German Design Award 2014

the new building’s purpose is to refer to gröden´s long tradition in arts and crafts as well as to put focus on the matter wood. the corporate identity is reflected both from outside the building and from the inside: high value products (sculptures) are being made within the workshops.
the design is inspired by the tools of wood carvers and enthused by their skills, envisioning their passion. starting point was the unworked block of wood from which the basic idea of the design evolved. working the wood and the application of incisions are dominant topics.
the volume appears to be a living facade; the flow, the constantly changing viewpoints, changing shades of colour become visible. it is part of the ongoing changes during the artistic process of artisanry. as is the facade: a slight movement, a kink, a folding, a change. through kinks, indentations, incisions and openings the building generates curiosity.
the facade is designed as a self-sustaining foldable system consisting of triangles. there are openings within that system which allow for sufficient daylight illumination. the facade has been covered with shingles to symbolize the rough, unfinished surface of a wooden block. the aged surface of the shingles intensifies the idea of an unfinsihed sculpture.
the project becomes a part of the artisanry which is placed on the inside – becomes part of the worked wooden block.