Rounded glass facades improve views from Wiel Arets' water-traffic control centre
Dutch firm Wiel Arets Architects has completed a water-traffic control centre in the town of Maasbracht with a curved glass upper storey that offers panoramic views over the surrounding waterways (+ slideshow).
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The Regiocentrale Zuid building was designed by Wiel Arets Architects as a headquarters for a branch of the governmental department that oversees the extensive Dutch waterways network.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Situated by a series of sluices, canals and locks adjacent to the river Meuse, near the border with Belgium, the offices unite several existing control centres in a single facility.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_17.jpg)
The building comprises a polygonal plinth at ground floor level supporting a larger upper storey that cantilevers up to ten metres over a moat-like reflecting pool.
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Silk-screened black glass fixed to the underside of the cantilevered level intensifies the effect of natural light reflecting from the water's surface.
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Lotus flowers float on the surface of the pool, which can be used for ice skating in winter.
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Two paths cross the water to entrances on the ground floor, while a long ramp provides access to a basement level housing storage space for bikes.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
The building is entirely clad in glass, with the elongated facades and smooth edges of the upper level framing panoramic views of the surroundings.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
A gradated pattern of fritted dots covering the glass facades provides shade and privacy where required and fades out towards eye level to ensure unobstructed views from inside.
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Workplaces for the various local waterway controllers are located on the upper storey, overlooking their particular areas, which are now predominantly digitally operated.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
At the centre of the building, a double-height atrium with a glazed roof and walls allows natural light to penetrate both levels.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
The interior spaces are arranged around this central core, with support desks encircling the atrium and dedicated offices positioned at the edges of the building.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
A staircase at the entrance provides quick access to the first floor, while a second set of stairs suspended from one side of the atrium offers employees a less-hurried alternative route.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
The building also accommodates a nautical training facility and education centre that invites the public to learn about the organisation of local and national water traffic control.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_18.jpg)
A hydraulic door set in the ceiling of the central void provides access to a roof terrace where staff can relax and look out across the waterways.
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Wiel Arets Architects has experimented with fritted glass in previous projects, including an office with a facade that resembles onyx marble, a glass and concrete school building covered in patterns that look like ivy, and a house for a vintage car collector that uses fritted glass to increase privacy.
![Regiocentrale Zuid by Wiel Arets](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Regiocentrale_Zuid_by_Wiel_Arets_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
Photography is by Jan Bitter.
Project credits
Project architects: Wiel Arets, Bettina Kraus, Julius Klatte, Harold Hermans, Rob Willemse
Collaborators: Jochem Homminga, Natali Gagro, Christina Lotzemer-Jentges
Client: Rijkswaterstaat Maaswerken
Consultants: Palte BV, Wetering Raadgevende Ingenieurs BV
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