Submitted by WA ContentsRea Studio completes Casa Alazn with porous volume in Jalisco, MexicoMexico Architecture News - Jan 22, 2025 - 14:07 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Mexican architecture practice Rea Studio has completed a house with porous upper volume in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mxico.Named Casa Alazn, the 505-square-metre house has a modern, minimalistic style that blends modern architectural characteristics with organic materials.The geometric composition of the lattice walls, which is based on triangular patterns, makes them stand out. This allows natural light and ventilation to flow through, producing dramatic shadow plays inside and outside the house.In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this component significantly improves the room's lighting and temperature comfort.The lower floor's dark-toned natural stone walls offer a sturdy foundation that contrasts with the upper floor's latticework's seeming lightness. The overall composition of the facade is balanced by the contrast between the heavy and light elements.The house's modernity and the purity of its volumetric design are emphasized by the white coating on the upper walls. The main door's use of wood balances the sobriety of the stone and white by adding warmth and texture to the design.The relationship between the architectural design and its natural environment is strengthened by this careful material selection.Basement floorGround floor planFirst floor planProject factsProject name:Casa AlaznLocation:Zapopan, Jalisco, MexicoArchitectural Design:Rea Studio Year:2025Land area: 520m2Built area:505m2All images Jos Juan Rodrguez.All drawings Rea Studio.> via Rea Studio

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The World Architecture Community has announced the winners of WA Awards 10+5+X 49th Cycle in Architecture, and Student categories.We have 34 different winning projects from 18 different countries with a fantastic mix of building types, spanning from Iran, South Korea, Colombia, Finland, Saudi Arabia to Slovenia, Japan, United Kingdom.In short, the winning countries can be listed as Turkey, Japan, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates, India, Iran, Vietnam, Spain, South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Finland, Oman, Palestine, Colombia, United Kingdom, and Bangladesh.Akshay Heranjal's Center For Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness For TAPMI in India won the WA Award in the 49th Cycle in the Architecture/Realised category. Image SURYAN //DANGWA Awards 10+5+X 49th Cycle Architecture/Realised categoryIn the Architecture/Realised category, Akshay Heranjal's project; Center For Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness For TAPMI in India, MIA Design Studio's The Park in Vietnam, Schiattarella Associati's Diriyah Art Futures. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Pablo Gil's House On The Cliff in Spain are among the winners of the WA Awards 49th Cycle.In addition, Babak Hassanpour's Adib Apartment in Iran, YKH Associates' Hillmaru Country Club in South Korea, Sungho Ko's SEONYUDOWON in South Korea were awarded by the Votings of WAC Community Members in the Architecture/Realised category.Scroll down for the winning Architecture/Realised projects below:- Selected by the votes of Honorary Members and Winners in earlier cycles (10 projects)Center for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for TAPMI, India, by Akshay HeranjalAdib Apartment, Iran by Babak HassanpourThe Park, Vietnam, by MIA Design StudioHouse on the Cliff, Spain, by Pablo GilHillmaru Country Club, South Korea, by YKH AssociatesCHILAMSAGYE, South Korea, by Sungho KoHubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum, China, by Dongzhu ChuSes Veles Puigpunyent, Spain, by Joan FortunySunglim Mokjang, South Korea, by Sungho KoDiriyah Art Futures. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, by Schiattarella Associati- Selected democratically, through the votings of community members (+5 projects)Adib Apartment, Iran by Babak HassanpourHouse on the Cliff, Spain, by Pablo GilHillmaru Country Club, South Korea, by YKH AssociatesYeongJongDo Onnuri Church, South Korea, by Hyung-Chul ShinSEONYUDOWON, South Korea, by Sungho KoYazgan Design Architecture's Ayvalk Stone House in Turkey won the WA Award in the 49th Cycle in the Architecture/Realised category. Image Yazgan Design ArchitectureWA Awards 10+5+X 49th Cycle Architecture/Designed categoryIn the Architecture/Designed category, Yazgan Design Architecture's Ayvalk Stone House in Turkey, Sanjay Puri Architects' Earth Home in India, Ghasem Navaei's Dubai Seahouse in United Arab Emirates, Meysam Feizi's Laanak Villa in Iran are among the winners of the WA Awards 49th Cycle. These winning projects were selected by the Votes of Honorary Members and Winners in earlier cycles.GK Archi's Calla Garden 2 in Vietnam, ROOM+ Design & Build's Leaning House in Vietnam, Ghasem Navaei's Malek-Cheshme Therm in Iran were awarded by the Votings of WAC Community Members in the Architecture/Designed category.Scroll down for the winning Architecture/Designed projects below:- Selected by the votes of Honorary Members and Winners in earlier cycles (10 projects)Ayvalk Stone House, Turkey, by Yazgan Design ArchitectureMalek-Cheshme Therm, Iran, by Ghasem NavaeiLaanak Villa, Iran, by Meysam FeiziEarth Home, India, Sanjay Puri ArchitectsPassive house blessed with sun space for grapevine, Japan, by Kikuma WatanabeRhythm Ankara, Turkey, by ACE ArchitectureCalla Garden 2, Vietnam, by GK ArchiRoute Home, Slovenia, by Anton ZizekDubai Seahouse, United Arab Emirates, by Ghasem NavaeiRe-walled, Iran, by Mohammadjavad Abdolhoseini- Selected democratically, through the votings of community members (+5 projects)Ayvalk Stone House, Turkey, by Yazgan Design ArchitectureMalek-Cheshme Therm, Iran, by Ghasem NavaeiLaanak Villa, Iran, by Meysam FeiziCalla Garden 2, Vietnam, by GK ArchiLeaning House, Vietnam, by ROOM+ Design & BuildSantiago Caballero Barrios' The School In The Park in Colombia won the WA Award in the 49th Cycle in the Architecture/Student category. Image courtesy of Santiago Caballero BarriosWA Awards 10+5+X 49th Cycle Architecture/Student categoryIn the Architecture/Student category, Elif Ertemiz's Harbour Metabolism in the Netherlands, Luan Fontes' Force of Nature: Helsinki Design Museum in Finland, Santiago Caballero Barrios' The School in the Park in Colombia, Xinyue Geng's Let's Play! - A Journey Of Regeneration And Reconnection In Glasgow are among the winners of the WA Awards 49th Cycle. These winning projects were selected by the Votes of Honorary Members and Winners in earlier cycles.Additionally, Feride Ege's Collaborative Health Nexus Museum in Turkey, Abdul Mateen's Weaving Nizwa in Oman, Nusrat Nasrin Ananna's Unveiling Biodiversity: A Natural History Museum Complex for Discovering the Treasures of Bangladesh were awarded by the Votings of WAC Community Members in the Architecture/Student category.Scroll down for the winning Architecture/Student projects below:- Selected by the votes of Honorary Members and Winners in earlier cycles (10 projects)Harbour Metabolism, the Netherlands, by Elif ErtemizCollaborative Health Nexus Museum, Turkey, by Feride EgeForce of Nature: Helsinki Design Museum, Finland, by Luan FontesWeaving Nizwa, Oman, by Abdul MateenSocial Factory: Basmane, Turkey, by Zeynep DemircanRight to Dwell: Rethinking Refugees Shelter Design, the Case of Al-Zaatari Camp, Palestine, by Ruba AbuGheithThe School in the Park, Colombia, by Santiago Caballero BarriosLet's Play! - A Journey Of Regeneration And Reconnection, Glasgow, by Xinyue GengReviving Old Cairo, United Arab Emirates, by Rawan KhedrLayered-Void Hub: Void's Evolution Layers Unveiling Transformation, Turkey, by Hakan ahin- Selected democratically, through the votings of community members (+5 projects)Collaborative Health Nexus Museum, Turkey, by Feride EgeWeaving Nizwa, Oman, by Abdul MateenSocial Factory: Basmane, Turkey, by Zeynep DemircanReviving Old Cairo, United Arab Emirates, by Rawan KhedrUnveiling Biodiversity: A Natural History Museum Complex for Discovering the Treasures of Bangladesh, Bangladesh, by Nusrat Nasrin AnannaOne Cycle ends as another starts...With this announcement, we'd like to remind you that the 50th Cycle of WA Awards is now open for submissions. You can submit your entries until31 March2025 (23:59 GMT +0).If you also want your project to get the recognition it deserves, make sure to participate before the deadline is over.Your starting point is How to Participate page. Read more about WA Awards 10+5+X.Top image in the article (from left to right): Yazgan Design Architecture's Ayvalk Stone House ( Yazgan Design Architecture), Meysam Feizi's Laanak Villa (Iman Panahi), YKH Associates' Hillmaru Country Club (Dongwook Jung), Akshay Heranjal's Center For Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness For TAPMI ( SURYAN //DANG), MIA Design Studio's The Park (Chien Trieu), Sungho Ko's Sunglim Mokjang ( Dohwa Kang), Feride Ege's Collaborative Health Nexus Museum ( Feride Ege), Xinyue Geng's Let's Play! - A Journey Of Regeneration And Reconnection In Glasgow ( Xinyue Geng).

Submitted by WA ContentsThe former steelworks of a power plant are integrated with organically-shaped greenhouse pavilionsChina Architecture News - Jan 16, 2025 - 14:11 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The former steelworks of a power plant were integrated with organically-shaped greenhouse pavilions to establish the twin dualities of industry, nature, tradition, and the future.Named Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse, the 41,000-square-metre building was designed by Vienna-based architecture firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA).Entrance pathReaching at 35 meters in height, the greenhouse complex is located in the center of Pudong, a sparsely populated industrial enclave that has developed into one of Asia's most breathtaking high-rise skylines.As Delugan Meissl Associated Architects explained, the inner-city leisure area was once home to a steel mill and a coal-fired power station before being transformed into the Expo Cultural Park. After that, it was renovated to serve as Expo 2010's site.FacadeThe steel framework of a former industrial hall served as a geometric superstructure for the new Greenhouse Garden project, which was further complemented with naturally curved pavements."The zeitgeist has shifted towards recognizing nature as the essential basis of our living environment," said DMAA."And nature has also moved to the heart of architecture. In recent years, as it has repeatedly addressed the specific task of greenhouse design, we have developed extensive technical and cultural knowhow."Exterior evening"With a population of 23 million, the megacity of Shanghai is the focal point of Chinas urban and internati- onal development.""But the Shanghai Region is also directly threatened by the consequences of unlimited growth and climate change. Given biting smogs, water shortages, and rising temperatures, the countrys leaders are looking for solutions that take the form of radical largescale steps steps that should not only preserve natural habitats but also steer Chinas technological and economic efforts in a sustainable direction," said the firm.Exterior parkfrontThe decision by the municipal administration to transform such a large, centrally located plot of land into a first-rate recreational area is unmistakable proof of the general trend toward more intensive planting of Shanghai's core urban zones. Shanghai is one of the world's largest cities with a subtropical climate.The creation of a zero-energy building was one of the project's specific goals because greenhouses typically use a lot of energy. This was accomplished by using single glazing, which was chosen since simulative studies indicated that double glazing would be less energy efficient because the impact of the artificial lighting needed by the plants would more than offset the reduction in heat loss.Exterior parkviewThe studio modified the opening windows in the perforated roof to allow for the passive cooling and natural ventilation that produce the ideal climate for the particular plants. In addition to providing cooling, a pool next to the pavilions uses photovoltaic panels situated just below its surface to power the greenhouse.With its sandy and rocky terrain, the first pavilion replicates the extreme aridity of the desert and represents the home of drought-tolerant yet endangered plants on every continent. The final pavilion's vertical flower beds provide room for traveling exhibitions, while the second pavilion showcases the rainforest's tropical vegetation.Entrance pavilionAn overview of the entire park and the structures that make up the periphery of the surrounding urban fabric may be seen from the terrace above the pavilions. A sizable circular area beneath the listed steel structure and between the three pavilions and the entrance building unifies the proposal with the natural surroundings.The greenhouses' internal and external passageways provide new attributes. Visitors actively navigate this network, moving through each spatial sequence and interacting with the constructed material in a certain way.Interior desertThese visitors are revealed by glazed parapets, and their movement is accelerated or decelerated by mild gradients. The difference in water levels between desert and tropical flora is a natural phenomenon, but it also provides a global political viewpoint because of the concerns about future water supplies brought up by climate change.In this sense, the facade's naturally flowing shape serves as a leitmotif for both the internal structure and the new, flexible human-nature relationship.Interior tropical forest pathwayInterior tropical forestBirdviewBirdview top nightSketchSite planFirst level floor planSecond level floor planThird level floor planRoof floor planDelugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) was established in 1993 by Delugan and Elke Delugan-Meissl. The office tackles today's social and environmental concerns with a passionate and relentless focus on the novel and the unusual, defying conventional answers.By working on several extremely successful greenhouse projects over the years, DMAA has gained technical and cultural know-how that is currently being used on Shanghai's Greenhouse Garden.Project factsProject name: Expo Cultural Park GreenhouseArchitects:Delugan Meissl Associated ArchitectsLocation:Shanghai Expo Cultural Park - Guo Zhan Lu Pudong Xinqu, ShanghaiCompetition: 2018 (1st Price)Start of construction:01/2020Completion year:09/2024Gross surface area: 41,000 m2Site area: 47,000 m2 (within the whole Park)Height: 35mProject manager:Diogo TeixeiraProject team:Yue Chen, Jurgis Gecys, Thomas Peter-Hindelang, Toms Kampars, Prima Mathawabhan, Sebastian Michalski, Ernesto Mulch, Maximilian Tronnier, Toni Nachev, Marillies Wedl.ConsultantsCoordination:Yiju DingExecutive Planning: SIADR Co.LtdStructural Engineering:Bollinger + Grohmann ZT GmbHEnergy Design:Transsolar Energie-technik GmbHLandscape Design:Yiju DingAll images CreatAR.All drawings Delugan Meissl Associated Architects.> via Delugan Meissl Associated Architects

Submitted by WA ContentsOppenheim Architecture carves out a resort inside the Hejaz Mountains in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Architecture News - Jan 16, 2025 - 15:22 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Miami, Basel, and Tirana-based architecture firm Oppenheim Architecture has carved out a luxury resort inside the Hejaz Mountains inSaudi Arabia.Named Desert Rock, the new resort was completed as a component of the Red Sea Project (TRSDC), a development along the west coast of Saudi Arabia that would create a network of 90 inhabited islands.One of the most anticipated luxury hospitality experiences in the world, Desert Rock, was officially opened. Desert Rock consists of 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms.Working closely with developer Red Sea Global, Oppenheim Architecture developed and designed the innovative project tucked away in Saudi Arabia's ancient highlands.Desert Rock, establishing a new standard for immersive design, celebrates the fusion of architecture and environment in keeping with Oppenheim Architecture's philosophy of planning and building with the land, not on it.With accommodations that complement rather than obstruct the breathtaking landscape, Desert Rock, which is carved into the Hejaz Mountains, provides a close connection to the natural world. Desert Rock honors this rich past by drawing inspiration from the Nabataean culture, which was once thriving on the Arabian Peninsula and is well-known for its rock-carved structures.When guests arrive, they enter a hidden valley that gradually reveals a group of amenities spread across 30,000 square meters of property.The resort offers a variety of choices for accommodation, from suites nestled into the mountains to ground-level villas, all of which are designed to optimize natural light, unobstructed views, and a tactile connection to the desert.The Cliff Hanging Villas, which are perched high above the resort and offer dramatic views; the Mountain Cave Suites and Mountain Crevice Villas, which offer privacy and cliffside pools suspended on the edge of the Massif; the Wadi Villas at Desert Rock, which have private pools and spacious living areas; and the Royal Villa, which is tucked away in a completely private section of the valley, offers a customized private retreat.Every component of the resort's architecture was thoughtfully chosen to reduce its environmental impact. Excavated materials were recycled into the project's infrastructure as it was being built. Native plants help create a more lush, green wadi, and the incorporation of passive cooling and effective systems lowers energy usage throughout Desert Rock.When taken as a whole, these environmentally conscious factors demonstrate Desert Rock's dedication to sustainable tourism and the idea of preserving the area's natural beauty rather than destroying it."Desert Rock embodies our philosophy of connecting architecture to the spirit of place," said Chad Oppenheim, Founding Principal of Oppenheim Architecture."By respecting and enhancing the natural environment, we have created a sanctuary that allows guests to experience the beauty and power of the landscape in deeply personal and meaningful ways," Oppenheim added.The opening of Desert Rock is a major turning point in Oppenheim Architecture's quest to reinvent premium eco-tourism, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary of creating architecture that blends in with its natural surroundings. It is a powerful example of how building can foster reverence for the natural environment. Through careful consideration of site-specific design, Oppenheim Architecture keeps influencing a future in which ecological stewardship, comfort, and style are exquisitely combined.Oppenheim Architecture revealed preliminary design of the project in 2021. In addition, the firm unveiled new vision for College Of Europe's Tirana Campus. Moreover, the firm won an international architecture competition to design the new Besa Museum, which will be Albanias newest cultural institution.All images courtesy Red Sea Global and Oppenheim Architecture.> via Oppenheim Architecture

Submitted by WA ContentsBatay-Csorba Architects creates "cathedral-like spaces" for low dark brick-clad residence in TorontoCanada Architecture News - Jan 16, 2025 - 13:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Toronto-based architecture and interior design studio Batay-Csorba Architects has built a residence that features "cathedral-like spaces" with its steep chapel pitch roof in Toronto, Canada.Named Westminster Residence, the residence is located on a corner property in Toronto's High Park district, surrounded by classic Edwardian gable houses.The goal of the Westminster residence is to provide a sense of continuity and familiarity within the typical roof form.The proposal investigates the idea of spatially occupying the underside of the roof, similar to an attic, while concealed behind a steep terracotta roof.The enormous gable roof, which is interrupted by top-lit skylights, creates cathedral-like chambers that volumetrically open to the bottom of the steep chapel roof pitch, counterbalancing the small footprint.Under the heavy cantilevered roof on the main level, a huge, floating covered porch extends to a private garden in the corner lot's side yard.Behind a 20-foot-tall brise soleil that protects a private balcony and creates the illusion of a courtyard within the city lot, the main bedroom upstairs enlarges into a tall roof dormer with a view of the garden below.The straightforward project shape consists of tall rectilinear dormers, a massive triangular stone-clad roof, a low dark brick-clad volume, and three dark monolithic figures.The covered garage and side patio are cantilevered by the heavy roof, which floats asymmetrically on top of the first floor, creating an unnerving dynamic between the straightforward volumes.The project's dormers, which are similar in size and materiality, adopt very different positions. One grounding the west faade where it meets the ground, while the other dormer mysteriously cantilevers and hovers over the carport.A literal union of partner goals, the material atmosphere is a combination of the villain's lair and a light-filled haven. Concrete, hefty unfilled travertine, dark-stained plain sawn walnut, and dark-textured lime wash walls make up the restricted palette.These elements stand in stark contrast to the double-height, light-filled soft lime wash walls, the wide plank knotted white oak floors, and the soft linen draperies and furnishings. As one goes about the house, the process of transitioning from a compressed cavernous spatial perception to its opposite is described.A floating " steel projection that serves as a threshold and semi-private enclosure punctuates the building's main entrance. The dark, cramped internal entry and circulation conditions are extended by this private area on the outside of the house.From heavy, rough, and textured terracotta roof shingles to hand-pressed brick in a delicate variety of coursing details seen throughout the neighboring context, vertical hand-brushed wood siding and screening, thin powder-coated aluminum projections, raw galvanized steel, and a combination of rough and smooth cast-in-place concrete, the exterior palette incorporates natural materials that will gradually patina and blend in with the low maintenance spreading sedum landscape.A quiet, south-facing outdoor area separates the recreation room from the sunken basement courtyard, which is surrounded by retaining walls and entry steps made of concrete pavers with a dark palette of textures cast in place.A continuous galvanized linear slot drain connects the side yard's acid-etched concrete patio to the structure, which is designed to float above the undulating landscape.Site planFloor planFloor planFloor planSectionSectionAxonometric drawingThe architecture and interior design firm Batay-Csorba Architects (B-CA) creates forward-thinking projects by fusing practice and research.Dedicated to using architecture as a platform for the expression of ideas, they transform buildings into aspirational shapes and experiences through the use of tactile materials, natural light, and spatial massing.Project factsProject name:Westminster ResidenceArchitects and Interior Design:Batay-Csorba ArchitectsCompletion date:July, 2024Site size:08 acres or 3,490sfTotal construction cost:withheldClient/Owner:withheldProject team: Jodi Batay-Csorba and Andrew Batay-Csorba, principals; Sacha Milojevic, Jacob Henriquez, Myles Bury, design teamEngineers: [Structural: Contact Structural Engineering Inc]Consultants:Mechanical: Elite HVAC DesignsLandscape: Gravenor Landscape DesignArborist: Davey Resource GroupGeneral contractor:Whitaker ConstructionAll images Doublespace Photography.All drawings Batay-Csorba Architects.> via Batay-Csorba Architects

Submitted by WA ContentsSix-meter-tall sandstone pillars create a freeform chapel for quiet contemplation on Germany hills Germany Architecture News - Jan 10, 2025 - 14:28 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Twelve six-meter-tall sandstone pillars were brought together to create a freeform chapel for "quiet contemplation" and "individual self-efficacy" on the Hillerhausen hills in Germany.Named Open Chapel, the 50-square-meter chapel, designed by Korbach and Berlin-based architecture practice Christoph Hesse Architects, is located in the town of Hillershausen, Waldeck-Frankenberg, Germany.Inspired by the "Open Mind Places" in the neighboring Sauerland village of Referinghausen, the chapel is a representation of cooperation and a paradigm shifter.The chapel provides guests with a place that encourages reflection and connection by drawing on the values of transparency and inclusivity.This building, which was designed by locals through a grassroots approach, is an example of a group effort to create a haven for shared experiences and a sense of community.By contributing their distinct viewpoints and abilities, each member made sure that the chapel reflected the community's varied beliefs and goals.Situated on a hill, the chapel's interior resembles two protective hands and is surrounded by twelve sandstone pillars, each six meters high, that define an open area.The pillars' placement offers expansive vistas of the surroundings, strengthening the bond between the hallowed area and its natural setting.Whether one is reflecting alone, with others, or in harmony with nature, this design fosters a warm and inviting space. Its transparency fosters a sense of personal self-efficacy among community members in addition to peaceful reflection.Face-to-face engagement and conversation are fostered by communicative seating arrangements. These thoughtfully chosen features emphasize the chapel's dual function as a lively gathering spot and a place for meditation.The wood chip-covered floor creates a smooth transition between the interior and the exterior, while the roof, which is decorated with hanging plants, blurs the lines between architecture and nature.The chapel's philosophy of integration, which celebrates the connection to oneself, others, and nature, is reflected in these features taken together. Image Christoph Hesse ArchitectsAxonometric drawingFloor planSite planChristoph Hesse Architects is a global architectural firm that focuses on ecological and cultural projects. The company's integrated strategy encourages regenerative thought and action while building community members' self-efficacy.Project factsProject name: Open ChapelArchitects:Christoph Hesse ArchitectsLocation: Hillershausen, Waldeck-Frankenberg, GermanyClient: Bergkapelle Hillershausen e.V.Area: 50m2Materials: Sandstone, wood, steel, plantsStatus:2022-2024Collaboration: Local Community, Gro & WilkeAll images Laurian Ghinitoiuunless otherwise stated.All drawings Christoph Hesse Architects.

Submitted by WA ContentsFlower-shaped bamboo holiday villa by NOD Studio is encased in a bamboo dome in a Mexican jungleMexico Architecture News - Jan 10, 2025 - 13:42 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"A fower-shaped bamboo holiday villa, designed by NOD Studio, is encased in a bamboo dome in a Mexican jungle. Named The Trillium Awakening, the 238-square-metre villa is located in El Cuyo, Yucatn, Mexico.The villa grows in clusters and is supported by a central bamboo system, creating rooms in separate floating volumes. Designed with concrete foundations and slabs, the structure is supported by bamboo columns to create a light and airy space.Inside, nature and design continue to interact. A bamboo-domed spiral staircase leads up to the master suite from the main foyer.An essential structural and decorative component, the dome improves the villa's connection to the outside by distributing natural light throughout the interior.Comfort and sustainability are given top priority in the design of the master and secondary bedrooms. Each room features a private bathroom, a central bed, and sweeping views of the surrounding jungle.These areas seamlessly transition into the communal area, which features a swimming pool and jacuzzi with lounge chairs overlooking the lush surroundings.Blending Organic Aesthetics with Sustainable PracticesEvery element of Awakening's design incorporates a dedication to sustainability. In addition to provide structural support, bamboo columns demonstrate the project's commitment to using renewable resources.Concrete slabs are used to create the petal-inspired roofs and floors, while local stone and plaster are used to finish the walls, resulting in long-lasting construction that blends in with the surroundings.The villa uses energy in an environmentally conscious way. Passive lighting techniques ensure a low reliance on artificial systems, while natural cross ventilation lessens the demand for air conditioning.Luxury Redefined in the Heart of NatureLuxury is reimagined by Awakening as a harmonious combination of sustainability and design. Every component of the project has been painstakingly designed to honor nature and provide a profoundly immersive experience.Awakening raises the bar for hospitality in the Yucatn and beyond by balancing modern design with environmental consciousness.Ground floor planFloor plan level 1Floor plan level 2Roof planSectionSectionProject factsProject name: The Trillium AwakeningArchitects:NOD StudioLocation:El Cuyo, Yucatn, Mexico.Client:AWAKENING SANCTUARYDesign team: Jorge Berea, Fernando Artigas, Ricardo HernandezTechnical team: Alejandro de la CruzCivil Engineer: Manuel BagundoAll images Santiago Baravalle.All drawings NOD Studio.> via NOD Studio

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners have converted an old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural venue in Belgrade, Serbia.After an anonymous design competition for the new Nikola Tesla Museum, the team from Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners of Serbia presented their design, which was chosen by the jury.Nikola Tesla was a visionary engineer and inventor who revolutionized electrical engineering and technology, helping to form the contemporary world. Although he is most recognized for creating alternating current electricity, Tesla is also credited with creating the Tesla coil, pioneering wireless communication, and ideas that served as the foundation for radio and radar technology.Even today, advancements in energy, communications, and technology are influenced and motivated by Tesla's work, which spanned the 1880s to the early 1900s.Image NorviskaThe new Nikola Tesla Museum preserves the city's architectural tradition, creates a number of new public areas for both locals and tourists, and transforms Belgrade's old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural attraction honoring Tesla's legacy.The paper mill, which was constructed by Milan Vapa, an industrialist from Belgrade, and opened as the country's first modern factory in 1924, was decommissioned and utilized as a freight company's storage facility before being abandoned about ten years ago.Because of its cultural significance, the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments has conserved the structure. Belgrade Waterfront is funding its transformation into the Nikola Tesla Museum.The 1920s building's adaptive reuse will maintain its industrial past while enhancing its indoor and outdoor areas to become a premier cultural destination that is easier to get to from the city.North faade render. Image ZHATesla's studies of wireless energy transfer and magnetic fields are included into the museum's design. The design includes dynamic elliptical curves emanating from the site's dominant feature, the ancient industrial chimney, and is informed by ideas of magnetic forces and interconnection.The public entrance to the triple-height central atrium, which is anchored by the historic chimney at the center of the 13,400 square meter museum, will be a new circular opening in the western faade of the factory.In order to provide returning visitors with a fresh experience, the museum's first floor galleries feature historical objects, interactive exhibits, and immersive presentations. Meanwhile, temporary galleries will house a constantly shifting schedule of exhibitions and events.View from top galleries. Image NorviskaThe immersive Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery, which has a 12-million-volt transformer, will captivate visitors and highlight Tesla's spirit of innovation. A caf, a multipurpose hall, and a rooftop restaurant with expansive views of the Sava River are all available to visitors to the museum.Nikola Tesla Square will be the city's new public area outside the building. The square's flowing walkways, gardens, and plazasall inspired by Tesla's ideas about electromagnetic fieldswill improve accessibility and link to the city's transit system and Belgrade Waterfront.Coil Room. Image XuniverseThe restoration of the paper mill maintains its ancient faades, vaulted ceilings, and stonework while modernizing its structure to become one of the city's most significant cultural sites while minimizing ecological effect through passive design and the use of renewable and geothermal energy.Zaha Hadid Architects revealed its first project Discovery City masterplan for Malaysia. Additionally, the firm began construction on lemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn. Moreover, the studio shared update about the construction of West Kowloon Terminus in Hong Kong.Project factsClient:Belgrade WaterfrontZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)ZHA Project Director: Manuela GattoZHA Project Team: Besan Abudayah, Thomas Bagnoli, Armando Bussey, Alicia Hidalgo, Panos Ioakim, Jung Yeon Kwak, Catherine McCann, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Houzhe Xu, Zixin YeZHA Smart Museum Design:Uli Blum, Danial HaziqZHA Sustainability Team: Bahaa Alnassrallah, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Abhilash Menon, Disha Shetty, Jing XuBureau Cube Partners (BCP)BCP Project Director:Milan RakoviBCP Project Team:Danijela Bakic, Milos Bojinovic, Nadica Davidovic, Ana Maria Gaspar, Milena Ivanovic, Milena Kalinic, Sasa Kostic, Sanja Kostic, Bojana Maksimovic, Zora Pajcin, Aleksanda Stevanovic, Ana Suman, Nikola Umicevic, Sara Vasic, Stefan JovanovicSustainability Engineering:Max FordhamStructural Engineering (New additions): Lanik I. S.AStructural Engineering (Restoration):DB Engineering d.o.oMEP Engineering:Conventus Consultants d.o.oLighting Designer:Lichtvision Design LtdVisualisers: Xuniverse, Norviska, 3D Point d.o.oTop image in the article Norviska.> via Zaha Hadid Architects

Submitted by WA ContentsUIA Young Architects competitionFrance Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 14:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.An opportunity for young architectsThis initiative is a testament to the UIAs commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.PrizesThe competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000, with the following awards:1st Prize: 5,000 and a certificate2nd Prize: 4,000 and a certificate3rd Prize: 3,000 and a certificate4th Prize: 2,000 and a certificate5th Prize: 1,000 and a certificateIn addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.JuryAn esteemed international jury has been convened, including:Manuel Herrero Sanchz, Architect, SpainMagdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, PolandCristbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,Doan Than H, Architect, VietnamOmar Degan, Architect, SomaliaGiacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.TimelineThe competition will proceed according to the following schedule:Launch: 7 January 2025Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris timeJury decision: 4 April 2025Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025How to ParticipateInterested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.Contact InformationFor media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.> via UIAarchitecture competition

Submitted by WA ContentsUIA Young Architects competitionFrance Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 14:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.An opportunity for young architectsThis initiative is a testament to the UIAs commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.PrizesThe competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000, with the following awards:1st Prize: 5,000 and a certificate2nd Prize: 4,000 and a certificate3rd Prize: 3,000 and a certificate4th Prize: 2,000 and a certificate5th Prize: 1,000 and a certificateIn addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.JuryAn esteemed international jury has been convened, including:Manuel Herrero Sanchz, Architect, SpainMagdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, PolandCristbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,Doan Than H, Architect, VietnamOmar Degan, Architect, SomaliaGiacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.TimelineThe competition will proceed according to the following schedule:Launch: 7 January 2025Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris timeJury decision: 4 April 2025Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025How to ParticipateInterested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.Contact InformationFor media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.> via UIAarchitecture competition

Submitted by WA ContentsBDO Unibank Campus by Foster + Partners breaks ground in Manila, PhilippinesPhilippines Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 12:00 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Foster + Partners' BDO Unibank Campus has broken ground on Manilas Makati Avenue, Philippines. Developed for BDO Unibank, the design scheme was conceived to meet the bank's present and future demands.The practice's design is particularly responsive to the humid tropical climate and draws inspiration from vernacular architecture, which differs from the city's conventional paradigm of air-conditioned high-rise office complexes.The project creates a single integrated campus out of five distinct urban plots, enhancing Manila. A brand-new triple-volume public area that is shielded from intense rain and direct sunlight is framed by two tall skyscrapers that barely touch the earth.In order to increase the public space and the standard of living in the city, the open ground floor includes a variety of artworks and lush vegetation."The new BDO campus offers a new model for the next generation of highly flexible and climatically responsive workplaces in the Philippines," said Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners."Our holistic approach encompasses every element of the design from the structural and environmental engineering to the landscaping and interiors allowing us to create something completely bespoke and driven by extensive environmental analysis," Fox added.An elevated reception that links the office tower and important podium areas, such as the business center, public museum, and restaurant, is accessible to employees and guests from the ground plane.One of the main venues for the bank to interact with its wide range of clients is the 3,000-square-meter meeting and event room. The bank's permanent collection of artwork is on display at a brand-new public museum, which also stages temporary exhibitions.Triple-story amenity spaces are situated at each subsequent setback, with massing stepping back at regular intervals. Generous outdoor patios on the amenities floors improve staff welfare and provide expansive views of the Makati skyline. In addition, an urban farm on the theater annex's roof serves as a venue for community events and supports the farm-to-table approach of the staff canteen.To identify which parts of the facades receive the most sun exposure, the design team has conducted a thorough solar analysis.The woven metal mesh infill screens, which draw inspiration from traditional weaving patterns, provide shade for these regions.The structure looks to be a softly lighting lantern at night thanks to hidden inner light fixtures that illuminate the facade."The structure of the buildings is intentionally placed on the outside of their envelopes to actively shade the faades, while achieving an efficient structural design in a seismic zone," said Roland Schnizer, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners."The exoskeletons create column free spaces internally and support external solar shading screens," Schnizer added.At each stage of the design process, the practice has thoroughly assessed the most energy and carbon-efficient solutions, incorporating whole lifecycle carbon calculations and embodied carbon into routine operations.A lightweight structural method improves performance in the Philippines' seismic setting while reducing the buildings' concrete content by almost 65,000 tons.Due to the more than 40 percent reduction in the buildings' operating energy, BDO Unibank is now able to pursue a Green Mark Super Low Energy certificationa first for the Philippines.Radiant cooling systems significantly lower energy requirements while enhancing tenant comfort and health, and more than 70 percent of potable water is recycled and used on-site. The plan will eventually reach Green Mark Net Zero Energy status thanks to the utilization of renewable energy sources.Foster + Partners, recently, designed Apple's new store in Malaysia, featuring a three-dimensional layered roof. In addition, the firm unveiled a post-earthquake revitalization masterplan for Hatay. Moreover, the studio unveiled design for Changfeng Mixed-Use Development in Shanghai, China.All images courtesy of Foster + Partners.> via Foster + Partners

Submitted by Berrin Chatzi ChouseinGCCA introduces international definitions for low-carbon cement and concrete at COP29 Azerbaijan Architecture News - Jan 08, 2025 - 10:20 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The international definitions for low-carbon cement and concrete were introduced at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.Launched at the UN Climate Change Conference held from 11 to 22 November 2024, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has introduced its international definitions for low-carbon cement and concrete, aiming to help governments and businesses "identify and buy green cement and concrete" across the world.The new international definitions will bring "transparency and trust"According to Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the new international definitions will bring "transparency and trust" in the markets that want access to green concrete and cement.Considering that the built environment is responsible for 40 percent of carbon emissions, the use of concrete has an important place. Known as an indispensable material and a symbol of modern architecture, concrete is the most used material on earth after water, according to GCCA's Cement Industry Net Zero Progress Report 2024/25.Due to being the main component of the clinker in cement, the clinker is extremely carbon intensive, accounting for 90% of the total emissions from cement. Made of cement, water, sand, and aggregate, concrete is one of the most harmful materials on the earth.In a new 9-page report, the GCCA created numerical definitions for low-carbon and near-zero emissions concrete, which was published in October 2024.For procurement motives, the report provides numerical definitions for "low carbon" and "near zero" carbon emissions concrete products in units of embedded carbon dioxide equivalent per cubic meter of product (ECO2e /m3), also known as Global Warming Potential (GWP)."A big step forward towards delivering a greener built environment and a greener global economy""This is a big step forward towards delivering a greener built environment and a greener global economy. Lead markets for low carbon basic materials are an important component of the policy landscape to support decarbonization of sectors such as cement and concrete," said Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action."During the German G7 Presidency the Energy and Climate Ministers agreed on the IEA definitions being a robust starting point for the work internationally.""We are delighted that this work has been built upon by the GCCA to publish low carbon and near zero definitions for concrete products," Habeck explained."As co-chair of the International Climate Club initiative with Chile, we continue to facilitate multilateral collaboration and alignment on industrial decarbonization," Habeck added.With the help of governments and organizations like the IEA, Climate Club, and the Clean Energy Ministerial Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative, which was made possible by UNIDO, the industry has developed and improved definitions of green concrete that are both universal and adaptable to local practices while maintaining international consistency and comparability.The definitions make use of the well-established environmental product declaration (EPD) accounting technique for products, especially cement and concrete, in the construction value chain.Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, whose members represent 80% of cement production capacity outside of China, as well as a number of leading Chinese manufacturers, said: "Concrete and its key binding ingredient cement are the most used materials on the planet after water and essential to the modern world for delivering vital infrastructure, housing, cities, and resilient communities.""Building on our net zero commitment is an important advancement on our journey towards net zero.""We now call on policymakers, governments, and the private sector to procure green cement and concrete and provide the key signals to our sector to accelerate decarbonization," Guillot added.Global Definitions for Low Carbon and Near Zero Emissions Concrete. Image courtesy of the GCCA7 bands from A to G include the near-zero emissions and global reference thresholdsThe GCCA created 7 bands from A to G, including the near-zero emissions and global reference thresholds. While the bands from A to E letter showcase the Global Reference Threshold, the AA band represents a near zero emission product threshold. At the top of the bands, are F and G, covering all concrete products not included in Bands A to F."The band values in GWP units of (ECO2e /m3) are plotted against concrete compressive strength. Concrete product is defined as ready mixed concrete and precast (factory made) concrete1 and concrete masonry elements," stated the report.In order to develop a set of universally applicable criteria for concrete, GCCA has decided to collaborate with the Clean Energy Ministerial Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI).The IDDI is an international association of both public and commercial entities. Consistent definitions for low carbon and near-zero steel, concrete, and cement are among IDDI's main goals. The IDDI uses the International Energy Agency's (IEA) criteria for low-carbon and near-zero crude steel and cement as a solid foundation and is helping to develop, improve, and expand them as necessary.According to the GCCA, a system that allows all countries to report progress and allows for cross-country comparisons using uniform banding levels can be applied to procurement in all countries."GCCA used the 2022 work by IEA for G7 on cement production as a robust starting point and have been developed with public and private procurement in mind," said the GCCA."The definitions are designed to be used with local benchmarks and targets to reflect different challenges, opportunities and rate of decarbonisation.""Low carbon procurement of projects and products is a key driver for decarbonisation of the built environment," the association explained.Countries included in Global Reference Threshold calculation. Image courtesy of the GCCAA new Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) is establishedAnnounced at the COP29 climate conference, the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction also announced the establishment of the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC).The ICBC aims to implement new goals towards decarbonization in the construction industry. The ICBC is part of a significant step toward implementing the Chaillot Declaration, the ministerial declaration was launched in March 2024."Responsible for 37 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions and 34 percent of final energy demand in 2022, the buildings sector plays a vital economic role but is also a significant source of environmental impact," stated a press release.The top image in the article: The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation by Studio Gang. Fourth-Floor Bridge Links and Connections. Image Iwan Baan.

Submitted by WA ContentsWhite Fortress by TAEP/AAP is a linear house that features a tall cylindrical lighthouse on a beach Kuwait Architecture News - Jan 08, 2025 - 13:24 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Kuwait-based architecture practice TAEP/AAP has designed a linear residence that features a tall cylindrical lighthouse on a private beach in Al Khiran, Kuwait.The house extends horizontally towards the coast, balancing the solid-void relationship and expanding the richness of the facade from different angles.Named White Fortress, the 1,045-square-metre house was conceived as an attribution to the Northern Gulf architecture on "privacy and discretion."In response to the climatic conditions of its environment, the house utilizes passive cooling and heating while maintaining its iconic appearance, characterized by a modest design with textured and creamy-toned concrete.The house is surrounded by tall, thick walls that provide shelter from the severe weather and arid surroundings while enclosing a calm and welcoming interior.Within a rectangular walled enclave, the ground floor housing scheme is arranged around patios. The main communal room and patios feature carefully incorporated glazed facades that blend in with the original design of the house.Each patio or courtyard is assigned a distinct role, such as greeting, resting, or celebrating, to provide a variety of experiences.The private and social sections are separated from the service components by a central green "oasis". The inside is filled with well-proportioned rooms that open into small green gardens and a variety of oval-shaped patios.The non-linear pathways that connect all the components of the house bring them all together.From the main entrance to the private family areas, an axial circulation corridor winds through a series of gardens and patios, creating a rhythmic play of shadow and depth.At the waterfront, the house faces the Gulf Sea, interacting with the sand dunes and flora through an open, partially covered paved area that frames the horizontality of the seascape.The house's primary convivial communal room and the inner space are effortlessly connected by its extension to the private beach.Within the center of the "oasis," the attention is drawn to a towering, cylindrical volume. It is a place for meditation and seclusion that rises like a beacon on the seashore.It offers a serene setting for peace and reflection. The roof, which becomes a reflective walking area, is accessible from the tower. The tower and roof provide expansive views of the dunes, the house gardens, and the sea's boundless horizon.Location planFloor plansSectionsTAEP/AAP previously created a giant, grand canopy that covers a small volume, and functions as a restaurant and logistical areas in Sharq, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Additionally, the firm completed a family house covered by a folded roof to create a sense of tent-like structure on a seaside in Kuwait.Project factsProject name:White FortressArchitects:TAEP/AAPProject Location:Al Khiran, KuwaitCompletion Year:2023Built-up Area:1,045m2Team:Abdulatif Almishari, Rui Vargas, Carla Barroso, Alba Duarte, Telmo Rodrigues, Carlo Palma, Duarte Correia, Elvino Domingos, Emanuel Grave, Hassan Javed, Joo Costa, Lionel Estriga, Pedro MirandaMEP: Mohammed Hassan, Rben RodriguesInterior Design: Leonor Barata Feyo, Carolina GraveLandscape: Susana PinheiroGraphic Design: Mariana Neves, Aquilino Sotero, Diogo Monteiro, Federica Fortugno, Nelson Ferreira, Lus Esteves.Consultants:Structure:R5 EngineersSite Supervision:AsBuilt - Lcio Silva, Ricardo Janeiro, Vando BeldadeAll images Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Architectural Photography.All drawings TAEP/AAP.> via TAEP/AAP

Submitted by WA ContentsLarge triple-arched windows enhance the iconic presence of the concrete Whisky Bar in Taiyuan, ChinaChina Architecture News - Jan 07, 2025 - 15:13 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Large triple-arched windows have enhanced the iconic presence of the concrete Whisky and cocktail bar in Taiyuan, China.Named The Whisky Bar, the 664-square-metre project, which was part of a typical real-estate housing complex in Taiyuan Xiaodian, the capital of Shanxi Province in North China, involved renovating two floors of a commercial podium.The Whisky Bar was designed by French design firm JSPA Design.Facade and entrance 4The intervention's scope included three existing stores and sought to combine them into a single whiskey and cocktail bar. The area featured a discrete back entrance to a pedestrian business strip and was primarily facing the main street.Facade and entrance 5Because of the apartment building on top, the area was severely limited by the structure. In addition to the load-bearing walls that divided the area into smaller sections, there were also several pipelines and shafts that ran across the area from side to side.First floor Public 1Concrete as the defining facade materialThe faade work was necessary to enable the new project to exist in the cityscape, given the heterogeneity of the current position and surrounds. In order to create a new facade that would contrast with the typical light cladding of commercial facades, JSPA decided to remove all of the current facade claddings.First floor Public 2They worked on a cast-in-place concrete facade that will use its materiality to make an impression on the surrounding area. By using concrete as a material, JSPA was able to construct a monolithic facade that not only gives the city a new texture but also serves as a durable covering for the old building.First floor Public 4Three concrete arches that extended across the building's two levels made up the primary front, highlighting the project's character and attracting attention within its surroundings.In order to create the figure that would serve as the project's identity, the Concrete Arch was then replicated and altered in a number of ways.First floor Public 5Open barA bar for the city and a gathering spot open to the neighborhood were the goals of the project development. The bar area was covered with a concrete arch ceiling, a curved suspended slab that was cast in place to emphasize the space's street-facing orientation. This allowed for the dissipation of the back service spaces as well as all of the pipes and machinery from the original structure.A long concrete bench that could be used on both sides and a set of folding windows that allowed for the removal of physical barriers with the street were features of the ground floor bar's design, which placed a significant emphasis on communication between the project and the city.First floor Public 3Intimacy gradationA sculptural helicoidal steel staircase leads from the busy first floor, which has an urban feel, to the second floor, where the project evolved into a more private setting. A system of steel shelves was designed to provide a showcase area for whiskey bottles, as well as to subtly divide areas and create private alcoves.The display shelf's intriguing pattern, which was formed by endlessly repeating a single identical part, served as the project's second strong identity aspect.Three separate areas were encased in a concrete arch to create the illusion of an alcove, enclosing the area from wall to ceiling and enabling the cast-in design of the fireplaces and benches.Lounge 1Original materialityThe idea of a durable material that would age gracefully led to the natural choice of concrete. It was coupled with gray brick flooring on the first floor, which matched the ceiling and walls' wooden cast concrete in terms of color and design.Lounge 2Additionally, the brick floor reduces the gap between the bar and the city and reminds us of a public area.On the other hand, in order to enhance the users' sensory experience, all of the components that required skin contact were constructed using warm materials, such as the oakwood bar surface and the leather bench seats.Helicoidal StairWhisky cabinet and fireplaceSecond floor Public-moonSecond floor private roomSecond floor Staircase accessYellow brass fire placeConcrete arch corridorBrick staircaseStair AFacade and entrance 2Facade and entrance 1JSPA Design, a French design company based in Beijing that was founded in 2009 by Johan Sarvan, is renowned for its daring and avant-garde approach to product development, architecture, interior design, and landscape design.Project factsProject name:The Whisky BarArchitects:JSPA DesignProject type:Architectural (Faade) Design / Interior DesignPrinciple Designer: Johan SarvanStructure: Jiang Jies TeamVideographer:WM StudioTotal area:664m21F Indoor area:295m22F Indoor area: 369m2Materials brand:SARVAN- Furniture, LightingAll images Liu Xinghao.> via JSPA Design

Submitted by WA ContentsGianni Botsford Architects expands Norman Foster extension with large-span aluminium-framed glazing United Kingdom Architecture News - Jan 07, 2025 - 12:43 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"London-based architecture practice Gianni Botsford Architects has expanded Norman Foster's 1960s extension with large-span aluminium-framed glazing in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom.Image James EagleNamed Reciprocal House, the newly completed 280-square-metre family home is located in a Hampstead mews and discretely hidden behind a Victorian pub in London.A neutral and decaying 1860s cottage was replaced by Gianni Botsford Architects, who also renovated its superb 1969 addition by Foster Associates - now known Foster + Partners.The lightweight single-story Foster Associates building, which consists of steel trusses, concrete blocks, and large-span aluminum-framed windows, is intended to be complemented by the new four-story home.The late 1960s extension has been restored to its original state, preserving the industrial character of the Norman Foster-led design while influencing the design's elemental quality. One example of this is the use of a small but incredibly powerful palette of classic materials.The Foster Associates extension reflects the practice's early work and projects like as the 1965 construction of Creek Vean House in Cornwall, where Norman Foster was a member of Team 4 along with Su Brumwell, Wendy Cheesman, and Richard Rogers. Patty Hopkins, who founded Hopkins Architects with Michael Hopkins in 1976 after working at Foster Associates, was the project architect. She went on to construct her highly regarded high-tech home and studio in Hampstead.The main floor of this family home currently has a kitchen, dining area, and living room, while the upper two floors include three bedrooms and a roof terrace. Additionally, there is a studio area on the basement level that benefits from three-meter-tall lightwells. The open-plan room designed by Foster Associates, which was initially meant primarily for entertainment and as a place to house the previous owner's grand piano, is accessible from the ground floor.The staircase, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, bathroom fixtures, screens, and doors are among the exquisitely manufactured aluminum components that Gianni Botsford Architects used to create the interiors. All of these were produced in East London.The new house's roof profile evokes the original cottage's, and the architecture has a strong geometric quality both inside and out thanks to the clear angled elevations.The circular rooflight with a diameter of 2 meters above the spiral aluminum staircase that connects the three major floors emphasizes this even more. A strong link with the outside can be created by fully opening the rooflight for natural ventilation.The previous house's memory is preserved by the new building's facades, which are covered in perforated aluminum mesh in a gentle copper brown hue. In addition, they offer privacy and protection from sunlight. "Our response to this sensitive and overlooked context is led by the notion of local adaptation and was carried out through careful and forensic analysis of the site to determine ways of providing privacy for the occupants of the house and neighbours, long views out to the borrowed landscape of back gardens, access to sunlight and daylight, acoustic separation, and security," said Gianni Botsford, director of Gianni Botsford Architects.The site and the new house's relationship to the Foster Associates expansion were examined using a number of physical study models created by Gianni Botsford Architects, with an emphasis on a strong sense of reciprocity between the two.This resulted in a design approach where the volumes and forms of the project's new and old components were both clearly defined and of comparable architectural stature.Additionally, it prompted a formal reaction that maximized Reciprocal House's relationship with the landscape, particularly with regard to the tall, mature trees that encircle its 56-square-meter roof terrace. Utilizing the original house's demolished masonry, the landscaping repurposes existing materials and plays with the concept of embodied memory. Ultimately, passive design was used from the beginning to minimize the project's environmental impact.The home is naturally shaded from solar gain by the trees that are already there, and the windows have been oriented and sized to maximize natural ventilation and illumination. When combined with an opening rooflight above, the spiral staircase's vertical natural ventilation shaft will enable the stack effect to expel heated air during warm weather.Throughout, high thermal mass materialsparticularly exposed concretehave been utilized. The house will remain cool without the need for active cooling thanks to this and the natural ventilation plan.On the other hand, improved air tightness and thermal insulation reduce the need for space heating, which is accomplished through underfloor heating and an acoustically attenuated air source heat pump.The front lightwell now contains an EV charger in addition to being heated by an air source heat pump. Since there are no gas-burning equipment in the kitchen, the entire house is electric and doesn't need a gas supply.By using low flow fittings and a grey water recycling system that purifies shower and bathtub water for use in flushing toilets, water usage is reduced. Green roofs and rainwater recycling also reduce runoff and water use."Due to the complex form, a decision was taken to construct the new house adjoining the retained extension in concrete and to leave the concrete visually exposed throughout to reduce the use of finishes, to temper the light, and to benefit from the thermal mass," Botsford continued. "The structure of the new house is optimised to allow for the thinnest possible wall and floor build ups," Botsford added. Image Jonny WilsonImage Jonny WilsonImage Jonny WilsonSite planBasement floor planGround level floor planFirst floor planSecond floor planRoof floor planElevationElevationSectionSectionThe London-based firm originally gained recognition with its Light House in West London and Casa Kik in Costa Rica, both of which won the Lubetkin Prize.Since then, Gianni Botsford Architects has finished a number of projects over the course of almost 30 years, including an R&D high-rise building, an art collector's gallery, and a smoking pavilion. The firm previously transformed a dilapidated bungalow, built in the 1960s in the back garden on an 1840s Notting Hill villa, into a new house that is carved from the ground to get enough light from its skylight and facades.Project factsProject name:Reciprocal HouseExpansion design:Gianni Botsford ArchitectsCompletion date: 2024Mechanical and Electrical Engineer:IntegrationStructural Engineer:Tall EngineersLandscape Architect:FFLOHeritage Consultant:HCUKPlanning Consultant: Barton WilmoreContractor:New Wave,Quantity Surveyor:MeasurMetalwork:Weber IndustriesAll images Schnepp Renou unless otherwise stated.All drawings Gianni Botsford Architects.> via Gianni Botsford Architects

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Finnish architecture practice Kivinen Rusanen Architects has completed a new bioenergy heating plant in Eastern Helsinki, Finland.Named Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant, the 16,535-square-metre building was designed in a cascading form with metallic appearance.Since the 1980s, a large portion of Helsinki's power and district heat have come from this facility, which is owned by the local Helen Ltd utility. Helen's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 includes the new heating facility.The North facade of the boiler and heat recovery system buildingAbout 25 percent of Helsinki's district heat is produced by the 260 MW biofuel heating plant, which also lowers the city's yearly carbon dioxide emissions by about 700,000 tonnes.With an efficiency of 122 percent, the Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant is a very energy-efficient combustion facility. It is technically possible to convert it to combined heat and power generation even though it does not generate electricity.The boiler and heat recovery system building seen from the SouthwestThe most recent project developed by Kivinen Rusanen Architects at Helen's Vuosaari site is a bioenergy heating plant. It comes after a more than ten-year planning phase in which many technological and scale-related options for building the power plant complex were examined.In Vuosaari, district heat and electricity generation began in the 1980s and has since grown steadily. All of the structures on the power plant site were created by Kivinen Rusanen Architects from the beginning.The boiler and heat recovery system building West facade and the main conveyor bridgeSafety, process flow, and logistics are given top priority in the site plan. The site's equipment and building arrangements were designed to be as compact as possible to allow for future projects and logistical flexibility.The new facility's proximity to the current plant and the fuel handling system's use of technology that enables the various components to be arranged in a tight configuration are examples of this. Additionally, to reduce their footprint, the long main conveyor's legs are made of steel trusses with a compact square cross-section.North view of the fuel handling system buildingsThe project is a prominent feature of the harbor scenery in Vuosaari. The facility's visibility from the new park on the northern side of the power plant site, residential areas more to the west, and views from the sea were all taken into account during its design.However, the close-up views from Satamakaari Street and the facilities of the power plant were crucial. Assuring a high-quality design, construction, and finish was the architectural goal in order for the finished product to be seen in its surroundings.The boiler and heat recovery system building North facadeFrom the plot's edge to the center, the new buildings' size increases. The lower fuel handling structures are on the western side, near people and traffic, while the tall boiler building is in the middle of the property.The substantial landscaping of the steep and high embankment along Satamakaari Street supports this, softening the industrial image of the plant site and improving the street-level experience.The boiler room interiorTo create a timeless appearance, the building makes advantage of abstraction and a neutral color scheme. The double faade structure, which aims to establish visual coherence and control, is a crucial component of the exterior architecture.Although they are technically positioned in the best possible way, the different process equipment and building services that penetrate the external walls are concealed from view behind the double faade's outer shell.The boiler and heat recovery system building double facade seen from insideLarge glass curtain walls let natural light into the boiler building and the fuel-receiving structures. The double-skin facades with perforations reduce excessive glare and solar heat radiation. For maintenance workers who temporarily occupy the facility, natural light increases comfort and safety in the event of power outages or lighting system problems.Although the structures have a distinctly industrial character due to the abstraction of the double-skin claddings, windows give the buildings a less hermetic appearance from the outside.The boiler and heat recovery system building double facade seen from outsideThe project uses two types of double-skin cladding: corrugated sheet metal for the fuel handling buildings and huge, lightweight aluminum composite panels for the boiler building.The project's massive aluminum composite panels provide a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing addition to the large boiler building's exterior. The Finnish fire code is followed by them.The fuel storage building exteriorA more intricate collection of buildings and structures make up the gasoline handling system. Because profiled sheet steel's size and properties give it a more versatile cladding solution, it was selected as the cladding material for these buildings.When air or light flows through the entire faade structure, both forms of cladding have partial perforations. In contrast to the lightweight steel double faades and metal claddings, high-quality huge structures made of prefabricated and in-situ black or white concrete are utilized.The fuel storage building interiorBy giving the city sustainable district heating, the Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant operationally satisfies one of the most important fundamental demands. Its design seeks to communicate the significance and worth of this endeavor.The fuel handling systemWest facade of the fuel siloSouth view of the fuel receiving building (left) and the electricity spaces building (right)The South facade of the fuel receiving buildingThe South facade of the laboratory and screening building with conveyorsFuel handling area facade detailsAerial view of the site from the southwest. Image HelifotoBioenergy Heating Plant seen from Vuosaarenhuippu Park to the north of the siteBioenergy Heating Plant seen from the West. Image Tuomas KivinenSite planSection through the entire Biofuel Heating PlantPreviously, Kivinen Rusanen Architects built a substation featuring a patterned brick faade.Project factsProject name: Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating PlantLocation:Helsinki, FinlandFloor area: 16535 District heat output: 260 MWTotal investment:250 M Client:Helen LtdClient's project Manager: Antti SaikkonenClient's construction manager:Sami SihvoArchitectural design: Kivinen Rusanen ArchitectsLead architect: Tuomas Kivinen, architect SAFADesign team:Uros Kostic, Anna Blomqvist, Maija Hirvilammi, Tania Serrano, Maria Karjalainen, Melina Aakula, Harri Holopainen, Netta Siljander, Tiia SskiCollaborators:Landscape design:Sweco Finland LtdStructural engineering, concrete structures: Sweco Finland LtdContractors for concrete structures:Louhintahiekka Ltd, SRV Infra LtdBoiler plant:Main equipment supplier:Sumitomo SHI FW Energia LtdStructural engineering, steel structures: Sumitomo SHI FW Energia LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.Exterior cladding contractor: RKC Construction LtdExterior cladding contractor: Ruukki ConstructionHeat recovery (LTO):Main equipment supplier:Valmet LtdStructural engineering, steel structures:Ramboll Finland LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.External cladding contractor:RKC Construction LtdExterior cladding contractor: Ruukki ConstructionFuel system:Main equipment supplier: BMH Technology LtdStructural engineering, steel structures: Rejlers Finland LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.Top image: The boiler and heat recovery system building seen from the East. Image Tuomas Kivinen.All images Max Plunger unless otherwise stated.All drawings Kivinen Rusanen Architects.> via Kivinen Rusanen Architects

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Finnish architecture practice Kivinen Rusanen Architects has completed a new bioenergy heating plant in Eastern Helsinki, Finland.Named Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant, the 16,535-square-metre building was designed in a cascading form with metallic appearance.Since the 1980s, a large portion of Helsinki's power and district heat have come from this facility, which is owned by the local Helen Ltd utility. Helen's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 includes the new heating facility.The North facade of the boiler and heat recovery system buildingAbout 25 percent of Helsinki's district heat is produced by the 260 MW biofuel heating plant, which also lowers the city's yearly carbon dioxide emissions by about 700,000 tonnes.With an efficiency of 122 percent, the Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant is a very energy-efficient combustion facility. It is technically possible to convert it to combined heat and power generation even though it does not generate electricity.The boiler and heat recovery system building seen from the SouthwestThe most recent project developed by Kivinen Rusanen Architects at Helen's Vuosaari site is a bioenergy heating plant. It comes after a more than ten-year planning phase in which many technological and scale-related options for building the power plant complex were examined.In Vuosaari, district heat and electricity generation began in the 1980s and has since grown steadily. All of the structures on the power plant site were created by Kivinen Rusanen Architects from the beginning.The boiler and heat recovery system building West facade and the main conveyor bridgeSafety, process flow, and logistics are given top priority in the site plan. The site's equipment and building arrangements were designed to be as compact as possible to allow for future projects and logistical flexibility.The new facility's proximity to the current plant and the fuel handling system's use of technology that enables the various components to be arranged in a tight configuration are examples of this. Additionally, to reduce their footprint, the long main conveyor's legs are made of steel trusses with a compact square cross-section.North view of the fuel handling system buildingsThe project is a prominent feature of the harbor scenery in Vuosaari. The facility's visibility from the new park on the northern side of the power plant site, residential areas more to the west, and views from the sea were all taken into account during its design.However, the close-up views from Satamakaari Street and the facilities of the power plant were crucial. Assuring a high-quality design, construction, and finish was the architectural goal in order for the finished product to be seen in its surroundings.The boiler and heat recovery system building North facadeFrom the plot's edge to the center, the new buildings' size increases. The lower fuel handling structures are on the western side, near people and traffic, while the tall boiler building is in the middle of the property.The substantial landscaping of the steep and high embankment along Satamakaari Street supports this, softening the industrial image of the plant site and improving the street-level experience.The boiler room interiorTo create a timeless appearance, the building makes advantage of abstraction and a neutral color scheme. The double faade structure, which aims to establish visual coherence and control, is a crucial component of the exterior architecture.Although they are technically positioned in the best possible way, the different process equipment and building services that penetrate the external walls are concealed from view behind the double faade's outer shell.The boiler and heat recovery system building double facade seen from insideLarge glass curtain walls let natural light into the boiler building and the fuel-receiving structures. The double-skin facades with perforations reduce excessive glare and solar heat radiation. For maintenance workers who temporarily occupy the facility, natural light increases comfort and safety in the event of power outages or lighting system problems.Although the structures have a distinctly industrial character due to the abstraction of the double-skin claddings, windows give the buildings a less hermetic appearance from the outside.The boiler and heat recovery system building double facade seen from outsideThe project uses two types of double-skin cladding: corrugated sheet metal for the fuel handling buildings and huge, lightweight aluminum composite panels for the boiler building.The project's massive aluminum composite panels provide a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing addition to the large boiler building's exterior. The Finnish fire code is followed by them.The fuel storage building exteriorA more intricate collection of buildings and structures make up the gasoline handling system. Because profiled sheet steel's size and properties give it a more versatile cladding solution, it was selected as the cladding material for these buildings.When air or light flows through the entire faade structure, both forms of cladding have partial perforations. In contrast to the lightweight steel double faades and metal claddings, high-quality huge structures made of prefabricated and in-situ black or white concrete are utilized.The fuel storage building interiorBy giving the city sustainable district heating, the Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating Plant operationally satisfies one of the most important fundamental demands. Its design seeks to communicate the significance and worth of this endeavor.The fuel handling systemWest facade of the fuel siloSouth view of the fuel receiving building (left) and the electricity spaces building (right)The South facade of the fuel receiving buildingThe South facade of the laboratory and screening building with conveyorsFuel handling area facade detailsAerial view of the site from the southwest. Image HelifotoBioenergy Heating Plant seen from Vuosaarenhuippu Park to the north of the siteBioenergy Heating Plant seen from the West. Image Tuomas KivinenSite planSection through the entire Biofuel Heating PlantPreviously, Kivinen Rusanen Architects built a substation featuring a patterned brick faade.Project factsProject name: Vuosaari Bioenergy Heating PlantLocation:Helsinki, FinlandFloor area: 16535 District heat output: 260 MWTotal investment:250 M Client:Helen LtdClient's project Manager: Antti SaikkonenClient's construction manager:Sami SihvoArchitectural design: Kivinen Rusanen ArchitectsLead architect: Tuomas Kivinen, architect SAFADesign team:Uros Kostic, Anna Blomqvist, Maija Hirvilammi, Tania Serrano, Maria Karjalainen, Melina Aakula, Harri Holopainen, Netta Siljander, Tiia SskiCollaborators:Landscape design:Sweco Finland LtdStructural engineering, concrete structures: Sweco Finland LtdContractors for concrete structures:Louhintahiekka Ltd, SRV Infra LtdBoiler plant:Main equipment supplier:Sumitomo SHI FW Energia LtdStructural engineering, steel structures: Sumitomo SHI FW Energia LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.Exterior cladding contractor: RKC Construction LtdExterior cladding contractor: Ruukki ConstructionHeat recovery (LTO):Main equipment supplier:Valmet LtdStructural engineering, steel structures:Ramboll Finland LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.External cladding contractor:RKC Construction LtdExterior cladding contractor: Ruukki ConstructionFuel system:Main equipment supplier: BMH Technology LtdStructural engineering, steel structures: Rejlers Finland LtdStructural steelwork contractor:MKL Bau sp.z o.o.Top image: The boiler and heat recovery system building seen from the East. Image Tuomas Kivinen.All images Max Plunger unless otherwise stated.All drawings Kivinen Rusanen Architects.> via Kivinen Rusanen Architects

Submitted by WA ContentsMert Kansu named WAC's most active Country Reporter of December United States Architecture News - Jan 06, 2025 - 11:15 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"WAC's USA Country Reporter Mert Kansu has been named as the most active Country Reporter of December for successfully completing at least three articles in the WAC's Country Editors/Reporters Program.WAC's USA Country Reporter Mert Kansu has been named as the most successful name of December by writing three stories: Miller Hull Partnership's Lake Union Piers, Offsets All Carbon Emissions From Construction, Studio Gang Designs Mass Timber Addition To California College Of Arts, and Snhetta's Far Rockaway Library Transforms Architecture Into A Sculptural Painting.WAC's voluntary Country Editors/Reporters Program was launched in December 2017 with the aim of promoting local architecture, knowledge, stories, and recent developments from various parts of the world to WAC's global audience. The program also seeks to introduce new volunteer journalists and writers as representatives of their countries.The primary goal of the program is to elevate local knowledge and developments, introduce new practices, share local news, and create connections between local architects and the global architecture community. Additionally, it expands WAC's ability to share exclusive local news with its worldwide audience.The program has experienced significant success in a short time, attracting numerous applications from around the globe. Composed of architects, architecture students, academics, writers, experienced journalists, and emerging journalist candidates, WAC currently has 11 Country Reporters and 3 Country Editors representing 9 different countries.If you're interested in joining WAC's Country Editors/Reporters Program, you can find the application details on this page and submit your application.Mert Kansu,USAMert Kansu was appointed as WAC's USA Country Reporter on April 23, 2019 to the program. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Mert currently lives and works in the United States as an architectural designer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Bahcesehir University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia.Mert is passionate about sustainability and ecology, particularly in how tectonics and material expression can create healthy and functional spaces that serve the general public. He believes that architecture can transcend boundaries and raise awareness of our climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic challenges. Mert enjoys sharing his insights and local architectural news.Mert's most popular article to date is "The New Interface Headquarters Building By Perkins+Will Opens In Atlanta." The article reached a record with over 14,000 views, surpassing his previous articles. Learn more about Mert's articles on WAC.Top image courtesy of Mert Kansu.

Submitted by WA ContentsAngelo Renna proposes a submerged floating bridge over the Strait of SicilyItaly Architecture News - Jan 06, 2025 - 13:12 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Architect and landsape designer Angelo Renna has proposed a submerged floating bridge over the Strait of Sicily in Italy.Called Strait of Sicily - Archipelago Floating Bridge, the bridge was developed as an alternative proposal to span over the Strait of Sicily. A submerged floating bridge serves for cars, highspeed trains, and bikes.The sequence of artificial islands supporting the bridge, with Sicily Island in the backgroundDesigned by Angelo Renna and Kittan Kodijat, the bridge supports marine life and minimizes the impact on the environment by including an archipelago of man-made islands at the water's surface.Boats can easily navigate between the islands, and trees and vegetation will grow on the artificial pontoons"The dream of a bridge connecting Sicily to mainland Italy stretches back 2000 years to Roman times, when Consul Metellus strung together barrels and wood to create a floating bridge to move 100 elephants from Carthage to Rome, according to writing by Pliny the Elder," said Angelo Renna."Since then, various plans have been proposed, including tunnels crossing underground and the most recent plan for a single-span suspension bridge, which, if built, would be the longest suspension bridge in the world.""This solution, evaluated alongside different possibilities by the Italian government, is considered the most suitable. However, it does not take into account the environmental impact and the fragile ecosystem in which it will be constructed," Renna explained.Boats can easily navigate between the islands, and trees and vegetation will grow on the artificial pontoonsAs Renna stated, the Strait of Messina is actually located in an extremely seismically active area with strong geological movements and choppy waves. As an important crossing point on their migratory paths, this region is also vital for migratory birds.With a variety of ecosystems and many species that rely on its particular environmental circumstances, the area is also one of the most valuable habitats in the Mediterranean. Additionally, the sea floor is home to a variety of unique flora, such as Posidonia and Laminaria ochroleuca aquatic forests.Boats can easily navigate between the islands, and trees and vegetation will grow on the artificial pontoonsThe architect proposes a submerged floating bridge, sometimes referred to as an Archimedes bridge or a submerged floating tube bridge, in order to build a bridge that enhances rather than degrades the ecology. Based on Archimedes' concept of buoyancy, this design consists of a tube that floats in water.Bird's-eye view of the bridge from Messina Central Station, showing the Calabria coast on the other sideThe tube is positioned 50 meters below the surface, far enough below the surface to not impede water traffic, including cruise ships and boats of all sizes.The 6.0-kilometer bridge is designed to accommodate high-speed trains in the center and automobiles and trucks on the sides. Using mostly unused public domain spaces, the underwater bridge will immediately connect the Calabrian coast at the Campo Calabro highway junction of the E45 with Messina Central Station.Interior view of the tunnel, featuring a bike lane accommodated in the lower part of the tunnelThere is also a bike lane on the bridge's bottom portion. Trees and plants are included into the tunnel's terrariums, improving the crossing's quality. To keep the tunnel from floating up or sinking, metallic frames secure it to pontoons on the water's surface.The idea is for each pontoon, which is 500 meters apart, to be an artificial island that is covered with plants and soil to provide habitat for microbes and birds.The structure's underwater topography is characterized by geometric changes that create inverted hills with peaks and troughs. These regions support ecological diversity in the underwater environment by acting as habitats for a variety of plants, mosses, and invertebrates.Bird's-eye view of the bridge from the Calabria coast on the other side, showing Sicily Island in the background"A submerged floating tunnel has never been built, but several proposals have been made by different entities, starting in 1886, when the naval architect Sir Edward James Reed developed the first concept," Renna explained."Recently, the Norwegian government has been planning to build one in the Fjord to connect different areas of the region.""This bridge typology has significantly less environmental impact because it does not require any anchors at the sea floor and the entire structure can be removed at the end of its life. Additionally, all elements are prefabricated, which reduces construction activities in the water and minimizes harmful effects on aquatic life," the architect continued.Closed view on the artificial islandsAccording to recent research, submerged floating bridges work best in areas with strong seismic activity.As long as the connections with the coastlines include seismic joints, their significant transverse flexibility, along with the extra damping and inertia from water-structure interaction, lessen the amount of earthquake energy transported to the tunnel.Longitudinal section of the entire bridge, with each pontoon spaced 500 meters apart from each otherStudies have also looked into how a submarine collision may affect the tunnel, estimating the possible harm to the submarine and the structure.The outcomes demonstrated that the bridge can manage significant deformation issues. Research on tunnel safety following a collision is still scarce, nevertheless.Aerial photo of the Archipelago bridgeTransversal section. The tunnel is 50 meters underwater.Schemes summarizing main features of the bridgeAxonometric sequenceTimeline the Strait of Sicily:- 251 BC: according to Pliny the Elder, the Romans built a floating structure to transfer elephants from the island.- 1840: Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies conceived the idea of constructing a bridge, commissioning a group of architects and engineers to provide him with ideas for its construction- 1952: On the initiative of the Association of Italian Steel Constructors (Acai), the American engineer David Steinman was commissioned to draft a preliminary project.- 1969: The "International Ideas Competition for the Stable Road and Rail Link between Sicily and the mainland" was announced, envisioning the construction of a stable double-track railway and six-lane highway in compliance with the regulations of the time. In response to this competition, 143 projects were submitted, including proposals from Grant Alan and Partners; a half-submerged tunnel anchored to the seabed with steel cables, or the Lambertini Group's cable-stayed bridge with three large spans of 3300 meters.- 1985: Prime Minister Bettino Craxi spoke in favor of the rapid construction of the bridge. Stretto di Messina Spa entered into an agreement with Anas and Ferrovie dello Stato (Fs). Subsequently, a new study was published comparing three types of bridges, all proposing a single span, 3.3 kilometers long (which remains the current project idea).-1994:The first government led by Silvio Berlusconi obtained the favorable opinion of Anas and Fs on the newly approved project. However, the project did not commence.- 2011/present: Presented by Eurolink, the two pillars of the Strait bridge will be erected in two different areas with a distance of 3.3 kilometers between them. The opening to traffic is planned for 2032.Top image in the article: Underwater view of the submerged bridge. The underside of the artificial islands serves as habitats for various invertebrates, mosses, and plants, promoting ecological diversity in the underwater landscape.All images Angelo Renna.> via Angelo Renna

Submitted by WA ContentsReinterpreting Tradition: Contemporary Insights Towards Buttoned Houses TechniqueTurkey Architecture News - Jan 04, 2025 - 14:21 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The primary aim of this international architectural competition is to embrace the traditional building techniques of 'Dmeli Evler' (Buttoned Houses) of Antalya, Turkey. This competition seeks to integrate the cultural heritage of this unique construction method into contemporary architectural practice, fostering a deeper understanding of vernacular architecture among future architects. Participants will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the buttoned construction system, proposing innovative small-scale designs that blend traditional techniques with contemporary architectural needs and approaches. The competition aims to highlight the sustainability, efficiency, and cultural significance of these traditional practices, encouraging their preservation and adaptation in current and future projects.This competition is an integral part of the INTBAU Grassroots programme and aims to embrace traditional construction techniques while fostering contemporary architectural innovations. The INTBAU Grassroot project Sustainable Building Techniques: A Scholarly Exploration of Historical Practices seeks to explore the traditional buttoned house construction method and reinterpret it for contemporary use. Initially, participants will engage in a design competition that challenges them to reinterpret the buttoned construction technique. The winning designs will then be constructed, bringing the theoretical concepts to life in a tangible, real-world project. This competition not only celebrates cultural heritage but also actively contributes to its preservation and adaptation for future generations.The INTBAU project is aligned with UIA Sustainable Development Goals. The competition process supports Goal 4: Quality Education by enabling participants to gain in-depth knowledge of sustainable building techniques, merging traditional and contemporary architectural practices, and providing them with the opportunity to apply this knowledge in the field, thereby contributing to their professional development. The project also supports Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by integrating the traditional construction technique of the Buttoned Houses, with contemporary needs, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability while preserving the cultural heritage of cities. By participating in INTBAUs project, participants gain experience in sustainable architectural design and implementation, allowing them to use this knowledge and experience in their future projects, thus supporting both Goal 4 and Goal 11.Project siteThe competition project site will be located on the campus of Antalya Bilim University. Detailed information, including location data, aerial drone videos, photographs, and a dwg file site plan is provided in the attachments. Participants are encouraged to review these materials thoroughly to gain a comprehensive understanding of the site. This will enable them to develop contextually appropriate and innovative designs that align with the competitions objectives.Terms of ParticipationThe official language of the competition is EnglishThe type of competition is a project competition.The competition is open to participants from all countries.The competition is open to all undergraduates enrolled in a recognized architecture program at an institution/ faculty worldwide.Individual and team submissions are allowed. Teams can include a maximum of three members.All participants must provide proof of student status (e.g., student certificate/ transcript) in registration.Registration on the website is mandatory and there is no registration fee.Submissions must be original work and not previously published or entered in other competitions.All entries must adhere to the competition brief and submission guidelines provided on the competition website.Anyone working for the supported INTBAU project, Technical Consultant, jury member, or the secretariat, or anyone closely related to them, and anyone involved in organizing the competition, cannot participate in the competition or help competitors.To ensure impartial judging, all submissions must be anonymous. Participants must not include their names, affiliations, or any identifying marks on any part of their submission materials. Any breach of anonymity will result in disqualification.Participants must ensure that their submissions do not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.Participants found to be engaging in plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will be disqualified and reported to their respective institutions.Jury members:Advisory JuryKemal Reha Kavas (Prof. Dr. Akdeniz University)Ali Olgu Ceylan (MSc. Architect, Akdeniz Association of Licensed Architects)Funda Alyanak Kaya (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim UniversityJuryAyen Ciravoglu (Head of the Jury) (Prof. Dr. Yldz Technical University)mer Seluk Baz (Architect, Yaln Architecture)Bi Lisowski (Architect, Association of Polish Architects)Antonio Riverso (Prof., International Academy of Architecture)Alper Glle (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim UniversityAlternate Jury MembersSadk Gkhan Ekinci (Dr. Architect, Akdeniz University)Ekrem Bahadr alkan (Asst. Prof.Dr., Ankara Yldrm Beyazt University)RapporteursMerve Artkan (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)Serim Aygen Kitin (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)Zeynep Ceren Durgut (MSc. Architect, Antalya Bilim University)ScheduleAnnouncement: 12 December 2024Deadline for Questions: 15 January 2025Deadline for Answers to the Questions: 22 January 2025Deadline Submission of Projects: 14 March 2025Announcement of the Results: 28 March 2025Exhibition of the Projects: will be announcedAward Ceremony: will be announcedConstruction: will be announcedQuestions and Answers: The answers to all questions will be published in a single document on the dates established in the competition calendar. The competition organizer reserves the right to consolidate and answer similar inquiries together. During the Q&A period, the competition organizers may post any inquiries and follow-up questions they deem appropriate in the designated section of the website. The formulation of each question will be anonymous and will not include any data that could identify the applicant. Questions that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted, published, or answered.Prizes and MentionsFirst prize: 1200 EUROSecond prize: 800 EUROThird prize: 400 EUROMentions: 3 x 200 EURO** Taxes are excluded Awarded projects will be published on the website of the competition and INTBAU Grassroots Projects. Awards will be paid within one month after the announcement.Download the competition brief from here. Register to the competition via this link.Top image in the article courtesy of Antalya Biliim Universitesi.> via Antalya Biliim Universitesiarchitecture competition

Submitted by WA ContentsOpen Architectural Project Competition For The Arrivals Terminal Of Vilnius AirportLithuania Architecture News - Jan 04, 2025 - 15:23 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"An Open Architectural Project Competition For The Arrivals Terminal Of Vilnius Airport has been launched by the Lithuanian Airport and Architects Association of Lithuania.Vilnius International Airport serves as a significant transportation hub in the Baltic region and is witnessing rapid growth in passenger traffic and services. However, the current infrastructure does not always accommodate the increasing demands of travelers. This competition seeks innovative architectural solutions that fulfill modern aviation requirements while also reflecting Lithuanian culture and contemporary design. The objective is to develop a project for a new arrival terminal at Vilnius Airport that adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and enhances the passenger experience.Vilnius Airport is excited to invite talented architects to take part in a transformative project: the design of a cutting-edge arrivals terminal that will not only meet the needs of modern travelers but also seamlessly integrate with the upcoming Rail-Baltica gauge underground connection station, the new departure terminal, and the revitalized central square set for reconstruction in 2025. Covering an impressive area of approximately 7.86 hectares, this competition offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of air travel in the region. The new arrivals terminal, T5, will be equipped with essential amenities, including an advanced luggage handling system, a welcoming hall, catering facilities, and offices for airport administration and rental. Furthermore, the plan includes a new hotel, making this complex a vital hub for visitors and business travelers alike.Jury and ReviewersSimonas Bartkus, Jury Chairman, CEO (LTOU)Laura Kairien, Jury Member, Chief Architect of Vilnius CityMariia Grachova, Jury Member, Architect, Director of Chapman & Taylors Brussels OfficeTom Holtmann, Jury Member, Architect, Partner and Project Manager at Nordic Office of Architecture, NorwayValdas Stropus, Jury Member, Director of Operations Department (Lithuanian Airports)Arnas Dmanas, Alternate Jury Member, Director of Development Department (Lithuanian Airports)Rolandas Palekas, Alternate Jury Member,Architect, Head of Paleko ARCH studija architecture studio, LithuaniaEvaluation Criteria:Quality of the architectural and urban concept (35%)-Functionality and rationality (30%)Passenger experience (20%)Cost of design services (15%)Monetary Prizes:1st Place: EUR 50,0002nd Place: EUR 35,0003rd Place: EUR 25,0002 Honorary Mentions: EUR 5,000 eachCompetition announcement: 18/11/2024Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: Lithuanian,EnglishSubmission deadline for receipt of tenders: 19/02/2025 08:00:00 (UTC)Date of Familiarization with the Proposals: March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AMResults announcement: spring 2025Read more about the tendering process from here. In addition, more details can be found here.Top image in the article courtesy of Lithuanian Airports.> via ted.europa.euarchitecture competition

Submitted by WA ContentsThe Solar Biennale will be held from March 19 to 21, 2025 in SwitzerlandSwitzerland Architecture News - Jan 04, 2025 - 13:21 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The second edition of the Solar Biennale will return in March 2025, shining a light on the future of solar design. The Solar Biennale will take place from March 19 to 21, 2025 at mudac in Switzerland.The 2nd edition of the biennial continues to be stewarded by its visionary founders Marjan van Aubel and Pauline van Dongen, and curated and organized by the team at the museum, with a focus dictated by the local context, industries, and perspectives.The exhibition will showcase and celebrate cutting-edge innovations, designs, and artworks that harness and celebrate the power of the sun, highlighting its transformative potential for our world and its influence on culture broadly."We believe solar is the most natural and humane source of energy. Its the answer to the smaller question (How to power our life?) and the Big one (How to live it?). As designers, those are the exact questions we pore over every day. How to rhyme the purely practical with societal issues. How to make things and make them meaningful," said the Solar Biennale.Read more about the event at the Solar Biennale.Top image courtesy of mudac.> via Solar Biennalearchitecture event

Submitted by WA ContentsRenewable Energy Research Center of IcelandIceland Architecture News - Jan 04, 2025 - 14:12 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Iceland is renowned for its utilization of geothermal energy and its strong commitment to renewable resources. This project involves designing a state-of- the-art Renewable Energy Research Center in Reykjavik. The center will serve as a hub for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.The facility aims to not only drive technological advancements but also to demonstrate and educate the public about sustainable energy solutions. It will feature interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives to engage visitors and promote awareness. Architecturally, the building should be a symbol of progress, reflecting the natural beauty of Iceland's landscapessuch as its volcanic formations, glaciers, and coastal vistas.The design should incorporate sustainable materials and strategies to shoot for a net-zero energy consumption building. By utilizing renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, and wind power, the building will exemplify environmental stewardship. It should seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, minimizing ecological impact while standing resilient against Icelands harsh weather conditions. The center will not only be a place of research and learning but also an iconic landmark representing Icelands commitment to a sustainable future.The project focuses on sustainable building design by envisioning a cutting-edge research center in Iceland that promotes collaboration, drives innovation, educates the public, serves as a landmark, and reflects the stunning natural beauty of Icelands landscapes.Location: Karsnes, Kpavogur, IcelandLanguage: EnglishRegistration deadline: Mar 14, 2025Submission deadline: Mar 16, 2025Requirements/Eligibility: The competition is open to all students and young architects from around the world. Eligible participants include students and designers in architecture and related fields who are approved by their local Ministry of Education. Participants can join either as individuals or in teams, with each team required to have at least one member aged between 18 and 35.Registration fee:Dec 10. 2024 - Jan 10, 2025, Early Registration - 29Jan 11, 2025 - Feb 8, 2025, Standard Registration - 39Feb 9, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025, Late Registration - 49Prizes1st Prize: $2,500 + Certificate + Publication2nd Prize: $500 + Certificate + Publication3rd Prize: $350 + Certificate + Publication3 Honorable Mentions: Certificate + Publication4 Special Mention: PublicationAll winning projects have the potential to be showcased on various websites, in magazines, and across architectural platforms. Additionally, they may feature prominently in national and international architectural exhibitions and events.Organizer: Design UnlimitedJury members: David Jaehning / Eva Chiu / Jochen Eisenbrand / Kristoffer Tjerrild Lund / Matt TurlockTimeline:Dec 10. 2024 - Jan 10, 2025, Early Registration - 29Jan 11, 2025 - Feb 8, 2025, Standard Registration - 39Feb 9, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025, Late Registration - 49Mar 16, 2025 - Submission DeadlineMar 17 - 31, 2025 - Jury ReviewApr 7, 2025 - Winner Announced* All times above are local time (CET) of the host city's competition and are subject to the latest information available on the official website.Top image courtesy of Design Unlimited.> via Design Unlimited

Untreated Tree Trunks Pass Through The Central Staircase Of The Langeveld Building In Rotterdamhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"A series of untreated tree trunks pass through the central staircase and atrium of the Langeveld Building in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.Named Langeveld Building, the 8,748-square-metre building with an emphasis on creativity, the environment, and the welfare of students, reimagines sustainable learning environments.Designed by Rotterdam-based architecture office Paul de Ruiter Architects, the Langeveld Building bears the name of Henny Langeveld, Erasmus University Rotterdam's first female professor.Completed in the center of the university promenade, it combines state-of-the-art environmental technology with biophilic design, including the ground-breaking "Powered by Nature" ventilation system, which draws inspiration from termite mounds.This BREEAM-Outstanding building (91.5 per cent), with its treehouse atrium, lots of greenery, and adaptable study spaces, not only reduces its environmental footprint but also fosters a vibrant, homey environment where students can flourish.The Langeveld Building honors Henny Langeveld (19262004), Erasmus University Rotterdam's first female professor and a testament to the institution's dedication to cutting-edge teaching methods.It is a haven for students to ground and center themselves in the middle of their busy life, situated in the middle of their campus boulevard.The structure, which was designed with biophilic concepts in mind, evokes a sense of connection to nature and prioritizes creativity, environmental awareness, and the welfare of students.Designing for students: greenery, light, and connectionInvolving students in the design process revealed their desire for a home-like structure with lots of green space. Real, untreated tree trunks in the central atriumfondly referred to as the "treehouse"bring the outside in.A central stairway and several study platforms promote movement and foster an open, dynamic space that accommodates a variety of study styles.The platforms provide wide tables with views of beautiful greenery for individual work, larger tables for group work, and more comfortable seating sections for interacting, working together, unwinding, or focusing.The interior is flooded with natural light thanks to the translucent faade, creating a cheerful environment where vegetation flourishes.Flexible design for hybrid learningThe building's adaptability to changing user needs is ensured by its adaptable floorplan, which supports a variety of hybrid work and educational formats.Classrooms offer areas for instruction, group projects, and quiet study. The inside and the busy plaza outside are visually connected by the atrium.This also holds true for the planters that extend from the interior to the exterior, offering natural plant habitats as well as places for insects and birds to nest.In addition to increasing the building's ecological value, this careful incorporation of natural spaces gives its occupants a calmer atmosphere.Circular education building"With its BREEAM-Outstanding score of 91.5%, and its energy positivity, Langeveld Building sets a benchmark for sustainable learning spaces," said Paul de Ruiter Architects."The construction prioritized circular principles, using recycled, biobased, and repurposed materials from university demolition projects. Wood was responsibly sourced from a protected Dutch production forest, all minimizing the buildings environmental footprint," the office added.Powered by nature: Fresh air, less energyReducing energy use while maximizing fresh air for a comfortable and healthy learning environment is a major sustainability problem for schools. Implementing the ground-breaking "Powered by Nature" ventilation system is Langeveld's answer.The system harnesses the energy of the sun and wind to naturally ventilate the structure, drawing on PhD research on termite mound natural ventilation from the Technical University in Delft.It not only saves up to 85 per cent on energy use, but it also lets a lot more fresh air into the building, which improves wellbeing and productivity. This is the system's historic global launch, establishing a new benchmark for architecture.Floor planFloor planSectionSectionEast elevationWest elevationSouth elevationNorth elevationWith more than 30 years of expertise creating environmentally and socially responsible structures, Paul de Ruiter Architects is a B-Corp accredited practice.The studio, which is renowned for its inventiveness, uses healthy materials that promote biodiversity to build energy-generating structures.Project factsProject name:Langeveld BuildingArchitects:Paul de Ruiter Architects.Address:Campus Woudestein, Kralingse Zoom, RotterdamTotal floor area:8,748m2Project description:Multifunctional educational buildingCompletion:2023Sustainability:BREEAM OutstandingDesign TeamClient: Erasmus University RotterdamContractor: BAM Bouw & Techniek ProjectenConstruction Consultant: BAM Advies en EngineeringBuilding Services Engineering: Halmos AdviseursSustainability Consultant: LBP|SightStructural Engineering:LBP|SightInterior and Loose Furnishing: Marina van GoorLandscape Architect: Buro Harro LandschapsarchitectProject Management: AbcnovaAll images Aiste Rakauskaite.All drawings Paul de Ruiter Architects.> via Paul de Ruiter Architects

Studio Wok Turns An Abandoned Electrical Cabin Into An Experimental Space In Italyhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Milan-based architecture practice studio wok has turned an abandoned electrical cabin into an experimental space in San Maurizio d'Opaglio, Italy.Named Quadrodesign HQ, the 300-square-metre building is situated inside the Quadro faucet company's headquarters, which is close to Lago d'Orta.After the offices and showroom were redesigned in 2022, which concentrated on the outside design and the restoration of a historic electrical cabin inside the property, relates to the second stage of a larger intervention.The client wanted to add fresh, adaptable, and lively areas to the property that could be used by Magistro's family, the owners of the company, and yet be used for commercial purposes or as an artist's residence.Three volumesthe cabin, the pergola, and the swimming poolemerge from a concrete platform that functions as a kind of public square, quietly yet flexibly delineating the space's multiple possible uses.Because of its unique design for an inhabited space, the renovated and repurposed electrical cabin provides an opportunity for spatial experimentation.The boundary between the interior and the exterior is almost blurred by a sliding door system, giving the impression that the interior is directly connected to the outside.Some technical amenities, including a restroom and a small kitchen, are located inside and can support outdoor activities. Thus, the structure turns into a tiny activator of the open spaces of the company.Two mezzanines connected by a system of metal stairs take advantage of the building's vertical dimension. A bed can be placed on the first intermediate slab, which is larger and composed of natural wood.The second one, which is already there and made of concrete, is transformed into a more intimate room that is directly exposed to the light coming in through a window close to the top.The color and material selections aim to create an environment that is absolute, neutral, and almost sacred. Flooded with light, the materials maintain their inherent texture and individuality without the need of extra colors.Perpendicular to the cabin, on the edge of the concrete plateau, the pergola is constructed using tubular profiles made of galvanized steel that are grouped in five spans with a regular pitch of 2.6 meters.A custom-made long kitchen counter, composed of stone and sheet metal, takes up the remaining two spans and is shielded by a ceiling composed of light corrugated iron panels. The first two spans can be used as a lounge or eating space.The intervention is completed and its perimeter is defined by a tiny swimming pool. Only partially buried in the ground, it appears to rise from the concrete floor as a monolithic anthracite stone volume, evoking the kitchen's volume and providing the space for a huge seat.General layoutPlanInterior plansSectionPergola detailsstudio wok added soft green tones and powder colors to the interiors of a bakery in Milan, Italy. In addition, the studio created cave-like, pinkish interiors for this restaurant in a beautiful setting of Porto Cervo, Italy.Project factsProject name:Quadrodesign HQArchitects:studio wokSize:300m2Client:Quadro srCompletion year:2024All images Marcello Mariana.All drawings studio wok.> via studio wok

Cave-Like Farmhouse By Earthscape Studio Provokes "A Wild Experience" With Its Earthen Architecturehtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"This farmhouse, which looks like a small hill from above, redefines the self-sufficient space with its smooth faade and sinuous form. The farmhouse, designed Indian architecture practice Earthscape Studio, is located in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.Named Into The Wild, the 138-square-metre farmhouse was developed in response to its surrounding featuring a verdant panoramic view of the mountains and deep woods of coconut and palm trees. The site lies plain with no special characteristics of terrain or landscape.As the developer's site, the surrounding area spans approximately 12 acres, including the project lot, which is rather plain.This prompted the creation of an intriguing building that respects nature. Earthscape Studio began the design process with a focus of 25 percent on construction and 75 percent on nature.According to the studio, planting and growing trees is not only sustainable but also crucial for how the building interacts with the natural environment. Consequently, the studio concentrated on construction techniques that would minimize carbon emissions.This innovative, self-sustaining structure features a fluid design that the studio refers to as fold architecture. The 4-inch shell (114.3 millimetre) is crafted to bend and flow, incorporating a series of arches. It is covered with layers of thappi plaster on the outside and mud plaster on the inside, applied on both sides of the ferrocement."Being a self-sustaining structure, it has no columns or beams. Mud is not a material palette, the beautiful thing in earthen architecture is not only about using the materials, but also about the artisans," said Earthscape Studio."Traditional lime plasters from India flows along smoothly on the floor and the furnitures giving a luxuriant feel inside the spaces. This helps in reducing the temperature of about 3 degrees inside the space from the outside," the studio added.The 7-foot tall (2,286 meters) verdant landscape wraps around the structure with lush grass. Being in a highly humid area, this foliage helps reduce indoor temperatures and acts as a structural element of the building. This Farm House, identified by 2BHK, offers surprising experiences in each space.The circular transitions evoke curiosity about the interiors. The folds and curves create a cave-like atmosphere, providing a sense of adventure. From the lower level, the windows open to a sylvan view, allowing cool air to flow into the space.Ventilation openings extend from the structure in various locations, allowing hot air to escape and creating a natural stack effect. The light that filters through each vent adds a dramatic ambiance within the interiors. A linear opening at the bar provides a panoramic view of the tall coconut and palm trees.The central courtyard connects to various spaces through smaller and larger openings, facilitating natural light and ventilation. This design fosters a sense of openness and a seamless transition between open and semi-open areas."We believe that Interiors are not about purchasing and arranging inside a space. All the furnitures are in-built in accordance to the space. The bed, cushions and the fabrics are customized in accordance to its own shape and play creating an opulence feel," the studio explained."The bed, bar counter, pantry, seating are all done with arise finishes giving a lap of luxury at each space."The bathrooms are finished with arise finish, a water-proofing material that doesn't require any chemicals. The wood utilized for cabinets, benches, and doors is gathered from scrap wood.The stone seat and door knobs are carved on the location where the stones are obtained. The green foliage that covers the shell creates the illusion of a home on the inside and a garden on the outside.Roof planFloor planSection AASection BBElevationPreviously, Earthscape Studio designed a farmhouse wrapped by agabion wall to filter daylight and airflow to the interior the mountain ranges in Anaikatti, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. In addition, the firm built a farmhouseentriely made of locally available and sustainable materials, by developing its own construction system.After continuing his architectural studies at Wallmakers, which Vinu Daniel started, Petchimuthu Kennedy founded Earthscape Studio in 2022. The architectural design philosophy and ideology of Earthscape Studio strives to produce and highlight structures that are emotionally charged and soulful.Project factsProject name: Into The WildArchitects: Earthscape StudioLocation: Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, IndiaCompletion Year:2024Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2):1450 sq.ft / 138m2Lead Architects:Petchimuthu KennedyTeam:Petchimuthu Kennedy, Shivani Saran S K, Niha Ann Baby, Sowmiya ArulAll images Studio IKSHA.All drawings Earthscape Studio.> via Earthscape Studio

10 Highly Anticipated Projects To Look Forward To In 2025html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"As we conclude the celebrations of 2024, we have compiled a list of 10 eagerly anticipated buildings set to open in 2025.MAD Architects' Fenix Museum in Rotterdam features an iconic "Tornado" structure that rises from the ground floor and extends out of the rooftop onto a platform.Other notable projects include Snhetta's Shanghai Grand Opera House, which has a sculptural staircase connecting to the roof; Foster + Partners' Techo International Airport in Cambodia, designed with structural trees that create a spacious roof; and BIG's Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, characterized by its curvy roofs. Together, these buildings comprise our list of the most anticipated buildings set to open in 2025.Here are ten buildings we are excited to see debut in 2025 (in no particular order):Image Henry VerhorstFenix Museum in Rotterdam by MAD(to be opened on 16 May 2025)Designed by MAD Architects, the Fenix Museum is scheduled to open on 16 May 2025 in Rotterdam. Currently under construction on site, the FENIX Museum of Migration is the first MAD cultural project in Europe. The project was commissioned by the Droom en Daad Foundation.Under the direction of conservation architects Bureau Polderman, the 1,486-square-meter museum is located in a former warehouse on a prominent location in the center of Rotterdam's historic harbor. A dynamic structure known as the "Tornado" rises from the ground level and spills out onto a platform from the rooftop. The Tornado structure evokes the rising air by hanging over the city. It is a metaphor for the journeys refugees take around the globe.Read more about the FENIX Museum of Migration by MAD.Doris Duke Theatre under construction on the Jacobs Pillow campus (October 2024). Image RobertBenson; courtesy of Jacobs PillowJacobs Pillow, Doris Duke Theatre inBecket, Massachusetts, USA by Mecanoo (to be opened on 9 July 2025)The new Doris Duke Theatre in Becket is set to be opened on 9 July 2025. Designed by Dutch architecture practice Mecanoo, the theatre is located in Becket Massachusetts, Jacobs Pillow is a treasured 220-acre National Historic Landmark and will be a home to Americas longest-running international dance festival. The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre occupies the site of the former studio theater from 1990, destroyed by fire in November 2020.The recently renovated Doris Duke Theatre, which looks to the future with cutting-edge technology, adaptable performance spaces, and an accessible, sustainable design, will open in the summer of 2025. While Marvel is the architect of record, the project is developed in collaboration with technical theatre consultant Charcoalblue and renowned artist Jeffrey Gibson. The project will be Americas "only purpose-built new dance theater" in the Berkshires, United States.Read more about the Doris Duke Theatre by Mecanoo.Image Moreau KusunokiPowerhouse Parramatta inSydney, Australia by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton (to be opened early 2025)Designed by Franco-Japanese architects Moreau Kusunoki, lead designer of the project, and Australian architects Genton, local architect of the project, the Powerhouse Parramatta is scheduled to be opened early 2025. The 32,579-square-meter museum is situated in Parramatta, which is surrounded by a river and is home to one of Australia's most varied and rapidly expanding communities. According to Powerhouse Parramatta, "Australias largest cultural infrastructure development since the Sydney Opera House and will open in 2025."The museumdubbed "a pioneering a new museum model"aims to reshape modern museum culture and practice. The combined area of the exhibitions and public areas will be 8,572 square meters. Three levels of size and complexity can be found in Powerhouse Parramatta's structure: the building's faade and, most importantly, its supporting structure, or exoskeleton, are both formed by the white steel latticing that envelops the structure.Read more about the Powerhouse Parramatta by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton.Image Tadao Ando Architect & AssociatesNaoshima New Museum Of Art in Naoshima, Kagawa, Japan by Tadao Ando (to be opened in spring 2025)The new Naoshima New Museum Of Art in Naoshima, Kagawa, is scheduled to be opened in spring 2025. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum is located on a hilltop near the Honmura district of Naoshima, Japan. Once complete, the Benesse Art Site Naoshima will be Ando's tenth architectural work, the Naoshima New Museum of Art.With two stories below ground level and one on the ground floor, the new three-story museum features a wide roof whose slope complements the hilltop site. Straight down from the ground level to the underground floors is a stairway chamber with a skylight for natural light. There are four galleries on either side of the stairs. A caf on the ground floor's northern section provides a picturesque view of the island of Teshima and the passing fishing boats, which is a typical sight of the Seto Inland Sea.Read more about the Naoshima New Museum Of Art by Tadao Ando.Image courtesy of Foster + PartnersTechno International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia by Foster + Partners (to be opened in July 2025)Designed by Foster + Partners, the new Techno International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is scheduled to be opened to the public in July 2025. The project's structural trees provide a spacious roof and a light-filled passenger interior. Inspired by Campodia's vernacular architecture, Foster + Partners' design seeks to be the new vision for Cambodia's capital while also adapting to its tropical environment.In order to maximize walking distances, the terminal structure is designed with a central headhouse and two aerofoil-shaped wings for arrivals and departures. There are several structural trees that support the large roof; each tree is 36 meters long. The lightweight steel grid shell that makes up the roof canopy. In addition to its shell feature, the roof will contain a cutting-edge screen that filters sunlight and lights up the expansive terminal area.Read more about the Techno International Airport by Foster + Partners.Image StudioSZ - Justin Szeremeta, David Sommer, courtesy of SnhettaShanghai Grand Opera House, Shanghai, China by Snhetta (to be opened in late 2025)The new Shanghai Grand Opera House in Shanghai is set to be opened to the public in late 2025. Designed by the world renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snhetta, the 146,786-square-metre building has a sculptural stairway connected to the roof in an effort to draw in a younger audience for experimental performances. For the ground floor's new public area, the spacious spiral staircase is aimed at becoming a great avenue.The Opera's main auditorium, which has 2,000 seats and is a perfectly tuned instrument with cutting-edge technical solutions and excellent acoustics, is its focal point. For smaller shows, the second stage, which has 1,200 seats, will provide a more intimate atmosphere. In an effort to draw in a younger audience of operagoers, the third stage, which has 1,000 seats, provides a versatile staging and seating configuration that allows for more avant-garde and distinctive productions.Read more about the Shanghai Grand Opera House by Snhetta.Image courtesy of OMA and InplaceHarajuku Quest in Tokyo, Japan by OMA / Shohei Shigematsu (to be opened in February 2025)A new mixed-use scheme, designed by OMA, is scheduled to be opened to the public in February 2025. The design, led by OMA Partner Shohei Shigematsu, features a twisted and sculptural facade created through a "pinching and pulling" approach that enhances its sculptural expression.Named Harajuku Quest, the complex spans 8,082 square meters and includes retail spaces on the first three floors, while dining areas occupy the upper three floors. The rooftop features a terrace surrounded by a large central green wall. Once complete, Harajuku Quest will be the firms first ground-up mixed-use building in Omotesando.Read more about the Harajuku Quest by OMA.Image Justin SzeremetaSuzhou Museum Of Contemporary Art, Suzhou, China by BIG (to be opened in 2025)The new Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by BIG, is set to be opened to the public in 2025. Currently under construction on site, the 60,000 square meter new museum, created by BIG, architecture company Font, and engineering firm ARTS Group, provides a modern interpretation of the elements that have influenced the city's landscape, architecture, and urbanization for centuries.The project is designed as a community featuring 12 pavilions. Four of these pavilions will house the main gallery experience of the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art. The remaining five pavilions will include a theater, a restaurant, a grand entrance, and a multipurpose hall that can be used for events and lectures.Read more about the Suzhou Museum Of Contemporary Art by BIG.Image Foster + PartnersSheikh Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates by Foster + Partners (to be opened in 2025)The Sheikh Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi, designed by Foster + Partners, is scheduled to be opened in 2025, according to Foster + Partners' website. One of the highly-anticipated projects of 2025, the 44,000-square-metre museum is nestled in a landscape garden, and will be dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE. The Zayed National Museum will be the centerpiece of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, showcasing the history, culture, and recent social and economic transformations of the Emirates.The galleries are designed within a mound that abstracts the topography of the Emirates. Rising above this mound are five lightweight steel structures, sculpted aerodynamically to function as solar thermal towers. The heat generated at the top of the towers draws air vertically through the galleries, utilizing the thermal stack effect. Despite ongoing construction delays and uncertainties regarding operational strategies, the museum is now expected to open in 2025.Read more about the Sheikh Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners.Image courtesy of MAD ArchitectsAnji Culture and Art Center, Anji, China by MAD (to be opened in 2025)The Anji Culture and Art Center, by MAD, is set to be opened in 2025. The current construction project spans 120,000 square meters and is concealed beneath white metal roofs that resemble "bamboo leaves" in Anji, China. This project includes six major venues: the Grand Theater, Conference Center, Leisure Center, Sports Center, Youth Activity Center, and Art Education Center. These venues are strategically located beneath the "bamboo leaves" roof, which surrounds the unique green tea fields of Anji.As MAD founder Ma Yansong stated, "Anji is the only county to win the "United Nations Habitat Award" and has been praised as bamboo and white tea town of China.""The project is designed as a transitional connecting space between the natural and built environments of the region; on the east side lies the city, while the river and the mountains in the distance on its west side," he added.Read more about the Anji Culture and Art Center by MAD.Top image in the article: Shanghai Grand Opera House, Shanghai, China by Snhetta. Image StudioSZ - Justin Szeremeta, David Sommer, courtesy of Snhetta.

Shanghai Store By S Studio Unfolds Surprises Through The Richness Of Materials, Colors And Propshtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Shanghai-based spatial design office S Studio has designed a fashion store that plays with different geometries, pastel-toned surfaces and props to create unexpected surprises in each floor.Named AVVENN, the 195-square-metre store is located on the Tongren Road in Shanghai, China. The two-story street store "seeks variation within order, embarking on an exploration of spatial structure and emotional resonance."S Studio always investigates subtle relationships between objects and spaces during the design process.The design's inward extension enhances the room's sensory richness by adding materiality and volume, which triggers feelings. Pioneering Harmonism, the brand's new concept, is narrated through the space.Eliminate the boundaries of spaceA two-story street story is located on AVVENN Tongren Road. What distinguishes such a facility from typical commercial space?Starting with the front, S Studio redefined the exterior and interior parts' proportions while preserving unity. The vast white facade makes it difficult to distinguish between the levels, combining them into a single, cohesive image.It looks like a gradually layered white area from the outside looking in, making you want to go inside and discover what surprises are inside.Create the emotional atmosphere of the spaceKnown for their spatial structures, within the room, the studio has reconstructed a little structure that serves as a second "roof."Guests are cordially invited to push the door open by the growing framework. As one passes through the pink marble eaves, the room's general atmosphere starts out peacefully before progressively changing into one of dramatic suspense.The weight of the eaves is supported by the concrete-cast columns. A remarkable contrast between the space's heaviness and lightness is produced by specially crafted "gaps" that give the eaves and columns a nearly floating relationship.Objects and propsS Studio uses props to define the architectural shapes in an effort to strike a balance between practicality and beauty. The curved lines of stone props in the middle of the first level evoke strong feelings.By using an unconventional technique of partition, the apparel display space reinforces the impression of barrier. The hanging rods are supported by the extra-long base plate, which keeps the room looking lovely whether it is occupied or not. In its design, So Studio investigates the variety and balance of materials.By using gray-toned marble extensively and cleverly dividing several spaces within the harmony of the materials, the designer reduces the amount of material used.The surface of the specially made Italian recycled bricks retains the rough roughness of the natural air holes.Hand-firing produces natural colors that conceal surprises inside a well-organized framework. Mirror elements that run like a river between the first and second floors give the room a constantly shifting feeling of illusion and reality. Everything unfolds like a picture, turning into a reflection in the mirror.Infuse the space with dramatic interestA gently sloping roof on the second story greatly softens the impression of the street-front store. On this stage, the spatial independence, separated from its environment, peaks.The hanging, unusually formed structure appears to transcend the space by increasing the line of sight, giving the impression of volume while preserving an airy lightness. It resembles the curtain slowly rising at the beginning of an engrossing performance.Guests are naturally drawn to stay here because they are curious. The "reconstructed structure" reappears next to the second-floor stairs. Instead than enclosing an elevator as one might normally anticipate, the blue stone hides a secret changing area."In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, commercial spaces are among the places, aside from home and the office, that most easily stir our emotions," said S Studio."Each design is a new exploration of the relationship between people and their environment.""We take minimalism to its extreme, on one hand, experimenting with large-scale structural changes, marking a design practice that blends spatial construction with emotional ambiance," the studio explained.According to the studio, the space triggers the flow of emotion by creating props that inhabit the delicate space between objects and architecture. Visitors are drawn in and enthralled by the dramatic tension and surprises that the space offers.SectionSectionS Studio created interiors for a concept store, featuring soft beige tones and curved display shelves to give the feeling of "like your skin, comfortable, caring with protection" in Shanghai, China.In addition, the studio completed a new fashion store that combines the notions of "Live Artwork" and "Resident In" in this store in Xintiandi Fashion Phase II, Madang Road, Shanghai.Project factsProject name:AVVENNStudio:S StudioLocation:Shanghai, ChinaArea:195m2Time:2024All images Wang MinjieAll drawings S Studio.> via S Studio

Submitted by WA ContentsFRPO Rodrguez & Oriol built thermal power plant with steel base and translucent lantern in Spain Spain Architecture News - Jan 02, 2025 - 14:49 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Madrid-based architecture practice FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol has constructed a thermal power plant featuring a steel base complemented by a translucent lantern in Palencia, Spain.Named DH Palencia, this 1,960-square-metre tiny structure is the outwardly visible portion of a larger structure that is concealed from view.It leads the city of Palencia's new energy infrastructure. DH Ecoenergas, a brave pioneer in the energy transformation of Spanish cities, is promoting a district heating network.Palencia's network is the first in a long line of similar initiatives aimed at decarbonizing a significant portion of the country's urban landscape.Gas and diesel heaters, which are expensive and imported, will be replaced by a clean network powered by renewable resources, the majority of which will come from better forest management in Spain.Pedagogical VocationUnderneath Palencia's streets, the District Heating network supplies buildings in a significant portion of the city with hot water generated using renewable energy sources, primarily forest biomass.The Central, on the other hand, has a technical purpose by housing the hot water production processes, but it also has a distinctly educational purpose that the customer wants: to make the transition visible and facilitate and permit its spread.This dual condition required approaching the industrial construction problem from a broader architectural perspective in addition to a purely functional one, where the building's economic performance is the only factor that matters."This project must be an icon and reference for energy and environmental transformation, and its architecture must symbolize the sources of renewable energies, the change of paradigm, and ultimately, the improvement of public health in cities," said Teo Lpez, founder of DH Ecoenergas.Base and LanternThe Central's architecture is symbolic in both its materialitywhich chooses literal and pedagogical transparencyand geometrywhich is founded on energy and economic circularitypresenting the whole as an identity.The building is composed of two primary components: a light steel and plastic lantern that can be recycled and a bathtub of hefty concrete.All of the equipment is supported by the base, which also connects the biomass silo below ground level and to the outside via two sizable, galvanized steel gates.A canopy that doubles as a perimeter walkway encircles all of the machinery inside the concrete base. The pill-shaped floor makes it possible for guests to move around the entire energy process in the best possible way."A small cathedral of energy"The steel and plastic lantern, which the studio calls "a small cathedral of energy", reinterprets cost-effective solutions common to industrial structures to create a meaningful relationship with the society it serves.A delicate galvanized and painted steel wire structure supports the facade of polycarbonate sheets, which are ribbed on three scales, creating a lovely, white veil.A translucent tower emits white smoke from a filtering process that occupies most of the industrial space.Site planSite planGround floor planSectionElevationFRPO has been providing professional services in architecture, urban planning, and design since 2005. The extensive training and experience of Pablo Oriol and Fernando Rodrguez have established a high-level professional office.Their commitment to research and contemporary architectural practices has led to results that are widely recognized both nationally and internationally.Project factsProject name:DH PalenciaArchitects:FRPO Rodrguez & OriolLead architects:Pablo Oriol and Fernando RodrguezDesign team:Adrin Snchez CastellanoLocation: Palencia, SpainClient:DH EcoenergasCompletion year:2023Gross floor area:1,960mUsable floor area:1,833mCollaborators and suppliers:MEP services: DH EcoenergasStructure:Mecanismo IngenieraQuantity surveyor:Jess EgurenLandscape:Juan TurFacade: NummitMeasurements:Marc BuxAll images Luis Asn.All drawings FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol.> via FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol

Submitted by WA ContentsFRPO Rodrguez & Oriol built thermal power plant with steel base and translucent lantern in Spain Spain Architecture News - Jan 02, 2025 - 14:49 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Madrid-based architecture practice FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol has constructed a thermal power plant featuring a steel base complemented by a translucent lantern in Palencia, Spain.Named DH Palencia, this 1,960-square-metre tiny structure is the outwardly visible portion of a larger structure that is concealed from view.It leads the city of Palencia's new energy infrastructure. DH Ecoenergas, a brave pioneer in the energy transformation of Spanish cities, is promoting a district heating network.Palencia's network is the first in a long line of similar initiatives aimed at decarbonizing a significant portion of the country's urban landscape.Gas and diesel heaters, which are expensive and imported, will be replaced by a clean network powered by renewable resources, the majority of which will come from better forest management in Spain.Pedagogical VocationUnderneath Palencia's streets, the District Heating network supplies buildings in a significant portion of the city with hot water generated using renewable energy sources, primarily forest biomass.The Central, on the other hand, has a technical purpose by housing the hot water production processes, but it also has a distinctly educational purpose that the customer wants: to make the transition visible and facilitate and permit its spread.This dual condition required approaching the industrial construction problem from a broader architectural perspective in addition to a purely functional one, where the building's economic performance is the only factor that matters."This project must be an icon and reference for energy and environmental transformation, and its architecture must symbolize the sources of renewable energies, the change of paradigm, and ultimately, the improvement of public health in cities," said Teo Lpez, founder of DH Ecoenergas.Base and LanternThe Central's architecture is symbolic in both its materialitywhich chooses literal and pedagogical transparencyand geometrywhich is founded on energy and economic circularitypresenting the whole as an identity.The building is composed of two primary components: a light steel and plastic lantern that can be recycled and a bathtub of hefty concrete.All of the equipment is supported by the base, which also connects the biomass silo below ground level and to the outside via two sizable, galvanized steel gates.A canopy that doubles as a perimeter walkway encircles all of the machinery inside the concrete base. The pill-shaped floor makes it possible for guests to move around the entire energy process in the best possible way."A small cathedral of energy"The steel and plastic lantern, which the studio calls "a small cathedral of energy", reinterprets cost-effective solutions common to industrial structures to create a meaningful relationship with the society it serves.A delicate galvanized and painted steel wire structure supports the facade of polycarbonate sheets, which are ribbed on three scales, creating a lovely, white veil.A translucent tower emits white smoke from a filtering process that occupies most of the industrial space.Site planSite planGround floor planSectionElevationFRPO has been providing professional services in architecture, urban planning, and design since 2005. The extensive training and experience of Pablo Oriol and Fernando Rodrguez have established a high-level professional office.Their commitment to research and contemporary architectural practices has led to results that are widely recognized both nationally and internationally.Project factsProject name:DH PalenciaArchitects:FRPO Rodrguez & OriolLead architects:Pablo Oriol and Fernando RodrguezDesign team:Adrin Snchez CastellanoLocation: Palencia, SpainClient:DH EcoenergasCompletion year:2023Gross floor area:1,960mUsable floor area:1,833mCollaborators and suppliers:MEP services: DH EcoenergasStructure:Mecanismo IngenieraQuantity surveyor:Jess EgurenLandscape:Juan TurFacade: NummitMeasurements:Marc BuxAll images Luis Asn.All drawings FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol.> via FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol