St Alban’s House / Rory Brooks Architects

Posted on junio 13, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Architects: Rory Brooks Architects
Location: Hawksbury, England, UK
Structural Engineer: Warwick Donnelly Pty Ltd
Builder: Peter Hughes Building
Environmental Consultant: Efficient Living
Joiner: TSM Cabinets
Photographs: Courtesy of Rory Brooks Architects

A small home overlooking a picturesque valley in the Hawksbury region just outside of Sydney that has been designed as a retreat from the inner city. The home is configured out of two pavilions that are sited along the contours, with all spaces orienting themselves specifically to the landscape. It responds to the Australian bush, with predominately natural materials used throughout and clad in a locally sourced hardwood. Mute natural tones of the timber and concrete blend the house into the site, nestling it back into the trees.

The client wanted a quiet escape from the inner city where he lives and also a place to entertain. The entertaining and living pavilion is orientated around the pool and kitchen so days and nights can be spent eating, drinking and swimming. The bedroom pavilion is quieter with more intimate views of the landscape, a place of quiet and escape. There is home study with full bookcase and a large framed view of the trees beyond where the client can spend time working away from the city.

The dwelling has been designed as a passive solar design that is energy efficient, deep overhangs protect the windows and screens are on the northern and western facades. The house is designed to be fully operable, with good cross ventilation from the valley on hot days as well as having strong solar access in the winter time.

There is minimal impact on the site and the local environment. An extensive use of locally sourced materials and craftsmen was used throughout and an efficient structural solution was adopted with composite timber beams and double walls to increase the thermal performance. It is set along the contours with the levels of the house determined so that no removal or addition of earth was required during construction. The house is pushed back into the trees so that it is not seen from any of the roads and has minimal visual impact on the valley.

St Alban’s House / Rory Brooks Architects originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 13 Jun 2013.

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GPT / Woods Bagot

Posted on junio 12, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Architects: Woods Bagot
Location: Sydney, Australia
Project Team: Alissandra Johnston, Tessa Melick
Project Manager: Buildcorp Group
Area: 3,700 sqm
Year: 2011
Photographs: Tyrone Branigan

Interior Designer: Amanda Stanaway
Client: GPT Group

Spurred by a vision to design a workplace that is more business lounge than office, Woods Bagot transformed three floors within Sydney’s iconic Seidler-designed MLC building into an innovative environment for GPT, providing a flexible platform for business reinvigoration. Woods Bagot’s design solution delivers a non-allocated, task orientated environment which simply integrates technology and a range of work settings to complement a diversity of tasks ranging from quiet to collaborative.

A key component of the planning was creating a three-dimensional stack to overcome the restraints of a central core building. Two stairs have been introduced to increase interaction and ease of access. The north stair, as part of the client experience, is a sweeping form that sits dramatically against the backdrop of the building geometry and skyline, and is coupled with a set of free-form meeting pods that cantilever within a three-storey void.

The design philosophy was to remain authentic and to respond to cues from the base building. The pods are extruded from the base building Nervi structure, and the sinuous language of the stair references forms created by Seidler. GPT is a carbon-neutral office with a 6-star Green Star Interiors rating. The MLC Centre, itself with a 5-star NABERS rating, had not undergone a major base building refurbishment in its history.

The project exemplifies how innovative interior design can assist in challenging the restraints of smaller and non-contiguous floor plates and revitalise older building stock. The existing fit-out was stripped back and the existing VAV system was replaced with a new chilled beam system. Retaining, reusing and recycling materials from the old fit-out and selecting recycled materials, significantly reduced the environmental footprint of the project. Changes to the work method of employees, with the introduction of activity based working allowed a far more productive use of space. The workplace boasts energy savings of around 50%, paper savings of over 70%, an increase in fresh air to 11.25 litres/sec/person pushing deliver to 50% above requirements and a self-reported increase in productivity from staff of more than 10%.

The project sits as an industry-wide reference of the seamless integration of design and business change and illustrates a tempered approach to a new way of working without the overt aesthetics of many activity-based environments.

GPT / Woods Bagot originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 12 Jun 2013.

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Royal Botanic Garden Sustainable Masterplan Proposal / Grant Associates

Posted on junio 12, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Grant Associates, the UK landscape architects behind Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, has just been appointed by the Royal Botanics and Domain Trust in Sydney to help develop a new sustainable masterplan for the historic Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and adjacent public Domain. Working alongside Cox Richardson Architects and Planners, Grant Associates will be responsible for developing the landscape strategy and public realm elements of the new masterplan which includes an area of 64 hectares on a spectacular location bordering the iconic Sydney Harbor waterfront. More images and architects’ description after the break.

The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and public Domain is the largest single site in the Sydney Central Business District. Ongoing management of the space is crucial for the future development and direction of Sydney as a cultural and tourist destination. Due to celebrate its bicentenary in 2016, and as Australia’s oldest research and scientific institution, the Garden holds a unique place in the nation’s intellectual life and as a popular recreation and visitor destination.

The new integrated masterplan is due to be unveiled in November 2013. It will address the heritage of the Garden and its role, structure and future form; identify the means by which research and education can flourish; address the physical environment, facilities and character; and seek to establish a framework for a resilient and sustainable financial future for the Garden.

Keith French, director, Grant Associates said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this fascinating project. As the primary role of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust is for scientific research, we have to ensure a sustainable financial future and funding for this work, is balanced against the needs of heritage, education, recreation and as a tourist destination. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to play a small part in the future role of this amazing historic site.”

Architects: Grant Associates
Location: Sydney, Australia
Collaborators: Cox Richardson Architects and Planners
Client: Royal Botanics and Domain Trust
Year: 2013
Photographs: Courtesy of Grant Associates

Royal Botanic Garden Sustainable Masterplan Proposal / Grant Associates originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 12 Jun 2013.

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Wilkinson Eyre Wins Crown Sydney Hotel Resort Competition

Posted on mayo 18, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Wilkinson Eyre Architects has won an international competition to design “Sydney’s next masterpiece.” Selected over three other shortlisted firms – Renzo Piano, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, and KPF – the London-based practice will now be responsible for the design of a $1.5 billion sculptural icon to host a six-star Crown Sydney resort on a 6000-square-meter site in the inner-city waterfront precinct of Barangaroo.

Subject to approval, the 235-meter-tall skyscraper will provide 350 guest rooms and suites, along with four restaurants, a cafe, an ultra-lounge, day spa, roof top pool and luxury retail facilities.

On winning the design competition, Chris Wilkinson, Founding Director, Wilkinson Eyre Architects stated: “Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is a great privilege to design such a significant building on the waterfront. My ambition is to create a sculptural form that will rise up on the skyline like an inhabited artwork, with differing levels of transparency, striking a clear new image against the sky.”

Paul Baker, Director, Wilkinson Eyre Architects added: “The architecture takes its inspiration from nature, composed of organic forms that provide an abstract, sculptural shape; it does not try to mimic any particular plant or flower but is derived from the specificity of the site and the client brief. Its curved geometry emanates from three forms which twist and rise together. The first form peels off, spreading outward to form the main hotel room accommodation, with the remaining two twisting together toward the sky.”

Reference: Crown Hotel, Wilkinson Eyre Architects

Wilkinson Eyre Wins Crown Sydney Hotel Resort Competition originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 18 May 2013.

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Lavender Bay Boatshed / Stephen Collier Architects

Posted on mayo 14, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Architects: Stephen Collier Architects
Location: Sydney, Australia
Area: 315 sqm
Year: 2012
Photographs: Peter Bennetts

Heritage Architects: Ruth Daniells
Builder: Building Partners Pty Ltd

Inspiration
The desire to reflect the existing roof structure as an internal volume led to locating the bedrooms at ground level and creating a double height living space at first floor level. Exposing existing timbers and original corrugated roof linings tells of the building’s origins. Combining this with the new timber linings – inspired by childhood memories of being beneath an upturned boat – evokes the maritime heritage, not just of the building, but of the city itself.

While the bedrooms relate to the building’s shoreline location, upstairs, an incision in the existing roof looks to the city skyline on the opposite shore, framing a view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The whole building harnesses unique quality of light in Sydney Harbour. Light is drawn deep into the plan through the roof incisions and the atrium, and then reflected off carefully chosen materials – glass tiles in the bathrooms, polished concrete floor – and the water in the bay outside.

Architect Statement
The nature of the existing building presented a unique set of challenges both in terms of heritage considerations and construction processes.

The painstaking restoration was carried out in close coordination with the builder, with the design evolving throughout the duration of the works. The result was that the documentation and construction processes took place side by side. The additions to the building’s interior over a period of many years meant that it was only when the building was stripped back to its original elements that we could understand the detailing and construction requirements. The extent to which the building’s structure had distorted over the years also meant that no two details are the same. The result was a drawn out and time consuming process, but one that ensured the highest standards of detailing and construction.

Likewise, the DA approvals took place in conjunction with design, documentation and building work. The building’s heritage status meant strict conditions on what we could or couldn’t do and we had to seek a number of approvals throughout the course of the project. The interventions we made both respect and reflect the building’s maritime history while at the same time enhance the building’s use as a residential property over the coming years.

Lavender Bay Boatshed / Stephen Collier Architects originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 14 May 2013.

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Ippudo Sydney / Koichi Takkada Architects

Posted on mayo 13, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Architects: Koichi Takada Architects
Location: Sydney, Australia
Construction Team: Bonar Interiors
Year: 2012
Photographs: Sharrin Rees

Ippudo is designed to introduce the Japanese noodle culture into Australian dining. More than just a restaurant, Ippudo is a gallery of the noodle culture, displaying traditional noodle bowls and spoons, and a traditional clay feature wall from Hakata, the birthplace of Ippudo. The enthusiasm of the staff is reflected in their greetings and service – all becoming part of the Ippudo dining experience.

The challenge of the restaurant was the undulating timber ceiling. It represents the ‘gust of wind’, the literal Japanese meaning of Ippudo. It tells the story; a narrative of Ippudo’s history, and allows an insight into the traditions of Japanese dining. Ippudo allows you to escape – the atmosphere is inviting. The light, finishes and timber screens create texture and depth.

Ippudo is known for the ‘crafted’ dishes. The noodle making process is part of the experience, with photos and books about the routine and recipe. This meticulous attention to detail carries from the food to the interior, where great detail is seen in the application of natural finishes. The interior is exciting and natural – the gentle timber curves are welcoming, the overall experience is a unique and modern interpretation of dining in Japan.

The driving factor of the interior design was to encompass the passion and integrity of the Ippudo ‘family’, while creating an exciting and timeless design. As the first Ippudo restaurant in Australia, the design seeks to create a warm and inviting interior that not only enhances the dining experience but also displays a modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese dining settings.

The curved timber ceiling was a design challenge with high reward. As the feature of the restaurant interior, the geometry and quality of the finished product was paramount. The timber screen profiles were designed as a modulated system, enabling them to be prefabricated. Each panel incorporates a ‘flexible’ aluminium frame, which could be bent in-situ. Plywood ribs, cut using CNC technology, allowed a smooth geometry, to which each panel was curved around and fixed, achieving an efficient installation process, and also allowing minimal wastage.

The construction system ensured that each piece fit near perfectly within the building and to each other. With the help of bronze facing mirror, the effect is of a continual and dramatic ceiling space, creating a high impact interior. The continued success since the restaurants opening is proof of successful design and social sustainability.

Ippudo Sydney / Koichi Takkada Architects originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 13 May 2013.

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Chiswick Residence / Arki[vis]

Posted on mayo 9, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Architects: Arki[vis]
Location: Chiswick, NSW Australia
Area: 1,315 sqm
Year: 2013
Photographs: Karl Beath

This contemporary dual residence is set in a scenic Sydney suburb with panoramic views along the Parramatta River, just minutes from the city centre. The original concept evolved through its topographical relationships. The site had been excavated by a previous landowner before the new owners took possession of the site. This presented an opportunity to create a building which nestled into the man-made & natural contours of the site, to minimize further excavation and site disturbance.

The design rationale revolves around large floating planes, accentuating the nautical perimeters of the project and providing comfort, amenity and luxury. The glazed components of the building are largely shaded for summer comfort whilst the slight roof and awning angles allow abundant winter sun penetration, using the thermal masses of the building to draw in warmth.

The solid elements of the building cleverly break apart as you find your way to the rear of the residence, with spectacular views down the river. The plan was strategically designed to allow a view from each and every bedroom, living, rumpus and study areas. The framed river views borrow the serenity of the water and allow a constant connection with the natural elements of the site surrounds.

Chiswick Residence / Arki[vis] originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 08 May 2013.

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Green Square Library Competition Entry / ASPECT Studios

Posted on abril 22, 2013 by :: noticias arquitectura ::

Part park, part urban square and part garden, the public realm of the Green Square Library proposal is a unique landscape offering to this new urban community and is an exemplar of contemporary community public space design and place making. Designed by ASPECT Studios, the public realm is designed to integrate with the program of the library building and facilitate a richness of public experiences and moods by changing scales and tempos. More images and architects’ description after the break.

The various landscape “rooms” create places to read, learn and socialize; places where people want to work, stay and play. The landscape includes Library Place as the flexible heart to the site, with reading rooms, canopy planting and a communal table; the Walled Garden, which enables quiet relaxation in the landscape; Sheas’ Waterline, which provides a series of water experiences for all park visitors; and Nielson Square, with its community green and integrated play opportunities providing a complete range of opportunities for all library visitors.

Architects: ASPECT Studios
Location: Green Square, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Collaborators: John Wardle Architects, Dani Marti
Client: John Wardle Architects for the City of Sydney Council
Scope: Competition
Year: 2013