Garden House / Ho Khue Architects

[caption id="attachment_970" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

From the architect. The house land dimensions are narrow 4 meters (w) x 40 meters (l).   Key elements and challenges are related to the ratio of the length to the width which effect natural lighting and ventilation. Breakthrough design solutions created two separate blocks with a natural green garden located in the central core.

[caption id="attachment_971" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

From the architect. The house land dimensions are narrow 4 meters (w) x 40 meters (l).   Key elements and challenges are related to the ratio of the length to the width which effect natural lighting and ventilation. Breakthrough design solutions created two separate blocks with a natural green garden located in the central core.

[caption id="attachment_972" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

Beautiful bridges connect the two blocks through corridors landscaped with trees and          decorative brick.   This centralized open garden area allows breathing and ventilation throughout the house in addition to allowing natural light into all rooms.

[caption id="attachment_973" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

Facade

The façade of this 4 story home covered with trees and planter boxes with captures the imagination of people travelling on this very busy commercial road Dien Bien Phu near the recently completed overpass. The concrete slabs and rustic tiles are stacked close together with just enough trees growing to reduce dust and noise from the street.  This offers natural and ongoing purification of the air inside the house.

[caption id="attachment_974" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

Open Central Core

The 3rd floor garden space connects the parent’s master bedroom and the family room. The path that leads through the central core garden is peaceful, cool, and quiet.  The cooling air and natural light provides ideal living conditions throughout the house.

[caption id="attachment_975" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

Sky garden: Beauty, Entertainment, and Cooling

The idea and design solution of the “Green House” includes a 4th floor space with an  open "sky garden" planted with tall trees and lush grass, wanting to put a Green  Space  into a townhouse which is situated in a noisy and cramped area.

[caption id="attachment_976" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_977" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

The entire roof of the house will also be planted with clean vegetables and flowers providing the family with food and flowers throughout the year.  The rooftop garden is created to reduce heat radiation into house and drastically reduce home heating. Solutions for the roof garden began as phase 1 (completed) of the technical construction. Plans to complete the rooftop garden are expected to be completed early next year.

Natural Materials: Strong and Beautiful

The house is a “Green House” because of design solutions for natural ventilation and cooling, natural lighting, green trees and plants covering the entire house and roof.  Environmentally friendly materials like unburned brick, concrete slabs, natural stone, and plantings produce a beautiful and strong surface.

[caption id="attachment_978" align="aligncenter" width="667"] © Hiroyuki Oki[/caption]

YKK Windows and Products

YKKap Green Certified Windows and doors are used throughout the project.  These are lightweight, beautiful, extremely strong, and are the most advanced windows available today.

 

• 
  

  Architects

  
  
  Ho Khue Architects


• 
  

  Location

  
  


• 
  

  Architect in Charge

  
  
  Ho Khue


• 
  

  Design Team

  
  
  Huynh Thanh Hai, Huynh Van Khanh


• 
  

  Area

  
  
  700.0 m2


• 
  

  Project Year

  
  
  2016


• 
  

  Photographs

  
  
  Hiroyuki Oki


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  Jotun, YKK AP, Tremcon

[Google_Maps_WD id=34 map=18]

 

Duplex in Kurkowa / 3XA Architects

 

[caption id="attachment_961" align="aligncenter" width="1498"] © Stanisław Zajączkowski[/caption]

From the architect. This contemporary duplex is housed in Kurkowa 14, one of the first new builds in Wrocław’s up-and-coming Nadodrze district. Located right on the Odra River, the multi-family development has clinched numerous architectural awards.

[caption id="attachment_962" align="aligncenter" width="1498"] © Stanisław Zajączkowski[/caption]

The 85 square meter apartment designed by 3XA Architects, was designed with functionality in mind so as to maximize living space for all familial wants and needs. This resulted in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom division that included an office and open kitchen-cum-living room.

[caption id="attachment_963" align="aligncenter" width="1498"] © Stanisław Zajączkowski[/caption]

Elements were deliberately kept light and neutral, with white serving as the dominant color for the resin floors, walls, and various furnishings. Simplicity was highlighted with the use of plywood that provided a degree of warmth and served as a uniting motif throughout the apartment – functional yet decorative. One of the most conspicuous features is the minimalist staircase encased entirely out of plywood, providing a raw feeling which helps offset the ultra-clean white interior. To enhance space-saving versatility, a built-in refrigerator, chest of drawers, and small utility room are all found underneath the stairs. This eliminated the need for additional clutter in the kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_964" align="aligncenter" width="1498"] © Stanisław Zajączkowski[/caption]

The kitchen itself was designed to take full advantage of any available storage space by featuring deep and spacious upper cabinets that stretched all the way down to the countertop. This provided a clean and simple visual effect. The final touch was provided by dichotomizing the light sources. Indiscernible housings mounted at the ceiling level provided ambient light whereas bold, black fixtures were used for accent lighting.

 

[caption id="attachment_966" align="aligncenter" width="1498"] © Stanisław Zajączkowski[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  3XA


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  Location

  
  
  
  
  [Google_Maps_WD id=32 map=17]
  
  


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  Architect in Charge

  
  
  Magdalena Zarzycka, Łukasz Reszka, Maciej Kowaluk, Agata Kalisz, Ewa Czerny


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  Area

  
  
  85.0 m2


• 
  

  Project Year

  
  
  2016


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  Photographs

  
  
  Stanisław Zajączkowski


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  DRE

 

 

 

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects

[caption id="attachment_947" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

From the architect. dot Architects has designed a new early learning centre for Chinese developer Vanke. The project locates in Qingdao, China. The early learning centre is on the third floor of a former sales gallery.

[caption id="attachment_948" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

Although it is still a hypothesis, that social interaction and unstructured play are vital for children’s development.  An open space is required for such activities to happen. A stage is defined as the reading zone instead of a library room. It can be used for free play during classes or as a theatre stage for special events.

We designed a scaled down children friendly house on top of the stage. The house is enclosed of wooden boxes which can be used to display books, plants or other exhibits. Children can sit and read anywhere, beside the table or on the stairs.

[caption id="attachment_949" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

In order to create continuity in the space and to prevent a potential collision, the plan layout is defined with smooth curves. Two oval shaped skylights are introduced into the space to bring in the natural light, as the south facing windows are occupied by classrooms.

[caption id="attachment_950" align="aligncenter" width="1436"] Plan[/caption]

Classrooms are categorized under different climate regions. Each region is represented with a theme colour and its signature animals. It is a more efficient way for preschoolers to identify the classrooms than usual numbering system.

[caption id="attachment_951" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

The interior of the classrooms use the same colour with a lighter shade. The furniture also has some coloured panels to make it more vivid.

As the budget for facade renovation is limited, the original curtain wall is remained with some panels replaced by the coloured ones. The entrance to the learning centre is defined by an illuminated logo.

In designing spaces for children, we prefer abstract geometry and simple visual language. We believe that children’s imaginations are more complex than any designed forms. It is better to design less to create a more imaginative space.

[caption id="attachment_952" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  dot Architects


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  Location

  
  
  Qingdao, Shandong, China


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  Lead Architect

  
  
  Duo Ning


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  Design Team

  
  
  Hu Xingzhu, Sun Qingfeng, Deng Tingfang, Liao Zhaocong Client: Vanke


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  Client

  
  
  Vanke


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  Area

  
  
  600.0 m2


• 
  

  Project Year

  
  
  2017


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  Photographs

  
  
  Wu Qingshan


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  Armstrong Flooring, Dulux

[Google_Maps_WD id=30 map=16]

 

Cylinder House / Town and Concrete

[caption id="attachment_894" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Courtesy of Town and Concrete[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_895" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Courtesy of Town and Concrete[/caption]

From the architect. The cylinder house is designed to fit between the trees of a wooded lot near Lyon, France.For this house, the plan is based on a juxtaposition of a simple element, a cylinder. This cylinder can be opened, semi-open, closed, whatever its disposition it participates in the delimitation of space.

[caption id="attachment_896" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Model[/caption]

It is an open plan, with the cylinder pieces as posts. There is a play of height offset on the cylinders to also provide a delimitation by the height of the ceilings.There are no corridors in this house nor windows marked, everything is traffic and everything is open to the outside.

[caption id="attachment_897" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Courtesy of Town and Concrete[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_898" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Ground Floor Plan[/caption]

The furniture marks space, but its movement can reinvent the house. The plan is not fixed, to follow the evolution of the lives of these occupants,of Town and Concrete.From the outside, the facades undulate, and receive the shades never frank, there are no faces.This system of cylinder juxtaposition allows to enlarge the house but also to have a blurred outer delimitation of the house with its context.

[caption id="attachment_900" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Courtesy of Town and Concrete[/caption]

 

 

[caption id="attachment_902" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Rooftop Plan[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_903" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Section Plan[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Elevation[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  Town and Concrete


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  Location

  
  
  Lyon, France


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  Lead Architect

  
  
  Cyril Lancelin


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  Area

  
  
  270.0 m2


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  Project Year

  
  
  2019


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  Saint Gobain, Technal, Samsung

[Google_Maps_WD id=28 map=15]

 

 

HKS Unveils New $975 Million Minneapolis Stadium / HKS

[caption id="attachment_886" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Courtesy of HKS[/caption]

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group together unveiled the design of the state’s new $975 million multi-purpose stadium in Minneapolis.

The Architect’s Description:

Described as an authentic structure influenced by its Minnesota location, the new stadium exhibits a bold, progressive design that combines efficient functionality with stunning architecture. With a soaring prow, the largest transparent roof in the world, and operable doors that open to the downtown skyline, the facility’s openness and sleek geometric exterior will make it unlike any other stadium in the country.

[caption id="attachment_887" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Courtesy of HKS[/caption]

“The design reflects the true story of the Minnesota community with its international style driven by climatic response and energy conservation,” said Bryan Trubey, design principal, HKS Sports & Entertainment Group. “The interior volume makes it the most versatile, multi‐use building in the country with the most advanced digital age technology.”

[caption id="attachment_888" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Courtesy of HKS[/caption]

Groundbreaking for the new 65,000‐seat stadium will take place in October 2013, and demolition of the Metrodome will begin early in 2014. The new stadium is scheduled to be open in time for the Vikings 2016 season.

The project is currently under review by the Minneapolis Stadium Implementation Committee and the City of Minneapolis.

[caption id="attachment_889" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Courtesy of HKS[/caption]

Bank of Shanghai Data Processing Center / Silvio d´Ascia

[caption id="attachment_872" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] © Yves Chan You[/caption]

The new project, conceived in partnership with AREP and Shanghai-based ECADI, is located in the Zhangjiang Innovation Park, situated about 21 km from Pudong. Imagined as a sort of « digital fortress », the complex includes roughly 12,500 m2 of data server rooms, with these spaces forming the foundation upon which rest other programmatic zones, such as offices, customer service centers, restaurants, and conference centers.

[caption id="attachment_873" align="aligncenter" width="1926"] © Yves Chan You[/caption]

 

Explains d’Ascia : « The idea was to give a certain solidity to the image of the bank ; we wanted the center to reflect the strength of the financial institution housed within its walls. »

[caption id="attachment_874" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] © Yves Chan You[/caption]

 

The project’s conclusion comes on the heels of the studio’s recent data processing center for the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Both projects came about as the result of winning competition bids and continue the studio’s forary into highly-technical buildings for the digital age. « I truly believe this sort of building, the data center, is the future. Every company will need one, » notes d’Ascia.

[caption id="attachment_875" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] © Yves Chan You[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_876" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Sketch[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_877" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Section[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_878" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Section 2[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_879" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Section 3[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_880" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Render[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  Silvio d´Ascia


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  Location

  
  
  Shanghai, China


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  Design Team

  
  
  Silvio d’Ascia Architecture with AREP


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  Area

  
  
  76000.0 sqm


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  Project Year

  
  
  2014


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  Photographs

  
  
  Yves Chan You

[Google_Maps_WD id=26 map=14]

 

 

ALPHAVILLE / Catholic Suzuka Church

[caption id="attachment_854" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

From the architect. Responding to a dramatic growth in the foreign Catholic community in Suzuka, a new religious space is needed not only for worships but also social interactions. The Catholic Suzuka Church, presented by the Alphaville Architects, is an integration of multiple functions including a chapel, a community hall and residences for priests. Located in Suzuka, where the HONDA motor industry bases, the presented project is sitting on the cross junction of two major streets, with one being a newly built motorway and the remaining one being an ancient road connecting Tokyo and Osaka since Edo period.

[caption id="attachment_855" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

The project features an expressive roof which wraps up all the functional spaces. It is shaped as multiple diagonal arches overlapping each other with gaps. This was inspired by the stunning mountain scape surrounding the city, and reminds citizens of the natural elegance.

[caption id="attachment_856" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_857" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

To handle crowds on Sundays, the whole volume is lifted to maximize the car parking space underneath without shrinking the other functional areas. The roof is split into pieces every five meters – referring to the parking lot module – for skylights to introduce the southern natural light to the interiors. Connected by two gently inclined staircases, the pilotis and the entrance lobbies on the second floor define a plaza for social events and buffering from the heavily motorized city.

[caption id="attachment_858" align="aligncenter" width="1415"] Section[/caption]

Referring to the “Nori’s figure/ground theory”, the lobby is designed as an extension of the city pathways, manipulating relationships among the “inside-out” spaces converging at the church that allow easy approaches.

[caption id="attachment_859" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_860" align="aligncenter" width="1333"] Structural Diagram[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_861" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] © Toshiyuki Yano[/caption]

With its lively gesture, this project surpasses precedents with enhanced accessibility, translating worships into daily-life philosophy and bridges mankind to the holy with falls of natural light.

[caption id="attachment_864" align="aligncenter" width="1333"] Site Plan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_865" align="aligncenter" width="1333"] Plan[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_866" align="aligncenter" width="1414"] Sections[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_867" align="aligncenter" width="1333"] Axonometric[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="1333"] Detail[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  ALPHAVILLE


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  Location

  
  
  Mie Prefecture, Japan


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  Architects in Charge

  
  
  Kentaro Takeguchi, Asako Yamamoto


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  Area

  
  
  1588.85 m2


• 
  

  Project Year

  
  
  2015


• 
  

  Photographs

  
  
  Toshiyuki Yano


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  Lixil Corporation, Panasonic, Toto, Daiko, JFE Galvanizing & Coating, Sanwacompany

[Google_Maps_WD id=24 map=13]