Market Hall, Farberplatz

Miller & Maranta

Situated at the centre of Aarau, the irregular form of the market hall allows it to fit effortlessly between existing buildings. The building is constructed almost completely from wood.

Over 100 laminated wood portal frames at 500 mm centres support the building along two walls. Douglas fir is used and was sourced and manufactured locally. The architects have utilised the narrow gaps left by the portal frames to form a screen, allowing the building to appear solid and transparent from various vantage points. This flow between the interior and exterior remains an important feature of the design. Visitors are encouraged to enter and exit the building freely. Inside the hall, the portal frames are supported by four large roof beams joined at the centre of the building and supported by a large wood column consisting of four laminated 240 x 240 mm posts. The hall’s services are largely concealed inside the column and behind the roof beams. The simplistic approach taken by the architects suits the building’s function well, while the use of wood, contrasting with its surroundings, emphasises the building’s place in the street.

Location:

Aarau, Switzerland

Reference:

Deutsche Bauzeitung, 2004, No 6, pp 57–59