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Bentley curates Scandinavian architecture and design travel experience
CategoriesInterior Design

Bentley curates Scandinavian architecture and design travel experience

By Zarkon Group,

Promotion: in 2023 Bentley Motors launched an architecture and design-centred travel experience around Scandinavia, with highlights that included a stay at Wingårdhs’ forest hotel in Sweden and a tour of BIG’s studio in Copenhagen.

The Extraordinary Journey Scandinavia tour was one of a series of curated travel experiences presented by Bentley in 2023, offering the opportunity to explore attractive destinations from behind the wheel of its luxury cars.

The five-day, four-night tour started in Stockholm, where guests were collected from the airport in a chauffeured Bentley and taken to their first night’s stay in the world-renowned Ett Hem hotel.

Photograph of a sitting room at the Ett Hem hotel in StockholmPhotograph of a sitting room at the Ett Hem hotel in Stockholm
The first night’s stay was at Stockholm’s Ett Hem hotel

With interiors created by designer Ilse Crawford, the hotel is known for merging luxury with a feeling of home, with spaces that encourage guests to relax and mingle as if at a manor house.

The hotel hosted a welcome reception, dinner in the library and a nightcap for the small party of guests on day one to get to know each other.

On day two, attendees took the wheel of one of several Bentley models on offer and began the journey south through Sweden’s forests, with Scandinavia’s finest architecture and design destinations guiding the way forward.

For lunch on day two, attendees stopped at NaturehouseFor lunch on day two, attendees stopped at Naturehouse
For lunch on day two, attendees stopped at Naturehouse

For lunch, the tour stopped at Naturehouse, a sustainability-focused lakeside spa by Tailor Made Arkitekter that merges the forms of a barn and a greenhouse, before continuing to reach the Trakt Forest Hotel in Småland in the afternoon.

Designed by Wingårdh architecture studio, the hotel features just five suites that are raised high into the treetops on stilts, giving guests the chance to feel immersed in nature.

The suites are “a true representation of Bentley’s design values of sustainability, materiality, and innovation” said the brand, and guests had the opportunity to relax in the sauna or hot tub before joining the hotel owners Sandra and Mattias Sälleteg at a drinks reception.

The evening also included dinner in a forest near the hotel, which was made by Michelin star chef Niklas Ekstedt and celebrated natural ingredients coming together “to create something greater than the sum of its parts”.

Photo of Wanås Hotel and Sculpture ParkPhoto of Wanås Hotel and Sculpture Park
Lunch on day three took place at Wanås Hotel and Sculpture Park

Day three saw the group continue the drive south through Sweden’s forests and stop for lunch at Wanås Hotel and Sculpture Park, built around two converted stone barns with interiors by Kristina Wachtmeister.

They then drove on through Malmö and across the Öresund Bridge, the longest bridge in Europe, connecting Sweden and Denmark, before switching to chauffeured transport once again for the final stretch of the journey to Copenhagen.

With accommodation at the Nimb Hotel in Tivoli Gardens, guests had ample opportunity to explore Copenhagen, including dinner at a world-renowned Nordic restaurant and then a city tour hosted by the Danish Architecture Centre.

Photo of a big group of people having lunch and sharing a toast at BIG's studioPhoto of a big group of people having lunch and sharing a toast at BIG's studio
Day four included a tour and lunch at Bjarke Ingels Group’s studio

There was also a tour of Bjarke Ingels Group’s studio, hosted by a member of the team who gave insights into their creative practice. Lunch was also held within “the beating heart” of the office.

Bentley‘s Extraordinary Journey continues in the UK in 2024 with a programme where attendees will experience a scenic route starting at Crewe, the home of Bentley Motors, to The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. The UK programme runs from 19 to 22 August and 2 to 5 September.

For more information and to register interest, visit the Bentley website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Bentley as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

Reference

Studio Gang nestles Kresge College expansion in Pacific forest
CategoriesArchitecture

Studio Gang nestles Kresge College expansion in Pacific forest

By Zarkon Group,

Chicago architecture firm Studio Gang has expanded a California college through the addition of mass-timber structures that were informed by how fungi grow in the wild.

Kresge College is a part of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Most of its campus was originally designed by American architects Charles Moore and William Turnbull in the early 1970s.

White topped roofs of buildings in California forestWhite topped roofs of buildings in California forest
Studio Gang has created an expansion of Kresge College in California

Studio Gang was tasked with expanding the footprint of the project along the northwest extent of its property, nestled in a lush Pacific forest.

Four buildings were designed to complement the existing structures – California modern-style buildings with stucco walls and splashes of colour – and the woodland environment. All of the buildings feature concrete podiums, which support load-bearing timber walls.

Glass window back lit with trees in the forestGlass window back lit with trees in the forest
The expansion includes four structures with mass-timber elements

“Our goal was to add new qualities to the sense of place offered by Moore and Turnbull’s design, rather than to replicate the architecture,” said studio founding principal Jeanne Gang.

“We wanted our expansion to retain the qualities of surprise and free-spiritedness that have defined Kresge College, while at the same time opening it up to students of all abilities, the incredible natural ecology of its site, and the larger university community beyond.”

The expansion’s centrepiece is an academic centre with a series of protrusions that jut out asymmetrically from a core. Three simple, bow-shaped structures were placed to its southeast to house students.

Timber facing Timber facing
The residential buildings were clad in timber

The Kresge College Academic Center sits on an uneven site next to a steep ravine. To navigate this site, the studio used methods it said were inspired by the growth patterns of polypore fungi, by simultaneously “stepping down the slope and flaring out”.

The centre’s flared form was clad in a metal curtain wall, rendered in a light colour to reflect the mid-century buildings, while the faces of each protrusion feature floor-to-ceiling glass trimmed with timber.

Wooden buildings among the treesWooden buildings among the trees
The residential buildings have a bow-form to preserve trees

At the centre is a large lecture hall, surrounded by a triple-space atrium with smooth concrete hallways and elevated walkways that connect to the four protruding spaces.

These hold classrooms and utilise the slope with three storeys that line up with the two-storey central structure.

The largest of these protrusions features a smaller lecture hall on the top level, with a roof that slopes up and out in a sizeable lip.

Three storey atriumThree storey atrium
The academic centre has a three-storey atrium

The smaller residential buildings are all bow-shaped, a move the studio said was implemented to preserve as much of the redwood tree groves on the site as possible.

These buildings are five storeys tall and have a central core set back from the wood-clad exterior, with large window boxes on each end that create sheltered patios on the second storey.

The recesses between the window and the facade were painted bright yellow, which resonates with the colours used in the Moore and Turnbull designs.

Like the academic centre, these structures have concrete podiums with load-bearing timber walls. However, cross-laminated ceilings were included and in many places, these elements were left exposed.

The bottom floors of these residential structures were left open for social spaces and amenities, while the top floors hold habitations: about 100 students can live in each structure.

Mass timber student centerMass timber student center
Mass-timber elements were left exposed

Studio Gang also made interventions in the landscape, restoring and expanding the paths already connecting the campus and a long pedestrian bridge that crosses the ravine next to the academic centre. It also added a square at the building’s primary entry.

Studio Gang has completed a number of high-profile projects this year, including museum expansions in Arkansas and New York City. Kresge College is part of the studio’s move towards using more mass timber, and it has been selected to complete a theatre using this material in the Hudson Valley.

The photography is by Jason O’Rear.

Project credits: 

Design architect and architect of record: Studio Gang
Contractor: Swinterton
Expansion plan associate architect: TEF Design
Interior designer: Studio Gang
Structural engineer: Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Structural engineer: MME Civil + Structural Engineering
Landscape architect: Joni L Janecki and Associates Landscape Architects
Landscape architect: Office of Cheryl Barton
Civil engineer: Sherwood Design Engineers
MEPFP: Introba
Sustainability consultant: Atelier Ten
Lighting consultant: Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design
Acoustic consultant: Salter
Envelope consultant: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Wayfinding and graphics: Cheng+Snyder
Code consultant: Holmes Fire
Quantity surveyor: Directional Logic
Accessibility consultant: Jensen Hughes
Elevator consultant: Elevator Consulting Associates
Technology consultant: TEECOM
Theater consultant (for Kresge College Academic Center): The Shalleck Collaborative
Food service consultant (for residential buildings): Ricca Design Studios

Reference

Neuhäusl Hunal divide open-plan apartment using curved glass walls
CategoriesInterior Design

Neuhäusl Hunal divide open-plan apartment using curved glass walls

By Zarkon Group,

Czech architecture studio Neuhäusl Hunal has renovated a prefabricated apartment in Prague, turning it into an open-plan home and workspace for sculptor and glassworker Vladimír Bachorík.

Neuhäusl Hunal opted for curved translucent glass partitions in place of doors to divide the interior spaces and create a sense of openness and fluidity.

Neuhäusl Hunal renovate apartment in Prague using curved glass partitionsNeuhäusl Hunal renovate apartment in Prague using curved glass partitions
U-profiled glass partitions divide the interior spaces

In order to maximise floor space, the studio removed all non-load-bearing elements, leaving just a single load-bearing concrete wall that cuts through the living and workspaces.

Three U-profiled glass partitions were then used to enclose a cloakroom, storage space and kitchen, while the remaining floor space can be used flexibly.

Kitchen workspace in Prague apartment by Neuhäusl HunalKitchen workspace in Prague apartment by Neuhäusl Hunal
An existing load-bearing concrete wall separates the living and work spaces

A centralised, curved bathroom, raised by a small platform for waste management, is similarly enclosed by translucent glass panels and protrudes into the main space.

The bathroom interior was lined extensively with white ceramic tiles and features a walk-in shower.

Meanwhile, matching ceramic tiles were also used in the kitchen, which doubles as a work area for the artist.

Tiled bathroom designed by Neuhäusl Hunal in PragueTiled bathroom designed by Neuhäusl Hunal in Prague
White mosaic tiles line the kitchen and bathroom

“To design the maximally open and flowing space without doors, infrastructure, besides statics, was a key constraint, which defines the location of the single-almost-enclosed space: the bathroom,” studio architect and founder David Neuhäusl told Dezeen.

“Therefore we emphasized [the bathroom] as the most prominent element in the apartment to create a strong spatial experience,” Neuhäusl continued.

The interior material palette was defined by the stripped concrete wall as well as the translucent panels and ceramic tiles, set on a background of white plaster walls and grey-toned rubber flooring.

Metal furniture and shelving was used throughout the minimalist interior, with cubic plinths used to display Bachorík’s glasswork around the space.

Neuhäusl Hunal renovate apartment for sculptor in the Czech Republic Neuhäusl Hunal renovate apartment for sculptor in the Czech Republic
Existing windows draw daylight into the interior spaces

Daylight shines through the existing windows at either end of the apartment and penetrates the glass partitions to create a brightly lit interior, while carefully positioned strip lights and spotlights provide artificial lighting.

“These translucent glass blocks of high order ensure the penetration of light and create identity of the apartment,” Neuhäusl explained.

“Their materiality and character naturally refer to the client’s lifelong work. They can be naturally composed in curves to formulate the softly shaped partitions.”

Curved glass partitions divide bedroom interior of Sculptor's ApartmentCurved glass partitions divide bedroom interior of Sculptor's Apartment
Metal furniture is used throughout the space

Neuhäusl Hunal is an architecture studio founded by David Neuhäusl and Matěj Hunal in the Czech Republic.

Other projects recently completed in the Czech Republic include a winery topped with a sweeping concrete roof and an angular black extension to a neo-gothic church.

The photography is by Radek Úlehla.

Reference

26 Pioneering Architecture Firms Rethinking the Fundamentals of Design
CategoriesArchitecture

26 Pioneering Architecture Firms Rethinking the Fundamentals of Design

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.  

As we look forward to a new year and a new era of architectural innovation, the following winning practices from the 11th A+Awards are leading the way. Ranging in size, geography and expertise, these 26 studios came out on top in the Best Firm Categories. Each team was judged on the strength of their portfolio and recognized for delivering some of the most compelling and creative projects the industry has seen over the past 10 years. Join them by submitting your firm for the coveted A+Firm Award today:

Apply for a Best Firm Award

Jurors considered a wide range of criteria and qualities before reaching a fair decision on the firms making extraordinary contributions to their fields. While the following practices excelled in their categories, their work has a broader resonance. Many studios embraced socially and environmentally conscious design approaches, rising to meet some of the most pressing challenges facing the built environment today, from the climate crisis, sustainability and land scarcity to the need for truly accessible and inclusive spaces. Here are the trailblazing architecture and design firms forging exciting new paths for 2024…

Best Interior Design Firm

Office AIO

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Interior Design Firm

Basic Coffee by Office AIO Bar Lotus by Office AIOFirm Location: Beijing, China

Pictured Projects: Basic Coffee, Beijing, China ; Bar Lotus, Shanghai, China

A deft hand at articulating mesmerizing spatial experiences, Office Aio was founded in 2014 by Tim Kwan and Isabelle Sun. The firm’s outstanding portfolio is a testament to its range and expertise, encompassing hospitality, retail, cultural, residential and corporate spheres.

The team’s thoughtful design philosophy reframes constraints as opportunities for creativity. The result is a catalog of projects that combine unique architectural solutions with remarkable contextual sensitivity.

EL EQUIPO CREATIVO

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Interior Design Firm

Patka Restaurant by EL EQUIPO CREATIVO Tunateca Balfegó Restaurant by EL EQUIPO CREATIVOFirm Location: Barcelona, Spain

Pictured Projects: Patka Restaurant, Barcelona, Spain ; Tunateca Balfegó Restaurant, Barcelona, Spain

Specializing in commercial, hospitality and branded projects, this Barcelona-based studio, made up of architect Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo and Lucas Echeveste Lacy, is a master of spatial storytelling. Rooted in a solid conceptual approach, the firm elevates functional design into inspiring schemes that envelop the senses.

Stand-out spaces from the team’s body of work include the transformative Tunateca Balfegó Restaurant, with its school of fish spiraling overhead, and Pakta Restaurant, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion eatery clad in a vibrant, loom-like skin that pays homage to Peru’s textile heritage.

Best Landscape Design Firm

Design Workshop

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Landscape Design Firm

70 Rainey Sky Garden by Design Workshop Highlands Retreat by Design WorkshopFirm Location: Denver, Colorado (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: 70 Rainey Sky Garden, Austin, Texas ; Highlands Retreat, Aspen, Colorado

Creating socially and environmentally responsible spaces is central to the mission of Design Workshop. With eight studios across the US and an international reach, the renowned firm comprises a collaborative community of landscape architects, planners and strategists.

Adept across diverse scales and geographies, from private gardens to city parks and municipal masterplans, the practice delivers enduring, legacy spaces that forge meaningful connections with the organic world and the wider community.

ASPECT Studios

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Landscape Design Firm

Hongkong Land’s Yorkville - The Ring by ASPECT Studios The Urban Gallery at Hyperlane by ASPECT StudiosFirm Location: Melbourne, Australia (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: Hongkong Land’s Yorkville – The Ring, Chongqing, China ; The Urban Gallery at Hyperlane, Chengdu, China

Encompassing a global team of landscape architects, urban designers and strategists, ASPECT Studios specializes in carving out exceptional public spaces that benefit the natural environment and enrich the lives of local residents.

The firm’s skillful approach blends cutting-edge technology and practices with playful, conceptual ideas. The studio interprets the unique context and history of a site in its own distinctive voice, producing dynamic surfaces of discovery that elevate each locale.

Best Large Firm (41+ employees)

Olson Kundig

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Large Firm (41+ employees)

ANOHA—The Children’s World of the Jewish Museum Berlin by Olson Kundig Rio House by Olson KundigFirm Location: Seattle, Washington

Pictured Projects: ANOHA—The Children’s World of the Jewish Museum Berlin, Berlin, Germany ; Rio House, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The pioneering work of Seattle-based practice Olson Kundig can be found throughout five continents. The team’s outlook is grounded in the belief that buildings can be bridges between nature, culture and people, the same philosophy that fueled the firm’s inception back in 1966.

While the practice is historically known for its residential design, its portfolio demonstrates expansive expertise across all manner of typology, broaching commercial, industrial, educational, spiritual and hospitality spaces. Regardless of the scale or function, the studio’s attention to detail, from the big ideas to the minutest of details, is unwavering.

Architects 49

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Large Firm (41+ employees)

Prince Mahidol Hall by Architects 49 VELAA (THE SINHORN VILLAGE) by Architects 49Firm Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Pictured Projects: Prince Mahidol Hall, Salaya, Thailand ; VELAA (THE SINHORN VILLAGE), Bangkok, Thailand

Founded in 1983 by Nithi Sthapitanonda, Architects 49 espouses simplicity and elegant, clean lines. Inspired by the vibrant landscape of Thai art and architecture, the firm imparts a distinctive character to each project it encounters, embracing strong, dynamic forms that quickly cement themselves as local landmarks.

Its astonishing portfolio, spanning Asia and the Middle East, exemplifies the team’s adaptability, ranging from intimate residences to mixed-use developments and sprawling masterplans.

Best Medium Firm (16 – 40 employees)

WOODS + DANGARAN

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Medium Firm (16 – 40 employees)

Desert Palisades by WOODS + DANGARAN Case Study by WOODS + DANGARANFirm Location: Los Angeles, California

Pictured Projects: Desert Palisades, Palm Springs, California ; Case Study, Culver City, California

Headquartered in Los Angeles, WOODS + DANGARAN is renowned for its outstanding work across the residential sphere. Exploration drives its practice, from interrogating a project’s context to establishing a rich, collaborative dialogue with clients.

The studio’s architectural catalog is defined by crisp, disciplined forms. Its approach is holistic, embracing the varied facets of residential typologies, weaving streamlined architecture with stand-out interiors and custom furnishings to curate a fluid spatial journey.

Hooba Design

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Medium Firm (16 – 40 employees)

Hitra Office & Commercial Building by Hooba Design Kohan Ceram Central Office Building by Hooba DesignFirm Location: Tehran, Iran

Pictured Projects: Hitra Office & Commercial Building, Tehran, Iran ; Kohan Ceram Central Office Building, Tehran, Iran

Founded in 2007 by Hooman Balazadeh, Hooba Design has established itself as an accomplished all-rounder. The firm’s impressive scope extends from commercial buildings, such as factories, showrooms and office blocks, to residential apartments and multi-unit housing developments.

Utilizing pioneering design and construction methods, its work is informed by each site’s unique cultural and geographic qualities. Consequently, the studio’s projects strike a considered balance between innovation and contextual sensitivity.

Best Small Firm (6 – 15 employees)

MQ Architecture

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Small Firm (6 – 15 employees)

Magazzino Italian Art Museum by MQ Architecture Stella’s Cucina by MQ ArchitectureFirm Location: Manhattan, New York

Pictured Projects: Magazzino Italian Art Museum, Cold Spring, New York ; Stella’s Cucina, Boulder, Colorado

Demonstrating mastery over typologies including cultural, corporate, hospitality, retail and residential, MQ Architecture specializes in high-end architectural design. The New York-based firm offers its clients a full-service architectural package, incorporating design, permitting and construction management.

The studio’s portfolio showcases its attention to detail and aptitude for problem-solving. Projects like the Magazzino Italian Art Museum display a deft handling of natural light and scale, while Stella’s Cucina is an exercise in delicate yet immersive interior design.

MARS Studio

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Small Firm (6 – 15 employees)

Tianfu Conference Center by MARS Studio SOMESOME Bar & Restaurant by MARS StudioFirm Location: Beijing, China

Pictured Projects: Tianfu Conference Center, Chengdu, China ; SOMESOME Bar & Restaurant, Beijing, China

Headquartered in Beijing, MARS Studio has already made a global impact in the short years since its founding. From planning to conceptual design to construction, the firm instils quality into every step of the project workflow.

After previously making waves at the 10th A+Awards in 2022, this ambitious team has gone from strength to strength. Their stand-out projects so far include a captivating restaurant, defined by its undulating surfaces, and a compelling concept for a futuristic, floating conference center.

Best X-Small Firm (1 – 5 employees)

Blue Temple

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best X-Small Firm (1 – 5 employees)

Plot ABC by Blue Temple Infinity by Blue TempleFirm Location: Yangon, Myanmar

Pictured Projects: Plot ABC, Yangon, Myanmar ; Infinity, Yangon, Myanmar

From innovative housing solutions for displaced communities to public parks and playgrounds, Blue Temple’s portfolio comprises an array of compassionate projects instigating real change across the landscape of Yangon in Myanmar.

The firm’s approach is rooted in the wisdom of traditional local materials like bamboo, along with time-honored building techniques. This recourse to the past stands as a counterpoint to the city’s new metal structures and a reminder of the wisdom of vernacular construction.

Rangr Studio

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best X-Small Firm (1 – 5 employees)

Buena Vista House by Rangr Studio Compound in the Hudson Valley by Rangr StudioFirm Location: Berkeley, California (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: Buena Vista House, Berkeley, California ; Compound in the Hudson Valley, Columbia County, New York

Informed by founder Jasmit Singh Rangr’s childhood in India, the remarkable work of Berkeley-based Rangr Studio draws inspiration from the historic architecture of the Mughal Empire. Combined with cutting-edge sustainable materials, the firm’s approach places past and present in dialogue.

Their body of work, from residential to hospitality and educational spaces, is deeply reactive to environmental and cultural contexts. Prioritizing ancient design principles that utilize solar, wind and hydropower, the studio delivers conscientious projects that respond to the challenges of climate change.

Best Young Firm

MUDA-Architects

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Young Firm

Garden Hotpot Restaurant by MUDA-Architects Minjiang Courier Center by MUDA-ArchitectsFirm Location: Chengdu, China

Pictured Projects: Garden Hotpot Restaurant, Chengdu, China ; Minjiang Courier Center, Chengdu, China

Founded in 2015 and establishing its first office in Chengdu two years later, MUDA-Architects has already carved out a strong, definitive voice in its relatively short history. Excelling across commercial, cultural, municipal and interior design spheres, its polished portfolio is a testament to the firm’s ingenuity.

Its team of creative designers is innovative yet considered in their approach. Ever mindful of each project’s cultural and environmental landscape, the studio fuses respect for the past with forward-looking visions of the future.

Leckie Studio Architecture + Design

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Young Firm

Full House by Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Camera House by Leckie Studio Architecture + DesignFirm Location: Vancouver, Canada

Pictured  Projects: Full House, Vancouver, Canada ; Camera House, Pemberton, Canada

Fueled by a desire to push the conventional bounds of architecture, Leckie Studio Architecture + Design was founded in 2015. The ambitious newcomer has set itself apart thanks to a catalog of extraordinary projects across varying scales, spanning residential, commercial and institutional typologies, as well as installations and product design.

While the studio delights in subverting tradition, its pioneering work is fundamentally rooted in creative problem-solving. Combined with sustainable principles and a sensitive regard for locality, the result is artful spaces that articulate the unexpected.

Best Young Interior Design Firm

Pulse On Partnership Limited

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Young Interior Design Firm

SHANGHAI ONE EAST - PALACE CINEMA by Pulse On Partnership Limited BONA INTERNATIONAL CINEMA AT XIAN JOY CITY by Pulse On Partnership LimitedFirm Location: Hong Kong

Pictured Projects: SHANGHAI ONE EAST – PALACE CINEMA, Shanghai, China ; BONA INTERNATIONAL CINEMA AT XIAN JOY CITY, Xi’an, China

This Hong Kong-based interior design practice was established in 2017 by Ajax Law and Virginia Lung. Specializing in the commercial realm, the fledgling firm has already made its mark transforming entertainment spaces, retail stores and offices into rich inner worlds.

Its roster of work displays the team’s skill in creating immersive, multi-layered schemes. In SHANGHAI ONE EAST – PALACE CINEMA, floating installations of glass bricks create a mirage that plays with light and permeability. Meanwhile, their BONA INTERNATIONAL CINEMA AT XIAN JOY CITY project responds to its ancient locale, channeling the lines of historic Chinese architecture to inform striking, abstract tableaus.

Etereo Design

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Young Interior Design Firm

Ghaf Majlis by Etereo Design Sontuosa by Etereo DesignFirm Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: Ghaf Majlis, Ajman, United Arab Emirates ; Sontuosa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Where the artistic heritage of Italy meets the aesthetics of the Middle East, Etereo Design harmoniously combines two distinct design cultures to deliver exceptional, inspiring spaces that promote the creativity of their users.

From commercial to residential projects, the firm is deeply involved in every step of project planning, from design conception to material selection and sourcing suppliers. The team’s diverse personal and professional backgrounds allow them to fuse contrasting concepts like engineering and poetry to achieve a measured balance between form and function.

Best Commercial Firm

Stonehill Taylor

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Commercial Firm

The Ned NoMad by Stonehill Taylor NYLO New York City by Stonehill TaylorFirm Location: New York, New York

Pictured Projects: The Ned NoMad, New York, New York ; NYLO New York City, New York, New York

An impressive all-rounder, Stonehill Taylor is particularly skilled at reimagining commercial spaces, from restaurants and hospitality projects to showrooms and corporate headquarters. Its diverse portfolio is indicative of the careful attention the firm gives to each brief, resulting in unique, creative responses to its client’s needs.

The New York-based team’s expansive skillset covers cutting-edge construction techniques, adaptive reuse projects and interior design, as well as furniture and product design. Holistic and meticulous in its approach, the practice delivers remarkably well-rounded schemes.

UUA (United Units Architects)

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Commercial Firm

Dalian 37 Xiang by UUA (United Units Architects) The Exo Towers by UUA (United Units Architects)Firm Location: Beijing, China (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: Dalian 37 Xiang, Dalian, China ; The Exo Towers, Shaoxing, China

Based in Beijing and London, award-winning practice United Units Architects (UUA) has made a name for itself in the commercial sphere. The pioneering firm’s philosophy pairs technical precision with a humanistic approach, championing integrated design and prefabricated construction methods.

Forward-looking solutions are at the heart of the team’s work. Designing with an uncertain future in mind, the firm ensures its buildings are versatile and adaptable in form, embracing space frames and other architectural solutions to increase the flexibility of each structure, should it need to be repurposed in the future.

Best Cultural Firm

MAD Architects

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Cultural Firm

Harbin Opera House by MAD Architects Hutong Bubble 218 by MAD ArchitectsFirm Location: Beijing, China (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: Harbin Opera House, Harbin, China ; Hutong Bubble 218, Beijing, China

Futurism and localism collide in the compelling portfolio of Beijing-headquartered MAD Architects. Founded in 2004, the firm’s adventurous, parametric designs are balanced by its sensitive regard for context and community.

This intuitive understanding of the complexities of place establishes a powerful connection between structures, spatial users and the surrounding environment, something that’s vividly demonstrated in the firm’s catalog of work – ranging from the sinuous Harbin Opera House, designed in the spirit of its wetland locale, to the masterful Hutong Bubble 218, which places old and new in communion.

Hariri Pontarini Architects

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Cultural Firm

St Lawrence Centre for the Arts by Hariri Pontarini Architects Baha’i Temple of South America by Hariri Pontarini ArchitectsFirm Location: Toronto, Canada

Pictured Projects: St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Concept ; Baha’i Temple of South America, Santiago, Chile

Founded in 1994 by Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini, Hariri Pontarini Architects is the mastermind behind numerous landmark cultural buildings, including the curvilinear Baha’i Temple of South America, cloaked in cast-glass panels, and the dynamic concept for the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, with its permeable glazed skin.

The Toronto-based studio is a full-service architectural practice with an array of awards under its belt. Known for its commitment to quality, the firm uses its clients’ aspirations and requirements as a springboard for creativity.

Best Public Projects Firm

MJMA Architecture & Design

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Public Projects Firm

Churchill Meadows Community Centre and Sports Park by MJMA Architecture & Design UBC Aquatic Centre by MJMA Architecture & DesignFirm Location: Toronto, Canada

Pictured Projects: Churchill Meadows Community Centre and Sports Park, Mississauga, Canada ; UBC Aquatic Centre, Vancouver, Canada

With more than 30 years of experience in delivering valuable community spaces that elevate the civic realm, MJMA Architecture & Design is leading the evolution of public typologies.

Featuring a team of over 60 architects and designers, the firm’s viewpoint is driven by innovation and a desire to make meaningful, positive contributions to the built landscape. From sports and recreation centers to campuses and community hubs, the practice’s varied work across a range of scales establishes it as a key player in its field.

ROBERT MAIER ARCHITEKTEN

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Public Projects Firm

Hydroelectric power plant Töging by ROBERT MAIER ARCHITEKTEN HLR Secondary School by ROBERT MAIER ARCHITEKTENFirm Location: Neuötting, Germany

Pictured Projects: Hydroelectric power plant Töging, Töging am Inn, Germany ; HLR Secondary School, Altötting, Germany

Headquartered in Neuötting in Bavaria, ROBERT MAIER ARCHITEKTEN distinguishes itself with a varied portfolio across the public sphere, encompassing educational structures, municipal buildings and even a hydroelectric power plant.

The team excels at out-of-the-box thinking, pairing in-depth research and creativity to produce astonishing buildings designed to endure and adapt to future demands. Experts at delivering comprehensive schemes, the firm combines urban development, architecture and interior design into a single, harmonious concept.

Best Residential Firm

Alterstudio Architecture

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Residential Firm

Highland Park Residence by Alterstudio Architecture Constant Springs by Alterstudio ArchitectureFirm Location: Austin, Texas

Pictured Projects: Highland Park Residence, Highland Park, Texas ; Constant Springs, Austin, Texas

Highly skilled in shaping rich, residential projects, Alterstudio Architecture’s work is informed by its belief that the built environment should deepen the experiences of spatial users, while drawing attention to the wider world beyond its walls.

The Austin-based firm embraces all aspects of sustainable design, delving beyond mechanical features to consider a structure’s relation to its ecological and cultural surroundings, as well as remaining mindful of finite resources. The practice emphasizes ethical architecture, prioritizing spaces that uplift users and the environment.

DXA studio

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Residential Firm

Conexus Home + by DXA studio Montclair Residence by DXA studioFirm Location: New York, New York

Pictured Projects: Conexus Home +, New York, New York ; Montclair Residence, Montclair, New Jersey

A veritable jack of all trades, DXA studio has an especially deft hand with residential typologies, from multi-unit developments and prefabricated housing solutions to private homes and historic renovations.

Founded in 2011, the firm’s thorough design process is informed by extensive research into a site’s context and complexities. The team’s remarkable work treads the careful line between contrasting virtues, balancing technical excellence with creativity, craftsmanship with contemporary flair and a modern outlook with veneration for the past.

Best Sustainable Firm

Perkins&Will

Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Sustainable Firm

The Exchange at 100 Federal by Perkins&Will Water Institute of the Gulf by Perkins&WillFirm Location: Chicago, Illinois (Headquarters, with offices elsewhere)

Pictured Projects: The Exchange at 100 Federal, Boston, Massachusetts ; Water Institute of the Gulf, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

With over 20 studios across the globe and a team of more than 2,000, Perkins&Will has an impressive, international reach. The interdisciplinary firm is a trailblazer, advocating the industry to adopt more sustainable practices while advancing climate action and social justice through its own work.

Committed to designing a better world, the firm still remains faithful to its original mission to create beautiful, inspiring spaces, with an uncompromising approach to design excellence. The firm’s specialisms are wide-ranging, spanning commercial and residential architecture, interior design, branded spaces and landscape design.

SUP Atelier of THAD

Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Sustainable Firm

Yunzhai Community Center by SUP Atelier of THAD Village Lounge of Shangcun by SUP Atelier of THADFirm Location: Beijing, China

Pictured Projects: Yunzhai Community Center, Xinxiang, China ; Village Lounge of Shangcun, Jixi, China

Established in 2011 in Beijing, SUP Atelier of THAD is committed to championing sustainability across the built environment. By taking inspiration from vernacular design and drawing on salvaged materials and native natural resources, the practice’s work showcases innovative structures that are acutely embedded in their locales.

Stand-out projects from the studio’s portfolio include the Village Lounge of Shangcun, a revived public space that combines reclaimed bricks, tiles, stone and wood from the site with locally sourced bamboo, and the Yunzhai Community Center, a modern iteration of the traditional Chinese garden, which preserves the land’s pre-existing trees.

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

Format Architecture designs “delightfully untraditional” Brooklyn restaurant
CategoriesInterior Design

Format Architecture designs “delightfully untraditional” Brooklyn restaurant

By Zarkon Group,

Bright colours, neon lighting and expressive furniture create a playful mood inside this Brooklyn restaurant, designed by local studio Format Architecture Office.

Cafe Mars is an Italian eatery located in Gowanus, founded by co-chefs Jorge Olarte, and Paul D’Avino – whose grandfather lived across the street when he first emigrated from Campania in 1901.

White oak arch over light grey bar counter, accompanied by hot pink chairsWhite oak arch over light grey bar counter, accompanied by hot pink chairs
Playful furniture throughout Cafe Mars includes chairs with hot-pink arched and zigzag legs

Honouring these roots, the restaurant is designed as a celebration of all things Italy: from the Memphis design movement of the 1980s to the glamorous Amalfi Coast.

“It was important to connect the intent of the culinary experience with the intent of the spatial experience,” said Format principal and co-founder Andrew McGee.

The bar and open kitchen framed by white oak panelsThe bar and open kitchen framed by white oak panels
The bar and open kitchen are framed by white oak panels

“If the driving force of the menu was to showcase knowledge and love of traditional Italian cuisine, twisted and subverted at just the right moments to create something playfully rebellious and unusual, it seemed only natural to reference the character and movement in [Ettore] Sottsass and the Memphis style with a similar vintage in the architecture and design realm,” he continued.

View through arch towards banquette seating and tables with exposed brick aboveView through arch towards banquette seating and tables with exposed brick above
Above each table in the main dining space is a yellow panel with a hole cut-out, exposing the building’s original brick

To enter the 1,100-square-foot (100-square-metre) restaurant, visitors must turn a pasta die door handle sourced from local third-generation manufacturer D Malardi & Sons.

“The detail is a charming nod to the building’s pasta factory and Italian grocery history whilst ushering in its restaurant future,” the studio said.

Row of white and yellow double-sided banquettesRow of white and yellow double-sided banquettes
The custom banquettes are coloured one yellow for every two white

Once inside the long narrow front space, the bar area can be found on the right and a row of back-to-back banquettes runs along the left.

The bar and the open kitchen further down are framed by white oak panelled arches, revealing a bright blue back bar that echoes the same shape.

Dining room with cobalt-coloured seating and exposed brick wallsDining room with cobalt-coloured seating and exposed brick walls
The “blue room” in the back features cobalt-coloured seating that contrasts the exposed brickwork

A tall, light grey counter forms an L-shape within the first arch, with a lower surface for diners seated in custom chairs by Studio Apotroes with hot pink zig-zag legs.

More seats – this time with white details – face the kitchen area, beside a bright green shelving unit for tableware tucked under the bar counter.

Pendant light with hot pink cord above blue banquette and wood tablesPendant light with hot pink cord above blue banquette and wood tables
Hot pink reappears in the cords of pendant lights, which have shades made from mushroom mycelium

Opposite, the custom double-sided banquettes have ribbed edges and are coloured one yellow for every two white.

In between are arched yellow panels with circular holes that expose the original brick walls behind, and Stuff by Andrew Neyer globe pendants that hang above each table.

View through black archway into purple-hued bathroomView through black archway into purple-hued bathroom
Pasta illustrations by artist Massimo Mongiardo are found throughout the interior, including in the bathroom

The “blue room” in the back features cobalt-coloured seating that contrasts the exposed brick walls, black window frames and white hexagonal floor tiles.

Hot pink reappears in the cords of pendant lights with MushLume shades made from mushroom mycelium, while bespoke wooden tables have puzzle-piece tops that slot together in various configurations.

At night, colourful LED lights within the circular wall elements, under the bar counter and above the back bar all match a neon sign in the window, which traces the Cafe Mars logo designed by artist Massimo Mongiardo.

His illustrations of pasta shapes can be found throughout the interiors, including in the bathrooms, and across the black-painted roller shutters pulled down when the restaurant is closed.

Black roller shutter covered with colourful illustrations of pasta shapesBlack roller shutter covered with colourful illustrations of pasta shapes
Mongiardo’s illustrations also cover the black roller shutter on the exterior

“The goal was to strike a delicate balance between fanciful and comforting, transformative and familiar,” said Format co-founder and principal Matthew Hettler.

“The design, however loud, becomes a backdrop for a quality experience, and that is something we are excited about.”

A neon version of the Cafe Mars logo placed in a windowA neon version of the Cafe Mars logo placed in a window
A neon version of the Cafe Mars logo sits in the window, matching the colorful LED lighting inside

Other relative newcomers to Brooklyn’s ever-evolving culinary scene include Nabila’s, a Lebanese spot designed by Frederick Tang Architecture, and Usonian-inspired eatery Sereneco featuring interiors by Carpenter + Mason.

Over in Manhattan, the number of Italian restaurants continues to balloon, with Bad Roman and Cucina Alba among the many to have opened in the past year.

The photography is by Nick Glimenakis.

Project credits:

Architecture and interior design: Format Architecture Office
Project team: Clare Hačko, David Hettler, Matt Hettler, Andrew McGee
Construction: Rusk
Structural engineer: Blue Sky Design
MEP engineer: Department of Approvals

Reference

Proctor & Shaw tops London home extension with serrated zinc roof
CategoriesArchitecture

Proctor & Shaw tops London home extension with serrated zinc roof

By Zarkon Group,

Architecture studio Proctor & Shaw has topped a home extension with a steeply-angled roof clad with red pigmented zinc in East Dulwich, London.

Home to a family of seven, Proctor & Shaw designed the project as an extension to an existing Edwardian house, extending the ground-floor kitchen and dining room.

Proctor & Shaw design London home extension with zinc roofProctor & Shaw design London home extension with zinc roof
Proctor & Shaw has designed a serrated roof edge for a London home extension

In order to restrict potential onlooking from neighbours, the studio crafted a unique serrated-edged roof with exposed rafter tails to run alongside the extension – enhancing both privacy and daylight access.

“From the side, the serrated edge blocks oblique views from the principal first-floor neighbouring windows,” Proctor & Shaw director John Proctor told Dezeen. “It is designed to be pulled back (with the shortest overhang) at the mid-window point to allow the maximum amount of light directly from above.”

Serrated roof edge designed for Edwardian house extensionSerrated roof edge designed for Edwardian house extension
The unique roof design features exposed rafter tails lined with Douglas fir

A newly built porcelain-tiled living space sits adjacent to the kitchen and dining room and is also sheltered by the roof’s large overhangs.

Deep skylights punctured into the roof draw daylight into the space below, while sliding doors seamlessly connect the interior with an outdoor patio.

View from newly built living space in London home extensionView from newly built living space in London home extension
Deep skylights draw daylight into the newly built living space

The interior space is defined by kitchen units and seating lined with warm-toned Douglas fir, which are contrasted by cool-toned concrete flooring and countertops.

A centralised services unit nestled behind the kitchen provides a bathroom and utility space defined by bold, pink-hued walls and matching floor tiles.

Built into a sloping site, level changes pose as thresholds – dividing the open-plan interior and exterior spaces.

Externally, metal steps lead down to the landscaped garden, which comprises a paved outdoor kitchen, seating area and outbuilding, designed in collaboration with Barbara Samitier Garden Design.

London home extension with Douglas fir interiorLondon home extension with Douglas fir interior
The kitchen and dining room have a largely concrete and wooden interior

According to the studio, drainage from the gutter-less zinc roof, as well as the home’s existing pitched roof, is provided at ground level to allow for a finely detailed roof edge.

“[The gutter-less roof] required careful navigation of regulatory requirements for rainwater drainage, which was ultimately achieved with the side roofs being kept small,” Proctor said.

Services unit within Proctor & Shaw's home extensionServices unit within Proctor & Shaw's home extension
The services unit is defined by bold-coloured walls

Other London home extensions completed by Proctor & Shaw include a glazed extension added to Sky Lantern House and a micro-apartment with a translucent “sleeping cocoon”.

The photography is by Nick Deardon.

Project credits:

Architect and interior designer: Proctor & Shaw
Structural engineer: Constant Structural Design
Landscape designer: Barbara Samitier Landscape and Garden Design
Contractor: R & D Nunes (trading as Yorkland Stone)
Building control: Cook Brown Buildings Control Ltd

Reference

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture utilises soft shapes for Austin high-rise
CategoriesInterior Design

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture utilises soft shapes for Austin high-rise

By Zarkon Group,

Texas studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas for a 50-storey residential high-rise building in Austin, as shown in this exclusive video captured by Dezeen.

Called 44 East, the building is located east of downtown Austin in the Rainey Street Historic district. The firm designed the interiors of the building’s common areas, which take cues from its natural surroundings, particularly the neighbouring Colorado River.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the interiors of 44 East

The practice enhanced the space using colour and texture, layering vintage and custom furnishings to create a relaxed and inviting ambience.

Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated throughout the space, with poured concrete terrazzo floors incorporated to pay homage to the gravel of the nearby riverside trail.

Michael Hsu interior design of 44 EastMichael Hsu interior design of 44 East
Curved surfaces and light colours are incorporated into the lobby area of 44 East

The interior is characterised by the use of soft shapes and natural materials throughout the various spaces, including on the eleventh floor, where pastel hues complement subtle architectural details.

The outdoor swimming pool features a series of pebble-shaped islands, with a partially-covered patio inviting guests to relax outside and enjoy the views of the river.

Swimming pool area of 44 East Swimming pool area of 44 East
The eleventh floor features a circular outdoor swimming pool

On the thirty-seventh floor, a large moon-like pendant light is suspended above a plush circular sofa.

The higher vantage point offers scenic views of downtown Austin, and features jewel tones and darker materials intended to complement the Texas skyline at dusk.

37th floor of 44 East37th floor of 44 East
The thirty-seventh floor features darker tones to complement views of the Texas skyline

44 East was developed by Intracorp, while the tower and unit interiors were designed by Page and landscapes designed by DWG.

The interior design of the common spaces is one of the latest projects by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, which is based in Austin and Houston.

The company recently completed its self-designed Austin studio, which is adorned in wood-and-fabric lined walls and industrial details, to accommodate its growing team.

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.



Reference

Unleash Your Expertise: Review Your Favorite Architecture Tools on the Tech Directory
CategoriesArchitecture

Unleash Your Expertise: Review Your Favorite Architecture Tools on the Tech Directory

By Zarkon Group,

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of architecture, the integration of cutting-edge technology is a crucial factor for staying ahead of the curve. Architizer’s Tech Directory not only serves as a repository for a myriad of tools but stands as a collaborative platform inviting architects and design enthusiasts to actively contribute to the ongoing narrative of architectural technology. This article serves as a rallying call, urging you to share your expertise by providing reviews on the Tech Directory.

Explore 100+ Architecture Tools

Why Your Review Matters

As architects and designers, your interaction with technological tools is transformative. Your reviews possess the power to guide and influence the collective understanding of the AEC technology landscape.

Architizer’s Tech Directory isn’t just a static database; it’s a dynamic space where your insights contribute to the continuous evolution of technological advancements in our field.

Submitting Your Review

Getting started on the road to becoming a leading expert in architecture tech is easy. As shown in the GIF below, simply follow these four steps:

  1. Navigate to the Tech Directory and click ‘Sign In’ in the top right corner.
  2. Create your dedicated Tech Directory user profile (distinct from your Architizer.com profile).
  3. Search for the tool you wish to review and select ‘Write a review.‘
  4. Provide a star rating (1 to 5) and articulate your detailed thoughts on the tool.

Screen recording of Architizer Tech Directory for ArchitectsIncentivizing Your Participation

To express our gratitude for your valuable contributions, we’re excited to offer the opportunity for select reviews to be published in upcoming editorial features on Architizer and LinkedIn. Imagine seeing your insights quoted, positioning you as a trailblazer in the realm of AEC technology.

Your voice matters, and we want to amplify it!

Crafting an Exceptional Review

Knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning plays a pivotal role in architecture and the wider AEC community. For this reason, the quality of your review holds great significance. Your thoughtful and detailed reviews will not only benefit individual architects, but contribute to the collective knowledge base of the entire profession, pushing software providers to improve their products for the industry.

By providing nuanced insights, you empower your peers to make informed decisions, fostering a culture of shared learning and advancement. Here are four ways to elevate your reviews and become a trusted thought leader:

1. Be Specific and Detailed:

  • Illuminate the standout features that set the tool apart.
  • Articulate how the tool elevates your workflow and enhances project outcomes.

2. Compare and Contrast:

  • Provide a nuanced perspective by differentiating the tool from its competitors.
  • Address any drawbacks or missing features to offer a well-rounded evaluation.

3. Be Authentic:

  • Speak from your own experiences. Your authenticity adds weight to your insights.
  • Consider what insights would have been beneficial to you when you first explored the tool.

4. Inspire with Practical Use Cases:

  • Share real-world examples of how the tool has positively impacted your architectural projects.
  • Illustrate your review with anecdotes that resonate with the challenges faced by fellow architects.

Calling All Innovators in AEC Technology: Add Your App

For those at the forefront of creating architectural software, this is your chance to showcase your innovation and get in front of a global community of designers! Create your listing on the Tech Directory and allow architects to explore the unique value your tool can bring to their projects.

In this collaborative endeavor, your reviews and listings will contribute to a comprehensive resource that benefits the entire architecture and design community. Join the community and help make the Tech Directory a vibrant space where insights fuel progress!

Explore the Directory

Reference

Cake Architecture draws on Bauhaus principles for Hoxton bar
CategoriesInterior Design

Cake Architecture draws on Bauhaus principles for Hoxton bar

By Zarkon Group,

Cake Architecture has renovated A Bar with Shapes for a Name, an east London cocktail bar featuring “utilitarian” interiors.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name owes its title to the yellow triangle, red square and blue circle that are emblazoned on its facade in a nod to the primary colours and understated geometry commonly associated with the Bauhaus.

Tall tubular chairs at A Bar with Shapes for a Name by Cake ArchitectureTall tubular chairs at A Bar with Shapes for a Name by Cake Architecture
Tall tubular chairs feature on the ground floor

When creating the bar’s minimalist interiors, Dalston-based Cake Architecture took cues from the influential German art and design school that was established in 1919 and advocated for an emphasis on functionality, among other similar principles.

Located at 232 Kingsland Road in Hoxton, the cocktail bar was renovated by the studio to serve as a multipurpose venue.

Reddish plywood barReddish plywood bar
Cake Architecture created a smooth ground-floor bar from reddish plywood

Cake Architecture doubled the bar’s capacity by adding a basement, which acts as a “kitchen-bar” room, and refurbished the ground floor’s existing seating area as well as a classroom-style space that offers a location for rotating events or workshops.

“These spaces have specific functional requirements and we selected colours and materials to suit,” studio director Hugh Scott Moncrieff told Dezeen.

Rectilinear light installation within bar by Cake ArchitectureRectilinear light installation within bar by Cake Architecture
It was positioned opposite a rectilinear light installation

Upon entering the bar, visitors are greeted by the main seating area or “showroom”, which was designed to be warm and inviting.

Tall tubular chairs finished with neutral rattan were positioned around chunky geometric tables made from birch ply stained to a rich, reddish-brown hue.

Glass-topped central table in the basementGlass-topped central table in the basement
The renovation included the addition of a new basement

The team also used the same timber to create the space’s curving bar, which is illuminated by a squat, cordless table lamp by lighting brand Flos.

Opposite the bar, a glowing rectilinear light installation by photographer Steve Braiden was fitted to the wall underneath bench-style seating reminiscent of early Bauhaus furniture designs.

Close-up of the steel, glass-topped tableClose-up of the steel, glass-topped table
A steel, glass-topped table sets an industrial tone

“We looked in particular at projects by the Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius,” reflected Scott Moncrieff.

“Gropius is a master of this elegant zoning through the application of colour and form,” he added.

Steel-framed tables in the classroomSteel-framed tables in the classroom
The “classroom” includes steel-framed tables

Downstairs, the low-lit basement was created to house additional seating as well as “all of the crazy machinery they use to prepare the drinks,” the designer said.

The basement is characterised by a bespoke central table by Cake Architecture and furniture designer Eddie Olin.

Sculptural, colourful lampSculptural, colourful lamp
Red, yellow and blue accents define a sculptural lamp

Consisting of a steel frame that “floats” over a central leg, the table was topped with a glass surface and its base was clad in phenolic-coated plywood to match the floor and walls.

“This new basement is predominantly a production space – so the palette reflects this with hardwearing, utilitarian and industrial materials,” said Scott Moncrieff.

A thick, felt curtain in ultramarine adds a pop of colour to the otherwise pared-back space.

With its pale blue walls and Valchromat-topped, steel-framed tables, the ground-floor “classroom” pays homage to the Bauhaus as an educational institution.

Tall blackboard in the classroomTall blackboard in the classroom
A tall blackboard provides space to learn in the classroom

Brighter blue vinyl covers the floors while a sculptural lamp featuring red, yellow and blue circles echoes the bar’s logo.

A tall blackboard and overhead strip lighting add to the classroom feel of the space, which is used for various group events.

Illuminated bathroom sinkIlluminated bathroom sink
Thin vertical lights frame the bathroom sink

Cake Architecture worked closely with the bar’s founders Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat when creating the interiors, which were primarily informed by the duo’s way of working.

“The team has a conceptually driven ethos drawn from the theory and practice of Bauhaus embedded in everything they are doing. We found that incredibly exciting,” explained Scott Moncrieff.

Sconce lighting on the wallSconce lighting on the wall
A Bar with Shapes for a Name is located on London’s Kingsland Road

“The Bauhaus phrase ‘party, work, play’ was pertinent to some early ideas and this carried through all our design discussions,” noted the designer.

“The space enables these three things. Separately as individual functions and simultaneously as a representation of the overall atmosphere of a bar!”

Cake Architecture previously worked with interior designer Max Radford to create a curtain-wrapped speakeasy in London’s Soho. The studio also designed a workspace for London agency Ask Us For Ideas in the same part of the city.

The photography is by Felix Speller. 



Reference

Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future
CategoriesArchitecture

Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

As climate change unfolds, bringing about rising sea levels, increased occurrences of flooding and a surge in climatic events, the concept of living in a floating home — or houseboat — could potentially emerge as a pragmatic and innovative solution to face the environmental challenges associated with coastal living. Opting for a floating home is not just a practical choice but a visionary one. It signifies a departure from the vulnerabilities associated with traditional coastal housing and an embrace of a lifestyle that aligns with the dynamic and ever-changing character of coastal ecosystems. It is a bold step towards a future where adaptability and ingenuity are at the forefront of our response to the challenges posed by climate change along our coastlines.

Sustainably designed buildings that float on water could positively influence the preservation of at-risk waterside communities at a point where the evolution of coastal development stands at a critical juncture. This evolution demands a transformative shift to confront the adverse consequences of climate change, and the traditional paradigms governing coastal areas must undergo a profound reevaluation that calls for a departure from conventional practices. There is an imperative need for sustainable and adaptive approaches characterized by resilient infrastructure, eco-friendly design principles, and a profound understanding of the delicate balance between human settlements and the dynamic coastal environment.

Hope Floats: Embracing a Wetter Future

Floating Office Rotterdam

Floating Office Rotterdam by Powerhouse Company. Rotterdam, Netherlands. | Photo by Mark Seelen.

Coastal land areas have long endured the consequences of unchecked development. However, looking at the positive aspects amid the challenges of coastal development, there lies a realm of possibilities for innovative design solutions that address the complexities of proximity to water. Coastal development opens avenues beyond the construction of nature-based or man-made flood protection infrastructure, emphasizing adaptability and a symbiotic relationship with the dynamic forces of nature.

Within the realms of design and urban planning, attention turns to floating houses and amphibious architecture — some to float permanently, others built on special foundations allowing them to rest on solid ground or float when necessary. These creative solutions aim to mitigate environmental impacts and incorporate resilient design strategies in harmony with natural surroundings. Floating homes can integrate green infrastructure, sustainable building materials, and innovative water management systems, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with a broader ethos of harmonizing human habitation with nature, forging a symbiotic relationship between dwellings and the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, these solutions could make existing communities more resilient and allow them to keep living in the places they are closely connected to.

Tides of Change: The Integration of Floating Houses in Urban Spaces

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen by Architectenbureau Marlies Rohmer. Amsterdam, Netherlands | Photo by Marcel van der Burg.

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen. Site plan.

Floating houses are integral to an urban design ethos. Financially categorized as immovable properties, they rival traditional land-based housing in both interior volume and comfort. The appeal of waterfront living lies in its practical response to climate considerations and its role in reshaping urban development paradigms. Additionally, there’s an aesthetic dimension, as living on the water fosters a sense of liberty and closeness to nature. This not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to the reinvigoration of urban areas and the sustainable utilization of available space.

Waterbuurt-est, within Amsterdam’s IJburg development, features a density akin to the central Jordaan district, with around 100 homes per hectare. The Netherlands has a history of living close to water. That means living on land protected by dykes, on mounds, ashore, or floating. Only recently have floating homes been eligible as a significant solution to Holland’s modern housing needs. The design challenge was highlighting water as a distinctive feature. Floating houses on jetties and the Quay building on a water-protruding platform solved this, providing an acoustic barrier and parking, considering the ban on vehicles on jetties. Jetties accommodate four to twenty-five houses each, creating a dynamic community. Three towering “pile dwellings” punctuate the landscape, aligning with bridges connecting jetties. This intentional arrangement ensures uninterrupted water views, blending architectural innovation with the natural setting.

Water Cabin: A Tranquil Oasis in Seattle’s Floating Home Legacy

Water Cabin

Water Cabin by Olson Kundig. Seattle, Washington, United States. | Photo by Aaron Leitz.

Water Cabin continues a long history of floating homes in Seattle. Located in a floating home community on Portage Bay, just south of the University of Washington, it establishes a cabin sensibility in an urban environment. Low to the water and small in stature, the home’s interior program is thoughtfully arranged across two levels to maximize connections to the surrounding marine environment. Water Cabin’s materiality draws inspiration from the weathered informality of a cabin. Lightly stained knotty western red cedar exterior siding will weather over time with minimal maintenance. Durable, low-maintenance metal elements like galvanized steel and flame-sprayed zinc nod to the demanding marine environment and will complement the color of the siding as it silvers.

Seascape Metropolis: Rethinking Urban Living with Vertical City

The visionary idea of residing on water transcends being solely an architectural marvel; it emerges as a comprehensive solution for coastal cities navigating the complexities of climate change. It is a testament to the possibility of redefining urban living to be not just sustainable but also regenerative, turning the threats of climate change into an opportunity for creating resilient, vibrant, and environmentally conscious urban spaces along our coastlines.

Vertical Cities

Vertical City by Luca Curci Architects. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Vertical City presents a visionary project proposing a water-settled “city-building” designed for 25,000 residents. This innovative initiative fosters a lifestyle deeply connected with water, challenging traditional notions of community and society. Integrating various renewable energy sources — such as wind and water turbines, solar panels, energy storage solutions, water desalination, and inclusive food production and farming — the project is dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle and reimagining urban living by eliminating suburban sprawl. By seamlessly blending sustainability with elevated population density, Vertical City aims to establish a zero-energy “city-building.”

While the challenges of developing land in contact with water are significant, they also offer a compelling canvas for reimagining urban landscapes. By embracing a holistic and sustainable design approach, we have the opportunity to transform potential drawbacks into catalysts for positive change, fostering resilient, inclusive, and harmonious urban environments along coastlines.

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

Reference