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Rejecting the Ribbon Window: 7 Architectural Experimentations With Fenestration
CategoriesArchitecture

Rejecting the Ribbon Window: 7 Architectural Experimentations With Fenestration

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 10th Annual A+Awards. Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches. 

In his 1927 manifesto, Five Points of Architecture, Le Corbusier made horizontal windows a core concept of his architectural philosophy. These long narrow windows which could wrap around the façade’s length like a ribbon, he argued, were the best way to offer evenly light spaces throughout a building without compromising privacy. Le Corbusier’s ‘ribbon window’ (highlighted in emblematic projects like his Villa Savoye) quickly became a staple of modernist architecture. From schools to office buildings and apartment blocks, the ribbon window became somewhat omnipresent.

One hundred years later, in a step that follows a similar logic yet moves away from Le Corbusier’s iconic signature, architects continue playing with new configurations for fenestration. Whether by de-emphasizing the horizontal nature of windows or experimenting with different shapes, sizes and compositions, architects are moving towards more tailored and idiosyncratic approaches to fenestration design.

Casas Cubo

By Aleph Zero, Curitiba, Brazil

Photos by Felipe Gomes

The architects of this new project in a remote neighborhood north of Curitiba wanted to create a sense of distinction between the three complexes and nearby houses. They do so by treating the exterior façades as a canvas onto which narrow windows are etched in seemingly whimsical fashion – though their order strategically aligns with the layout and functions of the rooms inside. The colorful composition of square and rectangular frames on the white plaster exterior is a clever homage to Piet Mondrian’s neo-plasticist masterpieces.

The Snail Apartments

By archimatika, New York City, NY

The design concept for this residential project in Chelsea, New York combines features from two different eras of the city’s architectural history: 19th and 20th century brick housing and contemporary glass skyscrapers. Yet, neither inspiration can account for the arrangement of floor to ceiling cylindrical-shaped windows which give the façade a lively character. It’s ironic that the project’s emblem is a snail because the design leaps towards an exciting vision of the future.

House in S.Abbondio

By wespi de meuron romeo architects, Locarno, Switzerland

Photos by Hannes Henz

Standing on a steep slope near Lake Maggiore in the Swiss Alps, this new house keeps things simple with a cubic shaped structure and wood panel cast concrete walls. The irregularly placed large square and rectangular windows breaks with the monolithic façades and ensures no view of the stunning lake goes unseen.

House Au Yeung

By Tribe Studio, Sydney, Australia

The rear extension to this modest 1930s bungalow in a leafy Sydney suburb reproduces many of the sensible design choices of the original house: herringbone brick gables, a brick sunburst and some Tudor detailing among other details. However, three deep-set square windows bring a pop of modernity to the rear façade, matching the design ethos of the new living room on the floor below.

Jazz Loft

By T2.a Architects, Budapest, Hungary

Photos by Zsolt Batar

This residential building is the culmination of a fifteen year-long meticulous renovation and restoration project of an abandoned 19th century mill on the outskirts of Budapest. The decaying façade was refurbished and reinforced but maintained almost identically to its original configuration. Not only does this give a fresh face to the old building, it also helps reinterpret the industrial design elements for the new residential purpose.

Most notably, the row of windows on the top floor is now highlighted by a dark-grey brick cladding and draws attention to their random assortment of shapes and sizes; what were once functional windows designed for the mill now give an improvisational dynamism to the building, making it fit for the name “Jazz Loft”.

House A&J

By CKX architects, Eindhoven, Netherlands

This new residence in Eindhoven is a playful remix on Le Corbusier’s ribbon window. The architects add a vertical dimension to the horizontal windows, ensuring one continuous flow of glass over two floors carved within the yellow cubic volumes. These offer generous vertical views of the nearby forestry while maintaining enough privacy for the second-floor bedrooms.

Fidalga_727

By Triptyque Architecture, São Paulo, Brazil

This new high rise apartment block in a middle-class neighborhood of São Paulo references the Paulista School — one of the major 20th century movements in Brazilian Brutalist architecture — with an elevated concrete structure and a building body fragmented into three parts. Somewhat ironically, it’s the Bauhaus-inspired window pattern (reminiscent of Walter Gropius’s Bauhaus Dessau) that takes the building into the 21st century.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 10th Annual A+Awards. Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches. 

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Contemporary Vaults: 6 Modern Iterations of a Age-Old Architectural Classic
CategoriesArchitecture

Contemporary Vaults: 6 Modern Iterations of a Age-Old Architectural Classic

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Vaults have existed in architecture for thousands of years. Essentially an extrusion of an arch along an axis, the structural value of the self-supporting form has made it a popular motif across typologies and around the world: from the construction of homes, religious buildings and more. Additionally, arches can be created using a variety of materials such as stone, brick, timber and even bamboo. Some examples of traditional vault forms include smooth barrel vaults, complex groin vaults, pointed arch vaults and decorative rib vaults, among others. These systems not only act as a structural framework but also help elevate plain ceilings. With each innovation in arch-building technology came new aesthetic styles and forms of architectural expression.

Yet, despite their versatility, vaults and domes remain widely associated with more traditional design styles or religious architecture. The projects below break away from the stereotype and show how these time-tested forms can be adapted to suit modern homes and public spaces.

Waffled Spaces

Bean to Bar Chocolatier by STUDIO TOGGLE, Salmiya, Kuwait

It was tricky to create brightness, storage and openness in a narrow, enclosed site. One solution, as showcased in the Bean to Bar Chocolatier store, introduces a waffle vault throughout the length of the space. A waffle vault can add dimension and interest to the ceiling without reducing the height in the way a false ceiling would. In this case, it can also extend to the floors and create room for display shelves. These pixels, which were sized based on the dimensions of the chocolate packaging, can be changed to create different patterns as and when needed. In other cases, waffle vaults such as this one can also be used to conceal lighting fixtures.

Organic Forms

Guyim Vault House by Nextoffice, Concept

While vaults are traditionally elements that prominently enhance the interiors, they can also be used to redefine form on the outside. Using vaults in a skeletal cuboidal framework restrains the geometry while also creating a contoured form that clearly defines spaces and gives the structure a strong identity. In Guyim Vault House, Nextoffice uses semi-vaulted structural elements to create mounds in the different levels of the home. The system creates a very unique structural network that makes way for unique spatial blocks inside. These vaulted forms intersect with each other to create both public and private zones. For example, three domes face each other on the first floor to create a semi-private quadrangle. Taking this a step further, the forms on the upper level open up to allow light to enter the home.

Pointed Patterns

New Preston Mosque by AIDIA STUDIO

The pointed arch, which is commonly associated with Gothic architecture, found its origins in Islamic and Indian architecture. These arches were used to create doorways and ornate windows in religious or important structures. The team at AIDIA STUDIO used this historical reference and gave it a contemporary twist to create this conceptual mosque. Using a pointed arch form to create a vault allows the form to span more considerable lengths with more stability. It also allows for bigger column-free floor spans. Here, the studio turned this element into a fractal pattern that gets repeated across different levels and scales throughout the mosque.

Geometric Ceilings

Vaulted House by vPPR Architects, London, United Kingdom

When curved ceilings don’t work with the overall design scheme, there is always an option to turn them into geometric arrangements that create a similar experience. This can be seen in Vaulted House by vPPR Architects. The roof of the entire home is divided into geometric vaults that coincide with the spatial distribution within the home. These sharp inclines completely mask the huge steel beams that are used to hold them up. The vaults are also capped with skylights to maximize the amount of natural light entering the home. To broaden the scope of this design, this trapezoidal geometry is further expanded to multiple objects around the house including the fireplace, windows, floors and the entrance.

Bamboo Lattice

Naman Retreat Conference Hall by Vo Trong Nghia Architects, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Vietnam | Images by Hiroyuki Oki

A way of adapting the vault form for tropical regions is constructing it using locally-acquired materials such as bamboo. The flexibility of bamboo stems allows them to be bent and bundled together to create a sturdy framework that can hold up a large column-free roof. In Naman Retreat Conference Hall, two types of bamboo are used to create the central hall and an adjoining vaulted corridor. The enclosed hall spans about 44 feet and goes as high as 31 feet. A large glass plane is placed three arches in to create an arched canopy outside. These curved frames are prefabricated on ground to ensure quick and easy assembly, while being very affordable and offering more control.

Asymmetrical Systems

FaBRICKate by ADAPt, Isfahan, Iran | Images by Soroosh

Modern fabrication methods and materials have expanded the possibilities of buildable forms and architectures. And so, while it was often taken as a given that vaults were symmetrical structures in the past, architects are now exploring new ways of looking at them by using manual and digital technologies. FaBRICKate is an experimental free-form compression-only vault system that reverses the mechanism used by the tension-dependent catenary form. Using different 3D modeling plugins, the team devised this asymmetrical form and used a waffle structure combining a grid mesh and steel rods to construct it. This reinterpretation of the classic vault opens up new ways of carving spaces that are transcendental and unique.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

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The Future of Materials: Terracotta Rain Screens and Cladding
CategoriesArchitecture

The Future of Materials: Terracotta Rain Screens and Cladding

By Zarkon Group,

How can architecture be a force for good in our ever-changing world? During Future Fest, we’ll pose this question to some of the world’s best architects. Launching in September, our three-week-long virtual event will be 100% free to attend. Register here!

Terracotta is a material that spans millennia. Durable as it is beautiful, terracotta has a range of inherent building properties that makes it an ideal choice for construction. In contemporary architecture and design, terracotta is specified as a way to redefine building envelopes with both rain screens and cladding. With a range of colors, textures, and forms, this ceramic is a material used throughout history. Now we’re inviting experts in materials, architecture, and interiors to discuss the Future of Materials for an entire week this September. The virtual event, Future Fest, will be 100% free to attend.

Register for Future Fest

Dating back to the Babylonians, terracotta continues to be a material selected for diverse building types around the world. It’s also redefining the future of how we design. By definition, architectural terracotta refers to a fired mixture of clay and water that can be used in non-structural and structural capacities on the exterior or interior of a building. Each of the following projects reinterprets terracotta and its application in diverse building types.

Pope John Paul II Hall

By Randić and Associates, Rijeka, Croati

Sited in one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Croatia, this Great Hall was designed alongside the Pope’s visit to Rijeka. Housing cultural activities of the monastery, the project also creates a new major entrance for the pilgrims and a large public walk. A pixel-ized terracotta volume was designed to filter light inside the structure while a columned portico forms a new public square outside.

The building features a single terracotta-brick surface. By varying the gaps between the terracotta bricks, the pixelated structure brings light into the hall. Architectural terracotta is slightly different from normal bricks, they are plain or ornamental with a glazed coating and larger in size than brick. The color goes compliments existing construction at the monastery and imitates a simple hip-roofed barn.

The Wellin Museum of Art

By Machado Silvetti, Clinton, NY, United States

TerraClad façade by Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Located on the Hamilton College campus, the Wellin Museum of art was designed as part of a new arts quad. The building includes admin offices, seminar rooms, galleries, and a monumental two-story glass archive hall. Dark terracotta cladding was used along the central volume to reinforce its role programmatically and organizationally.

The TerraClad façade product made by Boston Valley was forming using an extrusion method. The enclosure combines both terracotta and precast cladding with curtain wall fenestration. The system was chosen to ensure that the thermal performance of the exterior enclosure would contribute to the building’s success and meet the College’s sustainability goals.

The Diana Center at Barnard College

By WEISS / MANFREDI, New York, NY, United States

Terracotta Frit Panel by Goldray Industries

Located at Barnard College, the Diana Center includes a gallery space, a library, classrooms, dining, and a black box theater. A slipped atria links spaces vertically and becomes connected through ascending stairs. Luminous terracotta glass panels were used throughout the building envelope. Surrounded by a campus defined by brick and terracotta, the Diana translates the static opacity of masonry into a luminous curtain wall.

The building’s color is created by a pale terracotta-colored frit on the #2 surface and the bright red painted back panel beneath. The glass panel, provided by Goldray Industries, is acid-etched on its exterior surface to give a matte texture, and the terracotta frit is on the interior surface.

Mercy Corps Global Headquarters

By Hacker, Portland, OR, United States

LONGOTON Terracotta Rainscreen Panels by Shildan

The Mercy Corps building was built to exemplify a sustainable, community-focused approach while encouraging visitors to engage with contemporary issues. Doubling the size of the historic Portland Packer-Scott Building, the landmark project combined a green roof, with resource-friendly landscaping and a glass and terracotta envelope.

Certified LEED Platinum, the project uses Shildan/Moeding LONGOTON® terracotta with extruded, double leaf, 40mm panels. The panel has increased strength from a chain of internal I-beam supports. The panels were chosen because of their flexibility in being able to be incorporated in both horizontal and vertical support systems, as well as a flexible orientation in layout.

School of Art & Design at New York State College of Ceramics

By Ikon.5 Architects, Alfred, NY, United States

Terracotta panels by Boston Valley Terra Cotta

The terracotta tube façade for this ceramics pavilion screens both rain and solar heat, while its staggered pattern was inspired by pottery racks. The Art Pavilion was created as a “ceramic vessel” holding both light and art. The design was inspired by the region’s history of manufacturing ceramics, and incorporates the unglazed, hollow tubes with an off-white pigment.

Boston Valley’s terracotta façade system recalls the interior program while defining a material and haptic boundary. South-facing galleries are protected from direct sunlight, while the pavilion dramatically engages campus on-lookers as a piece of ceramic art. It allows passerby to see inside the exhibition gallery and places student work on public display.

The Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art

By Machado Silvetti, Sarasota, FL, United States

Terracotta panels by Boston Valley Terra Cotta

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art features both a permanent collection and temporary exhibition galleries on a historic sixty-six acre estate. Believed to be originally envisioned as one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the Museum was ahead of its time in assembling a significant collection of Asian Art. Now governed by Florida State University, the Museum establishes the Ringling Estate as one of the largest museum-university complexes in the United States.

The Asian Art Study Center is an addition and ‘gut renovation’ and to the West Wing galleries on the southwest corner of the Museum complex. The addition’s façade is composed of deep-green, glazed terra cotta tiles that address the client’s requirement of a new monumental entrance. Machado Silvetti collaborated closely with Boston Valley Terra Cotta to develop the color, form and installation technique for the panels.

How can architecture be a force for good in our ever-changing world? During Future Fest, we’ll pose this question to some of the world’s best architects. Launching in September, our three-week-long virtual event will be 100% free to attend. Register here!

Reference

To Make Sure Neutral Architectural Surfaces Don’t Fall Flat, Just Add Texture
CategoriesArchitecture

To Make Sure Neutral Architectural Surfaces Don’t Fall Flat, Just Add Texture

By Zarkon Group,

At their best, blank white walls can make a room feel large and airy; on the other hand, expansive blank planes can also lend themselves to clinical or boring atmospheres. And while vibrant colors and bold patterns can inject some personality into spaces, they might not always be an option for homes and offices that are dimly light, narrow or cramped.

In such cases, where neutral tones like white and beige are preferable, adding texture to walls and ceilings can add movement and depth to a monochrome space. Subtle textural protrusions won’t take up much space yet will leave a strong impact. More and more architects are incorporating corrugations, curved profiles, shallow folds and more to add intrigue to greyscale walls and ceilings.

Images by Jonathan Leijonhufvud Architectural Photography

Nanchang Insun International Cinema by One Plus Partnership Ltd, Wuhan, China

Taking inspiration from the black font over white pages in books, the studio transformed the cinema into a heavily textured space. The different panels on the walls are reminiscent of the flipping of pages of masterpieces written by scriptwriters. In the lobby, visitors come across cashier tables that resemble giant stacks of paper — in reality, they are made of Corian.

Panels with slim triangular blocks are suspended from the ceiling to resemble a curtain of flipping paper. Even the columns in the space have been painted and textured to continue the black and white theme. The only thing breaking up the monotony of black and white is a series of green cylindrical spotlights that are put together in an abstract composition.

Huaxin Business Center by Scenic Architecture, Shanghai, China
Jury Winner, 2014 A+Awards, Office Building – Low Rise (1-4 Floors)

The aim of the project was to maximize green cover and protect the six trees present on site. This is achieved by elevating the main mass above the ground to leave more room for green spaces below. The four blocks of the building are connected by open bridges. On the upper level, the spaces holding important functions are covered in twisted aluminum strips on the outside. These strips add translucency to the walls and help establish connectivity with nature beyond. The thin panels, much like light strips of paper floating and twisting with the wind, give the building a very tactile quality and heighten the experience as people walk around and try to peek at the trees beyond.

Images by Sharyn Cairns

Paperbark by KOICHI TAKADA ARCHITECTS, Melbourne, Australia

The restaurant offers a zero-waste menu with locally foraged Australian produce that is designed to inspire and delight. The space reflects this awareness of nature and slow movement. It is inspired by the Victorian Dandenong Ranges and the organic lines of the native paperbark tree. Repurpose biodegradable fabric is used to create the contoured ceiling installation. The subtle tones and softness of the installation help people form an emotional connection with nature while they dine and thereby create more awareness around conservation.

“Light Arrival” Yorkshire Ceiling by Flynn Architecture & Design, Crystal Lake, Illinois

Fluid lines on the ceiling of the sunroom help soften the rectangular edges of this space. Instead of going the digitally designed route, the ceiling is hand sculpted using translucent contoured panels that cover low-voltage LED strip lights for a diffused glow. During the day, when the lights are turned off, the shadows created by sunlight add more dimension to this three-dimensional installation. Fans suspended from this ceiling feature a similar curved profile.

Norwegian embassy in Athens by gfra, Athens, Greece

Unlike traditional origami, the art of kirigami uses small cuts in paper along with folks to create intricate, three-dimensional patterns. The Norwegian embassy in Athens uses this technique to imitate mountains reflecting in the fjord waters. Lights placed above this wooden structure enhance the folds and make this the focal point of the overall space.

Images by Alik Usik and Serhii Nikiforov

Tween Coexistence by Dmytro Aranchii Architects, Kyiv, Ukraine

Curved and bent strips of white shape all elements of this space — right from the ceilings to the reception desk. This technique also helps the furniture to blend into the walls, visualizing fluid circulation. The waiting area contains a large reception desk and an L-shaped sofa that blends in with the stairs leading to the interior spaces. On the ceiling, one can see two distinct patterns: one that originates in the reception area and another that continues along the transition to the inner spaces.

Images by Anil Patel

1102 Penthouse by Apical Reform, Ahmedabad, India

Much like a handcrafted contour model, planes with gradually decreasing cutouts are layered on top of one another to create the ceiling. Similar cutouts are used to embellish the kitchen island and console. The entire space is decorated in a neutral palette of grey and white to create a calming atmosphere. The staircase leading to the terrace is also composed using folded strips of metal similar to the forms of kirigami sculptures. Despite its lightness, it still holds a strong presence within the space.

Images by Jun Murata

N STRIPS by Jam, Osaka, Japan

This project is a renovation of a multi-tenant building that holds living areas and office spaces. The previous blank façade of the building is transformed into an eye-catching display with the help of white fins. This was done to add more privacy as the plot across from it is meant to have an apartment building built on it in the future. Furthermore, the louvers help conceal any unevenness in the external walls as well as the new pipes installed. The extrusions also create constantly changing shadows throughout the day.

 

Reference

Why Portugal Is a Dream Destination for Design Lovers
CategoriesArchitecture

Why Portugal Is a Dream Destination for Design Lovers

By Zarkon Group,

Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and there is no surprise why. Located at the southwest point of Europe, Portugal enjoys a coastline connected to the Atlantic Ocean and borders Spain to the east. The country is filled with a range of breathtaking landscapes and historical sites to explore, all within close proximity to one another. Portugal harmoniously blends heritage with modernity, making it an unbeatable travel destination — for leisure and for architecture. From museums and interactive installations to distinctive religious sites and elevated hospitality, there is something for everyone in Portugal. This collection will highlight some some of the country’s stunning contemporary architecture, represented by a range of typologies.

Museums 

Photos by Joao Morgado

Museums play an important role in reciting the history, culture and heritage of a nation, and in Portugal, one will find an abundance of modern complexes dedicated to Portuguese art and culture.

Take the Olive Oil Museum for example. Located in Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal, and designed by VT – Vasco Teixeira Architecture, this site delineates the history of olive oil production. The museum features an array of objects belonging to the owner António Dias’ private collection dating back to the Romans. The site was built in the shape of an olive branch, which reflects the museum’s theme and becomes recognizable to visitors. From a bird’s eye view, one can recognize the form of an olive branch, which was designed using natural shapes and earth-toned hues.

Visitors are taken through a chronological journey that retells the history of producing olive oil. Each room is connected to the museum’s central space, and as viewers move through the edifice, they finish in a room that faces the breathtaking Serra de Estrela mountain range. This museum is distinctive and particular to Portugal and serves as a fantastic day trip for tourists who find themselves in the central district of Coimbra.

History 

One does not need to venture far to be immersed in Portugal’s expansive history. From the eighth century, Muslim communities dominated the Iberian Peninsula and have left their mark in today’s modern-day Portugal. Moorish architecture can be spotted by simply browsing the streets of Lisbon, while others incorporate traditional Moorish elements into their contemporary builds.

For example, a residential dwelling located in Mesão Frio, Portugal embraces the Moorish tradition of privacy without compromising sight. Quinta da Boavista designed by SAMF Arquitectos is located near Portugal’s Douro River and overlooks a hilly valley. The home is located on a wine-producing estate and takes the form of a U shape. The home’s two existing structures are connected by a new volume and together create an expansive courtyard.

The newer dwelling continues the stonework found in the original edifice and was designed to relate to the surrounding landscape. Openings were added to strengthen the relationship between indoors and out — even the additional bedrooms lead onto an outdoor terrace. The home is deeply connected to the outdoors however, in keeping with Moorish traditions, a sense of privacy is maintained through a purposeful placement of openings that can be obscured if need be.

Progressive Private Residences 

Portugal’s visual language is rich in well-preserved historic architecture and innovative contemporary design. This marriage of old and new makes for a special place to explore.

Located in the prestigious town of Cascais is The Wall House, a residential dwelling designed by Guedes Cruz Architects. The home is everything but boring and was built primarily using concrete, glass and wood. At first glance, the home looks like a large concrete box, which was done to protect the structure from the Atlantic winds as well as provide a sense of privacy. However, once inside, the experience changes. The dwelling’s most pronounced feature is the two exterior pools, one located on the ground level and the other above.

The upper-level pool is placed across the ground-level pool and features a transparent glass floor. Due to its transparency, the ground level is filled with a unique blue hue. Additionally, a glistening ambiance is created by the shadows from the water above as well as the sunlight filtering through the upper-level pool. The home is designed to offer expansive views of the adjacent golf course while maintaining a degree of privacy. It is not every day that one comes across a residence like this. The Wall House exemplifies the innovative architecture one will come across in Portugal.

Interactive Streets 

Portuguese designers utilize public spaces in a very special way. With the goal of strengthening community and encouraging interaction, public structures can be found throughout the country.

atelier do rossio architecture embraced the metamorphosis of a butterfly to inform the design of a public installation. Located in Viseu, Portugal is COCOON, a public structure designed for anyone and everyone. The cocoon symbolizes metamorphosis, growth, and shelter, and the structure is intended to do just that – protect and aid in transformation. The structure is a weaved cocoon made of wood and steel. Origami pieces cover the façade which works to enclose the structure and give it its distinctive appearance. Passerbyers are able to interact with the space in whatever capacity they please – whether it be admiring it from afar or enjoying it from within.

Elevated Hospitality & Unbeatable Landscapes

Jury Winner & Popular Choice, 2021 A+Awards, Unbuilt Hospitality | Photo by Mir AS

Photo by 24STUDIO

Photo by 24STUDIO

From mountain ranges, rolling plains to archipelagoes, Portugal is filled with spectacular landscapes all within arm’s reach. Portugal’s special topography has attracted tourists for decades, and the recent influx of visitors has given rise to the booming hospitality industry. In Portugal, one will find luxurious hotels and breathtaking landscapes, and sometimes, the two collide.

Located in Tabuaço, Portugal on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alto Douro Wine Region is Quinta de Santo António Hotel & Winery. This award-winning hotel is located below an 18th-century chapel and consists of a series of volumes positioned around a courtyard. The design team, Atelier Sérgio Rebelo, carefully studied the region’s vernacular architecture and local materials to construct the hotel. The site effortlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape and is designed so that guests can connect and experience this special wine region. The site’s architecture works to frame views of the surrounding landscape while offering a high-end hotel experience. Quinta de Santo António Hotel & Winery is an unparalleled hotel experience that offers breathtaking views, incredible wine and sophisticated amenities.

Unique Religious Sites

Popular Choice, 2018 A+Awards, Architecture + Wood | Jury Winner & Popular Choice , 2018 A+Awards, Religious Buildings & Memorials

Portugal’s most practiced religion is Roman Catholic, and as a result, one will find an array of ancient religious sites to visit. However, today’s devout don’t only frequent historic sites to practice their faith.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

 

Reference

6 Rural Residences Composed of Clustered Volumes
CategoriesArchitecture

6 Rural Residences Composed of Clustered Volumes

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Whether on top of the mountain or deep into the woods, staying in close contact with nature can free your heart and mind from exhausting urban life. When designing with rich natural contexts, breaking the architectural volume down into smaller units is an unexpected approach that architects should consider. This strategy allows flexibility in organizing functional spaces, especially when the project needs to cope with the undulating landscape.

Explore with this collection of projects that are clustered in groups of small volumes across stunning landscapes. Instead of a huge, loud form, they communicate with their natural surroundings more harmonically.

sail house_aerial

sail house_terrace

Photos by Kevin Scott

Sail House by David Hertz Architects, Studio of Environmental Architecture, Grenadines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 2020
Jury Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Private House (XL > 6,000 sq ft)

Located on one of the beautiful islands of the Grenadines, the Sail House consists of a series of residences overlooking the bay. Hiding in the jungle, there are a primary residence, a caretaker’s residence and several guesthouses, all scattered across the mountainous landscape.

Inspired by the local sailing culture, the roofs are formed by white membranes which are stretched into shapes by steel ‘masts.’ The tensile roofs provide enough shading to keep the residences from overheating. At the same time, the second layer of membranes allows heat to escape from the roof without exposing the interior to rainwater. Rainwater is collected by the roof system and channeled down to the basement through the structural masts. Utilizing the rich precipitation of the site, the sail house is self-sufficient in water.

knot house_aerial

knot house_private entrance

Photos by Kyungsub Shin

Knot House by Atelier Chang Ltd, Geoje-si, South Korea, 2014
Jury Winner & Popular Choice, 2015 A+Awards, Hotels + Resorts

The Knot House comprises five sculptural volumes. Five volumes are modular yet closely connected, creating a continuous geometrical form that follows the geological profile. Each knot is a folding shape that provides a private ocean view. The houses are twisted 40 degrees toward the sea to create a triangular private zone by each knot. This twisting exaggerates the dynamicity in the overall form, making the building visible from far away. Among the five knots, the big knot houses a clubhouse and the owner’s residence, and four one-story knots host six guestrooms. Tilted walls and fragmented timber surfaces extend the formal dynamic to interior spaces.

jikka_exteriorjikka_interiorJIKKA by issei suma/SUMA, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, 2015

JIKKA is like a bunch of mushrooms growing in the woodland of Shizuoka. The house consists of five huts that together accommodate two ladies in their 60s. Each hut is tailored to fit its program, making them vary in dimensions. The dining/living room and the master bedroom each have a skylight on top, while the other three huts housing the guest room, guest bath and utility room have enclosed, pointed roofs. In contrast to the tall ceiling, the glazed openings are relatively low while meeting the ground. Such form-making strategies create a spacious yet cozy living space.

casa sardinera_farcasa sardinera_poolCasa Sardinera by Ramon Esteve Estudio, Xàbia, Spain, 2014

Casa Sardinera stands on the top of a rockery hill, enjoying an unblock view of the Mediterranean Sea. The building is east-west orientated which facilitates cross-ventilation in the summer and helps capture sunlight in the winter. Adjustable shutters provide shading and privacy for the entry-facing west façade. In contrast, the east façade is made transparent by floor-to-ceiling glazing, generously inviting the attractive landscape into the rooms. The overhangs become sheltered verandas that lead to the outdoor pool and panoramic view of the landscape. While the architectural volumes are rather blocky, white concrete and pale-color timber create a sense of lightness.

Es Pou_aerialEs Pou_exteriorEs Pou by marià castelló, architecture, Balearic Islands IB, Spain, 2021

The project is sited on a rural plot on the island of Formentera. Around the project are farmlands and a flourishing woodland in the west, protecting the house from the setting sun. All three volumes are oriented south-north to avoid overheating. From south to north, the first volume consists of a porch that protects against the burning summer sun. The volume in the middle houses the main living space and the third volume accommodates two bedrooms. The three volumes are similarly white triangular blocks but vary in width, roof plan, and façade openings. Textured with ceramic and wood, the interior has a cozy coolness. Timber breeze walls add textuality to the sleek surfaces while controlling the amount of light and heat that enters the rooms.

Comporta 10_aerialComporta 10_courtyardComporta 10_innerComporta 10 by Fragmentos, Grândola, Portugal, 2021

Comporta 10 is situated in a landscape that features sand dunes and diverse vegetation. The residence comprises a group of one-story white blocks and a courtyard on one corner of the site. The courtyard is loosely enclosed by a group of blocks yet still closely connected to the surrounding natural environment. Living areas and en-suite bedrooms are placed opposite each other and organized by a straight corridor. The kitchen, living room, and dining room enjoy the view of the carefully designed courtyard through large glazed sliding doors. Meanwhile, the bedrooms are rather enclosed that open only toward private verandas and the corridor.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

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Top 10 Architecture Projects on Architizer in June 2022
CategoriesArchitecture

Top 10 Architecture Projects on Architizer in June 2022

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.    

Architizer’s journal is fueled by the creative energy of the thousands of architects from around the world who upload and showcase their incredible work. From conceptual designs to projects under construction to completed buildings, we are proud to serve as a platform for showcasing global architectural talent and the brilliance of visualizers, engineers, manufacturers, and photographers who are crucial members of the industry. A stellar drawing, rendering or photo, as well as a detailed project description, can go a long way in making a project stand out, as does indicate the stellar contributors on a project.

Firms who upload to Architizer share their work with professionals and design enthusiasts through our Firm Directory and Projects database. They also gain exposure by having their projects shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, as well as in our Journal feature articles. Indeed, through these various channels, hundreds of thousands of people in the global design community have come to rely on Architizer as their architectural reference and source of inspiration. In 2022, we’re rounding up our database’s top 10 most-viewed, user-uploaded architecture projects at the end of each month.

By MC arquitectura in Zapopan / El Arenal, Mexico

The objective is to build a rest house developed on a single level, which houses the minimum spaces necessary for living and at the same time offers an experience of peace and total isolation, allowing the user a place of quietness just minutes from the city. This may sound like a tall order, but situated in a rural context on the border between two urban areas, the design masterfully draws on materials from the surrounding area: stone, brick, concrete, wood and the finish on the walls.

This gives a warm and cozy result that allows it to adapt to a bioclimatic environment in constant change and thus achieve a lower visual contrast in the different seasons of the year. The barrel vault structure offers a subtle play of volumes and heights, opening the home up towards the best views. Open air circulations together with 2 outdoor patios, the front garden and the visuals projected on each window invite the user to coexist with the context and communicate with the exterior.

By AOS works : architecture & design — Concept (Southwestern Desert, United States)

This fascinating combination of geometries draws lessons from traditional Japanese tea houses with the aim of transporting visitors to an alternate realm of ceremony and contemplation. The design, evocative of geological formations typically found in the surrounding desert stands out like a land art sculpture set in a vast landscape. The material composition is minimal: thick, battered limestone walls, travertine wainscoting and a roof clad in weathering steel panels.

The project’s size was inspired by a 4.5 tatami mat layout. A sunken hearth serves as the nucleus, framed by a border of alcoves that house the functions of the tea ceremony. The large roof overhang evokes a precariously balanced rock, providing shade in the harsh, sun-drenched environment. The reflecting pool, which defines the space below the roof, and acts as an opposing force to the solid walls of the tea house, which erupt from the earth, also aids in evaporative cooling.

By Horibe Associates, Japan

This house was created for a true car and bike enthusiast, who wished to bring his passion home. This two-story residence makes this dream come true, while also providing a quiet domestic space for the client’s wife and dog on the second floor. On the ground floor, a garage houses the client’s favorite Maserati Shamal, among other Italian cars and motorcycles. Meanwhile, the use of durable, reinforced concrete guarantees the tranquility of the upper level. A courtyard at the end of the garage acts as an outlet for the release of sound and vehicle exhaust. Likewise, the courtyard’s greenery muffles engine noise, while helping to purify the air.

By S+S Architects in Bangkok, Thailand

This remarkable home renovation project is found on Ratchadaphisek Road a suburban area that has a surprisingly high-density. Privacy, safety and elder friendliness were the three values that guided the design. To this end, outer decoration is guards the domestic space, creating more privacy, while the interior design emphasizes voids. The ingenious façade is make of perforated aluminum sheets that screen out the sun and filter in natural breeze; they can be closed or opened as the dwellers’ needs for any interactions with the surrounding neighborhood.

By Robert Konieczny KWK Promes, Poland

Photos by Jakub Certowicz

The design of this private home has an unusual genesis: the owner had already had already begun designing a garden and wanted a home that would respond to it — the inverse of the usual order of business for architects. The design was thus inspired by the curving green oasis that the patron had created. The topographically shaped ground floor is thus contrasted with the block of the upper floor closed with shutters on the south side, providing privacy from the access road. These two different geometries are linked by a softly cut atrium — the green heart of the house.

Ultimately, the idea to start the investment with a garden was inspired, with many benefits over the traditional order for designing things. The moment the house was completed, the client could immediately enjoy greener. Meanwhile, to reach the target size, plants need more time than it takes to build the house, and planting tall trees generates high costs. What’s more, because of the transportation and the need for heavy equipment, it is not environmentally friendly.

By Mado Architects in Senegal

Equality, conservation, cost-effectiveness, construction methods and step-by-step construction: these were the top concerns that drove the design of this project. In Senegal, cultural myths involving baobab trees are the origins of many villages. This was the genesis of the idea to form spaces around the existing trees on the site —  the competition also called for them to be preserved. Two circles with a radius of 8 meters surrounded the central trees of the site, and to provide the area of the yard and playground, a third circle was added to the circles for this purpose.

Circular spaces were formed around the courtyards, which eventually connected to each other and formed a unified form. A triangular shape was used to form the roof and walls of the school, where the roof and the wall were connected. To create dynamic circulation, two movement paths were considered in the inner and outer walls, one of them was dedicated to the ramp for the disabled. To facilitate the construction method and cost-effectiveness, an attempt was made to use native materials such as wood and straw in the project, and to adopt a simple construction method.

By Atis — Concept (for Knowsley, United Kingdom)

This project imagines a new life for the former Cronton Colliery — a disused coal mine at Knowsley near Manchester — as a world class, sustainable park. At its heart, the architects designed a community space that projects the positive co-existence of natural and urban areas. The buildings and infrastructures are inspired by the textures and color palette naturally occuring on the site — grasslands and birch groves. The master plan takes into account extensive land remediation and revegetation  along with the phased introduction of proven community amenities that would draw the public to the area including sustainable housing and eco-tourism in the form of an ecologically designed hotel, conference centre, spa and restaurant.

By Roovice in Nishigahara, Kita City, Japan

Photos by Akira Nakamura

This renovation project is found in the central north area of Tokyo. The owner of the two-floor family house envisioned a DIY atmosphere filled with custom made furniture crafted by himself. In Japan, most traditional buildings have little to no insulation; many are also behind current seismic regulations, which are rapidly constantly evolving. The renovation sought to remedy these outdated aspects, while enhancing other traditional aspects of Japanese design, such as a  using voids above the ceiling to help the ventilation. In sum, the design is characterized by a dynamic double character: the imperfection of the irregular wooden elements and DIY atmosphere mixed with the precision and ingenuity of the newly designed structure.

By line+ in Hangzhou, China

After 4 years, line+ completed the headquarters building for VIEWSHINE, a listed company developing from traditional instruments to intelligence. With integrated design, line+ has created a brand-new office space fit to accommodate the ever-evolving working scenarios and needs in the future and reflecting a unique corporate image in the historic city center. After the tailor-made architectural space language has completed the empowerment of the company’s own brand image, the original concept and vision will be embodied in the spatial details of the user’s personal experience. Through interior design, the intangible corporate values will be conveyed. Ultimately, line+ incorporates corporate culture into the workplace by building its headquarters.

By STOPROCENT Architekci in Zory, Poland

Flamingo house sits on the frontier of a former brickyard, which has been been transformed into a recreation park for the historic city of Zory. The site’s varied terrain, which ranges significantly in height, informed the design. On one side, a simple and light rectangular volume emerges; it is raised above the ground level with a glazed ‘belt’ that delimits the building from the ground, creating the illusion of levitating structure. An internal patio serves as the nucleus for the lower level. The façades revel in the juxtaposition between fullness and transparency, and lightness and heaviness — massive blocks contrast with glazed stripes of the facades and the whiteness of the full surfaces is set off by dark rhythm of the windows.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.    



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Laneway Homes as a Housing Alternative
CategoriesArchitecture

Laneway Homes as a Housing Alternative

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

The woes of housing shortages plaguing many large cities across the world are well-known and manifold; from a lack of affordable housing driving lower-income families out of cities, to skyrocketing house prices making it even harder for younger people to enter the housing market. But, while drastic rezoning laws to encourage denser housing seem still far off in the future, municipal authorities and architects are finding ways around the problem.

One alternative in vogue has been the concept of ‘gentle density’ — an increase in housing density that has little impact on the outward appearance or character of a neighborhood — and laneway houses have been a driving force behind the trend. Architects are demonstrating that, though tucked behind principal residences, laneway houses need not compromise comfort or privacy. Their designs suggest that one remedy to the housing shortage might be awaiting in our own backyard.

Full House by Leckie Studio Architecture + Design, Vancouver, Canada

The added density provided by this two-story house and laneway addition in Vancouver seeks to push beyond the affordability calculus by rethinking how a multigenerational family can co-exist in a suburb of single-family homes. A hidden one-bedroom, secondary residence provides additional living space in the backyard and matches the sleek and understated design of its bigger sibling.

Central to this aim are the Marcel Duchamp-inspired doors that allow the family to reconfigure the house’s layout as it sees fit. By hinging between two possible frames, the 5-bedroom main home can be split into two discrete dwellings of either 3 and 2 bedrooms or 4 and 1 bedrooms. When comes time for the perennial family gathering, the units can be reopened as one large multi-generational house.

Photo by Matthew Gianoulis

Laneway House by 9point9 Architects, Townsville, Australia

Rather than keeping all three bedrooms and two bathrooms compact into one large house, this bungalow in Townsville, Australia, unfurls its rooms on the full length of its lot. Two guest rooms and a living room receive lighting through the front yard, while the offshoot master bedroom reaches the other end of the lot and is connected to the main building by a translucent walkway that opens onto the central courtyard.

This expansive layout allows the house to breathe both literally and figuratively. The main wing and the master bedroom have direct access to the courtyard, enabling full, unencumbered ventilation of the house. Likewise, the central courtyard gives the house a sense of spaciousness that a larger home on the same lot could not provide.

Rough House + Laneway, by Measured Architecture Inc.Rough House + Laneway, by Measured Architecture Inc., Vancouver, Canada

This single family home and an expanded laneway studio in suburban Vancouver uses Japanese-inspired landscaping to create calm spaces within narrow confines. The corrugated steel-clad studio has both landscaping on the roof and a green wall facing the house, reclaiming the green space lost by the densified back yard. The wall also provides a lush and peaceful background for weekend family meals or a late-afternoon summer nap. 

Laneway Wall Garden House by Donaghy & Dimond Architects, Dublin, Ireland

This 19th Century Dublin house renovation now boasts an expanded kitchen that protrudes into the cobblestone courtyard garden and an additional bedroom in a separate structure by the laneway. A lean-to zinc covered roof acts as a mediator between the two new spaces, serving as both a rainwater collector and connective tissue. The concrete walls and timber structure have been left unpainted, with the expectation that lichen and moss will one day overtake them, hence mitigating the urban footprint of the new construction.

McIlwrick Residences by B.E. Architecture, Melbourne, Australia 

Three townhouses are clustered within this single residential block in Windsor, Melbourne. Small courtyards intertwine with cobblestone alleyways, offering intimate and flexible spaces for the multigenerational family that occupies the residences. The flush struck brickwork and deep-set windows are a contemporary re-iteration of early Victorian Australian architecture thus fitting snuggly in a neighborhood mostly occupied by residences from that era — an attribute that has earned it the label of “quiet integration”, which the architects gave to their design.

Riverdale Townhomes by Studio JCI, Toronto, Canada

The Riverdale Townhouse development gently increases the number of residences on this quiet residential street in Riverdale, Toronto. The bright and spacious five two-bedroom units make for ideal housing for young professionals and new families. Floor-to-ceiling windows and internal voids maximize the interior’s exposure to sunlight, ensuring that the units are generously lit. The dark brick columns of the front-facing façade pay respect to the Victorian-era architecture of its neighbors, while partitioning the modernist charcoal-colored exterior into more palatable doses. 

Photos by Mansyur Hasan

R Micro Housing by Simple Projects Architecture, Surabaya, Indonesia

The R Micro Housing complex in the suburbs of Surabaya, Indonesia squeezes five separate, affordable units onto a 39 feet by 98 feet strip of land. The residences might be glued together, but they don’t feel cramped: the complex aligns wall-length skylights above each unit’s staircase, enabling natural sunlight to brighten the ground floor.

The minimalist, monochromatic ‘quintal-plex’ stands out among the neighborhood’s classical hip-roofed terracotta-tiled residences – as if wanting to show off how densification can be a pathway to affordability.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Reference

Coach Houses Are Full of Creative Potential
CategoriesArchitecture

Coach Houses Are Full of Creative Potential

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 10th Annual A+Awards! Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches.  

Coach houses first appeared in England around the 18th century and eventually took off in the United States a century later. Such structures were originally intended to store horse-drawn carriages and eventually used to house automobiles. Unlike a modern-day garage, coach houses were a symbol of status; only a select few could afford personal transportation and as a result, these structures were reserved for the wealthy. The traditional coach followed a distinct layout, they were typically two-storied volumes built separately from the main dwelling. There was space designated for the carriage and a private room built for the driver. These structures were functional in nature and reflected the architectural aesthetic of the main house.

Today, those fortunate enough to come across a property with an existing coach house have the chance to restore and rebuild the edifice into whatever they please. Whether it be an elevated garage or a cozy apartment, the potentialities of a coach house are limitless.

Photo by Harold Clark

Photo by Harold Clark

Cabbagetown Coach House by CORE Architects Inc., Toronto, Canada

This Toronto coach house was remodeled into a functional and minimalist apartment. The coach is roughly 2,500 square feet, which meant that all desired functions and amenities could be easily equipped in the home. The two-storied coach house features a spacious living room, a comfortable kitchen and a separate formal dining area. The dining room was positioned in the atrium to maximize space and comfort as the homeowners enjoy cooking. The kitchen is finished with stainless steel counters, a built-in cutting board and an “appliance garage” perfect for the cooking enthusiast. Bi-fold doors in the living room lead onto a relaxed outdoor courtyard space. The outdoors can equally be enjoyed by the upstairs master bedroom, which leads onto an upper floor exterior space.

Coach House Restaurant by SHH, London, United Kingdom

Located on the historic grounds of Hatfield House is a renovated 19th-century coach now turned elevated eatery. The premise of this construction was to create a space that would maximize revenue, increase year-round access and contribute to the cost of maintaining the historic property. In order to do so, the architects designed a dining space that could be enjoyed by the site’s visitors, tenants and nearby residents.

The coach house was redone using materials that reflected the original 19th-century structure and surrounding buildings. The architects blended older-appearing materials with a contemporary design to create a functional dining environment. The original tea house was expanded to two floors, with a glass extension leading to the exterior grounds. Moreover, a rooftop terrace can be accessed via a central spiral staircase. The renovation has increased the floor space by 70 percent and offers a deli, bakery and chef’s table option.

Flynn Mews House by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA), Dublin, Ireland
Finalist, 2014 A+Awards, Single Family Home M 1,000-3000 sq ft

This residential dwelling is located in the heart of Dublin and celebrates the site’s historic fabric. The home was built on the site of a previous 19th-century coach house and retains its history through a respectful contemporary design. The traditional mews entrance features large floor-to-ceiling windows, which ensure that the new edifice remains connected to the original preserved wall. The home is comprised of two volumes attached by a central sunken courtyard; it is a special indoor/outdoor living environment not typically found in Dublin.

An enclosed glass bridge connects the two volumes and creates a rather striking juxtaposition. The home took part in the Dublin Green Building Pilot Program and features a solar panel water heating system and an underground gray water pump. The project is an exemplar of preserving the old and blending it with the new.

Photo by Christel Derksen & Rolf Bruggink

Photo by Christel Derksen & Rolf Bruggink

House of Rolf by ROLF.FR, Utrecht, Netherlands  

Located in Utrecht, Netherlands, this 19th-century coach was turned into a truly unique space that underwent a distinctive design and building process. The home was constructed using materials that came from a demolished building nearby and proves that waste can, in fact, create something beautiful.

The original edifice was built in 1895 behind an aristocrat’s home, and then in 1955, an additional outbuilding was constructed adjacent to the coach. The current homeowners acquired both structures and the surrounding garden to build a singular dwelling. The interior space was divided into three zones, each of which offer a distinctive living environment. The first zone was left relatively void so that the original coach atmosphere can be experienced.  A freestanding structure, standing separate from the coach, forms a second zone housing the kitchen, bedroom, bath and office space. The third zone, meanwhile, is a sculptural structure attached to the shell of the original volume. The entire house was furnished using local Dutch designers.

Wicker Park Residence by Wheeler Kearns Architects, Chicago, IL, United States

This single-family residence consists of two separate volumes — a primary dwelling and a historic coach — which are attached by an enclosed glass walkway. Located in one of Chicago’s Landmark Districts, the design carefully respects the neighborhood’s historic architecture. The original coach was viewed as a special asset to the property and informed the material choices and decorative elements found in the main dwelling. The interior of both the house and the coach embrace a contemporary aesthetic, while the exterior design is more reflective of the historic neighborhood. For example, metal doors and dark window frames were purposefully incorporated to complement the design of the original coach. Equally, the new edifice is clad in brick which speaks to the coach’s brick façade. Floor-to-ceiling windows adorn the home’s façade and look onto the original structure, thus furthering the connection between the two volumes.

Whether it be for commercial or private use, there are countless ways to design, reinvent and interpret the traditional coach house structure. The possibilities are limitless and the outcome is a special bespoke space.

Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 10th Annual A+Awards! Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches. 

Reference

Architects are Making Heroes of Hexagonal Forms
CategoriesArchitecture

Architects are Making Heroes of Hexagonal Forms

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

From molecules to beehives to large basalt columns, the hexagonal shape is commonly found in both organic and inorganic objects. The shape is also considered one of the most efficient ways of covering a surface, given that a hexagonal grid uses the least amount of separating walls. Using nature as inspiration, architects are now designing with hexagonal forms in both horizontal and vertical planes.

Some embrace these six-sized shapes as a foundation for planning and others to create decorative walls. The hexagon allows radial organization as well as flat surfaces. A honeycomb-like grid can also be built upon or broken down into a triangular grid, while a hexagonal shape also lends itself to a larger number of external surfaces. While not the most conventional form, some architects have shown how the shape can be used to plan and transform spaces.

Images by Jaime Navarro

Liverpool Insurgentes Department Store by Rojkind Arquitectos, Mexico City, Mexico

When expanding, a department store in Mexico City has to reconsider the traditional big-box model in order to attract more traffic and make a bolder statement. To do so, Rojkind Arquitectos created a façade that interacts with the environment around and lets passersby look into the building. The new scheme includes a network of differently sized hexagons that overlap, combine and open up to create a pattern that looks like it is animated. Made using fiberglass, steel, aluminum and glass, the arrangement plays with transparency to create translucent walls in spaces as well as large openings to show parts of certain stores.

Images by Zhang Chao

HEX-SYS by OPEN Architecture, Guangdong, China

Given the need for short-term real estate show spaces, the firm conceptualized a sustainable typology that can grow to adapt to different programs; it can also be dismantled after use or transported and assembled again. The form takes inspiration from traditional Chinese wooden building systems. The system comprises 430 square feet hexagonal cells that can be arranged into different configurations based on the program. The inverted umbrella-like roofs also collect rainwater for use on-site. Within the cells there are three typologies — transparent, enclosed and peripheral cells — to cater to different functions.

Josefine/ Roxy Club by Fred Mafra, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Fred Mafra moved away from regular hexagons to a more elongated version to create dramatic walls for this nightclub. The shape is also used in different versions and sizes along with other prismatic elements throughout the two fools of the club. The 100+ hexagons not only hide the structural framework supporting them but also act as an illuminating element. The embedded LED system is connected to a video pixel mapping program that helps change the colors of these lights.

Image by Sergio Gomez

Image by Iwan Baan

Orquideorama by plan:b, Medellín, Colombia

Much like a tree, this project is a series of hexagonal canopies that contain a central module with six other modules growing from it. Its spread makes it seem like an organic design despite its geometric nature. The central module stands on a twisted column that expels hot air and funnels rainwater. The system allows repetition, growth and the ability to build around the trees on the site to avoid damaging them. The layering of wooden strips also gives it lightness and transparency.

Images by Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

Hexalace by Studio Ardete, PB, India

The building’s unique façade was a way to exercise creatively when the restrictive plan prevented the team from doing so. In addition to being a showstopper, the exterior also serves as a buffer from the extreme climate. The façade comprises a 3-inch later of concrete with hexagonal cutouts to create shaded balconies and windows. Over this base is a network of white hexagonal frames that act as balcony railings in certain parts of the surface. The introduction of plants on these balconies adds pops of color to this system and makes the concrete slab come to life.

Aron R&D Center by Osamu Morishita Architect & Associates, Aichi, Japan

The brief was to create a space that acts as a research lab and also promotes new ideas. Drawing inspiration from the cloud and virtual networks, the studio envisioned a hexagonal grid that facilitates the easy connection of internal spaces. This framework allows users to transform interior spaces according to their needs. The 27 hexagonal towers placed on equally spaced vertices in the grid act as green pockets and introduce light and fresh air into the interior spaces. Additionally, the building features a solar energy system, heat reservoirs, passive cooling systems and rainwater collection mechanisms. The hexagonal form is also replicated in furniture throughout the building.

Hive by OPENIDEAS ARCHITECTS, Surat, India

A variety of different hexagonal patterns strategically placed on the walls of this home turn it into a sensorial delight. The sun’s path and climate were some of the governing factors in this design. The v-shape opening up towards green spaces as well as a green oof that provides thermal insulation are just two such examples. The star of the show is a solar-sensor-based honeycomb façade. Some hexagons in the 3D lattice automatically open and close to maintain ideal thermal conditions within the home. To complement these walls, hexagonal patterns at different scales are also incorporated on other exterior surfaces across the home.

East China Normal University Affiliated Bilingual Kindergarten by Scenic Architecture, Shanghai, China

The courtyard is a very significant element in traditional Chinese architecture. It stands as a space for the family to gather and connect and also brings in fresh air and light into the home. The firm wanted to provide this element of comfort and a connection with nature to the children in this kindergarten. Following the sun’s path, the team added hexagonal shapes to the western side to maximize natural light within. A honeycomb pattern follows along the site with a series of courtyards and terraces breaking up the mass. The greater number of surfaces in every independent module also helps bridge the connection between the interior and exterior throughout the structure.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

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