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Czech Republic-based duo Ondřej Chybík and Michal Krištof have a true passion for architecture. They constantly push boundaries outside of generic and predictable solutions to create unique, innovative and sustainable projects. One of many in their diverse portfolio is Gallery of Furniture, located on the outskirts of a housing estate Brno; it accommodates the showroom, warehouse and offices for a furniture company.

Their client, MY DVA Group, who ranks among the leading company focusing on the development, production and sale of office, school and metal furniture approached the architects with a brief to spend a minimum amount of money but deliver a maximum effect. And so the transformation of an old car showroom that was once known as technically and morally outdated began its remarkable conversion. “The task was: Do it cheap, ideally for free,ˮ reminisce architects Ondrej Chybik and Michal Kristof.

Using a cost-effective façade made of 900 plastic chair seats fixed to the steel structure of the building and costing approximately $3.25 each was the sculptural solution with an added element of fun. The simplicity and practicality of this angular and boxed design mean the chairs can easily be replaced in case of damage and the high-pressure water cleaning can be done once to twice a year. The texture of the cladding along with its shape, form and striking black colour delivers an eye-catching and abstract exterior that reflects what is on the inside without the need for additional advertising banners. It’s one of those buildings that become intriguing and fascinating among the non-architectural commercial structures in the local area.

ˮWhat we used is a basic form of an interior chair called Vicenza which the supplier delivers on a regular basis. In this case, however, we used black granulate for the outdoors because it is resistant to different weather conditions, especially UV light,” explain the architects.

Related: Stories On Design: Chair Installations.

Protruding from the irregular surface of the exterior wall is the boxed entrance revealing an open plan room. The interior of the showroom is focused on the presentation of a wide range of products which the company either produces or distributes – school and office furniture and other design pieces. Split between three circular galleries, with full height sling white curtains and lit up with industrial track steel lighting, the arrangement is flexible and original, allowing the curtains to close and open, where each spherical space can be used by staff for meetings and collaborations. The rest of the interior shell is a space for staff offices, with polycarbonate partitions forming walls along the permitter of the gallery.

The concept is predominantly industrial, unified with exposed and faded concrete panels on the ceiling and contrasted with exposed black wirings. Three circular areas alternate between natural timber and white screed flooring and carpet aimed to correspond with a natural setting that the furniture is intended for.

Injecting fun elements in a smart way and on a budget to get people to talk about the building is ultimately a success and a testament to the vision of these young architects who no doubt will continue to impress with their ideas in the future.

Related: Stories On Design: Chair Installations.

[Images courtesy of CHYBIK+KRISTOF. Photography © Lukas Pelech.]

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