Ode to the natural Northern Lights

In the world of architecture and design, where aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand, shed roofs shine as iconic beacons of human ingenuity. These unique roofs, with their characteristic sawtooth profile, are a celebration of natural light.

The shed roofs on the 300-meter-long building TX at Strijp-T in Eindhoven tell us something about the rich industrial past, they remind us of a time when factories and workshops formed the backbone of society.

At the same time, they are looking ahead, fitting into modern sustainability goals and architectural innovations.

They offer a beautiful play of light and shadow. The upward-facing glass surfaces capture the northern lights and allow them to penetrate deeply into the spaces below. The light is even, creating a soft, natural illumination that avoids the harsh shadows of direct sunlight. This diffused light creates a serene and inspiring environment, perfect for workspaces, studios, and other types of use.

In a time where sustainability and energy efficiency are key, shed roofs are a brilliant example of passive design strategies. They minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day, resulting in significant energy savings.

Houseplants make us healthy, they connect us in a pleasant way with the nature around us.

Text: Stefan the Beaver

Photography: Cecile Smeets