The founders of Marisfrolg Fashion Apparel, Ms Zhu Chongyun and Mr Yao Jianhua, extended an invitation of innovation to Architecture van Brandenburg to design the future headquarters of their rapidly expanding fashion empire. Their vision was to manifest a cutting-edge campus that would seamlessly integrate all facets of the company’s thriving fashion endeavours. This creative hub would embody the essence of the industry, inspiring both staff and visitors alike.
Rethinking The Future Awards 2023
Second Award | Commercial (Built)
Project Name: Marisfrolg Campus
Studio Name: Architecuture van Brandenburg
Team: Fred van Brandenburg, Damien Van Brandenburg
Location: New Zealand
Architecture van Brandenburg embarked on a journey of innovation, delving into the study of nature’s harmonious forms and translating this into their designs. They applied double curvature geometry to seamlessly unify architecture and structure into one organic system. With this holistic approach, they sought to create a building that not only pushes the boundaries of design but also seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Their dedication to this philosophy of harmonious living spaces and environments is evident in their commitment to the creation of unique structures that blur the lines between nature and architecture.
The Marisfrolg Campus Headquarters represents a remarkable achievement in the field of design and innovation, encompassing 190,400 square meters within its 12.35-acre grounds. The campus comprises a series of interconnected, low-rise structures, each designed to support the fashion company’s expansion and growth while evoking the image of a bird in flight.
The design studios are connected to, yet separated from, the catwalk and events space, offering a dynamic and inspiring workspace for the company’s designers. The production and administration wing is designed with optimal functionality in mind. A boutique hotel with its own entrance accommodates visiting guests, while the exhibition spaces provide venues for events and catwalk shows. The campus is equipped with restaurants, flag-ship stores, and a tranquil garden for visitors and staff to enjoy. Additionally, an underground car park with a capacity for 250 vehicles sits beneath picturesque ponds, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution to parking.
The Marisfrolg Campus Headquarters stands 45 meters tall in elevation, offering views of the surrounding area. At its core, the building features a concrete and steel superstructure, designed to provide a sturdy foundation for the fashion company’s growth. The cladding, meanwhile, is made up of an eclectic mix of recycled materials, including discarded ceramics from factories, marble offcuts from processing plants, glass slag from extruding factories, bricks from demolition sites, and unprocessed stone from the nearest quarry. The result is a visually stunning and eco-friendly cladding that sets a new standard for sustainable design.
The project, which spanned over 14 years, was divided into 3 stages to prioritize the activation of the buildings for use. The Architecture Van Brandenburg team worked alongside construction workers, numbering up to 500 on site, to develop cladding designs and composition prototypes, as well as techniques for achieving the desired outcomes.
The Marisfrolg Campus Headquarters is a landmark achievement in innovative design and construction, blending high-tech digital and low-tech hand-crafted techniques to create a truly unique and sustainable building that stands as a shining example of what is possible in the industry.
