Potential

Zarkon Group Real Estate Builders & Developers > Blog > Potential

Tag: Potential

Fables and Fragments: Vision Award Winners Rethink CAD’s Potential
CategoriesArchitecture

Fables and Fragments: Vision Award Winners Rethink CAD’s Potential

By Zarkon Group,

We are thrilled to announce the winners of Architizer’s inaugural Vision Awards, the world’s biggest awards program dedicated to the art of architectural representation. Sign up to receive future program updates >  

Architecture is born from drawing. This act of laying out ideas and visions is what brings buildings and cities to life. Over time, as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and digital technology became more popularized, there was a move from hand drawings to 3D modeling. Now, designers are quickly seeing the rise of AI-assisted visualization. Across these mediums and at the heart of architectural practice is the desire to tell compelling stories about people and places.

This year, Architizer launched the Vision Awards to recognize the talented students, professionals and studios who are envisioning the world’s architecture. Captured through photography, drawings, renderings, videos, physical models and more, there were hundreds of entries submitted across more than 30 categories. Taking a closer look at the winners, we can begin to see how designers are rethinking the potential of computer-aided design. The result is a series of beautiful, compelling works that represent visionary approaches to drawing and storytelling. The following three projects highlight the winners of this year’s Vision Awards for students, professionals and studios.

VENUE ID PINKLAO-SALAYA “Shirakawa-go”

By LWD.Co.,Ltd, Studio Winner, Vision Awards, Computer Aided Drawing

Underlining the idea that CAD drawings can be done in many different styles, the drawing VENUE ID PINKLAO-SALAYA “Shirakawa-go” by LWD.Co was the Vision Awards Studio Winner this year for Computer Aided Drawing. As the team outlines, it was made as an “inspired design that tells the story of a beautiful farming village nestled in the valley alongside the Shokawa River, where one might find an old house reminiscent of a childhood fairy tale.” Reading like a comic, the juxtaposition of angles, moments and frames moves the eye through the drawing and text.

LWD.Co. wanted to create an illustration that highlights the architectural design of Gassho-zukuri houses. “Built using the same architectural characteristics as traditional houses, this design employs the architectural style called Gassho-zukuri. Gassho means hands folded together in prayer. The distinctive feature of this traditional Japanese architectural style is the large gable roof that looks like hands folded together. This creates a beautiful blend between the wooden Japanese frame and the architectural style of a traditional Thai house. This combination is perfect for the hot and humid climate of Thailand; the elevated structure which creates a faux-basement space underneath the house is just one of the unique characteristics of Thai-style houses.”

Fable or Failure

By Alexander Jeong and Brandon Hing, Vision Awards Student Winners, Computer Aided Drawing

This imaginative drawing “Fable or Failure” by Alexander Jeong and Brandon Hing won the 2023 Architizer Vision Award for a Student Drawing in the Computer Aided category. Jeong and Hing’s rendering reimagines a multitude of fantastical scenarios through space travel. As the duo notes, “Fable or Failure is a project that seeks to reimagine how space travel can be conceptualized in the distant future of societal development.” Taking the shape of an exploded axonometric drawing, the winning entry uses black, white and grey linework and shading, as well as a single color to denote outer space.

Together, Jeong and Hing are curious in how a visualization can pose questions of space, community and gathering. “Will space travel be dominated by the rich and corrupt with the ability to experience otherworldly and transformative events, commodifying it? Can we imagine a future of space travel dominated by imaginative individuals or kids, optimistic in carrying the hopes of the future of the earth with them to space? Through three distinct parts: navigation, archival and extension, the organization of the shuttle is designed for a plethora of humanity’s desires in space travel.”

Into the Void: Fragmented Time, Space, Memory, and Decay in Hiroshima

By Victoria Wong, Professional Winner, Vision Awards, Computer Aided Drawing

Navigating the past, present, and future of Hiroshima, Victoria Wong’s incredible triptych is a study in composition and layering. As this year’s Vision Awards Professional Winner in the Computer Aided Drawing category, the drawing has a fantastic collection of stories embedded within it. In Wong’s words, “This triptych adapts Japanese aesthetic theories of transience and imperfection, and applies them to the city of Hiroshima.” The three selected locations (Genbaku Dome, Yagenbori, and Shukkein Garden) are experimental adaptations to the spatial and environmental challenges that facilitate ‘changes’ according to mental statuses and behaviors.

Photo Study: A zoomed-in shot showing one of the panoramic views that was described in the text that Victoria was working with.  

As writer Patt Fin notes, you might not immediately regard Victoria’s work “as an architectural drawing according to the way the term is usually understood. But this work is an architectural drawing in the more important sense; that is, it is engaged with the questions architects deal with every time they undertake a project, no matter how humble. The illustration explores the relationship between the past and the future and how each new addition to a city is an event in its ever-evolving story.”

We are thrilled to announce the winners of Architizer’s inaugural Vision Awards, the world’s biggest awards program dedicated to the art of architectural representation. Sign up to receive future program updates >  

Reference

Ten eclectic eateries that showcase the potential of terrazzo
CategoriesInterior Design

Ten eclectic eateries that showcase the potential of terrazzo

By Zarkon Group,

From a pink-hued Ottolenghi restaurant in London to a muted pizzeria in Beijing, our latest lookbook rounds up 10 eateries from around the world that feature terrazzo elements.

Terrazzo is a flooring material that consists of uneven pieces of marble or granite set in concrete, which is then polished to give it a smooth finish.

Architects and interior designers often use the sturdy material in their projects to create practical floors, but also to give walls or other surfaces a speckled and decorative appearance.

We have collected 10 eateries that use terrazzo, such as on the tabletops of a fish and chip shop in Australia and to make up the floors of a Chinese teahouse.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing steely kitchens, green bedrooms and gardens with swimming pools.

Rosie Tillie cafe bar
Photo is by Niveditaa Gupta

Rosie and Tillie, India, by Renesa

Local architecture studio Renesa set terracotta tiles against smooth terrazzo surfaces at Rosie and Tillie, an all-day cafe in New Delhi.

Squat curved booths create sculptural seating throughout the eatery, which is located within a former Indian restaurant at a shopping mall in the Indian capital’s Saket neighbourhood.

Find out more about Rosie and Tillie ›

Smallfry Seafood restaurant by Sans-Arc Studio
Photo is by David Sievers

Smallfry Seafood, Australia, by Sans-Arc Studio

Smallfry Seafood is a chip shop in Adelaide, Australia, that takes cues from the aesthetics of Japanese seafood markets.

Sans-Arc Studio created a communal bar and curved tables from narrow slabs of light blue terrazzo. For the rest of the interiors, the studio chose mottled grey travertine and stained wood accents that are illuminated by globular pendant lights.

Find out more about Smallfry Seafood ›

Drop Coffee by Roar Studio
Photo is by Oculis Project

Drop Coffee, UAE, by Roar Studio

A decorative terrazzo floor mirrors a mural created from broken ceramic tiles at this Dubai cafe that was designed by Roar Studio at the city’s Dar Al Wasl Mall.

Drop Coffee has a colour palette of greys and whites, chosen to maintain focus on the cafe’s mix of industrial materials such as stainless steel and concrete.

“We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel by using broken tiles – our idea was to form a counterpoint to the terrazzo effect porcelain flooring as though the chips of the broken tiles were used in the flooring,” Roar Studio founder Pallavi Dean told Dezeen.

Find out more about Drop Coffee ›

Universal Design Studio
Photo is by Jovian Lim

Odette, Singapore, by Universal Design Studio 

Mosaic-like terrazzo floors formed from pale pink and white take centre stage at Odette, a restaurant in Singapore created by British practice Universal Design Studio.

A range of soft and smooth materials make up the interiors, from plush grey velvet benches and chairs to sleek nickel fixtures and statement planters.

Find out more about Odette ›

Entrance and waiting area in Ottolenghi Chelsea
Photo is courtesy of Alex Meitlis

Ottolenghi Chelsea, UK, by Alex Meitlis

London deli and restaurant chain Ottolenghi has opened a branch in Chelsea that features interior styling by designer Alex Meitlis, who created exposed plaster walls interspersed with pink terrazzo tiles.

The eatery includes slinky banquettes in red upholstery and low-slung rattan chairs, which are arranged around sculptural white tables.

Find out more about Ottolenghi Chelsea ›

Penta by Ritz&Ghougassian
Photo is by Tom Blachford

Penta, Australia, by Ritz&Ghougassian 

Terrazzo was used to create subtle geometric seating at Penta, a minimal cafe in Melbourne designed by local architecture studio Ritz&Ghougassian.

Jet black cushions and chairs contrast the grey speckled benches, while delicate native ferns add a touch of greenery to the otherwise monochrome interiors.

Find out more about Penta ›

Lievito gourmet pizza restaurant by MDDM Studio
Photo is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Lievito Gourmet Pizza, China, by MDDM Studio

Another eatery with a muted atmosphere, Lievito Gourmet Pizza by MDDM Studio features blocky custom-made tables and a central bar formed from powdery grey terrazzo.

The Beijing restaurant was designed with this layout in order to incorporate both open and more intimate dining spaces, which are arranged across three subtle levels.

Find out more about Lievito Gourmet Pizza ›

Interiors of Tingai Teahouse in Shanghai
Photo is by Dirk Weiblen

Tingtai Teahouse, China, by Linehouse

Situated inside an old factory space in Shanghai, Tingtai Teahouse is characterised by its intimate seating areas contained in elevated boxes positioned above a multi-level landscape of green terrazzo.

“We paired smoked oak and brushed darkened stainless steel with the green terrazzo to bring warmth into the space,” explained Linehouse founder Alex Mok.

Find out more about Tingtai Teahouse ›

B Natural Kitchen
Photo is by Samara Vise

B-Natural Kitchen, USA, by Atelier Cho Thompson 

A rounded bar and service counter with a multi-coloured terrazzo top and tamboured wood siding features in B-Natural Kitchen, a pastel-hued restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut.

Atelier Cho Thompson juxtaposed soft and bold finishes for the interiors, which include plant-themed graphic wallpaper that nods to the eatery’s menu of fresh ingredients.

Find out more about project B-Natural Kitchen ›

Design studio Biasol designs Middle Eastern-inspired Melbourne restaurant.
Photo is by Tom Blachford

Middle South East, Australia, by Biasol

Design studio Biasol took cues from Middle Eastern architecture for this Melbourne restaurant that juxtaposes deep blue and terracotta tones.

A tiled water station with terrazzo shelving features in the centre of the room, while clusters of dining tables and a bar are topped with the same speckled material.

Find out more about Middle South East ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing white bathrooms, light-filled extensions and homes with statement windows.

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