Train Depot of the Future / YAJ Architects

YAJ Architects present a proposal for the future of industrial buildings in an atmosphere where environmental and sustainable practices are vital, yet largely focus on the construction of housing and offices. This design for the Future Train Depot focuses on a near zero energy performance by using ground water heating and cooling, solar panels, and sensor-driven natural ventilation.

More on this project from YAJ after the break.

The advantage of redesigning the industrial sector of architecture begings with a need to revitalize the respective industries that are targeted. Jernhusen, the clients for the Train depot, wanted a maintenance depot that could begin to lift the railway sector to its once high held status. In the projected growing densities of future cities, and their increasing proximity to one another, Jernhusen may be right in focusing their attention on bringing the railway industry into the next decade, begining with the way in which industrial buildings are designed.

YAJ proposes a hybrid form for the depot. Between green rolling hills and aerodynamic speed, the architects have proposed a structure with an outer shell of dark terrazzo ground concrete shrouded in a green track. The so-called green track refers to the solar panels and mechanical panels that adorn the roof and facade. They consist of bundles of metal fins mounted on the building envelope. Roof vents and a domed window provide access for natural light and create portholes for a starry night.

The appearance of the building as a part of nature was a very important drive for the architects. They chose to enhance natural colors and bring the depth and scale of the landscape surrounding the depot into that of the facade and exterior. The natural colors of steel, ivy, PV panels, glasss and concrete create an abstract industrial landscape of the natural colors of the built world.

Near-zero energy guidelines were developed for the building with the help of Incoord. The building’s heavy frame buffers heat and cold, stabalizes peeking temperatures to ensure a comfortable indoor atmosphere year-round. This is designed to offset the power peaks that spike everytime a train enters and leaves depot grounds. Water-based heating and cooling elements are embedded into concrete walls and floors. Motorized skylights control ventilation via sensors throughout the buildings. These sensors also monitor hot and cold air intake in different parts of the year.

Architect: YAJ architects – Jonathan Nyberg, Ylva Lindstedt and Erika Wolters
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Energy Consultant: Incoord, by Tore Strandgård
clients: Jernhusen
Projector: 2010