Seamlessly Integrated MIA’s Office by MIA Architecture

Context and Concept

MIA’s Office, designed by MIA architecture, is a project that involves the construction of a volume to accommodate an architect’s office, a meeting room, and technical facilities. Situated as an extension of an existing house from the 1970s within a densely wooded environment, the new structure draws inspiration from the architectural language of its surroundings, incorporating painted bricks, masonry heads, and height characteristics.

Blending In with Nature

The defining feature of the project is the “mirror box,” which houses the professional functions of the office. Covered with mirrored skin, this volume aims to seamlessly integrate with its environment by reflecting the surrounding landscape. The high reflection capacity of the cladding allows the building to essentially disappear into its surroundings, creating an almost surreal experience for observers.

Immersive Design

From the garden, the large square office bay provides the illusion of immersion into the interior space, facilitated by a notch in the vegetation laid on a brick base. Other windows are concealed behind translucent skin (SGG Mirastar® glass), only revealing themselves after dark. Access to the office is via a metal grating walkway, floating above a cloud of grasses, leading to a wooden door uncovered by the extrusion of the mirror skin on the northwest corner. This design approach aims to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings.

Sustainable Construction

Constructed with a wooden frame (I-beam) 30 to 36cm thick filled with insulation, the building prioritizes energy efficiency. This construction method not only enhances the building’s environmental performance but also significantly reduces construction time, with the entire process completed in approximately three months.

MIA’s Office exemplifies a harmonious integration of architecture with nature, demonstrating how thoughtful design can enhance both the built environment and the surrounding landscape.