The Centre for Ocean Research’s building expansion is situated in the Kiel Fjord. With a Corten steel base that picks up the architectural outline of the existing building, the expansion integrates itself into its environment, which is characterised by its brick buildings. The base accommodates the storage of expedition equipment and laboratories. Five cubes of varying proportions and heights are arranged atop the base, breaking up the building’s substantial volume to fit the scale of the surroundings. Four of these cubes accommodate the research areas. Their folded metal facades reflect the colors of the sky, causing the volumes to recede visually. A special position is held by the cube that contains publicly accessible areas which is likewise covered in Corten steel. From the entrance, visitors and staff enter an open stairwell and are intuitively guided to the conference and library areas on the waterfront. The working areas are interspersed with lounge and meeting spaces in order to promote daily interaction among the researchers. The façade’s impact stems from the contrast between monolithic-looking Corten steel components and bright cubes clad in a subtly folded skin of anodized aluminum, which reflect changing light moods of the sky. From a distance, the building’s appearance ranges from bright and radiant to graphically abstract to subtly shaded. To some observers, the triangular surfaces of the folded facade may also be reminiscent of the sails of passing boats.