Designed by Frankfurt-based firm Ian Shaw Architekten as a garage for car and truck repairs, the building is fitted with fibreglass panels to provide energy-efficient insulation and a softly diffused light inside.

The panels are fitted horizontally between the building's steel frame and mullions, accentuating the cantilevered canopy to one side.

Inside are three parking spaces alongside a small concrete box containing an office and workshop.

The weight of the concrete stabilises the main structure, according to architect Ian Shaw: "This eliminates the need for cross bracing in the outer skin, thereby ensuring the clarity of the design and its architectural impact as a light beacon."

Above: plan and elevations – click for larger image

We previously featured a weekend fishing retreat by the same architects, which hangs over the edge of a lake in Siegen.

Other garages and workshops we've published include an auto repair shop in Tokyo by Torafu Architects and a proposal to turn disused parking garages in Hackney into tiny pop-up homes.

Photographs are by Felix Krumbholz.

Here's some more information from the architects:

Workshop Siegen

Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.

This scheme's abstract form references the classic garage format with forecourt. The simple steel frame structure is clad in translucent panels to reduce energy consumption and facilitate productivity. At night, the workshop functions as a light beacon, illuminating the main entrance to the industrial complex. Internally, the building's skin delivers a diffused light, creating a relaxed environment in which to work, uncluttered by the visual harshness of the industrial surroundings.

In addition to its high insulation, light diffusing and signage properties, the translucent panelling's sub-structural configuration sits comfortably within the horizontal grid pattern articulated by the mainframe and mullions. These elements combine to accentuate the workshop's distinctive cantilevered roof form and ground the building in its location.

The office space is configured in concrete, its weight stabilising the main structure. This eliminates the need for cross bracing in the outer skin, thereby ensuring the clarity of the design and its architectural impact as a light beacon. Only standard industrial products were used in the making of Workshop Siegen.

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Ian Shaw Architekten appeared first on Dezeen.

Built from exposed concrete, the building has a cantilevered base and roof that stretch six metres across the surface of the lake, creating a sheltered terrace where the client can set up his fishing equipment.

A glazed room overlooks the water at the front of the building, creating a space for reading or entertaining.

Large square panels fold away from the rear facade, revealing a garage for storing three classic cars.

The only other rooms are a small toilet and a storage area for angling equipment.

Other retreats we've featured include a wooden holiday cabin in Sweden and a waterside summerhouse in Norway. See more holiday homes on Dezeen »

Plan - click above for larger image

Photography is by Felix Krumholz.

Here's some more information from Ian Shaw Architekten:

Pavilion Siegen, 2012

The pavilion’s unique, planar form articulates an assured, yet subtle compression of space, framing views of the lake and the local topography; its tectonic rigour enables the floor plate and ceiling to cantilever some 6m beyond the lakeshore.

Side elevation

The scheme is both a weekend fishing retreat and a garage for three classic cars. A toilet and washroom facility is also included, as is a storage area for the client’s angling equipment. Detailing is measured throughout - from the integrated lighting to the fully glazed internal area.

Front elevation

The 12 x 12 m structure conforms to a strict proportional grid that determines both the position and heights of the walls, as well as the shuttering joints and fenestration divisions. The 3 x 3m door panels - built by the client’s engineering company, and weighing 340 kilos per door - pivot on bespoke spindles, enabling each to be opened with the push of a single finger.

Side elevation

Throughout the building process the concrete mix was carefully monitored so as to achieve a deliberate off white finish. This tone was felt to be essential in order to refine the pavilion’s dialogue with the surrounding terrain.

Rear elevation

Structurally, the scheme’s main floor plate comprises precast concrete slabs, tied back to massive drum foundations; a finishing layer of in-situ concrete applied from above avoided the need for under floor shuttering and, just as importantly, ensured uniformity in the concrete’s appearance. The cantilevered platform formed the base for the in-situ cast walls and ceiling. Special, non-oiled shuttering ensured that no harm came to lake’s fish population during the pavilion’s construction.

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Ian Shaw Architekten appeared first on Dezeen.