Opkorn | IKO Real Estate

Details

Location
Differdange
Surface area
13.800 m2
Delivery
2017
Architect
Moreno Architecture

A space focused on life

The concept of a retail environment as a place to meet people

The Opkorn shopping centre, with its dynamic and varied retail offer, was designed as a place for people to interact. All the services available in Opkorn provide a complete experience in a single venue.

Architecture

Connecting with history

The building’s architecture is faithful to the local heritage. In a nod to the steel industry, architect Stefano Moreno’s façade sports metal cladding that blends perfectly with its surroundings. A environment that has been given new life, mainly thanks to the Arboria residential district, the EIDD international school and the new entrance to the city.

The choice of sophisticated materials enhances the main aspects of the building. The perforated metal cladding reflects the daylight and illuminates indoor activity at night. The base and side facades, in textured sandblasted concrete, give rhythm to the whole unit and harmonise with the metal components.

The massively-framed pedestrian entrances facing the terraced esplanades are largely glazed, extending the public space into the gallery. A gallery bathed in natural light, thanks to large zenithal openings and a light-coloured stone floor, which creates an elegant, sober atmosphere.

Biodiversity

Three beehives encouraging biodiversity

Three beehives on the roof of the shopping centre foster biodiversity by reintroducing bees to the commercial area. Local honey is harvested each year thanks to the expertise of urban beekeeper Hugo Zeller.

For three years now, several beehives have been kept on the green roofs of IKO buildings. The honey from these hives is analysed to gain a better understanding of the plant environment, and new bees are regularly reintroduced.

Hugo Zeler

Urban beekeeper