Back to work

Busy summer working has kept me away from the blog. Spent a fair bit of time in mexico and also had a job working as a set designer on a TV show (more to come...).

Always been interested in alternative careers with an architectural degree or experience. Thought this was a good article...architectural consultant for assassins creed.

architectural consultant for assassins creed

House of the week

So, I think this confirms what I already knew....I really like bunker architecture.

Surprisingly warm spaces, and great play of light and shadow. Would translate very well to the Yucatan.

http://www.homedsgn.com/2014/12/18/house-in-brissago-by-wespi-de-meuron-romeo-architects/#more-140420

Modern Mexican architecture

Good article on the rise of Mexican architecture, particularly in Mexico City....

http://www.archdaily.com/578245/the-mexican-moment-the-rise-of-architecture-s-latest-design-capital/?ad_medium=widget&ad_name=editors-choice&ad_content=578245

US, Canada and Mexico Agree to Recognize Architect Credentials

From ArchDaily....

http://www.archdaily.com/574615/us-canada-and-mexico-agree-to-recognize-architect-credentials/

House of the week

This one doesn't really cry out for attention - it's a very simple and modest house. I like a few things about it. Firstly, it's in Bruge, which is a really great place (I went there long before the movie as well).

I also like the simple volumes, the welcoming transition between inside and outside, the material palette and the private studio space.

Belgium really is producing some great architecture.

http://www.archdaily.com/567207/house-vvk-ur-architects/

Interesting lecture video

Have to admit, I didn't listen to the whole thing though....

"Estudio Macías Peredo is led by Salvador Macías Corona and Magui Peredo Arenas and is based in Guadalajara, Mexico. In their lecture as one of the winners of the Architectural League’s annual Emerging Voices awards, Corona and Arenas reveal the ways in which the local conditions and building traditions of their country have become creative drivers for their contemporary practice of architecture. They have a shared interest in primitive buildings, seeking to incorporate some of the inherent abstract qualities of primitive structures in ways that address contemporary issues".

http://www.archdaily.com/563516/emerging-voices-estudio-macias-peredo/

Updated renderings - Casa Paul

Been working hard on tile design and the finishes, and I think we've got it close now.

An App That Draws Accurate Floor Plans In Minutes

Pretty impressive. Now all I need is a phone.....

RoomScan is an app for iOS which draws floor plans in minutes – touching your device to a wall is the only input required. Using the iPhone’s internal sensors, Room Scan recognises a sequence of flat vertical surfaces, measuring the distance in between and creating impressively accurate plans. When you come to a door, you just tap the phone to the door frame and continue. Claiming that measurements are accurate to the nearest 10cm (or 6 inches), this app – the basic features of which are available for free - is not only great fun to play with, but also considerably useful in every day situations.

The app allows for even more accurate measurements when combined with a laser measure, offering the ability to input your secondary measurements to create a “perfect” plan. You can then export the drawing as either a PDF or DXF for AutoCAD or SketchUp. The technology behind it has a patent pending.

Cats and architecture

MK27 - Casa Toblerone | Toblerone House

House of the week

It's called the Yucatan House, which got me really confused as it is in Brazil. Which makes sense when you look at the lush vegetation.

http://www.homedsgn.com/2012/11/14/yucatan-house-by-isay-weinfeld/

House of the week

Hope I haven't done this one before, but it's good enough to post twice anyways.

Simple, elegant box that blends in so well in the surroundings. It's not a house  - just a summer studio, but I'd be tempted to brave those winters for a place like this.

http://www.homedsgn.com/2011/12/06/williams-studio-by-gh3/

The importance of sketching

Good video for students to watch and listen too.

"The computer is a machine, but when you're drawing, it's an instant connection between your brain and the paper...."

http://www.crane.tv/sheppard-robson-architects

House of the week

Beautiful home with lots of interesting ideas that could translate well to Mexico

http://www.homedsgn.com/2014/07/17/villa-cp-by-zest-architecture/

House of the week

I like that it isn't trying too hard with all the latest trends - yes, it has a corrugated metal container, sustainable features and a great material palette. The interior looks very comfortable and peaceful, and the garden/landscape is great...

http://www.dezeen.com/2014/07/05/eagle-ridge-residence-house-gary-gladwish-architecture/

New casita design

Just so there is no confusion, we've decided to call the second house Casa Paul from now on. It will be designed as a stand-alone house, but can (and likely will) be connected to Casa Amanda at some point. It is good to have some flexibility in the use of the space(s).

So, the latest casita design is making me happy for a few reasons....

I thought such a tall building would have a negative impact on the immediate surroundings (most importantly casa Amanda), but after modeling it up, it looks pretty good at around 17'-18'. It does mean that the ceiling heights will be low and less dramatic, but I've always found a small bedroom to be easier to cool (and therefore sleep in).

The two story space also means it has a smaller footprint on the small garden, which helps a bit. We still have our eye on the next door vacant jungle, but I'm not holding out any hope for that, or having the design dependent on that happening. If it does, think 'pool', big lap pool.

There is an obvious Barragan influence in the entry space with the staircase and control of light. I haven't gotten around to designing the floors yet, or the garden. The most important thing is getting the space right so we can get the drawings in for permit.

House of the week

Now that I realize I have people actually looking at the blog, I'm going to have to up my blogging game.

Really nice house in Mexico City....

http://www.archdaily.com/364812/casa-del-rio-jose-alfonso-quinones-rios/

Had my first trip to Mexico City this year, and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend a tour of Luis Barragan's house.

Merida House Dos

Haven't been around school at all since spring break, but it great to hear from students interested in the house. The design has evolved now to a point where I think it is really starting to make sense. The house needs to work as a separate (rentable) space, but it also needs to work if/when we bust through the wall and turn it into one bigger house.

I think we might finally have done that.

Here are some updated images, and I'll try and post some plans and drawings that better explain it later....

Main house - renovated

Main house outdoor space (and future connection to Casa Amanda to left)

Looking back to casita

Casita interior

Main house entry/office space (bad rendering)

House expansion in Merida

Been awhile since my last post, but I was pleased to hear from a couple of students that they were actually following the blog and wanted to see some designs for the new house.

We purchased our neighbour's property before Christmas and take possession at the end of February. I haven't stopped tinkering with the design, and have been wrestling with the best way to utilize the new space as a separate house, without compromising the overall potential of the properties as a whole.

Three distinctly different options have emerged, and I think we've finally settled on a solution that maximizes the outdoor space and garden, while creating a very open and inviting space. I'll be curious to hear any comments, especially from students who I had do a theoretical design for the space in my BLDG 4405 class last year.

Option One is the front runner, Option Two is a more traditional terrace, and Option Three is more enclosed and sheltered. I'll post more renderings and drawings later.....

Option One

Great use of wood

Really like this building - the Norwegians have a way with wood, and a great tradition of modern architecture.

http://snohetta.com/project/2-tverrfjellhytta-norwegian-wild-reindeer-pavilion

Natural Pools

I've been fairly obsessed with this concept lately - it just seems such a good idea. No chemicals, no heating, no energy use....a natural ecosystem that you can relax in and enjoy.

Here is a great example of a natural pool (Germany, of course)....

http://www.homedsgn.com/2013/09/04/natural-pool-by-balena-gmbh/