The VOLA Academy is designed as an addition to VOLA’s existing headquarters, performing as a showroom and trainee center. The design of the building is based on the minimalist vocabulary of VOLA’s products, featuring a simplistic and stylish architectural language.

The main corpus of the building can be described as an open steel frame with glazed gables, resting on a concrete base. On the front of the building, the base transforms in to stairs, allowing access to the building and shaping the sloped seating of the auditorium. In conjunction to the main building corpus, two freestanding steel frames or triumphal arches are located, marking the entrance to the building and creating a visual play of light and shadow.

A similar holistic design attitude prevails on the interior of the building. The plan layout is characterized by great flexibility and functionality. Details are well thought through and the simplistic interiors are characterized by perfectionism and a firm design attitude. The building contains a double high auditorium, four conference rooms and a double high “museum corridor”, featuring built-in showcases in the raw concrete walls, displaying an array of VOLA products. Offices are located on a mezzanine above the conference rooms.

A beautiful and decorative light seeps down through the windows which are located as slivers in an irregular pattern in the facade. The material selection of glass and wood is a great contrast to the raw concrete construction, opposing the light and minimalist feel of the interiors. Architectural features and selection of materials which emphasize characteristics of an exclusive and Nordic design language, a design ideology prevalent in Vola’s products.

project type: showroom and trainee center area 950 m² year 2006 bygherre VOLA lead consultant aarhus arkitekterne consultants Tri-Consult