attached to an ‘ameoba-like pavilion’, norwegian firm mork-ulnes architects / SFOSL have transformed and extended a dilapidated barn in sonoma county, california, into a residence-cum-artist studio.

image © bruce damonte

measuring at 2,500 square feet, the distinctive property features an inverted butterfly roof which accommodates a spacious artist’s studio and an office. mork-ulnes architects developed a space that seamlessly establishes an indoor and outdoor setting. in the extension and interrupting the concrete floor, parts of the floor has been filled with compost and planted with bamboo, aloes and various exotic plants.

the inverted pitch roof creates sweeping double height spaces for art production and storage
image © bruce damonte

the art studio is located within the vernacular barn. the traditional gabled roof has been inverted to create a double height space for creativity and storage, with views out towards the surrounding landscape. wood is the main construction material; the 100-year old reclaimed bar siding has been re-used as the contrasting cladding seen on the home’s external envelope.

the roof is an exposed wood, scissor-beam roof construction with a large skylight that brings light into the space
image © bruce damonte

‘lars wanted an outdoor kitchen and dining room that he could use year-round,’ says architect casper mork-ulnes ‘the idea was to let the landscape bleed in and out of the building. he imagined it as a jungle, with exotic plants, such as papaya, banana, and mango, inside and out.’

on the outside, the contemporary extension ‘the ameoba’ visually reaches out into the landscape and inside, the open-plan kitchen and dining sits within the S-curved cement walls, which keeps the thermal mass balanced during the summer and winter. the interior embraces nature and the outdoors, capturing the landscape to create a lush landscape of taro, fig, and bamboo that softly separates the kitchen from the dining area.

a 720 square feet concrete kitchen and dining space grows out from the studio
image © bruce damonte

for this project the architects used adaptive re-use strategies for most of the building materials, and minimized unnecessary glazing where possible. thermally broken window frames, formaldehyde-free insulation, sustainable FSC certified milled wood were recycled and used, which resulted in the reduction of waste.

the structure has eight-inch-thick s-curved cement walls which helps in controlling thermal mass
image © bruce damonte

for this project the architects used adaptive re-use strategies for most of the building materials
image © grant harder

the ameoba pavilion extends and opens out into the landscape
image © bruce damonte

100-year old reclaimed barn siding was used as the exterior cladding material
image © grant harder

image © bruce damonte

the residence at night
image © bruce damonte

the home is based in sonoma county, northern california
image © bruce damonte

jul 28, 2016

In tempio pausania, a town of about 14,000 inhabitants in the northern part of the island, the architects have realized a series of colorful sails that fluctuate in the sky, animating overhead pedestrians and passersby to the lively public space. dedicated to the late italian singer-songwriter fabrizio de andré — whose friendship with piano became a important source of the project — the installation serves not only to celebrate the artist as ‘one the most sensitive interpreters of human nature’, but also to highlight the beauty and importance of small towns across italy.

all photos by luigi filetici

developed by alvisi kirimoto + partners and conceived in continuity with an idea by renzo piano, the project comprises 12 suspended elements set against a backdrop of historical stone buildings and the market arcade. in celebration of the light and colors of the landscape, green, gold, red and blue fabric sails fluctuate in the air as if carried by the wind, finally resting on a web of wires that stretch between the buildings. piano’s idea of a ‘spiderweb’ of color is translated into a labyrinth of wires and cloth that don’t touch the piazza, but give it a dynamic effect of shadow and color. when the sails are closed, ’12 colored pencils’ (a reference to fabrizio de andré’s great passion for faber-castell crayons) seem to be suspended between the narrow irregular streets and granite walls.

‘this intervention, with its lightness and its untamed vitality, allowed us to relate ourselves once again with small urban centers,’ architect massimo alvisi describes. ‘starting from renzo piano’s idea to ‘capture the rays of light and its colors’, we moved the action up high, above the piazza, thus forcing passers-by to look beyond the roofs, to deal with the gray buildings and the color of the sky, to transcend the angular margins of the area.’

in its construction, the installation includes an arrangement of steel cables anchored to the granite walls of the surrounding buildings. this net creates a series of suspended triangles, where each vertex acts as the starting point for other rods. the fabric geometries can be rolled up though a motorized system — similar to those used in sailing. the device allows for two distinct configurations: open sails produce triangles of shadows in the piazza; closed sails form an intricate system of cables and rolls overhead. additionally, the open composition can also host visual projections, adding another dimension to the ever-changing installation. 

 

 

 

 

jul 20, 2016

‘urby staten island’ is a residential development in new york that places a strong emphasis on experience and community. located on the north shore waterfront, it is the largest new construction development in the borough, with a total of 900 apartments and 35,000 square feet of commercial space. the scheme is the first in a planned series of developments set to open in other cities, with the next urby expected to open later this year in jersey city.

the residential development seeks to place a strong emphasis on experience and community

urby staten island has been conceptualized by real estate firm ironstate and dutch architecture and interior designersconcrete. conceived to offer a better rental-housing product, the concept is geared towards ‘contemporary urban residents’. alongside studios, and one and two-bedroom apartments, urby offers a range of social spaces that encourage neighborly interaction. these include an urban farm, a communal kitchen, and an apiary that encompasses several beehives.

the concept is geared towards ‘contemporary urban residents’

measuring a total of 5,000 square feet, the scheme is organized around one of new york city’s largest urban farms. the plot grows over 50 varieties of produce and includes a greenhouse and picnic tables for shared dining and composting. the facility even has its own farmer-in-residence. a large communal kitchen teaches culinary classes, hosts chef tastings, and incorporates produce from the urban farm within gourmet meals. beehives are located on the roof with the goal of producing honey to be served in the on-site café.

a large communal kitchen teaches culinary classes and hosts chef tastings

the development also includes a 5,100 square foot fitness center, an outdoor pool, landscaped courtyards with fire pits, wi-fi enabled green spaces, and a 300-car garage. the LEED certified project features a number of environmentally conscious elements such as filtered water filling stations in the lobbies, electric car chargers in the garage, and storage for up to 500 bicycles.

the scheme is located on the north shore of staten island

individual apartments come equipped with built-in wardrobes, storage spaces, bookshelves, window treatments, lighting, and wi-fi. residents have keyless building and apartment entry through smart technology systems located throughout the development, while every apartment comes with its own washer/dryer. urby also features 35,000 square feet of commercial space, which will soon include a selection of boutique restaurants and shops.

the scheme is organized around one of new york city’s largest urban farms

located on the north shore of staten island, the development is just a few minutes away from the st. george ferry in the neighborhood of stapleton. urby provides views of the statue of liberty, verrazano bridge, brooklyn, and lower manhattan. ironstate’s transformation of the site — which was a former U.S. navy yard — is part of the city’s $32 million USD plans to reconnect the community with the waterfront esplanade.

the development includes a 5,100 square foot fitness center and an outdoor pool

residents have keyless building and apartment entry

apartments come equipped with built-in wardrobes, storage spaces, and bookshelves

studios, and one and two-bedroom units are available

the scheme is part of the city’s plans to reconnect the community with the waterfront esplanade

conceived by sordo madaleno arquitectos, ‘el zafiro’ is a luxury residential complex in careyes, mexico. located along the southern jalisco coast, the development is surrounded by beaches, rivers, mangroves, golf courses, and wildlife. thearchitecture comprises a total of 14 buildings, each with five luxury housing units: 4 two or three-bedroom apartments and a four-bedroom penthouse. construction is expected to begin on site in the coming months.

the development reinterprets the region’s traditional palapa huts
all images by CG veron © sordo madaleno arquitectos

the development is characterized by a defined curve that arises from sordo madaleno arquitectos’ reinterpretation of the traditional palapa huts found in the region. ‘the purpose of this element — apart from its aesthetic qualities — is to provide a comprehensive architectural solution,’ explains the design team. ‘more than just an outer lining, it is a whole: a structural element that protects from excessive insulation while letting in natural light in a controlled manner, and encouraging natural cross ventilation that takes advantage of the breezes.’

the structural element protects inhabitants from excessive insulation while letting in natural light

the form protects residents from the rain without obstructing views. it also serves as an enclosure for the residential program, simultaneously acting as wall, floor, and roof. this modular element is repeated, following the undulations of the terrain and distributing the buildings in a linear sequence — carefully arranging them to permit the best views while preserving privacy between units.

the luxury development is surrounded by beaches, rivers, and mangroves

each of the 14 elements is constructed from superimposed layers. the first is a three-dimensional mesh abstracted from basic geometrical elements. this is made of laminated wood to achieve a lightweight structure that can be assembled in situ, before being covered with a timber cladding system that makes it possible to create apertures and closures. finally, further protection against the rain and sun is added where required. locally sourced materials were chosen to minimize ecological impact, blending with the natural setting.

the scheme comprises a total of 14 buildings, each with five luxury housing units

construction is expected to begin on site in the coming months

jun 08, 2016

all images courtesy of mecanoo

dutch architecture studio mecanoo has revealed plans for an important transport hub in taiwan’s second largest city.the new kaohsiung station features an organic, curvilinear shape with a landscaped canopy that offers a generous amount of public space. this area of greenery both unifies different modes of transport, and represents kaohsiung’s desire to be a sustainable city. the scheme forms the centerpiece of the vast kaohsiung metropolitan area underground railway project, which includes seven subterranean stations along a 9.75 kilometer (6 mile) railway tunnel. the planned transportation hub integrates train, metro, and bus services, and accommodates the needs of taxis and bicycles.

the station features an organic, curvilinear shape, with a landscaped canopy

as a main point of arrival, mecanoo’s above-ground station forms a new stage on which to present the city’s identity.arriving from the underground train and metro platforms, kaohsiung station’s central hall is a sunken plaza situated beneath a bright ceiling of oval-shaped lights. the overarching canopy connects a hotel, retail outlets, restaurants, and other facilities intended for both the local community and travelers. atop the multi-layered landscape is a bike path running east to west. the colonial japanese station building, which will be relocated to its original site, is embraced by the structure and symbolically reconnects old and new aspects of kaohsiung.

the central hall is a sunken plaza situated beneath a bright ceiling of oval-shaped lights

‘the most important events in taiwanese villages take place on the main square in front of the temple, lit with traditional red lanterns,’ explains francine houben, creative director of mecanoo. ‘the central hall has been designed as a contemporary equivalent of this, creating a memorable experience for travelers. the sprawling green canopy protects the open public plaza underneath from kaohsiung’s tropical climate like large trees would do. here people can meet, enjoy a refreshing breeze, or visit events that take place at the station, like a farmers’ market, second hand market, traditional open air opera or a mobile library.’

work on the kaohsiung metropolitan area underground railway project and underground station commenced in 2014.completion of the kaohsiung station is expected in 2024.

the project will form a new stage on which to present the city’s identity

the green canopy offers a generous amount of public space

the planned transportation hub integrates train, metro, and bus services

the exiting site in the taiwanese city of kaohsiung

project info:

architects: mecanoo
location: kaohsiung, taiwan
site area: 8.5 hectares — including: a 13,000 sqm sunken station plaza; 35,000 sqm green canopy; 22,000 sqm hotel; 52,000 sqm commercial building; and 60,000 sqm landscape design
expected completion:  2024

all images courtesy of assadi + pulido / © cristóbal palma

mexican architect isaac broid has teamed up with chilean duo assadi + pulido to design a single-family residence that proposes an H-shaped scheme with two parallel pavilions. located in one of the most prestigious areas of mexico city, ‘casa roel’ shines with its simplicity and concrete grandeur. with an almost monochromatic appearance, the house was built with four materials: exposed concrete, glass, a beige stone for the flooring, and a light-colored wood on the ceiling. by placing it facing southwest, natural light flows through the whole plan that is set in only one level.

‘casa roel’ is located in one of the most prestigious zones of mexico city 

the house is composed of two parallel pavilions and one perpendicular that connects the other two. the one that is closest to the street contains the social areas, such as living room, dining room, and kitchen. its collateral pair in the background covers the bedrooms. the H-shaped structure is completely suspended, resting at the bottom of the site, that is sloped towards the street, generating different courtyards in the middle of the enclosures.

the social area is composed of a living room, dining room, and kitchen

a garden covers an area that goes from the street to the back of the lot, including space under the construction. on the rooftop, terraces were added with gardens, as well as a swimming pool. this area not only saves garden space but gives interesting views towards the roofs of the neighboring houses and to a good part of the city. ‘casa roel’ received third place in the single-family category of the local CEMEX building awards 2015.

view from the garden to the living room

floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flow through the property

the dining room is next to the steps that lead to the rooftop

the façade, made in wood, has a hexagonal pattern 

TV room

every bedroom looks to the garden

a covered outdoor corridor/terrace connects the bedrooms from the outside 

the rooftop is composed of a pool and some terraces

view of the house from the patio