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7 Buildings Structured Like Origami Sculptures
CategoriesArchitecture

7 Buildings Structured Like Origami Sculptures

By Zarkon Group,

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The Japanese art of origami consists of intricately folding paper to create detailed and delicate sculptures, ideally without using any cuts or glue. Triangular forms and fragmented surfaces are distinctive features of such sculptures. Much like these paper figures, origami-inspired architecture is a series of volumes that appear to be formed using folded sheets of paper.

These buildings feel light and in motion. The freedom from a traditional box shape also gives rise to dynamic interior configurations that are exciting and innovative. Cutouts and inward folds help carve out windows, balconies and terraces. Below are just a few examples of origami-inspired structures that can offer some out-of-the-box inspiration.

Origami House by Office of Architecture in Barcelona, Sant Cugat, Spain

White sloped roofs of the house stand out against the lush vegetation of the forest behind. The home looks more like a series of open boxes that look more like a pavilion than a home. Guests encounter a pool as soon as they reach the entrance, much like a plaza. This gives way to the changing volumes of the home, defined by sloping roofs and large windows.

The services are all located on a concealed lower floor, without any connecting staircase in sight. From within, the angled planes make it look like a camera lens that captures different parts of the scenery around. A well-hidden narrow staircase leads to a lower level which houses an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The home also features a library, cinema room, a loft, staff housing, garage, and more.

Klein Bottle House by McBride Charles Ryan, Rye, Australia

Challenging the idea of standard cuboidal spaces, the house takes inspiration from a unique surface developed by topological mathematicians. This allows the architects to create new and interesting spaces that create interest and create fun. Originally imagined as a complex spiral, the design slowly evolved into the form of a Klein Bottle, and then finally an origami version of the complex shape to create spatial intrigue. The form wraps around a central courtyard and a grand staircase, making all spaces feel both near and separate from each other. In addition to its energizing form, the house also showcases a changing color palette that incorporates shades of red, black and white.

Cardero by Henriquez Partners Architects, Vancouver, Canada
Popular Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Multi Unit Housing High Rise (16+ Floors)

Folded strips of white covering the façade are the first thing that makes visitors stop in their tracks when they see Cardero. These modules are inspired by seagulls and seaplanes found in the Coal Harbour area as well as hand gliders found in the Grouse Mountain region nearby. In addition to being an aesthetic element, the origami-like screen also acts as a sun shade on the building’s southern and western façades. While one part of the tower has 26 floors, the other side has 21 floors to help it fit better with the buildings on that side.

Kinematic Sculpture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Chicago, Illinois

Much like folds in a paper, the dynamic pavilion is made of 99 flat wooden panels that are connected at different angles with stainless steel hinges to form a continuous sheet. It hopes to use kinematics to show the mathematical relationships between force and motion as it uses its hinged arrangement to change forms. It also shows how principles of origami, which is often associated with paper, can be adapted to other materials and architecture. This also paves way for similar structures that can be customized to cater to different programs.

Zigzag House by Cobaleda & Garcia Arquitectos, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain

The geometric configuring of this home starts from the plan itself. Instead of a traditional grid, Cobaleda & Garcia Arquitectos opted for a diamond-shaped pattern that is better suited for the oddly shaped plot. This helped create cavities along the exterior for green spaces. The fragmented geometry continues to the upper level as well as the roof, causing it to aptly be named the Zigzag house. The form is achieved using reinforced concrete slabs.

Images by Milo Keller

Temporary Chapel for the Deaconesses of St-Loup by LOCALARCHITECTURE, Pompaples, Switzerland

When renovating the mother house of the Deaconess Community of St-Loup, the studio proposed to construct a temporary chapel that worshipers could visit while the main building was inaccessible. Given their expertise in timber construction, they devised a computer-generated form that would use thin timber panels and could be built directly on the ground. The form appears like an accordion-folded tunnel that has just been stretched. Each panel reflects light in different directions and gives the building dimension and height. The gable end comprises clear plastic panels covered with fabric to filter natural light into the gathering space.

Images by David Frutos

Coworking LAB Nucía by CrystalZoo, Alicante, Spain
Jury and Popular Winner, 2020 A+Awards, Government & Civic Buildings

The building’s solid volume appears to have cutouts that open into the structure to create windows and intermediate spaces. The design is governed by a central core around which the geometric volume shapes itself. The bright yellow used in the interior spaces contrasts with the muted gray of the exterior walls, holding an unexpected surprise as one goes in. The core is a large stepped space that can be used for presentations, social interactions and staged talks. There is a large terrace behind it that also governs the programming of the building. It connects to workshop areas, classrooms and offices.

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

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5 Californian Vineyards Pairing Fine Wine With Fresh Design
CategoriesArchitecture

5 Californian Vineyards Pairing Fine Wine With Fresh Design

By Zarkon Group,

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

The summer months are upon us, which comes with the return of beloved summer activities, including wine tasting and vineyard touring. California is one of the world’s largest wine-producing regions and is visited by millions of tourists each year. Its sunny climate makes for successful growing seasons and an abundance of wines to try. From Napa to Sonoma to Los Carneros, there are countless vineyards to explore and taste the best of the region’s grape offerings.

The Californian landscape equally draws in visitors, with countless mountain ranges and rolling hillsides to explore. In California, we see unparalleled wine tasting experiences, which are often a result of successful architectural design. When architecture successfully responds to the geographical nuances of a particular land and prioritizes visitor experience, the result is a bespoke, intimate wine tasting experience that is hard to beat. Listed below are 5 wineries located in California, all of which boast intimate and site-specific environments to taste wine and embrace the scenery.

Aperture Cellars by Signum Architecture, Healdsburg, CA, United States

Located in Healdsburg, California is a unique vineyard that merges the art of winemaking with photography. Designed for a winemaker and his father, this project embraces the landscape as well as the family’s unique approach to winemaking. The winery was built into two volumes — a production space and a hospitality building. Both volumes are seen as apertures into the process of winemaking, which echoes the father’s love for photography.

The large 20,000 square-foot production building was designed in such a manner that despite its size, it’s not harsh against the landscape. Keeping with the theme of the aperture, the architect’s deconstructed the hexagonal lens and used this shape to inform the roof’s design. Both volumes are connected by a series of interconnected and abstractly protruding rooflines. A darkened metal covers the buildings’ façade, equally reducing the sense of scale (so as not to take from the landscape). The hospitality building is set facing the Sonoma Mountains, with large windows that create a connection between the indoors and outdoors. The space features private, glass-walled wine tasting rooms with views of the surrounding mountain range.

Theorem Winery by Richard Beard Architects, Calistoga, CA, United States

Nestled in Napa Valley’s Diamond Mountain appellation is Theorem Winery, a bespoke winery experience. The goal was to create a space that eschews the large-scale winery experience, instead creating an intimate space that offers uncompromised hospitality. The winery sits on 60-acres and is made up of a series of 19th-century structures that once served as a country retreat. Certain original structures, such as the Greek revival cottage and schoolhouse were individually restored before commencing the large master plan.

The new build was inspired by the site’s vernacular architecture and was designed with the intention of complementing the original edifices. The guest experience is centered around a play of light. Visitors are welcomed into the 8,000 square foot venue through a large-scale trellis which shades the sun and prepares guests for the darker subterranean levels. The winery is filled with numerous tasting sites that are deliberately oriented toward picturesque landscapes. Steel-framed windows adorn the structure, filling the space with natural light and connecting the indoors to the outdoors. The structures are clad in a dark material to ensure the site blends and does not take away from the surrounding landscape. Theorem Winery is by appointment only, which reinforces the intimate and bespoke nature of this wine tasting experience.

Covert Estate Winery by Signum Architecture, Napa, CA, United States

Located amid the rolling hills in the Southeastern part of Nappa Valley is Covert Estate Winery. This vineyard achieves the quintessential winery feel while still offering a surprising and unmatched experience. The client — a passionate winemaker — desired a space that reflected both his love for wine and the land. The challenge was to erect a space that was unexpected and unique while minimally impacting the land.

Responding to the client’s request, Signum Architecture designed the entire winery underground. Three circular portals are seen from ground level, which follow the natural curves of the hillside and is completely invisible within the landscape. The volumes were curved around the existing landscape to not sacrifice trees during its construction. The tasting room was positioned near the entrance to ensure guests can enjoy and benefit from natural light. The interior space is defined by its barrel-vaulted ribbed ceilings and series of curved tunnels which lead to winemaking and guest rooms.

Quintessa Pavilions by Walker Warner Architects, Saint Helena, CA, United States

Quintessa Pavilions are a series of independent volumes, each designed to offer personalized and privately hosted wine tasting sessions. The pavilions were an added addition to a Napa Valley winery that sits on 280-acres. Each of the three volumes was carefully placed to ensure guests are well protected from the elements while still offering views of the surrounding landscape. This way, the pavilions can be enjoyed year-round.

Moreover, careful consideration was taken to preserve the mature oak trees found throughout the property. Guests are guided to each pavilion through a pathway nestled in the forest which leads to the whimsical pavilions. The architects made sure to mimic the existing winery’s aesthetic by using similar materials and color palettes. The pavilions lie elegantly within the landscape, with operable doors that offer ventilation and unobstructed views. The grounds surrounding the pavilions were planted with drought-resistant grasses that create a smooth visual transition from the pavilion to the mountain range.

Progeny Winery by Signum Architecture, Napa, CA, United States

Located high in Nappa Valley’s Mount Veeder AVA is a winery with an untraditional ethos. The winery sits atop a mountainous terrain known for producing incredible wines; however, its rugged, uneven and steep terrain posed a big challenge to the architects. The clients wished for a gallery-like space where they can exhibit their wine like a fine painting. They equally wished for a site that responded and remained authentic to the unique landscape.

To achieve this design, the master plan includes two separate volumes: one for entertainment purposes and the other housing private offices. The volumes are set only four feet apart, which allows for a smooth operation and a connected environment. Both volumes were oriented in such a way that views are offered of the mountains to the west and the vineyard to the northwest. Raw concrete was chosen for the frame as its aging properties fit the feel of the terrain. To achieve a gallery-like experience, the interior space boasts a monochrome aesthetic, with white walls and light wood floors. This atypical gallery ethos makes for a distinctive and relaxed wine tasting experience.

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Atomic Architecture: Nanotechnology and Building Sciences
CategoriesArchitecture

Atomic Architecture: Nanotechnology and Building Sciences

By Zarkon Group,

Send us a photo. Tell us a story. Win $2,500! Architizer’s 3rd Annual One Photo Challenge is underway with a Main Entry Deadline on June 24, 2022! Start your entry for architecture’s biggest photography competition here.

Architecture is designed across scales and mirrors developments in science and research. Investigating matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scales, the field of nanotechnology has now started informing architectural design. In turn, structures for building sciences and research have rapidly expanded. As architects and designers are taking on this typology in public and private sectors alike, the study and evolution of nanotechnology mirror broader developments in how sciences are flourishing.

Combining science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, the field focuses on a scale of 1 to 100 nanometers. At such a small scale, nanomaterials, begin to exhibit unique properties that affect physical, chemical and biological behavior. By manipulating matter, nanotechnology can create new structures, materials, and devices. Taking a closer survey into the design of structures and buildings for nanotechnology and research, the following collection of projects explores what atomic architecture looks like today.

Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology by WEISS/MANFREDI, Philadelphia, PA, United States

As the university’s first cross disciplinary building, this nanotech research facility was designed to encourage the collaboration, exchange and integration of knowledge that is the core of this emerging field. The facilities will combine the resources of both the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences.

Defined by a new central campus green, the building ascends as a spiral of research, reaching its highest elevation at the forum, a meeting space that cantilevers over the quad and opens to views of both the city and campus. A new multi-level crossroads, the center is a significant step toward signaling the University’s leadership in the emerging field of nanotechnology.

National Nanotechnology Park by Arch International Pvt Ltd., Homagama, Sri Lanka

The Nanotechnology Center of Excellence forms the epicenter of a National Nanotechnology Park that is a result of SLINTEC’s aims to create an ideal space for ‘thinking’. The campus will be a key feature within the ‘knowledge hub’ development plan in Homagama, creating a unique opportunity to house research, incubation and technology commercialization in an area that aims to draw both the public and private sectors.

Elements of all scales and sizes within the architectural language have been used in order to depict the relationship with nanotechnology as well as geometries that are closely involved in the sciences.

Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre by KPMB Architects, Waterloo, Canada

The Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano is a showcase for Canadian innovation and industry in the fields of quantum computing and nanotechnology. The social components of the facility in the form of atria, mind spaces and collaborative areas manifest the original goals to attract and inspire the brightest minds in the world. At the official opening, Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicist and partner with the University of Waterloo since 1999, described the design as a work of “architectural genius”.

New Center for Manufacturing Innovation by Brooks + Scarpa Architects, Monterrey, Mexico

Located in Mexico’s Research Park for Technical Innovation (PIIT), a science and technology park, which is a partnership between government, universities and the private sector to seek economic growth through technical innovation. The sprawling campus is host to more than 50 research centers devoted to R&D as well as the development of technology innovation in nanotechnology, biotechnology, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing, information technology, clean energy and advanced materials development. The iconic saw-toothed roof is inspired by the geometry of old factories and the surrounding Monterrey Mountains.

Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation by EDGE Studio, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

The University of Pittsburgh decided to expand and renovate Benedum Hall, the circa 1968 home for the Swanson School of Engineering on their main Oakland campus. The original limestone clad modernist tower and separate auditorium buildings, with their inflexible and non-daylit concrete block labs and offices and out of date classrooms, had become obsolete as the school’s focus shifted to the 21st century collaborative disciplines of nanotechnology, bioengineering and materials research. The University desired a more flexible facility that was conducive to inter-departmental collaboration, and that could help attract the best and brightest research faculty and students from around the world.

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science by Lyons, Melbourne, Australia

This new research centre is a world-class facility for molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research, teaching and learning. The 6 story facility provides approximately 11000m² of learning space – both wet and dry labs – on the lower 3 levels, and 18 research labs on the upper floors. It contains research groups in life sciences (biochemistry and genetics), physical sciences (chemistry and physics), and applied sciences (pharmacy) and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in these areas through the School of Molecular Sciences.

Send us a photo. Tell us a story. Win $2,500! Architizer’s 3rd Annual One Photo Challenge is underway with a Main Entry Deadline on June 24, 2022! Start your entry for architecture’s biggest photography competition here.

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8 Stunning Structures Shaped By Their Sloping Sites
CategoriesArchitecture

8 Stunning Structures Shaped By Their Sloping Sites

By Zarkon Group,

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

Despite technical complications involved in construction, inclined sites can invoke inspiring new architectural possibilities that just aren’t possible on flat sites. Better views, unique spatial design, creation of privacy using a variety of levels, and much more. Floating buildings can be constructed on slopes either by using a taller foundation or supports. On the other hand, architects have also created buildings that follow the incline or are even partially or fully buried into the slope. Below are a few ways in which architects have made the most of sloped sites to create unique homes and public buildings.

Villa Vals by SeARCH, Vals, Switzerland

SeARCH took the idea of a mountain house one step further by building a home that is concealed within the slope rather than on top of it. Given its proximity to the bath of Vals, the team wanted to create a home without disrupting the snowy inclines. A circular cavity into the mountain becomes the entrance as well as a patio. The rooms are placed around this central opening, ensuring that all the windows reach the surface. And while it may look small, appearances can be deceiving, and the inside of the home feels spacious, bright and airy. Meanwhile, the use of materials like stone, wood and concrete helps unify the design with the terrain around.

Khyber Ridge by Studio NMinusOne, Whistler, Canada

This home is broken up into five levels that adapt to the changing slope. The arrangement of the volumes is based on the unique function and views that each space requires. The topmost level contains the bedrooms as well as a large balcony for residents to take in the nature around. Part of it is embedded into the rock to create a sense of intimacy and privacy. The level below cantilevers out of the rock and houses the common areas, making it seem like it is floating within the trees. Below the mid-level entrance lies the guest room, which is completely sunken into the mountain slope for privacy. Some of the natural rock surfaces were in the interior spaces remains exposed, amplifying the alpine atmosphere.

Images by Benedikt Markel

Krkonose Mountains Centre for Environmental Education by Petr Hajek Architekti, Vrchlabí, Czech Republic

Inspired by the geometry of the Krkonose Mountains, this new building blends into the landscape (almost completely!) when seen from certain angles. The roof is covered with vegetation to reinforce this illusion. While mostly underground, a part of the structure rises above the terrain and features a glass wall that invites passersby to peek into the building and observe the activity taking place inside. Concrete is used to create the interior volumes that are then divided using plywood partitions. The furniture within is made using the leftover plywood from the bigger partitions to reduce waste.

House D by PAUHOF Architekten, Austria

Connected volumes, natural finishes, spacious interiors and stunning views make up this home. One the one hand, this is a four-story structure with stacked volumes that follow the contours of the site. On the other hand, the structure’s rounded corners are governed by the property line. The windows are placed in a way that the residents can overlook the mountains while also preventing their neighbors from being able to peek in. It follows a spiral circulation with a floating roof on the upper level. The home comprises a studio gallery, library, multiple bedrooms, baths, a family room as well as other utilities.

Sheltered Villas by A&M Architects, Karpathos, Greece

This multi-level structure creates a strong relationship between the exterior and the interior. The different volumes that make up the three villas are partially nestled into the slope of the site. The retaining walls holding up the structure extrude from the ground and are painted in white to help them stand out in the landscape. The inner volumes feature clean lines, simple geometry and black accents for the minimal aesthetic and help the view of the Aegean Sea become the hero of the experience.

Ebenezer Chapel by Vilalta Studio, Raleigh, North Carolina

Building on the increase of architecture that challenges the perception of what religious buildings should look like, Vilalta Studio presents a conceptual underground chapel. Dug into the sloped terrain near Richland Creek, the granite structure is imagined to stretch about 50 feet deep into the ground. Visitors would enter the chapel through a downward ramp that leads to an underground chamber and creates a contemplative space before entering the main gathering area. A large tower, the only element that visibly extends out of the site, brings light and air into the building. The chapel, which can accommodate 250 people, also has a skylight above for light and ventilation.

House in Chihuahua by Productora, Chihuahua, Mexico

In addition to adapting to the site, this home’s form is designed with the area’s extreme climatic conditions in mind. The temperature in the northern region of Mexico can go below freezing point in the winter and turn to scorching heat in the summer. And there are drastic temperature differences between day and night as well. Having part of the house underground helps regulate the temperature within by using the soil’s thermal mass. There are multiple roof openings and patios that not only bring in light but also create breakout spaces for the residents.

Åre Solbringen by Waldemarson Berglund, Åre, Sweden

The project includes three inclined homes on the Åreskutan mountain in Sweden. Most houses in this region are built in a way that results in one habitable floor. The architects cultivated a diagonal typology that allows them to create five usable levels that all get abundant light. The unit lies entirely along the slope. The different levels within are connected by a long flight of stairs on one side. Starting with the living room and the kitchen at the bottom, the stairs lead to the bedrooms, hall, bathroom and sauna on the upper floors. It is constructed using brick slabs, timber structural elements, a metal sheet roof and white plasterboard. Unlike the bright interiors, the wooden panels used on the exterior surfaces will age with and time and turn grey.

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

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Why Capturing Movement Will Elevate Your Architectural Photographs
CategoriesArchitecture

Why Capturing Movement Will Elevate Your Architectural Photographs

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s annual One Photo Challenge offers professionals and blossoming design students the chance to showcase a photograph that they think best captures the essence of an architectural design or specific surrounding. The 2021 One Photo Challenge brought a wonderful selection of images, all of which demonstrated the potentiality of capturing architecture through a camera lens.

Enter One Photo Challenge

While each entry was remarkably singular and distinctive, a notable overarching theme emerged across a handful of photographs. One will notice that in last year’s One Photo Challenge, many photographs capture a strong sense of movement. Listed below are four photographs from the 2021 One Photo Challenge, all of which explore the human form coupled with interesting architecture to produce movement-heavy imagery. 

“Social Bathing” by Derek Wasylyshen

This image captures a bird’s-eye shot of the hugely popular and highly recognizable Széchenyi Medicinal Bath. Located in Budapest, Hungary, this large-scale bath is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can experience social bathing as well as marvel over the site’s ancient Roman history.

At first glance, the eye is caught by the vibrant aqua blue water, which greatly contrasts the surrounding cement floor. Following this, the gaze moves to the abundance of dark spots (human bodies) that span the entire photograph. The moving bodies are small in scale but their abundance creates a strong feeling of sociality and community. Moreover, the gently-sloping staircase that covers the bath’s perimeter is filled with lounging bodies, which equally enforces a strong social atmosphere.

The large presence of water and abundant human form work together to create a movement-heavy photograph. Whether the movement is caused by the natural rhythm of the water or the frolicking bodies, lively energy is produced and the same social ideology of the ancient Romans is presently felt. 

“The roofscape of the obscure” by Venla Rautajoki 

Non-Student Winner, 2021 One Photo Challenge

This photograph has an extra-terrestrial feel, which makes it immediately enthralling and equally challenging to pinpoint. The image was shot at Amos Rex, the famous art museum in Helsinki, Finland designed by JKMM Architects.

Amos Rex is known for its windowed domes that span the urban environment like a series of hills. Each dome has a peephole large enough for visitors inside the museum to see out of. The photographer was immediately captured by a young boy who continuously climbed atop the domes to peep into the interior museum space. The image is captured in monochrome which strengthens the viewer’s gaze on the young boy. The boy is captured in a highly active pose — his two hands perched like a cactus and his leg bent as if he’s climbing.

The image at first appears static and isolated as the background is dark and unembellished. However, the focus on the young boy positioned in such an active stance lends a feeling of lively existence and movement. 

“Yoga” by Edmund Sumner 

This photograph was shot in Bangkok, Thailand in January 2020. The image depicts a yoga master and owner of the studio, Yogi Konstantin Miachin, holding an extended side-angle pose. Immediately what captures the eye is the incredible structure in which the yoga master is practicing.

The space feels intimate and warm and appears to be enclosed by a bamboo-esque material that wraps the walls in a curved manner. The wall material extends upwards to create an unconventional curved ceiling. Moreover, the cavities in the wall allow light to fill the interior, warming the environment and spotlighting the practicing yogi. The light-filled room feels like an incredibly zen and comforting space to practice yoga and meditation.

In this photograph, the human form balances and compliments the pronounced structure in a harmonious manner. The practicing yogi may feel small in scale, but his strong pose and reaching arm fills the photograph with energy. An equal vitality is felt in the structure’s curved and pronounced ceiling. The site was designed by architecture firm Enter Projects and the photograph was realized using low-tech materials such as rattan, with newer high-tech computer modeling such as Rhino. 

“Echo” by Philippe Sarfati 

This photograph feels mysterious, dramatic and incredibly intriguing. “Echo” is located in Tadao Ando’s gallery and features an autobiographic installation by the famed Cuban-American artist, Félix González-Torres. The photograph depicts an individual walking through the installation, which consists of a large-scale curtain made of red and white beads.

The installation underscores the difficulties and reality of living with HIV. The curtain of beads represents the progression of the virus within the bloodstream in a confronting and honest manner. As the person pushes past the curtain, one can sense the dramatic sway of beads that is to follow.

This photograph feels like the calm before the storm – before the intense movement following a disrupted installation. The interaction between human form and object in this photograph demonstrates a dramatic transition from still to moving. 

All four photographs highlight that when human forms are perfectly captured amongst static surroundings, there is the potential to create lively and active images that celebrate movement! Click here to learn more about this year’s upcoming 2022 One Photo Challenge and to start your entry:

Enter One Photo Challenge

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Daring Design at Dizzying Heights on Norway’s Scenic Routes
CategoriesArchitecture

Daring Design at Dizzying Heights on Norway’s Scenic Routes

By Zarkon Group,

Browse the Architizer Jobs Board and apply for architecture and design positions at some of the world’s best firms. Click here to sign up for our Jobs Newsletter. 

Good trails guide you through different landscapes while minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment. Trails also build connections between humans and nature. It is about view framing/directing, and infrastructure designs that cope with people’s needs and environmental factors. Providing the right amount of information for visitors to learn about the cultural and natural history of the site is part of the infrastructure as well.

This story takes you through a trail of great scenery and beautiful architecture, introducing Ryfylke, one of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Along the route of 260km, there are 8 structures by different architects. Including installation, viewing platform, footbridge and museum, these structures become part of the scenery with their clean forms that are not disrupting the natural landscape.

Høllesli by Lie Øyen Arkitekter (2020)

Høllesli

Viewpoint at Høllesli ©Frid-Jorunn Stabell.

Starting from the south end of the route, the Høllesli viewpoint is a continuous concrete platform that cuts through the rock. The cuts are shaped into neat slopes and are sprayed with concrete to improve their stability. The concrete spray also gives the slopes a color similar to that of the platform, making them transition between the artificial and natural.

The platform provides safe access to an open view of Lysefjorden. Zig-zagging along the steep terrain, the sharp-edge platform extends two steps further down. It forms an artificial terrain that leads visitors towards the great fjord.

Lovra

Viewpoint at Lovra ©Foto Per Kollstad / Statens vegvesen.

The viewpoint of Lovra was always missed until a simple architectural intervention called attention to the overlooked and under-appreciated site. The simple addition of metal benches and tables on top of the old concrete blocks on the site called attention to the rest area/viewpoint, which is a little off the road, making it more visible.

Ropeid by Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor and KAP – Kontor for Arkitektur og Plan (2004 and 2021)

Ropeid

Inside the ferry waiting room ©Foto Helge Stikbakke / Statens vegvesen.

Ropeid

Furniture made of recycled plastic ©Frid-Jorunn Stabell.

In 2004, Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor designed a fully glazed ferry waiting room on the peninsula Ropeid. The building has floor-to-ceiling fenestration, inviting the view of fjords and mountains into the waiting room while sheltering waiting passengers from the elements.

A second intervention in 2021 saw the addition of several mushroom-like structures to the shore. These yellow “mushrooms” of varying height and proportion form three clusters where some can function as tables and others as seats. Those structures that are neither table nor seat become street lamps when they are lit from under the cap.

Ostasteidn by KAP – Kontor for Arkitektur og Plan, 2018

Ostasteidn

Resting area at Ostasteidn ©Foto Frid-Jorunn Stabell / Statens vegvesen.

Ostasteidn

The viewpoint at Ostasteidn ©Foto Lars Grimsby / Statens vegvesen.

This resting point extends from the road towards another fjord. A staggeringly tall concrete structure houses the washrooms. The top of the structure splits into three branches, each has a skylight.

The walkway connects the service building with the viewpoint on the other side of the site. Visitors can enjoy the attractive view of Sandsfjorden from the designated area. The walkway is made of fiberglass grating that allows grass to breathe and grow from underneath.

Høse bridge connects the town of Sand to a vast woodland on the other side of the Suldalslågen river. The straight bridge stands on steel beams and is textured with weathering steel, giving it a brownish-orange looking. It offers a view over the river that differs from the scenery received on the banks.

Both solid steel panels and mesh, as well as vertical and diagonal steel members, create patterns both on the outside and inside of the bridge. Sunlight penetrates the perforations on the mesh panels, leaving rhythmic shadows inside the crossing area. The bridge is lit from the inside during the night, giving the structure a glowing appearance from the exterior. The bridge culminates with a concrete pavilion that can shelter small groups of visitors on the woodland side.

Svandalsfossen by Haga & Grov AS Sivilarkitekter MNAL and Helge Schjelderup Arkitektkontoret Schjelderup & Gram (2006)

Svandalsfossen stairs ©Foto Per Kollstad / Statens vegvesen.

Both Svandalsfossen stairs and Høse bru echo the industrial history of their site with weathering steel. The rough surface and earthy color make the stairs a nice band of decoration up the terrain. With 540 steps in total, the stairs vertically link the low/riverside level, the middle/road level, and the top-level, where the Svandalsfossen waterfall is close at hand.

Allmannajuvet by Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner (2016)

zinc mine

Allmannajuvet Zinc Mine Museum ©Foto Fredrik Fløgstad / Statens vegvesen.

Inside the museum ©Foto Fredrik Fløgstad /Statens vegvesen.

The project by Peter Zumthor consists of a carpark, walkways and three buildings along the route walked by the miners between 1881 and 1899. The buildings — a café, a museum and a service building — are of similar languages; they all rely on a timber frame supporting system to stand on the steep, rocky terrain. A dark grey box stays within each supporting system and a tile roof floats on top.

The buildings are painted dark on the inside as well. Views of the Allmannajuvet enter the interior space through limited openings, creating a serene atmosphere that is slightly isolated from the outside.

Both café and museum are open to tourists every summer. The museum documents the hard life and work of the zinc miners, while the café offers visitors local foods and a place to rest. The café functions as a community space for the locals when not in service time.

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7 Pocket-Sized Book Borrowing Buildings
CategoriesArchitecture

7 Pocket-Sized Book Borrowing Buildings

By Zarkon Group,

Have your say in the world’s best architecture: the 10th Annual A+Awards Public Vote is now open! Cast your ballots in the largest awards program for architects and designers before May 27th, 2022!

Libraries can be massive and solemn with classical portals and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Or, they can be tiny and playful with bright colors and lightweight structures. While their functions are not limited by size, these tiny libraries can easily be approachable community spaces that house a range of facilities and activities. Explore with this collection 7 inspiring mini-libraries that utilize their tiny site.

Microlibrary Warak Kayu_exteriorMicrolibrary Warak Kayu_interiorMicrolibrary Warak Kayu by SHAU, Semarang, Indonesia
Popular Choice, 2020 A+Awards, Libraries

This finely made timber structure is a mini-library that simultaneously functions as a children’s playground and a community space. The ground floor is highly transparent: the building is a pavilion-like space with a few structural columns, seats, stairs, and a wide swing that attracts children. Pedestrians can easily access the sheltered space and utilize it as a roadside rest point.

The library on the second floor has chairs around a table as well as a net where children can read in a playful manner. The net is also a communication portal between the two levels. A timber brise-soleil wraps around the library space, enclosing the four sides. Along with the overhang roof, the screen keeps the library space from burning sun while leaving the space naturally ventilated.

City lounge_exteriorCity lounge_interiorCity Lounge of Zhongshan Road by The Design Institute Of Landscape & Architecture China Academy Of Art CO.,LTD, Jiaxing, China
Popular Choice, 2021 A+Awards, Libraries

The City Lounge is an unusual public facility that combines public restrooms with a community reading room. Located at a street corner, the traffic noise is buffered by concrete walls which create two courtyards on the site. People enter through a rolled concrete entrance into a courtyard. The first courtyard introduces three circulations, one to the reading room, one to a water courtyard and another onto the roof.

Alternatively, another entrance behind a fenced corridor leads directly to the reading room, which features a huge staircase as the seating area and walls of bookshelves. The restrooms are hidden behind and under the staircase, away from the two courtyards.

Microlibrary Bima_exteriorMicrolibrary Bima_interiorMicrolibrary Bima by SHAU, Bandung, Indonesia
Jury Winner & Popular Choice, 2017 A+Awards, Architecture +Community

Also by SHAU, Bima is the first realized in the firm’s microlibrary series. The ultimate aim of the building is to foster learning by providing a dedicated place for reading and community-scale cultural activities. Similar to Warak Kayu, Bima has an open first floor and a more enclosed second floor. The first floor is a preexisting platform that is already a gathering place for local people. Instead of occupying the platform, the design team shelters it with a simple steel structure.

The translucent brise-soleil that wraps the second floor is made of ice cream buckets. Some of them have their bottom cut to facilitate cross-ventilation. If seeing the opened buckets as 0’s and the closed ones as 1’s in binary code — a message saying “books are the windows to the world” can be read from the façade.

Reader's House_exteriorReader's House_interiorReaders’ House by Atelier Diameter, Beijing, China

The Readers’ House is a temporary reading room that stages a 72-hour live-streaming program. Within the 72 hours, people come to the building, pick up a book of their favorite, read it out loud and share their story behind the choice of book. After the program, the building stays for another two weeks before being taken down.

The whole process of design, construction and dismantling happens within 2 months. In order to achieve this fast-paced schedule, the simple structure was primarily designed of timber and steel. The two tiling roofs resemble an opened book. Visitors enter below the lowest point of the roof. The reading areas on the two sides are visually connected to the outside with tall floor-to-ceiling glazing. The transparency of the structure makes the place public and invites passers-by in.

FKZ Quarter_dayFKZ Quarter_nightThe Quarter for Jewish Culture Festival by BudCud, Kraków, Poland

The Quarter for Jewish Culture Festival (FKŻ Quarter) activates a forgotten urban green area with a group of lightweight structures. It occupies the middle section of the site with three cabins, a sheltered platform and a table tennis corner. The three cabins respectively house a café, a library and a boutique which can also be used as a workshop. Both locals and visitors can grab a chair and enjoy a book with some drinks.

The platform can turn into a stage and as the audience spread across the lawn, the Quarter softly expands to the whole site. Plywood panels and beams together with corrugated plastic plates bring the space lightness and a sense of openness, especially when sunshine floods the cabins or when the feathered lights get through the roofs from inside the cabins.

Mobile library_exteriorMobile library_interior_1Mobile library_interior_2Mobile Library by ArchiWorkshop, Seoul, South Korea

Mobile Library consists of four small pavilions, each having an appearance and interior space different from the other ones. Out of the four pavilions, the Block Attached Pavilion is attached to the red brick building on the site. While employing a similar rectangular shape as the brick building, the pavilion block is tilted following a drop of the land. One side of the block is transparent green, the interior space is rendered green as a result, creating an unrealistic atmosphere while keeping the outside world visually connected.

The Mirage Pavilion hides with reflective skin. The simple structure of steel beams and polished stainless-steel panels is also reflective on the inside. A pine tree enclosed in the mirror cube is endlessly duplicated, from which the design team wishes to create an illusion of sitting in a forest.

VAC_sideVAC_closeupVAC-LIBRARY by Farming Architects, Hanoi, Vietnam

The VAC Library is an experimental prototype that functions as an educational urban farm while being an urban playground for children to play and learn. VAC stands for Garden, Pond and Cage in Vietnamese.

The plants cultivated hydroponically form the garden. A pond for raising aquatic animals provides nutrient-rich water to the plants after suitable treatments. The timber grids hold sitting platforms, planting pots and lights, and also hold the possibility to be extended. The modularity of the structure makes it a prototype that is adaptable to different sites.

Have your say in the world’s best architecture: the 10th Annual A+Awards Public Vote is now open! Cast your ballots in the largest awards program for architects and designers before May 27th, 2022!

Reference

What’s Yellow, Blue and Red All Over? Showcasing Sweden’s Stunning Scarlet Architecture
CategoriesArchitecture

What’s Yellow, Blue and Red All Over? Showcasing Sweden’s Stunning Scarlet Architecture

By Zarkon Group,

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

The color red has been a part of residential architecture in Sweden since the 16th century when Falu red paint was first created from the residue found in copper mines in the country’s Falun region. Locals realized that this reddish sludge, when treated correctly, formed a paint that was very affordable, durable, weather-resistant and also helped mimic the appearance of brick houses that were owned by wealthier families.

Now, that particular shade of red is iconic and is knowingly used to help houses stand out in the verdant landscape. Today, the tradition continues evolving. Shades of Falu red now coats a variety of Swedish structures ranging from small homes and barns to large-scale university and apartment buildings. Here are a few buildings that illustrate the timelessness and exuberance of the color.

Images by Johan Fowelin

The Pavilion by Marge Arkitekter, Stockholm, Sweden

Unlike traditional pavilions, this Stockholm structure is stacked like a building. It is conceived to become the focal point of the redesign of the city block around it. The different levels help accommodate the slope of the site and provide access to visitors from both sides. The rouge tone helps it stand out among the beige and brown hues of the buildings around and also acts as a beacon for the citizens. The patterned exterior, created in collaboration with artist Gunilla Klingberg, is made of red-dyed concrete. The language is kept consistent by painting the awnings and window frames as well.

Späckhuggaren / House for a drummer by Bornstein Lyckefors Arkitekter, Kärna, Sweden

Coated in the traditional Falu red color, this house was designed for a single father of two. At one point, the site housed an old farm stall and a warehouse that was destroyed in a fire. The form of that warehouse is what inspired the design of this house. While the home appears heavy and solid from the outside, the interiors are open and airy. The spaces inside vary in height and there are mesh-covered gaps between levels to allow light to penetrate diagonally across floors.

Images by Ulf Celander

Uppgrenna Naturehouse by Tailor made arkitekter, Uppgränna, Sweden

This café and event space is a remodel of a red barn that was extant on the site. The red base, reminiscent of the previous structure, is given a modern facelift with the addition of a large greenhouse on top. The addition of panels to the base and doors not only helps maintain the barn aesthetic but also helps reduce heat radiation. On top, the greenhouse is equipped with a sewage and waste recycling system that also aids the growth of plants within. This eliminates the need to be connected to the municipal sewage system.

Images by Åke Eson Lindman

Passive Townhouses in Vallastaden by Kjellgren Kaminsky Architecture AB, Linköping, Sweden

The townhouse is broken up into four different apartments, with each one showcasing a slightly different personality. The continuous volume is broken up into four parts using separate roofs and façade patterns. These patterns are created using a mix of black, bright red and brick-toned tiles. The individuality of the apartments is also reflected in the kitchens and bathrooms inside. Additionally, this building features a courtyard, garden and storage space.

Tower on the Ting by Wingårdh Arkitektkontor AB, Örnsköldsvik, Sweden

Niklas Nyberg, a local builder, bought a courthouse that was built in 1967 after discovering it was rarely used and hoped to construct an apartment building on top of it. Taking inspiration from one of his favorite artists, Bengt Lindström, the architect set out to design a multidimensional apartment block. The square plan of the building is broken up into nine parts like a hashtag. Each level of the structure is made up of five apartments placed around a central block. The exterior is covered in glazed ceramic tiles in colors found in Lindström’s artwork.

Images by Tord-Rikard Soderstrom and Åke Eson Lindman

Kuggen by Wingårdh Arkitektkontor AB, Gothenburg, Sweden

The colorful glazed terracotta panels on this university building almost make it appear as if it is in motion. The red tones are a nod to the wharves and the harbors in the region and the other tones help add dimension and contrast. The structure is shaped like a tapered cylinder to shade the lower floors and increase floor space. The upper levels of the southern portion of the building project a bit further than the others to provide more shade throughout the day. Similarly, the triangular windows emerged from lighting considerations; they are designed to draw in sunlight from the ceiling and ensure that it reaches the building’s core. Meanwhile, motion-activated lights and ventilation systems help to conserve energy.

Moderna Museet Malmö by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, Malmö, Sweden

The new branch of the Swedish Museum of Modern Art stands is a remodel of an old electricity station. The remodel is marked with the addition of a bright vermillion cubical extension with a perforated façade placed right next to a traditional entrance. The larger perforations on the lower level help the museum’s sign stand out as well. The floor is glazed to filter the sunlight coming in and the same vibrant hue is painted across every surface as well as the furniture inside the café. The other exhibition spaces are painted white or other neutral tones, intentionally creating a contrast.

Fire House by Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA), Stockholm, Sweden

After the previous outhouse burned down, the architect decided to rewrite the story of its demise in the replacement design. The client’s requirement for a red shed was taken up a notch by adding recycled beads, arranged to mimic a burning blaze, on the walls. This was paired with lights to bring this composition to life. In addition to being a point of conversation, the faux fire also helps keep the deer and rabbits away. The effect produced was so realistic that the owners had to inform their neighbors that it was art and not actual fire when they called the fire brigade.

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7 Ways to Recreate the Timeless Charm of Regency Interiors
CategoriesArchitecture

7 Ways to Recreate the Timeless Charm of Regency Interiors

By Zarkon Group,

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

Period dramas are all in rage, both in written fiction and cinematic productions. Fans of Emma and Downtown Abbey are now indulging in the Netflix adaption of Julia Quinn’s popular Bridgerton novels. In addition to causing sleepless nights of binge-watching, the series has also prompted several Pinterest searches for Regency-era aesthetics and décor.

This dramatic aesthetic developed in the 19th Century, under George IV’s rule as Prince Regent. The style of design is synonymous with grandeur and flamboyance. It was influenced by Greek, Egyptian, Gothic and Chinese architecture, celebrating art in all forms. Muted hues, decorated wall panels, ornamental moldings, plus seating, noteworthy chandeliers, fluted columns, brass inlays, rich woods and large mirrors are just a few components that combine to make up this style.

Adapting the Regency style for today’s homes is not straightforward; it can be approached by adding individual elements that reflect the era or by recreating an entire setup that exudes regal European charm. Some of the extravagant elements mentioned above can be statement pieces in minimal interiors — like an imposing chandelier in an otherwise plain hallway. On the flip side, if used subtly, they can all come together to create a cozy and inviting home that displays hints of history while being rooted in today. Channeling this style also presents a great opportunity to upcycle vintage furniture and old decor pieces, or to try some DIY experiments on plain IKEA furniture. Below are a few examples of how these elements have been used in spaces across the world.

Children’s Room Design by Ami Austin Interior Design, Memphis, Tennessee | Image by Chip Pankey

Powdery blues, soft pinks, pistachio greens and luxurious cream hues were a staple in this era. This pastel palette can be layered in any space by using patterned wallpapers, painted furniture and matching upholstery. The combination of patterns prevents the space from becoming monotonous and creates interest in an otherwise muted palette.

This technique is clearly exhibited in the children’s room design by Ami Austin Interior Design. The same tone of powder blue is used in the wall, curtains, window seating and a desk chair. The white baseboards and mirrored vanity make it more current and add some brightness.

Beautiful living room in palace style by Mirt

This palatial setting might be hard to replicate in contemporary interiors as is but there are some elements that could be introduced in modern homes to give them a historic touch. Decorating the walls with patterned wallpapers and then strengthening that design language with ornate mirrors and gold-framed paintings can be one way to spruce up dining or living areas. This can also be taken a step further by breaking up the walls with molded panels to divide functions in a large space without using walls.

Ladbroke Grove Townhouse by BWArchitects, London, United Kingdom

Gold and pearlescent tones have long been indicators of wealth and luxury. And since the Regency style was all about celebrating opulence, furniture and fixtures with such finishes were not uncommon. Adding golden or cream edges to highlight the lines of tables or desks, or even using gold in lights or bathrooms fittings is an easy way to incorporate this trend. This soft aqua cabinet with beige panel outlines in a townhouse designed by BWArchitects is a great example of vintage-style furniture in a modern setting.

Pattern House by ALEKSA studio, London, United Kingdom

Gilded fixtures can also be paired with white marble tabletops in salons or countertops in bathrooms. Due to its versatility, marble can also be used on floors or be carved to create intricate sculptures and more. In Pattern House, ALESKA studio has paired marble slabs with metallic gold or brass sinks and taps to elevate the simple layout. Golden doorknobs and light fixtures further help build the aesthetic.

Living room design in light tones by Mirt

Another characteristic design element from this era was a sitting room with plush sofas and ornate chaises. As evidenced in this living room design, multiple seating options, all with curved lines and decorative embellishments, add an air of comfort and luxury to any living space. These can be upholstered in velvet or delicately patterned fabrics. When paired with equally embellished furniture, they can effortlessly transport users back to the 1800s.

Jerusalem Penthouse by Annette Frommer-Interior Design, Jerusalem, Israel

We often underestimate how dramatically curtains change the look of a space. Pleated drapes with thick fabrics or sophisticated prints that go all the way from the ceiling to the floor can give the appearance of bigger windows and higher ceilings. They can also be accompanied by decorative ties or layered with sheer curtains to make the setup more luxurious. As showcased above, curtains can be a good way to add depth, color and texture to living spaces.

Chateau in height by Estudio Jorge Felli, Buenos Aires, Argentina

No Regency setup would be complete without a grand chandelier. Large suspended illuminators with dazzling crystals and romantic swirls celebrate the artistic expression of the period. These can also work with minimal spaces with sleek lines or more themes setups. In a bedroom in the Chateau in Height, the large chandelier is accompanied by matching drapes and beddings, marble and wooden floors and a dark floral wallpaper to create a balanced room.

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Top 10 Architecture Projects on Architizer in March 2022
CategoriesArchitecture

Top 10 Architecture Projects on Architizer in March 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 indicating 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’ll be rounding up our database’s top 10 most-viewed, user-uploaded architecture projects at the end of each month.

By JJP Architects and Planners, New Taipei City, Taiwan

This church sits at the heart of a planned long-term elderly care village in a rural coastal district in northern New Taipei City, Taiwan. Inside, three hyperbolical solid shells form two voids and are enclosed by fully transparent glass. Horizontally, the church is bisected by a double-height glass corridor. The curved top of the shells form a unique gap that follows the sun’s path, inviting a flood of natural light into the interior space throughout the day, as well as a modern representation of longstanding church imagery of “open heavens”.

By XRANGE Architects, Penghu County, Taiwan

This house is named after a famous archipelago west of Taiwan where vernacular coral stone homes — characterized by a nine-square plan, distinctive “rolled” roof ridges resembling a curved gable and “slits and pillars” — are unique. This modern home reinterprets its forebears. From a distance, the overlapping layers of rolled roof ridges create the illusion of a village made up of many small homes. Likewise, the traditional slits-and-pillars openings are reimagined as screens that shade floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which improves access to natural light and ventilation.

By Wood Marsh, Point Lonsdale, Australia

The majestic, undulating terrain of the Australian coastland stands alone as an aesthetic experience. So, the architects who designed the Lonsdale Links — a club house for a golf course — sought to create a building that appeared as a “relic” in “the prehistoric landscape.” The soft contours and stunning volume of the building act like a natural extension of the site. Positioned on the crest of a hill, it appears differently from various sight lines. Dark laminated timber beams create a soft and radiant contrast to the verdant links; their finishing ahas a raw weathered quality that timelessly integrates with the coastal context.

By Metaform Architects, Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE

While the formal aspects of this project are visually dazzling, an even more impressive aspect of the the design remains invisible to the naked eye: it is built of 70% reused or recycled materials. While the steel structure was a natural choice to help reach this goal. fiberglass membrane is more surprising. Although difficult to recycle, the latter can be reused by the producer, who specifically agreed to it for this project.

By GUILLEM CARRERA arquitecte, Tarragona, Spain

Nestled in a small fold of the urban fabric, a small neighborhood with a triangular perimeter has quietly persisted over the the past half century. The houses here sit on small plots, rubbing shoulders with their neighbors. This new addition to the community seeks to maintain that dialogue; yet, interestingly, the main façade faces the back garden, rather than the street. The house pivots around a central porch, which is located in the belly of the structure.

Photos by Ivo Tavares Studio

By ESQUISSOS, Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal

The idea centers on the desire to develop a lower area beneath the home. To this end, a white closed building seemingly emerges in a crisp, clean volume from the topography. This design move ensures greater privacy and protection, superior energy efficiency, simple and clean, almost “monolithic” construction, in addition to wind protection and sunlight appreciation. Meanwhile, two independent boxes are perched above the white ground level, bringing the organizational plan into dialogue with the street level. The wooden slats add a textural intrigue and visual permeability that softens the purism of the white prism.

By A-001 Taller de Arquitectura, Valle de Bravo, Mexico

This two-storey weekend home is set on a 9,000 square meter site; hence, it is just one part of a larger, sustainable microsystem, within which the dwelling is respectfully integrated. This reinterpretation of the region’s traditional homes plays with the geometry of superimposed volumes. A nearby body of water feeds a hydraulic mill, which meets 70% of the home’s hydraulic needs; it is also the source of irrigation of vegetables, fruit trees and a series of wetlands. Additionally, a rainwater collection system helps feed the plumbing fixtures, the pool, and the irrigation of green areas.

By Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, Valencia, Spain

With a series of NIU projects, this Spanish firm is exploring innovating construction systems. The N70 is the smallest model in this series, which juxtapose aluminum walls and extruded spaces to open glazing. The goal is to make more sustainable, quicker-to-build homes that promote healthier lifestyles.

By RISOU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In Ho Chi Minh City, townhouses are often long and narrow slices that run back from the street. As a result, the interiors have less windows and access to sunlight than residents desire. With this design, the architects prioritized the creation of natural light while optimizing construction costs. The result is a luminous family home that is enlivened by a central atrium, which invites the sun’s rays to dance in the deepest nooks and crannies.

By Mado Architects, Mazandaran Province, Iran

Set in a suburb that is dotted with gabled roofs and homes made of brick, cement and wood materials, this project subtly distinguishes itself from the neighborhood in sophisticated ways. The design is rooted in the geometric archetype of nine-squares, which is the guiding principle of its programmatic distribution. The interconnected network of courtyards, pools and domestic faces interlock like a Mondrian composition, resulting in a dynamic and highly functional home.

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