Architecture van Brandenburg: Winner of Architect of The Year Awards 2023. The founders of Marisfrolg Apparel extended an invitation of innovation to Architecture van Brandenburg to design their future headquarters. Their vision was to manifest a cutting-edge campus that would integrate all facets of the company’s fashion endeavours. This creative hub would embody the essence of the industry, inspiring both staff and visitors alike.

Architecture van Brandenburg embarked on a journey of innovation, delving into the study of nature’s forms and translating this into their designs. They applied double curvature geometry to 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 integrates 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, art and architecture.

The Marisfrolg Campus 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, 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. 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.

The Marisfrolg Campus Headquarters stands 45 meters tall in elevation, offering views of the surrounding area. A concrete and steel superstructure is clad in 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 project has spanned 14 years, divided into 3 stages to prioritize the activation of the buildings for use. The architecture 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 unique building that stands as a shining example of what is possible in the industry.

Project Details
Firm
Architecture van Brandenburg

Architect
Damien van Brandenburg

Project Name
Marisfrolg Campus

Category
Commercial Built

Project Location
Shenzhen

Team
Fred van Brandenburg, Damien van Brandenburg, Ashleigh van Brandenburg, Griff Humpherys

Country
New Zealand

Photography ©Credit
©Architecture van Brandenburg

Van Brandenburg is a renowned design studio in New Zealand. With studios in Queenstown and Dunedin, they’re known for innovative and sustainable solutions. Their talented team of architects and designers creates organic, nature-inspired forms using curvilinear design, extending their impact globally. Rooted in a deep love for nature, their philosophy reflects this by melding aesthetics with functionality and sustainability. They focus on blending their designs seamlessly with the environment. Van Brandenburg is a design-focused studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, and product design while prioritizing sustainability.