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Nālukettu, Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu: The Architectural Heritage of Kerala, India
CategoriesArchitecture

Nālukettu, Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu: The Architectural Heritage of Kerala, India

By Zarkon Group,

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Uniquely positioned on the Malabar Coast in the southwest of India sits the diverse state of Kerala. Bordered by the lush Sahyadri mountain range and dappled with extensive backwaters, this tropical region has been shaped by the land’s immense fertility that has supported a rich agricultural tradition for centuries. Thanks to its strategic location along ancient trade routes, with spices like pepper and cardamom being significant exports, Kerala has always been a melting pot of cultures.

The thriving coastal area is somewhat unique in India, topping various human development indices for its commitment to social welfare, healthcare accessibility and education. By prioritizing people over profits, Kerala often serves as a model for other areas of India and various developing countries.

House of Generations by City Futures Design Collaborative, Edappally, Kochi, India.

Like much of India, the traditional joint family system, known as Tarawad, played a central role in Kerala’s social fabric. This arrangement of extended families living together under one roof, often with several generations cohabiting, is not unique to India but was historically the custom of the matrilineal communities that were common to the area.

As a result of the various influences shaping Kerala’s identity, architecture tailored to the region’s climatic conditions, familial dynamics, and societal traditions emerged, swiftly establishing itself as the standard. Three distinct types of built structures, known as Nālukettu, Ettukettu, and Pathinarukettu, became the norm throughout the area. While many architects outside of this region may be unfamiliar with these terms, the ideas of social cohesion that the buildings put forth merit consideration in their own right.

1. Nālukettu

Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond by Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd, KL, India

Nālukettu, the simplest of the three styles, was the traditional homestead of upper-class families. Featured sloping tiled roofs, thick walls and verandas, which were designed to protect against heavy rains and hot summers, these homes were constructed under the principles of Vastu Shastra.

Rooted in Vedic knowledge, Vastu Shastra aims to balance the five fundamental elements — earth, water, air, fire and space — within the built environment as a way to promote the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of its inhabitants. The philosophy is based in science but goes beyond typical construction methods to create spaces with specific qualities and energies. These beliefs influence the design and positioning of rooms, doors and windows to optimize the flow of positive energy. It is a design philosophy still practiced in India today, although more loosely, that respects natural resources and ecological balance. It guides everything from site selection to building orientation to ensure sunlight is harnessed in the best possible way.

The term “Nālukettu” means “four blocks” and refers to the four halls or buildings that surround the central open courtyard, which is the feature characteristic of this type of residential dwelling. A symmetrical layout with a nadumuttam (central courtyard) — the focal point of the household is typical of a Nālukettu home. The nadumuttam is an essential addition as it ensures ample light and ventilation, creating a microclimate perfect for the humid tropical weather of Kerala. As the name suggests, ‘four blocks’ — the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western wings, known respectively as Vadakkini, Thekkini, Kizhakkini, and Padinjattini — are designed according to their functions, such as sleeping quarters, kitchen, storage and ceremonial spaces. Of the three residential styles, Nālukettu were the most common and were typically the least ornate.

2. Ettukettu

Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond by Edifice Consultants Pvt. Ltd, KL, India

Ettukettu takes the concept of Nālukettu further with an additional four halls, making it an eight-hall structure with two central courtyards. The term “Ettukettu” literally means “eight blocks.” The larger form was developed to accommodate larger joint families or to signify wealth and social status, and the addition of the second courtyard was believed to enhance the socio-cultural and environmental aspects of the traditional Kerala homes. They provided more light, better ventilation, and increased space for communal activities.

Ettukettu houses are less common due to the complexity of their construction and the higher costs involved in building them. These detailed structures required precise planning and skilled craftsmanship to ensure balance and symmetry, as well as to maintain the environmental integrity of the design that was essential in the practice of Vastu Shastra.

3. Pathinarukettu

Estate Plavu by Earthitects, Wayanad, KL, India

Estate Plavu by Earthitects, Wayanad, KL, India

The largest of the three styles, Pathinarukettu, is the most elaborate form of traditional Kerala architecture, consisting of a mammoth sixteen blocks arranged around two central courtyards. The term “Pathinarukettu” unsurprisingly translates to “sixteen blocks.” These buildings were rare in Kerala and were usually reserved for the wealthiest families and local rulers. It is the pinnacle of traditional architectural sophistication, accommodating large families and facilitating grandiose social gatherings and ceremonies.

Pathinarukettu houses are architectural marvels, and today, some have been retained as museums and heritage sites or public buildings. More so than Ettukettu and Nālukettu, Pathinarukettu homes are full of intricate woodwork and detailed carvings, expansive outdoor spaces, and elaborate gabled roofs. They are the pinnacle of Indian craftsmanship and the architectural ingenuity of the time.

Estate Plavu by Earthitects, Wayanad, KL, India

The traditional architectural forms of Nālukettu, Ettukettu, and Pathinarukettu hold deep cultural and social significance in Kerala. These structures, with their unique design, have been pivotal in hosting a variety of cultural festivities, family life events and social gatherings, and they reflect the communal ethos of Keralite society. The open courtyards, spacious verandas and interconnected rooms allowed for not only the flow of natural elements like air and light but also nurtured the flow of social interactions and intergenerational communal living.

Festivals such as Onam and Vishu, as well as family ceremonies, were celebrated with grandeur in these homes. These traditional buildings underscored the importance of social cohesion, with spaces that encouraged gatherings and collective living, reinforcing the bonds within families and the wider community, something deeply sought after in today’s architecture.

Driven by a blend of nostalgia for heritage, an understanding of the ecological benefits of traditional architectural wisdom, and the unmistakable allure of these beautiful structures, there has been a resurgence of interest in Nālukettu, Ettukettu, and Pathinarukettu recently. The people of Kerala are expressing a desire to reconnect with their cultural roots, sustainable living practices, and the aesthetic richness that was inherent in these traditional designs.

The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.  

Reference

Kresta Garden House doubles as home office
CategoriesInterior Design

Lucas y Hernández Gil adds multi-use greenhouse to Casamontesa

By Zarkon Group,

A renovated 1970s bungalow with “kitsch character” and a greenhouse that doubles as a living room feature in Casamontesa – a weekend home designed by Spanish studio Lucas y Hernández Gil.

The project began when a couple asked the studio to overhaul a single-storey house that was once part of a hotel complex on the outskirts of Madrid.

Kresta Garden House doubles as home officeKresta Garden House doubles as home office
The renovated bungalow and a multifunctional greenhouse (above) make up Casamontesa

The brief later expanded to include a multifunctional greenhouse that can be used as a workspace, a guest bedroom, a gym or simply as a garden room.

Lucas y Hernández Gil, led by architects Cristina Domínguez Lucas and Fernando Hernández-Gil Ruano, developed a distinct character for each building.

Casamontesa renovation of 1970s bungalowCasamontesa renovation of 1970s bungalow
The main house is a bungalow built in the 1970s

Casamontesa’s renovated bungalow has a warm, playful style that draws on the 1970s aesthetic while the garden pavilion has a more utilitarian feel.

“The owners, a young urban couple who love design and live and work in the centre of Madrid, were looking for a functional and compact getaway within a fantastic garden,” Lucas told Dezeen.

“They wanted a very comfortable and flexible home that would be useful for both working and getting together with friends.”

Casamontesa house kitchen islandCasamontesa house kitchen island
The interior centres around a new kitchen island

The bungalow renovation involved simplifying the interior layout to create a combined kitchen, dining room and living room, with a bedroom and bathroom off to one side.

“The house, in addition to being small, was very compartmentalised,” explained Lucas.

Casamontesa house kitchen islandCasamontesa house kitchen island
The materials palette includes pink marble and handmade tiles

To unify the newly open-plan living space, the designers installed an island that serves as a worktop, dining table and social gathering place.

This island features a countertop made from Portuguese pink marble while its sides are covered in the same handmade burgundy tiles that line an adjacent window recess.

Casamontesa house with arched fireplaceCasamontesa house with arched fireplace
An arched fireplace provides a focal point in the living room

“The rest of the surfaces – Campaspero stone floors and waxed tinted plaster walls – establish a dialogue by contrast with the colourful and shiny surface of the tiles,” added Lucas.

Key details in the living room include an arched fireplace and a tadelakt plaster coffee table, while the bedroom features semi-circular marble nightstands.

For Casamontesa’s garden room, the design team customised a prefabricated greenhouse.

A pergola extends the building volume outwards in a bid to blur the boundary between inside and out, and is topped with wooden blinds to provide shade.

Kresta Garden House greenhouse with pergolaKresta Garden House greenhouse with pergola
A pergola extends the width of the greenhouse

A wooden box on wheels provides an additional bedroom, described as a “small Shigeru Ban-style mobile room”.

Other additions include thermal curtains and an automatic shading and ventilation system, which allow for versatile use of the space throughout the year.

Kresta Garden House creates extra living room with mobile sleep spaceKresta Garden House creates extra living room with mobile sleep space
A “Shigeru Ban-style mobile room” provides an additional sleeping space

“By complementing the programme of the original bungalow, a more complete and flexible program is achieved, overcoming the limitations of a weekend house,” added Lucas.

Other recent projects by Lucas y Hernández Gil include a bar featuring extreme colour blocking and an apartment with a hidden closet.

The photography is by José Hevia.

Reference

Meet the women revolutionising sustainable fashion
CategoriesSustainable News

Meet the women revolutionising sustainable fashion

By Zarkon Group,

1. Turning pineapple waste into natural textiles

Dr Carmen Hijosa, the Founder and Chief Creative & Innovation Officer of Ananas Anam was inspired to create a natural, sustainable leather alternative after witnessing first-hand the environmental impact of mass leather production and chemical tanning while working as a consultant for the leathergoods industry. Realising that PVC would not be a viable alternative, she embarked on a journey involving years of research and development, including a PhD at the Royal College of Art in London, where Ananas Anam was developed.

Her company creates natural textiles using the fibres from discarded pineapple leaves. The phenomenal growth in popularity of pineapples means that 25 million tonnes of waste a year is created from the plant’s leaves. For the full story, watch the film above.

Photo source: Aciae  

2. Turning ocean plastic into clothing

In Australia, fashion brand Aciae works to the Circle to Zero principle, striving to eliminate waste from every step of its production processes and contributing to the overall reduction of global plastic pollution.

The company’s name is Latin for thread and refers to its practice of turning single-use plastic waste into the thread that’s used to create its machine-washable, waterproof, recyclable shoes. Gathered plastics are cleaned, shredded, and then melted down for extrusion. The extruded fibres are then spun into thread, completing the transformation of trash into fabric.  

Founder Tina Li says: “The brand embodies the spirit of women shaping the sustainable development narrative, ensuring we all play a part in the story.”

Aciae.com.au

Photo source: Recovo

3. A marketplace that connects fashion brands to deadstock

‘Deadstock’ is a term that refers to the surplus fabric that is generated by fashion houses and normally destined for landfill or the incinerator.

Circular startup Recovo, led by CEO and co-founder Monica Rodriguez, matches buyers of deadstock fabric with those who have it to sell via an easy-to-use online platform. The company has created a curated catalogue of unused natural and synthetic fabrics, yarns, and other production materials, and does all the heavy lifting for sellers. Buyers can browse this catalogue and request samples at the touch of a button.  

Since the company was founded in 2021, it has grown rapidly and now operates in 16 countries in the European Union. To date, it has saved the equivalent of 98,000 kilogrammes of CO2 and 22 million litres of water.

Recovo.co

Photo source: © PDPics from pixabay via Canva.com

4. Turning discarded clothes into new materials

Re-Fresh Global, a Berlin based startup co founded in 2021 by Viktoria Kanar and Revital Nadiv, is turning discarded clothing into new raw materials. These materials can be used to create products like cosmetics, cars, packaging, pharmaceuticals, fibres, and furniture. 

First, the company uses its automated technology to sort and separate textile waste, depending on its material composition and colour. Then, Re-fresh’s patented biotechnology transforms shredded textile fibres into industrial quantities of new and highly versatile resources.  

This process creates three new, raw material types: nanocellulose, ethanol, and sanitised textile pulp. The nanocellulose is strong and highly versatile, meaning it can be used in items including packaging, paper, and pharmaceuticals. The pure bioethanol (alcohol) has various useful applications across the beauty, sanitation, and biofuel industries. And finally, the textile pulp, made from recycled natural and synthetic fibres, can be used in the production of new fibres, whether that be for car upholstery or sound-absorbing workplace interiors.

Re-fresh.global

Written By: Angela Everitt

Reference

50 Electric Boulevard battersea
CategoriesArchitecture

foster + partners’ workspaces at battersea

By Zarkon Group,

a workspace designed for adaptability

 

London‘s urban fabric continues to evolve with the recent unveiling of 50 Electric Boulevard’s interiors, designed by Foster + Partners for the Battersea Power Station development. This 18,580-square-meter workspace is curated with a philosophy centered on flexibility. 50 Electric Boulevard’s soft undulating form translates to adaptable floor plates, allowing tenants to configure their space to suit their specific needs. This future-proof design ensures the building can accommodate the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace of the UK.

50 Electric Boulevard batterseaFoster + Partners unveils its adaptable new workspace at Battersea Power Station | image © Hufton + Crow

 

 

foster + partners infuses the interiors with nature

 

Emphasis on natural light and ventilation is evident throughout Foster + Partners’ design for 50 Electric Boulevard at Battersea. Each floor boasts an open-air element — cantilevered terraces and openable windows — lending a connection with the external environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows and the aforementioned balconies contribute to a light-filled, breathable, and ultimately, healthy work environment. The architects‘ focus on employee well-being extends beyond just practical considerations. The glass-fronted entrance lobby on Electric Boulevard features touchdown workspaces alongside relaxed seating areas, creating an inviting and collaborative atmosphere. This theme continues with the communal pavilion above, offering a space bathed in natural light, complete with a coffee bar and bleacher seating ideal for larger gatherings.

50 Electric Boulevard battersea
the design complements the neighboring Battersea Roof Gardens | image © Hufton + Crow

 

 

50 electric boulevard: a dialogue with battersea legacy

 

50 Electric Boulevard’s interior spaces by Foster + Partners exude a sense of warmth with the use of natural materials and pops of color. Think wooden batten ceilings, copper accents, and splashes of red upholstery within communal areas. The integration of greenery throughout further enhances the focus on occupant well-being.

The design establishes a distinct conversation with its neighbor, the Battersea Roof Gardens. Both structures, creations of Foster + Partners, purposefully stand in contrast to the monumentality of the iconic Battersea Power Station. The Battersea Roof Gardens, a residential building, boasts a landscaped rooftop designed by James Corner Field Operations, featuring 23,000 plants and fifty-five trees.

50 Electric Boulevard battersea
the workspaces prioritize flexibility with open, reconfigurable floor plans | image © Taran Wilkhu 50 electric boulevard: foster + partners' flexible workspaces at battersea unveiled
the use of greenery throughout enhances the focus on employee well-being | image © Taran Wilkhu 50 electric boulevard: foster + partners' flexible workspaces at battersea unveiled
open-air terraces, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling windows create a link with nature | image © Taran Wilkhu

Reference

Living space with a green marble feature wall
CategoriesInterior Design

Kingston Lafferty Design includes “sensual” red kitchen in home renovation

By Zarkon Group,

Dublin studio Kingston Lafferty Design has transformed the architecture and interiors of this family home in Cork, Ireland, which features 1970s-style shapes and colours informed by the work of designer Verner Panton.

Positioned on Lovers Walk hill overlooking the city of Cork, the townhouse – called Lovers Walk – was renovated by Kingston Lafferty Design.

Living space with a green marble feature wallLiving space with a green marble feature wall
Kingston Lafferty Design completed the renovation in Cork

The studio originally planned to just update the interiors, but decided that a more extensive architectural transformation was needed after discovering structural instabilities in the home.

Kingston Lafferty Design removed all of the floors, which lacked foundations and insulation in their concrete slab, and completely reconfigured the two-storey property’s layout.

Oak-lined hallway with colourful accentsOak-lined hallway with colourful accents
Rooms on the ground floor were designed around an oak-lined hallway

“As the building was originally built in the 1970s, we wanted to return to its roots,” studio founder Róisín Lafferty told Dezeen.

“We thrived on inspiration from Verner Panton with his use of strong clashing colour, playful shapes and oversized elements,” she added.

Quartzite-clad kitchen by Kingston Lafferty DesignQuartzite-clad kitchen by Kingston Lafferty Design
One of these spaces is a “sensual” red kitchen

The ground floor was adapted to include an open-plan kitchen defined by a counter, island and splashback finished in veiny red quartzite.

Ruby-toned timber was used to create the geometric cabinets. When layered with the quartzite, “it sounds like a disaster, but it’s a delight,” said the designer.

Living space with floor-to-ceiling curtainsLiving space with floor-to-ceiling curtains
The living room follows a similar design to the kitchen

The space, described by the studio as a “sensual red-toned jewel kitchen”, is one of several rooms on the ground floor of Lovers Walk that were designed around the central, oak-lined hallway.

“We used the hallway as the core of the house, which grounded the space with pops of colour stemming from it. Each room leading from the core appears like a framed view or window of colour,” explained Lafferty.

Marble feature wall designed by Kingston Lafferty DesignMarble feature wall designed by Kingston Lafferty Design
It includes a green feature wall that takes cues from Mies van der Rohe’s iconic Barcelona Pavilion

The living room includes blue velvet sofas and a green feature wall clad in swirly book-matched marble, which was fitted with an alcove reserved for a subtle fireplace.

When creating the polished stone wall, the studio took cues from the seminal Barcelona Pavilion, completed in 1929 by modernist architect Mies van der Rohe.

Green headboard in the main bedroomGreen headboard in the main bedroom
A floor-to-ceiling headboard takes centre stage in the main bedroom

“We used green as an overall thread throughout the house, inspired by the surrounding landscape,” added Lafferty.

“Although depending on the time of year, the colours tend to change and so we were able to add in other rich colours that anchor the green such as burgundies and bright oranges,” she added.

En-suite marble-clad bathroomEn-suite marble-clad bathroom
Stonework also defines the en-suite bathroom

“One would assume this mix of colours would clash, but we choose the tones and textures of each to ensure that all of them would blend harmoniously,” Lafferty said.

Upstairs, the main bedroom and en-suite bathroom were dressed in the same eclectic interiors as the communal spaces. A floor-to-ceiling headboard, finished in diamond-shaped green tiles originally designed by 20th-century architect Gio Ponti, frames the bed.

Playful bed design in Lovers Walk by Kingston Lafferty DesignsPlayful bed design in Lovers Walk by Kingston Lafferty Designs
A playful bed was added to the bedroom created for the occupants’ child

Balloon-like coloured glass vases were positioned on two bedside tables, which were topped with the same slabs of Rosso Levanto marble as the geometric vanity desk.

The bedroom designed for the occupants’ child features an alternative bed – a playful green structure with two stacked levels and half-moon openings that reveal a cosy sleeping area on the bottom level.

Other accents featured throughout the home include burl wood, terrazzo, plaster and brass. The repetition of 1970s-style thick pile carpets emphasises the dwelling’s textured material palette.

Lovers Walk is the studio’s “closest nod” to the work of Panton, explained Lafferty – “down to the selection of every tile, light fitting and exquisite piece of designer furniture”.

Deep blue-coloured guest bedroom by Kingston Lafferty DesignDeep blue-coloured guest bedroom by Kingston Lafferty Design
Deep blues characterise the guest bedroom

“Although there is such an array of materiality, it is balanced by repeated colour, shape and form,” she said.

“Every space in this house is an assault on the senses, in the best way possible.”

Lovers Walk by Kingston Lafferty DesignLovers Walk by Kingston Lafferty Design
Lovers Walk was informed by the work of Verner Panton

Founded in 2010, Kingston Lafferty Design has completed projects ranging from a Dublin restaurant with oversized lollipop-like lamps and a co-working office in Belfast that includes a yoga studio.

The photography is by Ruth Maria Murphy. 

Project credits:

Interior architecture and design: Kingston Lafferty Design
Woodwork: DFL
Stonework: Miller Brothers



Reference

Energy innovation via underwater wave tech
CategoriesSustainable News

Energy innovation via underwater wave tech

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: There is a lot of energy embedded in ocean waves. In fact, according to the US Energy Information Administration, waves off the coast of the US alone have a theoretical energy potential of 2.64 trillion kilowatt-hours – enough to meet around 64 per cent of the country’s 2021 energy demand.

Hoping to tap into this abundant but underexploited energy source is Finnish company AW-Energy with its WaveRoller wave energy converter. WaveRollers are hinged panels that harness the power of ocean waves as they move back and forth. Interior hydraulics and an integrated power storage system convert the movement of the waves to electricity.

Company CFO Matthew Pech told Springwise, “The original inspiration for the technology was when the inventor, Rauno Koivusaari, was diving into a shipwreck. He saw a cargo hatch moving with the motion of the water, and tried to stop it with a plank of wood, which shattered. This sparked the idea that there was a large amount of energy available that could be tapped into.”

The zero-emissions devices are mostly or completely submerged in the water. They are fixed to the ocean floor anywhere from half a kilometre to two kilometres away from shore, at depths ranging from eight to 20 metres. That near-shore location makes the technology particularly useful as it minimises the chances of faults in the subsea cables used to connect WaveRollers to the on-shore grid infrastructure. One WaveRoller generates 350 to 1,000 kilowatts of energy depending on the size and strength of the waves in each location, and multiple devices can be used together to boost energy generation.

Video source AW-Energy

The devices complement existing renewable energy sources by providing additional power and filling in gaps in provision from the more intermittent renewables of wind and solar. WaveRoller’s power storage system comes in a variety of sizes, for utility-scale use and to provide rapid response support for fluctuations in grid supply. AW-Energy also created a smaller-scale WaveRoller-X. All components of the smaller device fit within a single shipping container, and the fully built device is small enough to be suitable for remote locations and those with limited sea access.

AW-Energy is currently developing projects with customers, with a goal of deploying its first commercial array of WaveRollers within the next couple of years.

Springwise’s library contains a number of innovations that harness the power of water, including technology that harnesses the power of raindrops and IoT software that improves hydropower plants’ efficiency by automating certain tasks.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

Round cabin with plunge pool
CategoriesArchitecture

Suspended bridges connect round cabin hotels in Mexico

By Zarkon Group,

Mexican architect María José Gutiérrez has placed a series of round, pine-clad cabins connected by suspended bridges onto a vineyard in Mexico to serve as vacation rentals.

Located in Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada on the Baja Peninsula, Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre includes a community lounge and four vacation rental cabins.

Round cabin with plunge poolRound cabin with plunge pool
Top: photo by Martin Acevedo. Above: the cabins are located in Baja California, Mexico. Photo by Jonatan Ruvalcaba Maciel

“Beyond creating spaces we aim to create experiences, where nature and human beings integrate and recognize each other,” María José Gutiérrez, who leads Mexican studio Arqos Arquitectura Arte Y Diseño, told Dezeen.

“The architecture and interior design were focused on connecting with the environment and maintaining harmony with it.”

Cabin bedroomCabin bedroom
Central bedrooms feature in the round buildings

Completed in June 2022, the 250 square metres (2,690 square feet) of built area is divided into five 40-square metre (430-square foot) structures that look outward to the surrounding wine region.

The ground floor of each cabin is divided orthogonally, splitting off a portion for a partially covered exterior porch that leads into the sleeping space through a glass sliding door.

BathroomBathroom
Their interiors are sectioned into bathrooms along one side

The interiors were sectioned into a bathroom along one side, a central bedroom and a kitchenette tucked behind the headboard wall.

“In the furniture and interior decoration, we used organic materials from the region and different areas of the country, earth tones and grey contrasts, crafts, natural fibers, textiles, local wood and stone, recognizing Mexican handicraft talent and tradition,” the studio said.

“The chukum finish on the interior walls gives an organic texture and helps keep the interiors cool in summer, while the exterior coating of recycled pine wood allows the cabins to be thermally insulated in both winter and summer for greater energy efficiency.”

Round jacuzzi in cabin gardenRound jacuzzi in cabin garden
Small private gardens feature round jacuzzis

The cabins are all rotated to face a particular northern or eastern view without compromising privacy for the occupants.

A small planted garden protected by a grey wall rings a quarter of each plan, terminated by a private in-ground jacuzzi, connected to the cabin by a wooden deck with planks that align with the vertical cladding boards as if the facade radiates down the wall and along the ground.

Rooftop terraceRooftop terrace
Rooftop terraces are included atop each cabin

Up a delicate metal spiral staircase with wooden treads, the round plan becomes a rooftop terrace complete with a rope net set into the roof of the porch like an integrated hammock.

A free-swinging wooden bridge with rope netting guard rails is suspended from the roof of each cabin and leads to the roof of the common area, allowing guests to congregate in a central location.

“The circular floor plan of the cabins, together with their transition spaces such as the hanging bridges, wooden paths and spiral staircases generate fluid and dynamic routes which allow us to reconnect with ourselves and awaken our inner child through play and movement,” the studio said.

In addition to the material selection that responds thermally to the environment, the design works to preserve what little water the agricultural region has, reusing grey water for the irrigation of the vineyards.

Round cabinsRound cabins
Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre is positioned within a vineyard

Other cabins recently completed in Mexico include a house deconstructed and separated for glamping within a forest in Nuevo León by S-AR and a brutalist cube-shaped holiday home tucked into a pine forest in Alférez by Ludwig Godefroy.

The photography is by Jonatan Ruvalcaba Maciel unless otherwise stated. 

Project credits:

Architect: María José Gutiérrez
Engineering and construction: Specialized Urban Services



Reference

American interior designer Iris Apfel dies aged 102
CategoriesInterior Design

American interior designer Iris Apfel dies aged 102

By Zarkon Group,

American interior designer, fashion influencer and “geriatric starlet” Iris Apfel has passed away at the age of 102.

The death of the multidisciplinary creative, who was recognised for her flamboyant personal style, was announced on her Instagram account with an image of Apfel in her trademark oversized glasses.

Apfel, who worked in the interiors and fashion industries throughout her career, shot to international fame in her 80s and 90s after New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited a show of her eclectic clothes and accessories in 2005.

Titled Rara Avis: Selections From the Iris Apfel Collection, it was the first time the museum had dedicated an exhibition to someone’s wardrobe.

Born Iris Barrel in 1921 in Queens, Apfel studied art history at New York University and art at the University of Wisconsin.

After graduating, she worked for fashion magazine Women’s Wear Daily before interning for interior designer Elinor Johnson.

Together with her late husband Carl Apfel, whom she married in 1948, she set up the brand Old World Weavers – a company that specialised in striking textiles informed by things found on the Apfels’ travels.

Under Old World Weavers, the duo completed high-profile projects such as restoring the White House interiors for nine presidents including Harry Truman and Bill Clinton.

The designer became a visiting lecturer at the University of Texas in 2011, where she taught fashion students about textiles and crafts.

In later life, Apfel became a staple of the fashion industry.  In 2018, toy manufacturer Mattel created a Barbie doll in the designer’s image, although it was not for sale. At the age of 97, she signed a modelling contract with IMG Models.

Apfel playfully called herself a “geriatric starlet” and described the prospect of retirement as “a fate worse than death” shortly after turning 100.

Following the news of her passing, designers around the world paid tribute to Apfel’s legacy. “Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent not only as an artist but as an influencer,” said fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.

The photography is by Ron Adar courtesy of Shutterstock.



Reference

Helping cleantechs find and use low-carbon feedstocks
CategoriesSustainable News

Helping cleantechs find and use low-carbon feedstocks

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: The International Energy Agency (IEA) calls for “an accelerated increase in modern bioenergy use [alongside] a phase-out of traditional use of biomass.” Most traditional uses of biomass involve burning organic materials over an open fire, something that the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario hopes to eliminate by 2030. 

One challenge in making the best use of available biomass is connecting manufacturers who want to use the material as feedstock in chemical and industrial processes with those in the agriculture and forestry industries who produce it. US-based climate-tech company Loamist has built a ‘Biomass Explorer’ platform in the hopes of making use of the eight billion tonnes of biomass that is wasted globally every year.

Using real-time mapping and data visualisation, the Biomass Explorer tool helps companies seeking more sustainable supply chains find, use, and track low-emission feedstocks from a variety of sources. For owners of biomass materials, it’s easier to earn additional income, as the Explorer tool makes them visible to more buyers.

Users generate custom reports and build directories of suppliers and supplies, and the tool also validates supply chain carbon outputs. With the data, companies can also choose manufacturing locations that are close to biomass sources. Loamist’s goal is to use more than 100 million tonnes of waste biomass by 2030, as organisations around the world swap fossil fuels for carbon-negative or carbon-neutral chemicals, fuel sources, and materials.

In early 2024, Loamist announced $1 million (around €922,000) raised in pre-seed funding. The company plans to continue developing the Biomass Explorer tool and create additional products as the industrial biomass industry matures.

From cellulose to coffee cups, innovations in Springwise’s library showcase the variety of types of waste that can be transformed into biomass.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

Beyond Resolutions: 24 Intentions Architects Should Revisit Throughout 2024
CategoriesArchitecture

Beyond Resolutions: 24 Intentions Architects Should Revisit Throughout 2024

By Zarkon Group,

Evelyn Lee is a Start-up Advisor in the Tech Space, Angel Investor, Founder of Practice of Architecture, and Host of the podcast Practice Disrupted. She is a prominent speaker on architectural practice evolution, technology integration, and diversity in AI, dedicated to guiding the profession into new horizons.

At this point, we are well into 2024, and sure, you could say we are past creating resolutions, strategies and goals for the new year. I prefer to set an intention for the year but to remain constantly on the lookout for opportunities. In the fast-evolving architectural landscape of today, architects face the challenge of adapting traditional practices to meet the demands of a dynamic and competitive industry.

To succeed in this environment, architects must simultaneously embrace change and innovation, foster collaboration and prioritize the sustainability of their businesses, careers, and practices. Here are 24 opportunities that architects can consider as we navigate the complexities of the year ahead.

Imagining New Ways to Practice

It is one thing for architects to raise their fees with the pace of inflation, but to truly raise our fees to be able to pay and have benefits that, say, compete with Tech salaries, we have to rewrite the business model. This entails venturing into uncharted territories, positioning oneself and the firm as knowledge leaders, and considering the possibility of new products and services.

Bay Area Research Company by SkB Architects, California | Jury and Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Commercial Interiors (> 25,000 sq ft)

1. Break free from tradition with innovative business models:

Architects should explore novel business models that align with changing market dynamics and client preferences. This could include offering additional products and services that support the entire lifecycle of a building or looking for ways to engage the client sooner before deciding whether or not they need a building. Going beyond buildings, we will place ourselves to build more of the buildings we want to build within our community.

2. Venture into uncharted territories, making architecture more inclusive:

I’ve often felt like an outsider in the profession, even though I have my license and remain engaged in professional membership organizations. We must find a way to invite those who found others back into the profession. Take a moment to track down those you went to school with who find themselves outside of architecture and remind them what they loved so much about architecture in the first place. They could be in a position to be a client or, at the very least, an advocate.

3. Build community connections with strategic outreach:

Establishing meaningful relationships with potential clients, especially within the community, lays the foundation for successful collaborations and future projects. Strategic outreach efforts are crucial in building these relationships, as they facilitate communication, understanding and alignment of values. Participating in community events allows architects to showcase their work and demonstrates their commitment to and investment in the communities they serve.

4. Become thought-leaders in the built environment:

By actively engaging in thought leadership activities, architects can influence the direction of the profession and contribute to meaningful change. Publishing articles in industry journals, blogs or mainstream media outlets allows architects to share their insights, expertise and innovative solutions with a broader audience. This elevates the architect’s profile and enriches the architectural discourse, inspiring others and sparking new ideas.

Boosting Business Operations

One of the key ways to increase cash flow within the firm is to prioritize business operations. Efficiency and agility are paramount for the success and longevity of architectural practices. Architects should optimize their business operations to adapt to changing market demands and ensure the firm’s sustainable growth, even through hard times.

Polaris North Offices by b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos, Madrid, Spain | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Office – Mid-Rise (5-15 Floors)

5. Streamline practices with automation:

Automation tools can streamline repetitive tasks such as document management, scheduling and project tracking, allowing employees to focus on more value-added activities. This not only reduces the burden of administrative tasks but also frees up time for employees to dedicate to creative and strategic aspects of their work, fostering a more fulfilling and rewarding work experience.

6. Master the art of finance and planning:

Understanding financial principles and strategic planning is crucial for every member of an architectural firm, as it directly impacts the overall success and sustainability of the practice. Employees can maximize their impact and contribute to its growth and prosperity by aligning their efforts with the firm’s goals and objectives. This shared understanding fosters a collaborative and goal-oriented culture within the firm, where every individual is motivated to perform at their best to achieve collective.

7. Foster confidence with improved control over business outcomes:

Through strategic planning, architects can enhance business outcomes by aligning project objectives with firm goals. Quality assurance processes ensure consistency and reliability in project delivery, bolstering client satisfaction and the firm’s reputation. Architects foster transparency and accountability by tracking project metrics and providing regular updates, building trust with clients and stakeholders. This proactive approach leads to successful project outcomes and strengthens long-term relationships.

8. Allocate resources efficiently for sustainability:

In today’s business world, sustainability and flexibility go hand in hand, so using resources wisely is crucial. That means spending money wisely and investing in the right tools and tech to do the job. Ensuring a team’s talents match the projects they’re working ensures that everyone works at their best. Valuing agility sets architects up for long-term success in a changing world, ensuring they’re adaptable to challenges or opportunities and giving them a competitive edge in the market.

Cultivating Culture

Creating a positive and inclusive work culture is vital for attracting and retaining top talent in architectural firms. Architects should foster a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute.

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EDGE Suedkreuz Berlin by TCHOBAN VOSS Architekten GmbH, Berlin, Germany | Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Office – Mid-Rise (5-15 Floors)

9. Promote transparency, ensuring every voice is heard:

Cultivating open and transparent communication fosters collaboration and belonging among team members. Regular team meetings, feedback surveys and check-ins with managers provide avenues for sharing updates and addressing challenges collectively. Actively listening to diverse perspectives informs decision-making and promotes inclusivity. By creating a respectful environment where all voices are heard, teams can harness collective wisdom to drive positive change.

10. Build a community that extends beyond office borders:

Architects can expand their circle and build community by connecting with peers and industry folks outside their office walls. This might mean hitting up networking events, joining pro groups or getting involved in mentorship gigs where they can swap ideas and advice. By mingling with others in the field, architects can gain new perspectives, stay in the loop with industry trends, learn from seasoned pros and boost their careers and share their insights.

11. Create spaces of belonging for career development:

Giving your team chances to grow and learn keeps them engaged and committed. That could mean hooking them up with mentors who can share their wisdom, covering the cost of courses to keep skills fresh or offering leadership training to help them level up. When you invest in your team’s development, you show that you value them and give them the tools they need to advance their careers within the company. A culture where everyone’s always learning and growing together is a win-win for everyone involved.

12. Respect work-life balance:

Firm owners should ensure the well-being of their team members and encourage them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Offering amenities like yoga classes or gym memberships can improve their physical and mental well-being. However, alternatives like subscriptions to wellness apps like Calm can also be supportive. Additionally, providing resources for counseling or stress management workshops demonstrates a commitment to supporting their mental health needs.

Developing People and Creating Better Policies

Investing in the growth and development of employees is not just good practice; it’s essential for the long-term success of architectural firms. By providing opportunities for learning and advancement, firms can empower their employees to expand their skills, take on new challenges, and contribute more effectively to the firm’s goals.

Chengdu Co-Innovation and Cooperation Center by LAGUARDA.LOW ARCHITECTS, Chengdu, China | Popular Choice Winner, Commercial – High Rise (16+ Floors) 

13. Grow people with flexible workplace policies:

Architecture firms demonstrate their commitment to supporting their employees’ success and well-being by prioritizing flexibility, ultimately fostering a more engaged and productive workforce. This could involve providing remote work options, flexible scheduling or additional time off to accommodate personal or professional needs. This flexibility enhances job satisfaction and work-life balance and empowers architects to manage their time effectively and pursue growth opportunities.

14. Celebrate diversity for unique perspectives:

Diversity brings a wealth of perspectives, enhancing problem-solving and design in architectural teams. Embracing diversity in all its forms fosters creativity and innovation within architectural firms. This may involve promoting diversity in hiring practices, establishing diversity and inclusion committees, or hosting cultural awareness workshops celebrating different backgrounds and experiences.

15. Make equity a standard, ensuring fair opportunities:

Architects should prioritize fairness and equality in hiring, promotion, and project allocation to ensure all team members have a level playing field. This involves implementing inclusive recruitment practices and unbiased promotion processes to attract and retain talent from diverse backgrounds. Similarly, project allocation should be based on merit and skill, fostering an environment where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and advance.

16. Prioritize employee mental health and well-being with nurturing policies:

Recognizing the crucial connection between employee well-being and productivity, firm leaders should implement policies prioritizing physical, mental and emotional health, including providing comprehensive health insurance coverage and employee assistance programs. Policies that promote mental health awareness and support such as counseling services or mindfulness workshops, are essential for maintaining employee morale and productivity.

Elevating How Teams Work Together

Effective collaboration and project management are critical for delivering successful architectural projects. Fostering collaboration empowers team members and cultivates trust and transparency in project management processes and employee experience.

Kabelovna Studios by B² Architecture, Hlavní město Praha, Czechia | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Commercial Interios (<25,000 sq ft)

17. Encourage collaboration for empowerment:

Creating high-performing teams is essential for architectural firms to achieve project success and innovation. This involves establishing clear team agreements that outline expectations, goals and communication norms, allowing for more flexible work arrangements that accommodate individual preferences and needs. By empowering team members to have a say in how they work and collaborate, architects can boost morale, productivity and creativity.

18. Inspire future leaders with professional development:

Strategically implementing professional development opportunities ensures managers have the skills and knowledge to lead and manage teams effectively. Mentorship programs, leadership training workshops and industry certifications give managers the tools and insights to navigate complex challenges and drive team success. By investing in their professional growth, firms empower managers to take on greater responsibilities and make informed decisions that contribute to their overall success.

19. Build trust with transparent management structures:

Creating a culture of trust through feedback is vital for advancing careers within architectural management, enhancing individual performance, strengthening team dynamics and bolstering collective growth. By implementing regular performance reviews and upward feedback mechanisms, architects provide managers with constructive input on their leadership style and professional development, building trust. Providing clear pathways for progression ensures managers are supported to advance within the firm.

20. Value empathy and human connection in leadership:

As licensed professionals entrusted with safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the public, architects are responsible for embracing empathy as a core value in their interactions with team members, clients and stakeholders. Understanding and valuing the perspectives and experiences of others is essential for success. This involves actively listening to concerns and feedback, celebrating achievements and offering support during challenging times.

Exploring new tools and AI

Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming the architectural profession or will transform while we stand on the sidelines. Architects should embrace new tools and technologies to streamline processes, enhance efficiency and assist in delivering innovative design solutions.

Stream Office by Kris Lin International Design, Zhuhai, China | Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Workspace

21. Stay ahead with AI in business and practice management:

Artificial intelligence offers innovative solutions that can revolutionize various aspects of architectural firms, from project management to client interaction. While architects should keep a keen eye on emerging AI tools, they must also consider their involvement in the development process. By actively participating, architects can ensure that AI solutions are tailored to their needs, positioning them for success in an increasingly AI-driven world.

22. Discover AI’s potential to enhance efficiencies:

By leveraging AI-powered solutions, architects can automate repetitive tasks and gain valuable insights into project performance and market trends. This saves time, minimizes errors, enables data-driven decision-making and fosters innovation. Additionally, AI-driven analytics tools provide employees with personalized learning and development opportunities, empowering them to grow and advance within the firm.

23. Leverage technology for improved service delivery:

Architects can draw inspiration from industries such as retail and hospitality, where innovative technology and streamlined processes have significantly improved the client experience. By adopting similar approaches, such as implementing client portals and utilizing VR/AR technologies, architects can offer clients transparent communication and immersive design experiences. Prioritizing customer feedback and satisfaction enables architects to continuously effectively tailor solutions to meet client’s needs.

24. Merge human creativity with AI speed for a new architectural era:

Merging human creativity with AI speed represents a transformative shift in architecture, unlocking new possibilities and advancements, accelerating design iterations. By leveraging AI technologies, architects can devote more time to creative exploration and pushing the boundaries of traditional design paradigms. Facilitating rapid prototyping and informed decision-making, the synergy between human ingenuity and AI advancement promises to revolutionize architectural design. (There I said it — AI can help with the design process.)

As architects work through 2024 and beyond, it’s clear that today’s world calls for a fresh approach to practice, business, culture, people and even projects. Do we have to embrace everything all at once? No, we are all a part of a complex, broken system that carries no easy fix, but as you can see from above, there are themes across the areas where a focus on being a good human can do a lot to move the profession forward.

As we tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities we face today, let’s stay committed to pushing boundaries, embracing diversity, and working together to create firms and design spaces that enrich everyone’s lives. Together, we can shape a future where architecture reflects society’s values and inspires future generations.

Architizer’s Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects — from the latest generative design and AI to rendering and visualization, 3D modeling, project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categories here.

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