The specific challenge of developing Zeil 111 was to keep the chemist’s shop open throughout construction. That was particularly difficult as the site takes the shape of a wedge: only 10 m wide at the front, 19 m wide at the back and 45 m deep. Furthermore, a public passageway links the shopping street with a parallel running street at the back.

The building that has been occupying the site since the reconstruction after World War II. had to be demolished whilst the historical Hirsch Apotheke was kept open for daily business. Whilst the chemist’s shop was literally suspended in mid-air the transformation process took place all around it. It lasted from 2016 until 2018 when the public passageway was reopened for the general public.

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At the crossroads

The approx. 5.000 m² mixed-use building (shops, bars, offices, clinics and apartments) has to fulfill a multitude of functions. Aesthetically TEK TO NIK dealt with this by combining three paramount construction materials: natural stone, glass and metal. The building’s subliminal symbol became the cross. Most evidently it appears in the shape of the windows and the lighting of the passageway – a latent signature of how the building is metaphorically stiched together.

All of TEK TO NIK’s recent projects reveal in their urban appearance an overtly expressive strength. Receding or protruding facade elements cast shadows, structure the overall architectural impression and generate a strong atmosphere of what one might call „an urban identity“. Moreover, contrasting materials, such as natural stone or glass, are deliberately combined in order to create a visual tension. Equally geometric shapes and forms are executed with the help of the latest computer technology (design and execution) to greatest perfection. Solidity, precision and a stylistic overall consensus have become the hallmarks of TEK TO NIK architecture. Zeil 111 is a perfect example of this, now that it is fully occupied.

Prismatic Windows

Already from a distance one picks up the most characteristic feature of Zeil 111: 3D prismatic baywindows – each up to 2.40 x 2.50 m in size – protrude 40 cm into the street. They belong to what the systems solution provider for windows, doors and facades Schüco calls „Parametric System“. According to them the parametric window system „is based on a software-supported, digital 3D process chain with optimised data interfaces – from the initial design to the detailed drawing by the fabricator and machine control“. Manfred Wenzel, founder and principal of TEK TO NIK, values the sculptural features that are generated by this type of facade, in particular by its deep recesses: „Though the prismatic window front is only single glazed it provides an extra sound barrier and bestowes a characteristic feature to Zeil 111. It is therefore easily recognized despite the building’s narrow front.“

Solid natural stone

Solid blocks of Portugese limestone frame the windows and in particular the more than 8 m wide gateway to the chemist’s shop, the passageway as well as the sale floor on the first floor. Here up to 6 t heavy blocks in the dimensions 3,20 x 1,20 x 0,80 m are loadbearing and build the massive archway. The U-shaped natural stone segments were cut by computerized 5-axe mills. Their design and production was masterminded by TEK TO NIK in close collaboration with the stone experts of Hofmann Stone. The entire process from the first sketches to the just-in-time delivery to the building site was only possible by a very well rehearsed and seamless design. Andreas Derkum, TEK TO NIK creative director, explains: „Right from the beginning of our design process we have to be absolutely aware of how each detail will be handled by the machinery that will eventually cut and produce it. The level of precision is extremely high and the design process is much more intense. We design a facade prototype that could be produced in a series, it is that detailed. In other words, it is not comparable with the design of an analogue facade. We have established our own haut couture in design and we improve this with every new project.“

Janus-faced

Zeil 111 has two slightly complimentary facades: one facing the shopping street Die Zeil, the other, so to speak the rear view, faces the narrow Holzgraben lane. Though similar in design, material, size and execution they yet differ. They show the stupendous potential in handling architectural design in a most creative and varied manner – a never ending storyline.

by Christian Brensing, London/Berlin

The post ZEIL 111 in Frankfurt – a never ending storyline appeared first on Archipreneur.

The architectural journalist and consultant Christian Brensing (CBE Ltd. London/Berlin) spoke with TEK TO NIK founder and principal Manfred Wenzel and his chief design-architect Andreas Derkum. How do TEK TO NIK Architects combine a modern and innovative design with up-to-date manufacting technology and thereby contribute to the rejuvenation of urban design?

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Christian Brensing: TEK TO NIK Architects were established in 1999. Please describe what happened during the practice’s first decades and how did that lead up to the design of FortySeven & Co.?

Manfred Wenzel: During the first decade of our office history we did a lot of research into the ways we wanted to design and build. We systematically developed our own architectural language. For example, what we did in the case of FortySeven & Co. can be traced back to the Case Manhattan Bank I designed as a young architect in 1997. I have always been interested in construction materials, in particular in natural stone and its geological history. I perceive it as a petrified organic material that is brought back to life by breaking it up and exposing its inner structure in the facade – a kind of metamorphosis.

CB: How did you develop your architectural thinking further?

Andreas Derkum: I joined TEK TO NIK Architects four years ago and already during this short period of time I perceived how our design developed continuously. At the beginning we worked with slabs of natural stone that were approximately 4 cm strong, nowadays we handle blocks that are up to 40 cm. Of course, we need partners to support our design. One of them is the company Hofmann Naturstein from Würzburg. They have the advanced machinery to enable our complex designs to be realized.

Manfred Wenzel: Our architecture can only be realized in a 2.0 production process, i.e. not a serial reproduction of one and the same product. We have been inspired by the FABRICATE (forum) conference which discusses how contemporary architecture is conceived in relation to new production methodologies. Hofmann Naturstein are that advanced, for instance, they possess a 5-axis-CNC machinery. In other words, we send our designs directly to Hofmann Naturstein and they feed their robots with our information. The outcome is a product of the highest possible precision and perfection.

CB: What does that mean for the urban structure?

Andreas Derkum: It is not absolutely necessary that an ordinary passerby perceives the facade’s functionality. But noticing is as interesting and pleasing is all that counts. The city shall make its inhabitants happy! Therefore, the raison d’etre of architecture must be obvious and intelligible for everybody. Furthermore, it does not matter whether we are dealing with the exterior or interior qualities of architecture. In both cases the formal, material and spatial qualities must be convincing.

Compare the FortySeven & Co. facade design with the interior we did for a hairdresser shop. We completed both projects at nearly the same time. One is in natural stone, the other is constisting of a textile fabric. This modulation of the urban structure makes a city diverse.

CB: What is your design-strategy for the next buildings?

Manfred Wenzel: We always define us as a manufactory, not a design-factory. Our personal engagement in the design process is high. A good example how we have developed our understanding of natural stone facades further is the Zeil 111 in Frankfurt. Though we employ exactly the same Portugese lime stone as in FortySeven & Co. we use it differently.

The building works as a passage thorough the urban quarter, therefore it is a classic gateway. Massive blocks of stone, weighing up to 10 tons, flank the wide entrance. At the same time we reflected on the function of windows. Instead of recessing them into the facade, like in the case of FortySeven & Co., we project them out. Their cone-shaped and fractured frame livens up the facade. On the one hand, we have the massive stones and on the other the multiple glass reflection – we play with the notion of the opening.

The notion of the „open entry“ has become one of our architectural themes. You can also find it in the Medico Headquarters we completed in Frankfurt last November.

About Manfred Wenzel

Studied architecture in Frankfurt am Main. Before he became a partner in the local architectural practice Gerhard Balser he had already worked for other distinguished Frankfurt based architects such as Schneider+Schumacher and Christoph Mäckler. In 1999 Manfred Wenzel founded TEK TO NIK Architects and has been its principle ever since. He is also a member of the Frankfurt City Advisory Board, a member of the DGNB (German Association of Sustainable Building). And a member of the Frankfurt Council for Listed Buildings.

About Andreas Derkum

Studied architecture at Coburg, Germany. And then worked for Zaha Hadid, Peter Eisenman and Asymptote Architects in London and New York. He also obtained a post-graduate degree in architectural design from the prestigious Frankfurt Städelschule under Ben van Berkel. Andreas Derkum joined TEK TO NIK Architects in 2014 and teaches architecture at the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt am Main.

Text: Christian Brensing

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