What is long-lasting and what is recycle friendly was one of the key questions that dekleva gregorič arhitekti were able to follow in the project for a metal recycle plant in Pivka (Slovenia), where they first accumulate and then separate different waste metals and prepare them for reuse.
The project consists of an immense production plateau and two small buildings on the edge of it. Architects clearly divided the generic concrete volume, flexible for multiple-use; and the very specific, non-flexible metal volume, therefore ephemeral and recycle friendly by its activity.
In these terms the huge concrete plateau with a definition wall and attached concrete service building define the core of the current production area, however they easily allow for a change of program within the industrial zone. This huge part of the project required careful placing of the plateau in an environment which ensures the least earth works and the lowest concrete wall possible.
On the other hand, the small 100% metal office building works as a very specific control deck, supervising the weighing of incoming waste and out-going metals. Since this specificity means non-adaptability architects had to allow for easy and clear on-site recycling when this building is not needed anymore.
In contrast to the very rough production that goes on at the site, dekleva gregorič arhitekti have embedded some abstract or “poetic” content in the project. The two buildings are of the same volume, but materially very different: one is made entirely out of concrete, whereas the other is all steel – from structure to cladding. The two buildings speak about the context of the material separation process at the metal recycle plant.
Images courtesy of Matevž Paternoster, Miran Kambič
Discover: dekleva-gregoric.com
