Description

The Schlumberger Development Centre represents one of the most interesting architectural examples for the extensive use of Teflon-coated fibreglass. The complex was erected in two phases: during the first phase, a test drilling station and a general area were built; they are covered by a translucent space truss reminiscent of a marquee. This structure is flanked by one-storey wings, housing offices and laboratories. During the second phase, two freestanding pavilions were built, which accommodate offices, laboratories, and computer rooms. They are linked by a shared entrance hall that is likewise covered by a translucent roof.

The special shape of the building reacts to the functional requirements of the brief and also meets the clients wish for vivid social interaction between the scientists. The prominent space truss with a translucent membrane protects the oil-drilling platform and a winter garden from the elements. Three fields measuring 24 x 18 m are located in the centre of the complex; the southern field houses the winter garden and a canteen and library. The mentioned five low-rise office wings are positioned on either side to the east and west. The gaps between the volumes form the entrances that are highlighted by tensioned cables of steel trusses supporting the roof membrane.

The laboratories of the first building phase face the test areas and the general zone, while the offices are orientated towards the surrounding landscape. At the planning stage of the second building phase, the majority of scientific test procedures were to be replaced by computer simulations. Instead of providing large central test areas as did the first phase, the central zone of the second phase now contains laboratories and shared areas.

Each of the five office/laboratory wings of the first phase consists of five structural bays with steel trusses at 3.6 m centres from which the roof build-up is suspended. Except for the foundations the entire building was assembled using prefabricated elements.

The translucent Teflon-coated fibreglass roof membrane is expected to last more than twenty years. It is suspended from the exterior steel frame structure with cables. Primary structural elements are framework towers spaced at 19.2 m. They are connected by inclined trusses and tensioned members and fixed to the ground with guy cables.

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Originally published in: Hardo Braun, Dieter Grömling, Research and Technology Buildings: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2005.