Architecture

The Autarc’s strong ambitions do not limit themselves to sustainability. We also reach for the very highest quality in architecture and aesthetics. Paul de Ruiter’s design proves that eco-friendly construction can indeed go hand in hand with a beautifully sleek modern look.

The arc’s exterior is dominated by slim shapes, light materials, slender details and large panes of glass. The interior matches the outside inch for inch in terms of modern stylishness, but has been designed with materials with a much softer look, the combination giving the impression of a high tech winter coat with a soft, comfortable lining.

The arc’s interior and exterior blend together seamlessly on the three sides where the Autarc looks out onto the water. On these sides the proverbial raincoat opens up to show its cozy lining to the outside world. The wooden latticed interior ceiling continues right until the underside of the roof extension outside without visible interruption and the terraces outside are fitted with the same material as the interior.

When the Autarc is moved to another location, the gangway, the terrace and the roof extension on the long façade are folded inwards by hydraulic force. By thus “zipping up the raincoat”, the arc is much less vulnerable to choppy water and is much better able to pass underneath narrow bridges and locks. This procedure could also be applied during the user’s absence. The relatively closed façade on the side of the entrance has been covered with a gauze-like “second skin” of elastic metal in which computer-controlled LED-lighting has been processed, thus enabling the entire façade to be used as a billboard screen. An eye-catching characteristic that will be of good use during the exhibition stages.

The arc’s interior is laid out around a central mezzanine containing the entrance hall, staircase, lounge/pantry, kitchen-cum-living room and sanitary fittings.

Positioned on either side of the mezzanine are three multifunctional areas (for work/study/sleeping) and a spacious installation/equipment room. A maximum of transparency is provided by glass doors and inner walls. One of the three areas is even fitted with a strong glass floor, offering an impressive view of the full extent of the innovative technical installations located in the installation area below.

In order to optimize the interior space within the confines set by the arc’s exterior measurements, the walls, flooring and roof have all been proportioned to reach the utmost slenderness achievable. This cutting-edge design however, still allows for enough room so that heating, air conditioning, sun-screening and ventilation functions can all be integrated into it.