Michael Archives

Michael Hennessey Architecture clads renovated California house in cedar

US studio Michael Hennessey Architecture has revitalised an ageing suburban house near San Francisco, adding black cladding and bright finishes to form a family home that bridges the past, present and future.

The residence is located in Mill Valley, a town just north of San Francisco that is known for its natural terrain and cultural offerings.

Black house by Michael Hennessey Architecture — Michael Hennessey Architecture created Courtyard Hous

Designed for a couple with two young children, the budget-conscious project involved the renovation of a suburban-style house that was “in sore need of upgrades”.

The aim was to create a dwelling that supported the family’s current needs while being mindful of what might be needed in the future.

Courtyard House living space — The home is U-shaped in plan

“The home was thought not only as a shelter, but also as a bridge: from past to present, from one landscape condition to another, and from what a family wanted to what they could have,” said Michael Hennessey Architecture, which is based in San Francisco.

Built into a hillside, the home is U-shaped in plan, with gabled volumes organised around a central courtyard.

Vertical cedar siding that adds a sense of gravitas

The team opted to preserve certain elements while adding contemporary interventions.

The building’s beige exterior was replaced with black, vertical cedar siding that adds a sense of gravitas, the studio said. The roof is covered in standing-seam metal.

Open-plan kitchen — Inside there is a clear division between public and private zones

Inside, the 1,870-square-foot (174-square-metre) house features a clear division between public and private zones.

On the main level, one side holds an open-concept kitchen, dining area, and living room, while the other encompasses three bedrooms. The ground level contains a family room and a garage.

South-facing deck — A south-facing deck features outside

“Clearly delineated programmatic areas work in harmony with each other, the outside and the family’s needs,” the team said.

Interior finishes include ash cabinetry, large-format porcelain floor tiles, and ceramic tiles around the fireplace. Lofty ceilings and large stretches of glass provide an airy feel.

The outdoor spaces include a spacious, south-facing deck that receives bright sunlight. Softer light flows in through the courtyard on the north.

Proving a connection to the forested, hilly landscape was a guiding concern for the team.

Outdoor showers were also included in the design

“Every part of the house is oriented towards the landscape thanks to carefully framed views of the lush immediate vegetation, as well as the more distant valleys, resulting in a comprehensive, thoughtful and sensitive approach to creating an extraordinary daily life,” the team said.

Other projects by Michael Hennessey Architecture include a townhouse with modern bay windows that was designed to offer alternatives to “conventional building strategies” and the refurbishment of a 1960s house that was originally built by Joseph Eichler, known for his modernist housing subdivisions.

The photography is by Adam Rouse.

Project credits:

Architect: Michael Hennessey Architecture
Architecture team: Michael Hennessey, Claudia Merzario, Jason Laudat
Contractor: New Dimension Builders (Dirk Von Rueben)
Structural engineer: Berkeley Structural Design (Bill Lynch)
Landscape architect: George Loew
Title 24 consultant: EnergySoft, LLC (Hayley Monahan)
Sustainability consultant: Arcturus HD (Jeff Aalfs)

Reference

Interior Design

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

By Zarkon Group,09/12/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Partnership content

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

Reference

Interior Design

Michael Hsu utilises soft shapes for Austin skyscraper interiors

By Zarkon Group,17/07/2023

US studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has designed the common areas and amenity spaces for a residential skyscraper in Austin, Texas, which include a circular outdoor swimming pool.

The 51-storey 44 East Avenue development on the city’s riverfront was designed by Page Architects, and includes 330 condominiums and a variety of shared amenities for residents.

Lounge area in front of glazed atrium — The ground-floor lobby of 44 East Avenue includes a glazed atrium that divides the space

Local studio Michael Hsu Office of Architecture took an organic approach when designing the communal spaces, introducing soft shapes and natural materials to the glass and concrete structure.

“44 East combines nature and design with the idea of home,” said studio founder Michael Hsu. “It’s an unexpected expression of what beautiful, livable, modern spaces can be.”

Dark green sofa, pale pink rug and wooden coffee table — Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has layered a variety of vintage and custom furniture in the lobby

The bright lobby features light colours, curved surfaces, and a blend of hard and soft materials.

Poured concrete terrazzo floors are intended to echo the gravel of the nearby riverside trail, while plaster ceilings are subtly smooth-edged to mimic the undersides of boats.

Rounded mint-green reception desk in front of white tambour wall — A rounded mint-green reception desk sits in front of a white tambour wall

A glazed atrium with curved corners divides the ground floor and brings the landscaping by DWG further into the building.

Lounges on either side are furnished with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, which add colour and texture.

Bright lounge space with a variety of seating areas — On the 11th floor, spaces feature pastel tones to match the interiors of the residences

The reception desk has rounded edges and sides, and a glossy mint-green finish. It sits on a chrome base that matches a custom pendant light over a nearby seating area.

“[The communal areas are] a completely designed experience, one that allows for a multitude of ways of living,” Hsu said. “It represents creativity and design without pretension.”

Circular swimming pool with loungers and seating around the perimeter — A circular outdoor swimming pool has loungers and pebble-shaped islands at its shallow ends

On the 11th floor, a series of spaces are oriented towards views of the Colorado River and the leafy neighbourhoods to the south.

A circular outdoor swimming pool features loungers dipped into the shallow water and a series of pebble-shaped islands.

Covered patio with a tree growing through a hole in the canopy — A tree grows through a hole in the canopy that covers a patio area for grilling

Adjacent is a partially covered patio for barbecuing and dining al fresco, oriented around a planter with a tree that grows up through a hole in the slatted canopy.

Indoor spaces on this level are decorated in pastel hues to match those found in the residences, which were designed by Page.

Further amenity areas on the 37th floor feature jewel tones and darker materials, such as the stone flooring, as well as fixtures including a large moon-like pendant light above a circular sofa.

“We hope that this space feels both fresh and welcoming, a place that has new moments to discover, but that is comfortable and familiar,” said Hsu. “Design here is part of the resident’s everyday experience, rather than reserved for a special occasion.”

Lounge with dark furniture and a view of the Austin skyline — Another lounge on the 37th floor has darker decor and a view of the Austin skyline

Austin continues to grow as a desirable place to live and work, and has seen a boom in development across residential, commercial and hospitality sectors as a result.

Plans for a supertall skyscraper in the city were unveiled in November 2022, although cut back significantly six months later, leaving another supertall by KPF in the running to become Texas’ tallest building.

Exterior view of 44 East Avenue with the Colorado River and Austin skyline behind — 44 East Avenue is located beside the Colorado River, east of Downtown Austin

Meanwhile, a concrete office complex, a sculptural tower, and a technologically advanced sports arena have all been completed in Austin over the past year.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has also wrapped up a string of projects in its home state, from converting a 1930s Austin church into a design office to designing a cosy Japanese restaurant in Houston.

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Project credits:

Common areas/amenity spaces: Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Home interiors: Page
Landscape architect: DWG
Developer: Intracorp
Pre-construction: Flintco
Civil engineering: WGI

Reference

Interior Design

Michael Groth uses natural and recycled materials inside Donna restaurant

By Zarkon Group,11/07/2023

New York designer Michael Groth collaborated with a Moroccan artisan cooperative to create the wall hangings for this worker-owned bar and restaurant in the West Village.

The opening of Donna‘s new location on Cornelia Street follows the closure of its Williamsburg spot in December 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Banquette seating with wool wall hanging above in Donna restaurant — Michael Groth has designed the new Donna outpost in New York

Serving a pan-Latin menu with Mediterranean influences and Filipino-inspired cocktails, the restaurant and bar is now a worker-owned cooperative, with original owner Leif Young Huckman acting as an advisor.

To reflect this shift, Brooklyn-based Groth aimed to imbue the design of the new outpost with references to the previous location while nodding to Donna’s revised business model.

Bar area with earth-toned plaster walls — Earth-toned limewash plaster was applied to the walls in geometric patterns

He drew influences from the constructivist art movements of Latin America in the 20th century and particularly the work of artists Sandu Darie, Pedro Alvarez and Lygia Clark.

Donna is decorated with earth-toned limewash plaster, applied to the walls in geometric patterns that echo the brand’s visual identity.

Circular light fixture above the dining area in Donna restaurant — Groth created wall hangings in collaboration with artisan cooperative The Anou

Exposed brickwork is painted white, forming a plain backdrop for the circular wool wall hangings that Groth created in collaboration with Moroccan artisan cooperative The Anou.

These help to dampen the acoustics while lime plaster assists in regulating humidity, according to Groth.

The tables are crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir flooring and stained plywood was used to build the banquette seating that wraps the perimeter.

Bar-back shelving and floors were repurposed from the unit’s previous tenant, while the bar tops were fabricated by Brooklyn Stone and Tile – another worker-owned cooperative.

Reclaimed Douglas fir tables and stained plywood banquettes — Tables are crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir

“The use of any new materials was limited to those that are natural and biodegradable, keeping in mind the holistic effects of resource extraction, human health and equity, and circular material cycles,” the Donna team said.

Pendants lights above the bar have shades made from mushroom mycelium, which according to the team presents “an environmentally holistic approach to material creation that poetically reflects Donna’s equitable business model”.

Bar with mycelium pendant lights suspended above in Donna restaurant — The pendant lights above the bar feature mycelium shades

New York City’s dining scene was upheaved during the pandemic, with many eating and drinking establishments forced to either adapt or shutter.

As a result, sidewalk dining shelters sprung up across the city, as documented in these photographs by John Tymkiw.

The photography is by Nicholas Ruiz.

Reference

Architecture

High-tech pioneer Michael Hopkins dies aged 88

By Zarkon Group,20/06/2023

Breaking news: RIBA Royal Gold Medal-winning architect Michael Hopkins, who was one of the early pioneers of high-tech architecture, has died aged 88.

Hopkins, who was one of the UK’s most influential architects, “died peacefully at the age of 88 surrounded by his family”, his wife Patty Hopkins told the Guardian.

A pioneer of high-tech architecture in the 1970s and 80s, Michael Hopkins along with Patty Hopkins, was responsible for some of the style’s most significant early works and developing the later historicist high-tech style.

“I first met Michael in the AA refectory – he was a tall, stylish, somewhat enigmatic figure,” said Patty Hopkins. “We worked together and shared a life with a beautiful family for 61 years. Michael was obsessive about architecture and tenacious in refining a design until he was absolutely satisfied with it.”

“He was usually (and annoyingly) right,” she continued. “He made the world – and the buildings so many people live work, and learn in – more beautiful. We will miss him more than we can imagine”.

He was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, jointly with Patty Hopkins, in 1994. Projects designed by his studio have been shortlisted for the UK’s top architecturee award – the Stirling Prize – four times.

Influential buildings designed by Hopkins Architects include the industrial-looking Hopkins House, the Schlumberger Research Centre, Westminster Underground Station, Portcullis House and the Olympic Velodrome.

Born in Poole, Dorset, Michael Hopkins studied at London’s Architectural Association under tutors Cedric Price, Bob Maxwell and Peter Smithson, before joining Foster Associates (now Foster + Partners).

At Foster Associates he was the project architect for the highly influential Willis Building in Ipswich, before leaving to establish Hopkins Architects with Patty Hopkins in 1976.

The studio’s first project was Hopkins House in Hampstead. The stripped-back home, which combined glass and a modular framework of mass-produced components, was a translation of the industrial aesthetic being developed by the high-tech architects to a domestic scale. The couple would go on to live in the house their entire lives.

High-tech architecture: Anthony Hunt is the high-tech architect's engineer — The Schlumberger Research Centre was another early high-tech work. Photo courtesy of Historic England Archive

Following the Hopkins House, the studio continued to develop high-tech buildings throughout the 1980s including the Greene King warehouse in Bury St Edmunds, Patera Building System concept, Schlumberger Research Centre in Cambridge and Mound Stand at Lord’s Cricket ground in London.

In the 1990s, the studio developed the style to include more historical elements with Bracken House in London and Nottingham’s Inland Revenue Centre both incorporating brick and stone.

High-tech architecture guide: Portcullis House by Michael Hopkins — Portcullis House is an example of the later style

The development of historic high-tech culminated at Portcullis House alongside the UK Parliament, which was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize in 2001.

Hopkins Architects remains one of the UK’s largest studios and was shortlisted a further three times for the Stirling Prize in the 21st century for the Evelina Children’s Hospital, Olympic Velodrome and 100 Liverpool Street – all in London.

“With Michael the process was always intensely focussed and the conversation that led to the buildings always began as a voyage of discovery typically centred on establishing a sense of place, about how to make historic connections, how to put the materials together in an honest and contemporary way so that the building would appear calm and make immediate sense to the end user,” said Hopkins Architects principal Michael Taylor.

“Nothing was ever taken for granted. It was a demanding and enlightening process and we all had great fun on the journey together. Whatever the demands of the moment Michael was always true to himself,” he continued.

“With this approach he changed the course of architecture in the UK and will be a point of reference across the profession long into the future. He was greatly respected both as an architect and as a person of integrity and we will all miss him enormously.”

The photography is courtesy of Hopkins Architects.

Reference

Architecture

Future Fest: Watch Michael Green Speak About the Timber Architecture Revolution

By Zarkon Group,12/07/2022

If you are interested in learning about the future of sustainable timber construction, we have some exciting news: Michael Green, Founder and Principal of MGA | Michael Green Architecture, will speak at Architizer Future Fest this September! Celebrating his firm’s latest A+Award for Best Architecture Firm in North America, Michael will take to the Future Fest stage to present his ideas on “Buildings for a Changing World”. The virtual live talk is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 19th, and is 100% free for attendees. Register to attend Michael’s presentation during our biggest ever celebration of architectural innovation:

Michael Green is an award-winning architect, speaker, and author known for using design to create meaningful, sustainable built environments that benefit both people and planet. A leader in wood construction and innovation, Michael is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, lecturing internationally on the subject of mass timber and new building technology, including his TED talk, “Why We Should Build Wooden Skyscrapers.”

Michael serves as a government policy advisor on mass timber design and is the co-author of the first and second editions of ‘The Case for Tall Wood Buildings’ and ‘Tall Wood Buildings: Design, Construction and Performance.’

Top right: Wood Innovation and Design Centre, Prince George, Canada; bottom left: North Vancouver Passive House Plus, North Vancouver, Canada; photos by Ema Peter Photography

MGA | Michael Green Architecture is one of the most internationally recognized architecture firms in Canada. Beyond winning multiple A+Awards over the past few years, the firm has also received four Governor General’s Medals for Architecture and two Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Awards for Architectural Innovation. MGA is particularly well-known for its innovation in sustainable architecture and developing carbon-neutral buildings with advanced wood construction.

During his presentation entitled ‘Buildings for a Changing World’, Michael will explore some of the most pressing issues facing the architecture industry today. The world is evolving at a rapid pace, and architecture and construction must evolve with it in order to create a sustainable future for communities around the globe. What should the architecture of tomorrow look like? What should it be made of? And how should it be built? Michael and other Future Fest presenters will explore answers to these questions and more through the lens of some of the best, A+Award-winning architectural projects from recent seasons.

For a running list of speakers and more information on upcoming events, check out the Future Fest website, and register to receive invitations to each live talk in September:

Top image: T3 Minneapolis by MGA | Michael Green Architecture, Minneapolis, MN, A+Award Finalist in the Commercial Mixed Use category; photo by Ema Peter Photography

Reference

Interior Design

Dezeen presents cafe bar designed by Michael Young at Design Shanghai

By Zarkon Group,13/06/2021

Dezeen has partnered with Design Shanghai to present a cafe and bar designed by Michael Young at the 2021 edition of the trade show, which opened in Shanghai this week.

The cafe and bar is located at booth K207 in Hall 2 at Design Shanghai 2021, which takes place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China, until 6 June.

The space features grey corrugated walls with splashes of colour and is furnished with previews of furniture pieces designed by Young that will be launched later in the year.

Michael Young x Dezeen cafe and bar at Design Shanghai — Dezeen has partnered with Design Shanghai to present a cafe and bar designed by Michael Young

According to Young, the concept for the space is loosely based on a bar he created last year at his office in Shekou, Shenzhen.

“I ended up with an opportunity to create a bar last year beneath our studio but with only a few weeks to build the concept I decided to throw in anything I could get hold of – samples, prototypes and things from the studio that we have collected from around the world,” the Hong Kong-based British designer told Dezeen.

“I basically scavenged the studio together like a magpie so it became a real beer shack and a place that was not designed but created organically.”

The bar has grey walls — The bar features ribbed walls with splashes of colour and pattern

Citta Design has contributed pieces of Young’s new Acre Chair for the New Zealand brand, which will be launched in Auckland in September. The space is also furnished with new editions of Young’s Stool 4a for EOQ Design, which will be launched in December.

The bar is being used to launch Young’s new drinks brand Beer Buddy, which developed a new pilsner called House for the event.

The beer brand is specifically designed to connect creatives at events, trade shows and gatherings around Asia. Drinkers can scan a QR code on the beer packaging to connect with other creatives attending the event.

It is serving Beer Buddy — Young is launching his new Beer Buddy drinks brand at the bar

The dark grey exterior walls of the space are decorated with swirling patterns based on the graphics on the Beer Buddy cans and bottles.

Colourful versions of this pattern have been used to add splashes of colour to the interior walls and enclose private seating areas.

The space is co-branded with Young’s studio logo and the Chinese version of Dezeen’s logo. The walls also feature the QR code for people to follow Dezeen’s official WeChat account, which features news and features about the latest architecture, design and interiors written in Simplified Chinese.

Dezeen is a media partner for Design Shanghai 2021.

The show presents over 400 local and international brands across eight different sections alongside a programme of installations, exhibitions and the return of its annual talks programme, which this year explores the topic of regenerative design.

Design Shanghai takes place from 3 to 6 June at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

Reference

Michael

Michael Hennessey Architecture clads renovated California house in cedar

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

Michael Hsu utilises soft shapes for Austin skyscraper interiors

Michael Groth uses natural and recycled materials inside Donna restaurant

High-tech pioneer Michael Hopkins dies aged 88

Future Fest: Watch Michael Green Speak About the Timber Architecture Revolution

Dezeen presents cafe bar designed by Michael Young at Design Shanghai

Get in touch

about us

Company info

Useful Links

Newsletter