Project Title: Kona Residence
Author: Belzberg Architects
Principal: Hagy Belzberg
Project Manager: Barry Gartin
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Project Team: David Cheung, Carina Bien-Willner, Barry Gartin, Cory Taylor, Andrew Atwood, Chris Arntzen, Brock DeSmit, Dan Rentsch, Lauren Zuzack.
Year: 2010
Interiors: MLK Studio
Photography: Benny Chan (Fotoworks), Belzberg Architects.

Nestled between cooled lava flows, the Kona residence situates its axis not with the linearity of the property but rather with the axiality of predominant views available to the site.  Within the dichotomy of natural elements and geometric hardscape the residence attempts to integrate both the surrounding views of volcanic mountain ranges to the east and ocean horizons westward.  The program is arranged as a series of pods distributed throughout the property, each having its own unique features and view opportunities.  The pods are programmatically assigned as two sleeping pods with common areas, media, master suite and main living space.

A central axis becomes the organizational and focal feature for the entire house, connecting each of the pods through an exterior gallery corridor.  To help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house, 2 separate arrays of roof mounted photovoltaic panels offset the residence energy usage while the choice of darker lava stone help heat the pool water via solar radiation. Rain water collection and redirection to 3 drywells that replenish the aquifer are implemented throughout the property. Reclaimed teak timber from older barns and train tracks are recycled for the exterior of the home.

Together with stacked and cut lava rock, the two materials form a historically driven medium embedded in Hawaiian tradition. 3-D modeling and digital fabrication through CNC machinery was incorporated to further enhance traditional elements in a contemporary arrangement.

Local basket weaving culture was the inspiration for the entry pavilion which reenacts the traditional gift upon arrival ceremony. CNC milled ceilings and screens throughout the house continue the abstract approach to traditional Hawaiian wood carving.

Via: Contemporist

Autodesk has issued a press release confirming that AutoCAD will be available in Mac OS X system in October at a MSRP of $3,995. Autodesk also announced AutoCAD WS a mobile application for iPad and Iphone which will let you view, edit and whare DWG files on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

Autodesk is bringing its AutoCAD architecture, design, and engineering software back to the Mac OS after an 18-year absence, the company announced this evening. But the company plans to do more than offer a Mac OS X version of AutoCAD: It says it will release a free version of the software, dubbed AutoCAD WS, for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch that lets users review, edit, and share AutoCAD files on those popular mobile devices.

The company says AutoCAD for Mac OS X is a fully native application, using Mac OS X libraries and native UI features. AutoCAD for Mac takes full advantage of Mac OS X, including graphical browsing of design files with Cover Flow and use of multitouch gestures on Mac notebooks, the Magic Mouse, and the Magic Trackpad for intuitive pan and zoom features, a spokesman said. User-experience design patterns, such as the visual approach to drawing and layout management, have also been incorporated into AutoCAD for Mac.

Last thursday, August 26, NYC studio SOFTlab opened and installation at the bridegallery in New York City. The installation was made with over 4,600 panels each one with a unique color. The project was crowd-financed via kickstarter and for everyone who pledged for the projet their name was laser atached in one of the panels, which will be sent to the donator once the installation comes down. [More images after the break]

Design Team:
Michael Szivos, Jose Gonzalez, Carrie McKnelly, Elliot White, Tyler O’Rielley, Troy Zezula, Sean Madigan, Corey Kingston

Installation:
Julia Schleppe, Andrew Manart, Simon Kristak, David Gonzalez, Andrew Chen, Anthony Buccellato, Laura Vincent, Michael House, Brandt Graves, Austin Smith, Andrew Sutton, Alan Tansey, Mac Glovinsky, Robin Jones

Photos:
Andrew Manart

Via: Bustler

Project: The Galilée Office Building
Author: STUDIO BELLECOUR, SAS d’architecture
Architect: Wilfrid Bellecour
Location: Blagnac, Toulouse, France
Client: Altarea COGEDIM
Owner: Crédit Suisse
Surface area: 11,102 sq.m.
Estimated Cost: M€ 20
Construction work: April 2008
Delivery: 2010
Photography: Christophe Pici
             Nicolas Borel
             Quentin Jeandel
             Denis Gliksman
             Studio Bellecour

The project Galilée is one of the debut projects realized in the UDZ (Urban Development Zone) Andromède, in Blagnac, near Toulouse in France. The particular urban details of this UDZ in Blagnac provided a unique climate for the development of a quality architectural project.

The aesthetic of Galilée results from a combination of an interpretation of these urban rules, the immediate aeronautical context, and from the environmental requirements given in the specifications of the UDZ. The plan is centered on two distinct buildings which are connected by a long white concrete veil. The veil, the primary visual feature of the overall plan, blends vertical and horizontal motions as it slowly curves in a helical movement. This veil achieves the double feature of insuring the continuity between each building while allowing one to discover the rear landscape in all its depth. Thus this long concrete helix, which  recalls the aeronautical context of the site, both protects the building by marking the front of street as well as welcomes us by its inviting view. Two covered buildings wrapped in special insulating material and canopies, modulated according to the illumination, confer on the operation the environmental  characteristics.

A unique formal style distinguishes and individualizes these buildings. Nevertheless, the coherence and balance of the whole is maintained by the homogenous treatment of the façades. The difference of shape and the resemblance of materials make fraternal twins out of these two buildings, which works to maintain options for future users of the space. That is, the distinctions between the buildings would allow multiple tenants to maintain an air of individuality while at the same time the continuous architectural themes provide an appropriate environment for one single occupant.

A central square constitutes the central space, the place of privileged pedestrian access towards both halls. The square is slightly heightened to allow for a level of half-buried parking lots organized around a central garden with natural air circulation. A large white concrete form looking like a shingle offers space for bikes within the landscape. The sun shade, a major element of the façades’ composition, bring the bright comfort crucial to the offices and open-spaces of the building.

For fire access, on the side of the building, the sun shades become delicately blurred on certain windows, allowing openings for the appropriate safety officials.

Via: Contemporist

© hertha hurnaus

Project: Flag
Architect: propeller z
Location: Fahndorf, Austria
Budget: 70,000 Euros
Photography: © hertha hurnaus

           
© hertha hurnaus

© hertha hurnaus

propeller z, a vienna based architecture office, completed an addition to 200 year old farmhouse in Fahndorf, Austria. The addition, which was completed with a budget of 70,000 Euros, negotiates the conditions and features of the pre-existing structure while remaining quiet in its presence from the nearby street.

© hertha hurnaus

The farmhouse is a traditional u-shaped structure with a courtyard between the living space and the barn and stable. Buried into the slope the south wing leaves its pitched roof exposed establishing no relationship with the acreage to the back. The new dwelling, which accomodates a kitchen and living space, stands elevated on the terrain and stablishes a relationship with the surrounding farmland.

© hertha hurnaus

To remain within the allowed budget, much of the materials that were used on “flag” are local and readily materials, the ceiling and the entrance platform are clad in warm wood, while the internal insulation is made from recycled newspaper. The north side of the addition features a wood stack that spans the entire length of the facade, which is both a reinterpretation of the local farmhouse typology.

© hertha hurnaus

Project: TED Building
Architect: BIG
           Bjarke Ingels, Jakob Lange
Project leader: Cat Huang
Team: Gaetan Brunet, Xu Li, Alysen Hiller, Xi Chen, Espen Vik, James Schrader, Kuba Snopek, Riccardo Mariano, Johan Cool, Takuya Hosokai, Daniel Sundlin.          
Collaborators: Realities United, Arup
Location: Taiwan
Type: Competition
Client: TLDC
Size: 43,000 sq. mt.

The Public Street
TED contains an almost urban mix of programs with no obvious hierarchy. We propose to organize the shops and showrooms, offices and hotelrooms, conference rooms and exhibitions spaces, restaurants and galleries along an internal extension of the pedestrianized street to the south. To remain with the site and the maximum building volume, the public street is coiled up in an ascending spiral leading from the ground floor to the roof garden.

The spiraling street of media programs is consolidated into a 57×57x57m3 cube of program permeated by a public trajectory of the people life. The cube is finished in concrete lamellas serving as solar shading as well as public access.

The lamellas recede inwards forming a generous public staricase allowing the public walk into the fecade and all the way to the roof. At the roof of the cube, the trajectory expands forming a big informal public arena. All restaurants on the penthouse floor open to the arena making it a natural gathering point for Taipei teenagers for social hangout and informal performances.

As Venice Biennale fever heats up (literally, with the sweltering new start date of 26 August for the vernissage), we bring glad tidings of an App that will guide you around the labyrinthine alleys and canals of Venice to find exactly what you are looking for at the world’s greatest architecture event. [more info after the break]

Elias Redstone, Curator of the Polish Pavilion at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennale and ex-senior Curator at London’s Architecture Foundation, says:  “My abiding memory of Biennales is walking the streets, in increasingly frantic circles, sifting through a stack of timetables, press releases and maps to try to find the next pavilion or event.  And then struggling to get a drink, let alone a meal, at the packed out restaurants and bars.   All that will be a thing of the past, thanks to Biennale App.”

Working seamlessly with this year’s Biennale theme – People Meet in Architecture – the App will help visitors meet up with friends and colleagues, at what can be an unwieldy event, by telling users where the next thing is happening.

The Biennale App functions include:

• Where am I? (and what is near me right now) – a detailed city map so that you can find your location, Biennale venue locations and get directions.  With an inbuilt list of useful Venice locations you can also bookmark your own hotel, so you will never lose your way home.
• Events – what is happening, where and when. A calendar of events with map locations
• Bars and Restaurants – having visited a pavilion or attended an event, Biennale App also helps you find useful places like nearest bars and restaurants – use the restaurant booking link to make that often incredibly elusive dinner reservation
• Live buzz – keep up to date with the latest news on events and exhibition openings through the BiennaleApp twitter feed (as found on www.biennaleapp.com)
  The 2011 edition of Biennale App will be a new bespoke version to guide visitors around the 54th Venice Art Biennale.

To download the app:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/biennale-venice-2010/id386596806?mt=8

Project: Home 06
Architect: 129 | interior architects
Location: Singel, Amsterdam
Client: Private
Constructor: M.J.Rasch
Interior build: H2B interiors
Materials: aluminium, burl walnut wood, epoxy, glass, plantwall
Sanitary: Vola, Easydrain, HiMacs
m2: 140 m2
Photography: i29 l interior architects

This residence at the Singel, Amsterdam (NL) exists from one open space where several functions have been put into freestanding objects. The kitchen and wardrobe are placed near the entrance and combined into one single volume.

The bath- and bedroom is hided into a volume which is placed at back of the house. From the open living area you look alongside the volume towards the vertical garden and the entrance stairs to the roof terrace. The view on the green wall holds a promise in itself which will be redeemed once you enter the bed/bathroom. The small measurements of this combined bed and bathroom are in contrast with its spacioucesness, while containing a private and personal feeling.

The panorama on the overgrown plantwall and the contrast with the minimalistic white bed/bathroom provides an intense experience. Integration of nature is an important aspect of traditional culture in Japan, the homeland of the client. The integrated in-house vertical garden is an example of this. Other features where simplicity and minimalist details.

The project has won the Bathroom design awards 2010.

© Tim Griffith

Project: Oakland House
Architect: Kanner Architects
Location: Oakland, U.S.A.
Photography: Tim Griffith

           
© Tim Griffith

© Tim Griffith

Located in Oakland, California, on a down-sloping site high above the San Francisco bay, this home is designed to capture the magnificent vistas spanning from the Bay Bright to the Golden Gate Bridge. Floor-to-ceiling glass clears the way to unobstructed views. The predominantly south-southwest orientation required deep overhangs to cut down glare and soften the light quality in the home.

© Tim Griffith

The planning of the four bedrooms centered around placement of the master bedroom, living room and kitchen on the leading edge of the home. The glass carport and secondary bedrooms are placed in a second building higher up the slope. A glass bridge spans a bamboo garden and connects the structures.

© Tim Griffith

Spare and rigorously Modern in its aesthetic, the home has only a handful of materials and even fewer colors. Pale blue scratch coat plaster, concrete floors, steel and glass window systems, and a mostly white and bleached wood composition of cabinetry and furnishings define the minimalist composition. Color is introduced through landscaping, artwork and the dramatic views.

© Tim Griffith

Via: Contemporist

Project: The Library Koh Samui
Author: Tirawan Songsawat
Location: Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
Managing Director: Kasemtham Sornsong
General Manager: Jirapa Akkaraj

The Library is a new conceptual resort located in the heart of Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand. The project was originated by Kasemtham Sornsong the land owner whose desire is to develop an inherited piece of land to be more efficient as well as preserve existing nature as much as possible. The piece of land is approx. 4 Rais or 1.5 acres with 50-metre beachfront area. Apart from an idea to preserve existing nature on the site, the project was inspired by the basic way of life and our belief that ‘the real happiness is not complicated at all’.

There are only 26 units of accommodation within 4 Rais of land or approximately 1.5 acres consisting of 13 Studios and 13 Suites. Total area of each unit is 67 sq.m for Studio and 76 sq.m for Suite. Every unit has a chance to get close to nature of tropical garden and glimpse of sea views.

As for atmosphere within the Project, we set a tone of feeling to be a cool smart-relaxing place with attractive appearance and interesting theme. Green from grass in our garden decorated with art pieces and sculptures will be key element for our landscape. White theme of the building by the beach, a vivid red swimming pool overlooking to the sea and grey tone of the Restaurant.

The Suite
Has been assigned on the ground floor to enhance tropical feel and touch. There is one master bedroom of 25 sq.m., an open-air living area of 20 sq.m. equipped with wooden shutter to allow sea breeze and wind to freely flow into this area. An iMac computer with broadband connection is provided on a writing table in living area. Whist a bathroom area is approximately 19 sq.m. featured a Jacuzzi , rain shower and dressing area. In front of each Suite, outdoor mattresses are set aside serving as sun loungers for guests to enjoy sun-bathing and reading during the day.

The Studio
Situated on the upper floor of each accommodation unit. Total area is divided into three area i.e. master bedroom with living corner, balcony, and bathroom with dressing area. Colorful fabric works to enhance cheerful and lively ambience. We believe that young couples or honeymooners will feel relax and cozy with this room type.

The Lib
The White library unit by the beach has two sections – book collection and movies/music sections. Two air-conditioned area adjoining together with open-air space in the middle for outdoor reading. Complimentary internet access through iMac is set aside for guests to keep in touch with friends and family.

The Pool
A vivid red swimming pool size 20.0 x 12.0 metres located between The Library Building (The Lib) and The Restaurant (The Page) along the 50-metre beachfront. Surrounding space at the pool area is wooden deck with a suitable number red mattresses and black bean bags scattered around. Service hours start from 0700 until 1900 hours. Moreover windsurfs, kayak and snorkeling gear are ready for sea sport activities.

The Page
A beachfront restaurant and bar is divided into two zones i.e. air-conditioned and open-air area serving as an all-day dining. A space of a wine cellar is generously dedicated in air-conditioned area with good selection of wines around the world. The restaurant will freshen up your day from a freshly made breakfast, a light to casual lunch until dinner time with contemporary international cuisine. Special theme night will be arranged from time to time subject to fresh ingredient available in each season.

The Fit
Fitness unit has a 270 degree of sea views through glass windows, equipped with modern exercise machines. The Fit is located next to The Library Building by the beach to allow guests to enjoy sea views and activities around the pool while exercising.