The Argos project by Zaha Hadid Architects, completed in Graz, Austria, is an urban residence that combines serviced apartments, retail spaces, and offices in a single compact and sculptural volume. The design draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Argos, the giant with a hundred eyes: the distinctive funnel-shaped windows act as “eyes” watching the city, giving the volume a dynamic and animated appearance. The residential part, suspended above a transparent two-story podium housing retail and offices, appears almost floating, emphasizing the sculptural lightness of the building.
The prefabricated façade units are made of laminated timber structure and clad with high-performance materials, ensuring thermal insulation and a fluid, organic aesthetic. The project integrates wood from sustainably managed forests and high-performance insulating materials, in line with energy efficiency and emission reduction strategies.
Fiandre provided technical ceramic surfaces, used in selected parts of the envelope, combining durability, hygiene, and refined finishes, harmonizing with the strong architectural identity of the building.
The result is a bold and highly distinctive work that unites lightness, geometric rigor, and technological innovation, making Argos a contemporary urban landmark and an emblematic example of Zaha Hadid Architects’ vision.
Photo: (c) Paul-Ott
