This building has been designed with modularity in mind: from the furniture to the slabs they are “removable and put on”.

Over the years we have spoken on different occasions about the benefits of modular systems. In electronics, for example, they increase the useful life of devices and favor their repairability and updating. The Framework Laptop is the quintessential example of the implementation of this concept in a commercial product.

What if we told you that modularity can go further and even be part of buildings? Imagine a scenario where you are renovating your office and instead of tearing down a partition to create a larger space, you can simply dismantle it. All this without the complex process of doing an interior demolition. This is already possible in a building in Amsterdam.

Say ‘hello’ to the Matrix One

The Dutch architecture studio MVRDV has built the Matrix Onean office complex located in the Amsterdam Science Park. It is a building that embraces modularity and can be dismantled almost entirely without resorting to traditional construction or demolition techniques. In addition, they assure, its components are reusable.

Those responsible for the project affirm that thousands of removable and reusable parts make up this six-story building that houses various offices, laboratories, an auditorium for 100 people, a restaurant, and even spaces to store bicycles. This, of course, in its original conception, because thanks to its modular design it can be quickly transformed.

Matrix One has been designed almost entirely without fixed connections. In this sense, from the doors and windows, up to ceilings and concrete slabs they can be “unbolted” to modify their distribution or be replaced. In this last case, MVRDV envisions a future in which the pieces are not discarded and can be sold on a second-hand market.

The building also obtains part of its energy from a series of solar panels distributed over 1,000 square meters, which makes it possible to reduce dependence on the city’s electrical system. Also, they say, lighting and heating uses sensors to reduce energy consumption. Will modular buildings catch on? In time we will know.

Images: MVRDV (Daria Scagliola)

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