pleasing with its soft-touch surface. Incidentally, for anyone wanting to discover the history not only of the region, but also of the historic building itself, a visit to the impressive vaulted cellar of the archives is recommended: Here, with only minimal interventions, the architects have ensured that the atmosphere of the space and all its original feel is brought to life. (am)
