Netherlands architect designs extra space to featuire SmartPly OSB
An interior application using SmartPly OSB, the smart FSC alternative to plywood, was recently completed for Bureau B+O Architecten B.V, who have established their office in a former gasworks in Meppel, in The Netherlands. The practice designed for themselves a 14 meter long elongated, rectangular, free-standing office unit to give them the additional space they needed.
Incorporating an open reception counter, central work stations, closed storage space, large wall racks and a kitchen/pantry concealed from view in the centre, the new working space features multiple functions for the practice.
The visual impact of SmartPly OSB immediately appealed to architect Arnoud Olie: “The use of OSB was mainly for aesthetic reasons. We wanted to get back to basics, and the imposing form combined well with the grey concrete and hot dip galvanised steel and glass -materials we frequently use.”
The free standing unit measures length 14 m, depth 2.8 m and height 2.9 m. The partition walls were bricked with sandlime brick, fitted with wooden slat backing then covered with square edge Smartply OSB3. The OSB was finally coated with a clear varnish, making a striking feature of the raw panels and their warm colour. SmartPly OSB is FSC certified and is increasingly specified by architects whose focus is on sustainability and the responsible use of renewable raw materials.
SmartPly
SmartPly OSB is the smart alternative to plywood and is manufactured in Waterford, Ireland. OSB is made of carefully produced wood chips compressed at high temperature and pressure with a synthetic glue and wax. The wood chips are sprinkled in the outer two layers in the longitudinal direction and square in the core layer, then compressed to make a panel with a three-layer structure with uniformly distributed stiffness and strength, giving the panels large spanning capacity. SmartPly OSB is part of the panel products division of Coillte, the Irish forestry and forest products company.
Facts and figures
Design: Bureau B+O Architecten B.V., Meppel, The Netherlands
Interior construction: Bijlsma Interieurbouw.
Used panel material: SmartPly OSB3 SE (square edge)
Panel material supplier: Imabo Concordia Meppel, affiliated to Veris.
19 January 2010