Address:
Aectual B.V.
Naritaweg 14, 1043 BZ, Amsterdam (NL)
Zaha Hadid Architects creates floor pattern for office pod with Tecno

In the heart of the Giardini in Venice, and the heart of the international Architectural Biennial, Zaha Hadid Architects and Tecno present their ‘ALIS pod’. The new office concept required a distinctive flooring solution, and that’s why the team of ZHA and Tecno approached Aectual.

“Our work marries innovations in design and operational technologies with advances in ecologically sound materials and sustainable construction practices. We must not look only at the disparate parts, but work to understand them as a whole to deliver the solutions to the defining challenges of our era.” says Patrik Schumacher, director of Zaha Hadid Architects, about the Alis Pod. It was this notion of integral design that led the designers of ZHA collaborate with Aectual on a unique floor pattern that entirely matches the floor of the ALIS.

The ZHA creation is inspired by the organic forms of an orchid, with petals enveloping the ceiling and walls of a glass cube measuring nearly six meters in length. The fluid forms of the petals provide transparency, allowing light to pass through, while at the same time elegantly ensuring privacy for those inside. The softly moving forms are continued inside in the shape of the 3D printed flooring pattern.

The ALIS can be fully customised based on the requirements of its users, and so can the Aectual X Durabella pattern terrazzo flooring. It combines white plant-based 3D printed patterns with a unique terrazzo aggregate, made of plant-based resin and real marble stones. The pattern can come in any RAL, NCS or Pantone color, and clients can choose from a wide range of aggregate infills. For the exhibition pod at the Biennale, the ZHA team opted for Aectual x Durabella aggregate no. 4: a dark black infill with Nero Ebano and Alpi Verde marble, that creates a calm and warm atmosphere.

Each element of the pod is integral to its circular design cycle that ensures long-life durability and minimal waste with components that can be recycled or upcycled into second life applications. The Aectual X Durabella pattern terrazzo flooring is a World’s first when it comes to carbon-neutral terrazzo flooring. The 3D printed pattern lines are plant-based and made of linseed, the aggregate resin is based on soy, and it comes with a red list free declare certificate. 

Read more about Aectual X Durabella pattern terrazzo

Get in touch directly

Read more stories
Discover products