Matchbox occupies a triangular plot in Strijp-S, Eindhoven's former Philips industrial district.
The building contains 36 social-rental homes, offices, retail and hospitality around a shared courtyard. Its structure uses timber columns and beams, CLT floors and a precast concrete stability core.
A 22-centimetre facade grid combines Azobé timber and bamboo panels that will weather towards grey.
Its importance lies in applying timber to ordinary programmes, where cost, fire, acoustics and maintenance must work beyond an exceptional prototype.
AdvertisementARQUITHEAArchitecture for seeing more clearlyIdeas, buildings and tools for understanding the city through real questions.Follow @arquithea_ ↗Can timber stop being an architectural luxury?
Yes, when calculation, protection, supply and industrial repetition become ordinary. Matchbox tests that transition in social rent and mixed use.
