The headquarters for the Russian Copper Company (RCC), designed by UK architect Foster + Partners, has opened in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The 15-storey building uses modular office units inside an energy efficient enclosure to create "domestic scale" office spaces. Each two-storey office module contains two offices, one stacked on the other, and are arranged in rows on either side of a central hallway that houses recreational space.
The 15th floor will contain space for gatherings and events and is top-lit through glass lanterns. The project’s landscaping will mirror the cellular internal arrangement, with "external room" spaces for staff to relax.
RCC’s status as one the world’s leading copper producers is referenced in the triangular design of the structure, which alluded to the form of copper’s crystal lattice.
The building aims to achieve a BREEAM "excellent" rating, despite the fact that temperatures in central Russia vary between 30°C and -30°C.
Luke Fox, head of studio for Foster + Partners, said: "Our first completed building in Russia, the new headquarters for RCC exemplifies the practice’s commitment to innovation, and marks the culmination of a long and fruitful process.
Throughout the process we aimed to maintain exceptional quality of construction in the face of very challenging conditions."Â
Jeremy Kim, Partner, Foster + Partners, said: "Together with the client, our integrated team has developed a bespoke solution for RCC’s headquarters that is a perfect fit for the company and the very nature of their work. Everything from the building structure to the bespoke furniture was designed specifically for the company, illustrating our commitment to craftsmanship."
Images courtesy of Foster + Partners
