Seneka Logistics Storage and Distribution Centre

The basement includes MEP and storage spaces, a loading area, and parking area. The main entrance and reception of the building along with the automated robotic system and the loading bay for bigger trucks can be found on the ground floor . The first floor hosts auxiliary spaces and a refrigerated room that partially extends to the second floor. On the second floor, there are also storage spaces and non-automated stations for collecting and packaging goods, mainly for exports and returns. Finally, the third floor accommodates office spaces for the Storage and Distribution Centre.

The building is conceived as a monolithic gray mass that is interrupted by a white horizontal plane on the second floor, dividing the structure into two nearly equal parts and distinguishing the different functions inside. The exterior white, shading system of the southern and western façades creates a homogeneous second skin that hides the complexity of the required openings. The only exception to the white and gray elements is the yellow color of the fire escape staircase and the main entrance of the building. Architectural and structural components merge with mechanical systems to formulate, piece by piece, a complex building where form chases function. The context in this case is not the immediate urban environment, but rather the program, the circulation, the sunlight and temperature management, the ergonomics of space.

The building is of composite construction. The superstructure consists of a steel load-bearing framework, comprising structural steel columns and beams, and composite floor slabs formed by trapezoidal steel decking and reinforced concrete at all accessible levels. The steel frame of the superstructure is supported on the reinforced concrete structure of the basement. The ground floor slab is constructed by reinforced concrete with an additional high strength leveling screed on top. The need for a stable and highly controlled indoor environment has led to the use of energy saving MEP systems and of extra insulative panels for the external cladding and roofing material. These sandwich panels consist of a fire-resistant and insulation rockwool core with a thickness of 80mm, mechanically fixed to the steel frame. On the same matter, all the building’s openings on the southern and western facades are shaded by the external second skin of perforated aluminum mesh panels.