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15 Top AI Tools for Architects and Designers
CategoriesArchitecture

15 Top AI Tools for Architects and Designers

By Zarkon Group,

Across the industry, architects are embracing a new partner in their creative pursuits: artificial intelligence. Once plagued by repetition and monotony, the architectural workforce finds itself on the cusp of a digital revolution where bits and bytes hold the key to automation and once unimaginable possibilities.

The AI revolution is not knocking at our door; it has already stepped in, taken off its hat, and is ready to get to work. The dynamics of design are evolving, and we are at the forefront, blending human creativity and machine precision. The future of architecture is not just being written — it’s being coded, and these are fourteen of the most valuable AI tools you could be using right now.

It’s safe to say that the list of AI tools for architects is progressing rapidly, with new programs being announced each and every day and as the architectural and technological landscapes continue to evolve, architects can expect the emergence of even more innovative AI tools, each promising to further revolutionize the field. These advancements will shape the future of architectural design, empowering professionals to deliver exceptional projects while pushing the boundaries of creativity and efficiency and, with hope, saving our planet at the same time.

Best AI Tools for Concept Design

Midjourney

Image by author.

Midjourney is everywhere right now. The AI-powered image generation tool presents architects with a canvas as boundless as their imagination. Working from written prompts, Midjourney deftly weaves photorealistic images that can be used to illustrate conceptual thinking.

While Midjourney is yet to fill the shoes of your favorite visualizer, the intelligent program can help designers convey complex designs by producing stunning visual narratives to help demonstrate to clients and stakeholders our vision. Even the most intrepid architectural ideas can spring from the mind’s eye onto the screen with Midjourney, making it a treasure trove for experimental design.

Adobe Firefly

Image by author.

Adobe Firefly, still fluttering in the chrysalis of development, is already showcasing the strength of its potential. This emergent member of the generative AI family promises to ignite the creative flame in architects and designers alike while streamlining workflow and providing a versatile and trusted platform for generating images, text effects, and other creative content.

Currently, Firefly, like Midjourney, is a dynamic companion that can illustrate innovative design ideas using text-to-image prompts. The program is included as part of the Adobe suite. Firefly is a trusty liaison, promoting collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients through a recognized and dependable platform.

As a relatively new program, many of the promised features of Firefly are not available yet. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to conceive that the brains behind the interface didn’t want to fall too far behind the incredibly popular Midjourney and so decided to drip-feed users functions before the program was complete. However, as Adobe Firefly continues to mature, we will likely see heavy development in Adobe’s ambition to create seamless transitioning between their popular design programs, which promises to make image creation and editing a breeze in the not-too-distant future.

Best AI Tool for Generating Design Alternatives

Maket.ai

Image by author.

Where architects once navigated the labyrinth of multiple design options alone, Maket.ai stands ready as a steadfast companion. With Maket.ai, the challenge of client-specific requirements and spatial restrictions becomes an opportunity for diverse design exploration. Rather than presenting a singular vision — or whatever number timescale allows — architects can now offer a visual banquet of design alternatives, each as meticulously tailored as a Savile Row suit.

Yet the true magic of Maket.ai lies in its promise of liberated time and resources. By taking on the laborious task of generating design options, Maket.ai gives architects a bounty of time, freeing them to engage more deeply with creativity and clients.

The pièce de résistance of Maket.ai is the potential to stir the stagnant waters of architectural convention. By generating unexpected design options, Maket.ai propels architects into the thrilling unknown of innovative design. The tool serves as a launchpad for creativity, inspiring architects to reach beyond their tried-and-true and embrace the unknown.

Best AI Tool for Residential Planning

ARCHITEChTURES

ARCHITEChTURES is a transformative AI-powered tool revolutionizing residential planning. Meticulously designed for the discerning architect, it streamlines decision-making and maximizes efficiency.

Harnessing the cutting-edge power of artificial intelligence, ARCHITEChTURES analyzes site conditions, climate dynamics, budget constraints, and client aspirations. With this wealth of knowledge, it unveils an array of design options, flawlessly harmonizing form and function while bringing architectural visions to life.

ARCHITEChTURES is already the trusted ally of many architects, empowering them to surpass limitations and unlock unparalleled efficiency. Through automation, liberation from mundane tasks is a reality. With an extensive palette of design parameters to work with, it is possible to set boundaries and set the program to work on all the available options.

From site planning, where ARCHITEChTURES navigates constraints and explores opportunities, to meticulous building design encompassing room sizes, window placements, and sustainable material selections, ARCHITEChTURES enables accuracy and adjustment with ease.

Best AI Tool for Schematic Designs

ArkDesign.ai

ArkDesign.ai is the answer to schematic design packs, a boon for architects and developers alike. The intelligent platform optimizes building designs in a flash, leaving you to make informed, expedited decisions.

ArkDesign.ai is armed with an AI brain that scrutinizes and learns the metadata of architectural designs, spawning variations while accounting for US local regulations and ordinances, ensuring that each project is innovative as well as compliant, championing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Best AI Tool for Urban Planning

Sidewalk Labs

Sidewalk Labs is the brainchild of Alphabet Inc. and is now part of Google. With urban inefficiencies on an upward trajectory, this revolutionary AI maverick aims to change the landscape of urban planning.

It’s all about digital dexterity. Sidewalk Labs marries AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies, enabling your designs to work harder while you work smarter. Having already been adopted globally, Sidewalk Labs is shaping reality in Toronto, New York, and Singapore, managing city congestion one street at a time.

Picture this: AI splashes an array of design options onto your canvas, and machine learning flexes its muscles to optimize building performance — we’re talking energy efficiency, comfort, and safety wrapped up in a cost-effective package. Next, sensor technology steps to provide invaluable data on traffic patterns, air quality, and noise levels.

Sidewalk Labs is absolutely the new kid on the block, but the program has great potential in the race to rethink our urban landscapes.

Best AI Tools for 3D Modeling

Kaedim

Image by author.

Kaedim is a standout performer in the realm of AI-powered 3D modeling that is backed by many in the gaming industry. It harnesses the transformative potential of machine learning, generative adversarial networks, and natural language processing to morph simple 2D design ideas into stunningly accurate 3D models.

Kaedim serves as an architect’s dynamic ally, taking the weight of manual 3D model creation off their shoulders. With Kaedim, architects and designers can freely explore various design concepts, iterate them, and refine their vision in a virtual space before they take tangible form.

In the client-facing phase, Kaedim plays a critical role in visual communication, enabling architects to present 3D models that resonate with clients’ imaginations. It also carries its weight during the construction planning phase, ensuring accurate documentation via detailed 3D models. In an industry where precision and realism are paramount, Kaedim emerges as a crucial asset.

Sloyd.AI

3D modeling is time-consuming. Welcome, Sloyd.AI, a trailblazer in cloud-based 3D modeling. It’s not just a tool but an innovative platform that leverages machine learning, generative adversarial networks, and natural language processing. It renders high-quality 3D models, capturing intricate details from architectural designs to produce exceptional representations.

Sloyd.AI doesn’t merely mimic the architect’s concept but extends its precision to breathe life into designs with a high degree of realism. It liberates architects from time-consuming physical model creation, opening up a playground of virtual exploration and design refinement.

Sloyd.AI proves invaluable from project conception to completion. It allows architects to present dynamic 3D models to clients, creating an immersive experience that static images simply cannot match. For construction planning and documentation, Sloyd.AI’s exactness ensures each specification is captured in the 3D models it generates. In the fast-paced world of architectural design, Sloyd.AI is the companion architects need to maintain their creative edge.

Best AI Tool for Renovation Projects

Luma.ai

Like Kaedim, Luma.AI is a distinguished pathfinder in AI-driven 3D scanning and modeling. This platform takes the laborious task of creating detailed 3D models and reimagines it, deploying advanced AI techniques such as computer vision, deep learning, and generative adversarial networks. It crafts accurate, realistic 3D models from photographs that can provide architects a comprehensive perspective of objects, be it buildings, furniture, or intricate architectural elements.

Luma.AI is not just a 3D modeler; it is a digital reincarnation expert. The true genius of Luma.AI occurs in renovation and restoration projects, where it can capture existing structures with striking accuracy and creates virtual twins. It bridges the gap between the tangible and the virtual, allowing architects to visualize the renovated structure even before the first brick is laid.

Its prowess doesn’t stop there. Regarding design visualization, Luma.AI ensures that the newly proposed modifications are compatible with the existing structure and enhance its aesthetic and functional appeal. The created 3D models can also be utilized in interactive virtual reality or augmented reality presentations, taking client and stakeholder engagement to new heights.

Best AI Tool for Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BricsCAD BIM

BricsCAD BIM is the tool where AI and BIM converge for a seamless, efficient architectural design process. While BIM encapsulates the architecture, engineering, and construction of a building in a 3D model, enabling a holistic view of the project. BricsCAD BIM amplifies the capabilities of BIM by introducing AI, creating a nexus of innovation and practicality.

BricsCAD BIM isn’t just a tool but an efficient assistant that works tirelessly, automating repetitive tasks such as drafting dimensions and annotations. It employs AI to translate 2D sketches into detailed 3D models while offering real-time visualization, enabling architects to interact with their design, tweaking it to perfection.

BricsCAD BIMs’ capabilities extend beyond aesthetics. The program enables architects to identify and rectify errors, enhancing the quality of the final output and minimizing post-construction issues. The provision for real-time visualization empowers architects to make informed design decisions, visualizing the impact of each modification.

Yet, the charm of BricsCAD BIM lies in its ability for effective collaboration. It ensures that architects, engineers, and builders are in sync, providing a shared platform that brings everyone on the same page. This collaboration streamlines the design process, reduces redundancy, and ensures a consistent understanding of the project among all parties involved.

The generative design capability of BricsCAD BIM is another aspect of its brilliance. It can conceptualize 3D building models based on user-defined parameters such as number of floors, building size, and the materials to be used. This encourages exploration, providing architects with a multitude of design options that adhere to the set constraints.

BricsCAD BIM is a true paragon in the world of AI-assisted BIM tools. It integrates the detail-oriented approach of BIM and the automation capabilities of AI, improving the design process, promoting collaboration, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality buildings.

Best AI Tools for Rendering

Arko.ai

Arko.ai enters the architectural scene as a promising AI-powered rendering service by providing high-quality, photorealistic renders in minutes. Through the power of AI and the convenience of a cloud-based platform, Arko.ai transforms 3D models into stunning visual masterpieces that mirror reality.

The key to Arko.ai’s appeal lies in the ways it can enhance the design process for architects. Primarily, it offers a powerful medium for architects to visualize their designs, as it breathes life into 2D sketches and models, translating them into realistic renders that provide architects with a glimpse of their creations in the real world.

Moreover, Arko.ai is a time-saver, taking over the labor-intensive task of rendering and freeing architects to focus on the creative aspects of their designs.

Compatible with SketchUp®, Revit®, and Rhinoceros® Arko.ai is a promising addition to an architect’s toolbox, offering realistic visualizations of designs and saving time.

Veras

Recently announced as being available within SketchUp® Veras is an AI-powered visualization tool that leverages 3D model geometry to inspire and promote creativity. Architects can turn to Veras to create photorealistic renders of their designs using text prompts, bringing to the fore the power of AI in architectural visualization.

Ultimately, the strength of Veras lies in its versatility and speed. It generates stunning renders way faster than traditional methods, affording architects and designers more time to dedicate to the more complex aspects of design. It allows designers to explore variations quickly so that informed design decisions can be made without the shackles of cost or time implications.

Best AI Tool for Sustainable Design

Autodesk Forma

Autodesk Forma carves a niche for itself as an all-encompassing AI-powered planning tool that offers architects and urban planners the ability to design sustainable, livable cities with heightened precision.

Operating on a cloud-based platform, Autodesk Forma is easily accessible from any location and works in tandem with AutoCAD and Revit.

The new addition from Autodesk harnesses the power of AI to simulate the implications of diverse design decisions on critical factors, such as energy consumption, traffic flow, and air quality, with an aim to help designers make more informed and sustainable design choices while enhancing the sustainability and livability of projects. Autodesk Forma is also equipt to help identify potential design flaws before implementation, circumventing costly future rectifications.

In essence, even in its earliest stages, Autodesk Forma is a comprehensive architecture AI tool that supports architects in designing more thoughtful and sustainable cities. It facilitates informed design choices, promotes time and cost efficiency, and encourages the creation of sustainable designs, thereby redefining the landscape of urban planning and architecture.

Best AI Tool for Project Management

ClickUp

Image by author.

ClickUp is a project management tool that has been adopted across many different industries. It has become a secret weapon, revolutionizing project management with features tailored for enhanced workflow efficiency. This cloud-based application seamlessly organizes and tracks projects.

ClickUp harmonizes tasks, deadlines, and team assignments in a simple platform, ensuring project progression from design to construction, avoiding missed deadlines and maintaining momentum.

ClickUp’s document management facilitates effortless collaboration.

Effective communication is key, and ClickUp delivers. Chat, video conferencing, and file-sharing tools synchronize efforts with team members and clients.

In ClickUp’s virtual realm, real-time collaboration can be used to refine designs collectively, while ClickUp’s reporting tools provide invaluable insights to identify improvement areas and fine-tune workflows. Analytics and visualizations offer panoramic project views.

The Best AI Tool for 3D Sketching

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SketchUp will be announcing the beta versions of two new AI features in June 2023, both which help accelerate and streamline design workflows so architects can spend more time designing and less time on tedious tasks. We’re keeping our eyes out for their announcement.

For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers. 

Reference

Rendering the Future: An Architecture of Matte Black Façades
CategoriesArchitecture

Rendering the Future: An Architecture of Matte Black Façades

By Zarkon Group,

The winners of this year’s A+Product Awards have been announced. Stay tuned for the year’s edition of the A+Product Awards ebook in the coming months.

We first experience architecture through a façade. Whether made with an overhang for shelter, lively colors, or clear sight lines inside, buildings with a thoughtfully designed façade invite exploration. Over time, architects have worked with builders and manufacturers to rethink cladding, glazing, and doors to shape the entry sequence and building styles. Today, this exploration continues with the design and detailing of matte façades. Through diverse material and finish choices, designers are reimagining the building envelope.

Matte façades have increased in popularity around the world and across project types. By reflecting less light, these buildings hold a strong presence and become focal points in rural and urban environments. Depending on the type of material and color, the matte finish can highlight the cladding, structure or façade system in place. These projects have a textural look and feel, inviting interaction and connection. In turn, they can also be used as a counterpoint to other colors, textures or finishes. The surfaces can contrast glazing or the interior design to delineate between the interior and exterior. Representing the integration of materials and finishes in different climates and contexts, each of the following projects explores what it means to create matte façades today.

Sauna R

Designed by Matteo Foresti, Värmdö, Sweden

Made of black granite (Negresco) and dark wood (Oak), this sauna was designed to be a camera obscura, a box drawn to shape views of the landscape. Located in the middle of Stockholm’s archipelago, a narrow pathway brings the visitors to the sauna: a black box embedded in the rocks. The matte finish can be seen both inside and as part of the structure’s façade. As the team outlines, inside is a monolithic stone bench that faces the water through a large sliding window. On the back, a thick wall contains all the services: a small kitchen hidden behind the sliding doors and a bathroom illuminated by a skylight. At night, the small sauna resembles a lighthouse, a warm and cozy space illuminated from the inside.

Textilmacher

Designed by Tillicharchitektur, Munich, Germany

Tillicharchitektur designed this building to host production and office spaces for a textile finishing and vending firm. Its iconic feature is the folded façade, which reimagines the simple cube. The matte bright surface of the anthracite pigmented concrete responds to its environment. Depending on the season, time of day, weather, and lighting, the façade continuously changes its character. In contrast to the expressive façade, the interior design leaves more space for the production process and the products in the showroom. The team explains that the limitation on few, but high class materials, is the main factor driving the interior.

LOU – Einfamilienhaus

Designed by AllesWirdGut, Lower Austria, Austria

On the fringe of the Vienna Woods sits this compact single-family house LOU. Resting on a steeply sloping site, the designers wanted the first impression to be reinforced by the matte black skin of the building. Inside, the project offers a spacious and varied living environment on staggered half-story levels. As the team notes, at each level, the house opens differently to the outside world. The main residential levels are nestled against the slope, separated from the garden only by an all around-strip of windows which allows looking and stepping out in every direction.

Four Seasons House

Designed by Joris Verhoeven Architecture, Tilburg, Netherlands

This compact wooden house was designed by architect Joris Verhoeven for himself. Located within the Drijflanen nature reserve in Tilburg, the matte building is designed to be a part of nature. With its rough black façade, it was made to fit within the context of surrounding tree trunks. The cottage house is prefabricated and constructed out of wooden cassettes filled with flax insulation. In turn, the interior of the cassettes is made of birch plywood. Other parts of the interior, such as the interior door, kitchen and stair railing, are finished in matte black, just like the exterior window frames. In this way the inside and outside of the house were made to relate to one another.

Muangthongthani Carcare

Designed by Archimontage Design Fields Sophisticated, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Located in Muang Thong Thani, this project is the expansion of a car care center. The building is located on a 3230-square feet (300-meter) plot of land, with a long and narrow plot that required an in-depth organization of the building. Since the space of the car care center was too limited, a new space was necessary for project extension. The building consists of four small containers and four large containers. The design team made the building exterior to be painted in matte black but the interior is white. The external envelope includes the west façade and the roof, which have metal sunshades to reflect sunlight and protect the building from the heat.

The Wetlands

Designed by Alain Carle Architect, Wentworth-Nord, Canada

The ‘Les Marais’ project started with the design team’s fascination for the built landscape of the empty space that characterizes North American rural areas. For this design, depending on the observer’s location in the neighboring forest, the scales of the buildings are relative. The team explains that the wetland nature of this lakeside property was preserved and then the collective landscape of the built complex was designed. A large ‘plate’ of black wood links the three structures to establish a common base, while large cutouts were made in each ‘shape’, also of black painted wood, to reveal the interior materiality of the red cedar buildings.

JianYe LanHai ZhengFeng Hotel

Designed by Lacime Architect, Xinzheng, China

Sited at the future land-air transport hub of Henan, this hotel was made as a “paradise city with national customs” in Zhengzhou. Ideas of Chinese ancient garden construction were introduced into the “south garden” that make the most important building the starting point of the entire array. Moreover, the matte building façade is presented in the shape of arc to match the main garden in the front. The team choose a range of matte-finish materials like frosted earthenware tile, matte composite aluminum-plastic sheet and brushed stainless steel. It is the first floor of the building that is composed of external matte façade built from 100,000 earthenware tiles.

The winners of this year’s A+Product Awards have been announced. Stay tuned for the year’s edition of the A+Product Awards ebook in the coming months.

Reference

Take Our Survey on the Future of Architectural Visualization and Win a 0 Amazon Gift Card!
CategoriesArchitecture

Take Our Survey on the Future of Architectural Visualization and Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card!

By Zarkon Group,

Architectural visualization plays a crucial role in bringing designs to life and communicating ideas effectively. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to gather insights from professionals like you to understand the present landscape and envision the future of architectural visualization.

In partnership with Chaos and Enscape, Architizer invites you to participate in a global industry survey to share your experiences and perspectives. As a token of our appreciation, one lucky respondent will have the chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card! (Terms and conditions apply).

The survey will open very soon (click here and sign up to the newsletter to be one of the first to know when it’s live!) and should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

Image courtesy of Enscape

Help Shape the Future of Architectural Visualization

Built in collaboration with Chaos, a world leader in 3D visualization technology, this key industry survey aims to capture valuable insights about architecture firms’ visualization workflows, together with their expectations for the future. By participating, you’ll contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which will help shape the direction of architectural visualization tools and technologies.

The survey covers a range of topics related to your firm and its visualization practices. Some of the key questions include demographic details of you and/or your firm, the types of work you specialize in, the visualization techniques and tools you utilize, the stages of the design process where you employ visualizations, and your experiences with real-time rendering software.

Additionally, we explore your views on the future of architectural visualization, including potential advancements in collaboration, design tools, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality.

Image courtesy of Enscape

Benefits of Participating

By responding to the survey, you’ll not only contribute to the collective knowledge of the architectural community but also gain insights into the practices and trends in architectural visualization. The results will be summarized in the form of a white paper, which will be shared first with survey respondents. The report will provide valuable benchmarks and information for professionals like you to enhance their visualization workflows.

Furthermore, your participation enters you into a draw to win a $500 Amazon gift card, which could be a great opportunity to invest in tools, resources, or treat yourself to something special.

We encourage you to share this article with your colleagues and peers, including anyone you know who works in architectural visualization. The more respondents we receive, the richer the data, and the better insights we’ll be able to offer about the present and future of the industry!

Image courtesy of Enscape

How to Participate

Participating in the Chaos / Enscape + Architizer Survey is easy. Simply visit [survey link] to access the questionnaire. The survey should take approximately [estimated time] to complete. Please ensure your responses accurately represent your firm’s practices and opinions.

Conclusion: Architizer invites you to contribute your insights to the Chaos / Enscape + Architizer Survey on the future of architectural visualization. Your responses will shape the trajectory of the industry and help identify areas for improvement and innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to win a $500 Amazon gift card! We value your participation and appreciate your dedication to advancing the field of architectural visualization. Start the survey today and join us in envisioning the future of architectural visualization!

Disclaimer: The survey is organized in partnership with Chaos, who will provide the $500 Amazon gift card to one randomly selected respondent. Participants must comply with the survey terms and conditions to be eligible for the prize. Restrictions apply; see: http://amazon.com/gc-legal

Images courtesy of Chaos & Enscape.

Reference

Architectural Details: How to Create a Stunning Minimalist Residence That Brings the Outside In
CategoriesArchitecture

Architectural Details: How to Create a Stunning Minimalist Residence That Brings the Outside In

By Zarkon Group,

Brevity is one of the most powerful tools in the architect’s apparatus. This astonishing glass house, perched on the banks of Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka, is proof of precisely that. Clean, crisp lines define its striking structure, which emerges from the trees like a modernist specter.

The brief for the project called for a design that maximized light and forged an intimate relationship with the external world. Thanks to magnificent expanses of glass, the residence is a conduit for the surrounding landscape — an elegant, architectural “picture frame”. Yet creating a home that is visually defined by its glazed skin is not a straightforward endeavor, and its successful resolution hinges on the integration of resilient, high-performing materials.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Making a Glass House Structurally Sound

Less is more, or so the mantra of modernism goes. Somewhat ironically though, achieving minimalism is no simple task. Subtracting as much as possible from a building’s fabric is an act of bravery, a challenge that Charlie & Co. Design and John Kraemer & Sons Custom Builders admirably rose to.

Charlie Simmons, the founding principal of Charlie & Co. Design, shared the formative questions they asked themselves at the start of the project: “You strip out all the unnecessary things. What’s the limited amount of structure you need? Could you really go floor-to-ceiling with glass? How high can you make it? And then you start whittling away and whittling away and what’s left?”

The team turned to Marvin to help them deliver the seamless, streamlined esthetic their client wanted. The Marvin Modern product line, comprising a modular series of durable, fiberglass products with narrow sightlines, was the ideal fit for the ambitious design. The doors and windows feature an integrated structural cavity that adds up to half an inch of mull reinforcement to aid structural performance.

But there was still a fundamental obstacle at the heart of the scheme: glass is not typically made to hold significant weight. The project architect and the Marvin engineering department crunched the numbers and came up with an innovative solution: unobtrusive, load-bearing components were integrated into the design without compromising its sleek finish.

“There are very few actual walls in this place, particularly on the first floor … so we have these structural elements that we need to keep the house up and prevent it from twisting,” Simmons explained. A stone fireplace at one end of the home anchors the building, bookended by what Simmons calls “a box within a box” at the opposite end – a wood structure that houses the kitchen, laundry room and powder room.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Ensuring Impressive Thermal Efficiency

Minnesota is a land of climatic extremes, from frigid, frosty winters to humid summer months. For a form dominated by glass, extreme fluctuations in temperature posed another major challenge. Unsurprisingly, the home’s thermal envelope was of paramount concern for the architects, and it was vital that the material structure could stand up to snowstorms and heatwaves alike.

Marvin Modern doors and windows proved strong enough to endure the site’s environmental demands. Made from solid pieces of high-density fiberglass, they provide powerful insulation and an impressive U-factor of 0.28. Shielded from the elements, the residence’s interior is comfortable and inviting all year round, while maintaining a palpable connection with the natural topography. Remarkably, no additional insulating materials were required to aid the glazing’s thermal efficiency.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Blurring the Boundary Between Inside and Out

The result of this innovative project is a stunning, living glass box that shifts organically with the light levels, weather conditions and seasons. The stretches of glazing are punctuated with Accoya wood cladding, while interior millwork in the same warm grain establishes a sense of continuity between indoors and out.

Yet however you look at this modern masterpiece, glass is the star of the show. Imbued with the Marvin Modern product line, the structure is a skillful and poetic negotiation of transparency. A trellis and purlins frame the skylight above the main living area, while latticework fragments the full-height windows that flank the stairwell. “It becomes a very subtractive and additive design process but in the end, it’s all about transparency and keeping things as simple and clean and minimalist as possible,” Simmons says.

 

The most staggering feats of engineering are the two 60-foot-long glass walls, which line opposing aspects of the residence. Each wall is made up of three sets of 20-foot sliding doors with only 4 inches of steel structure in between them, allowing for uncompromised views throughout. Like the other Marvin Modern products, the profile of each door is slim and inconspicuous. Recessed channels in the frames conceal motorized insect screens and blackout shades, while still providing consistent, narrow sightlines of less than three inches.

The swaths of glass are a portal to the organic terrain, rather than an obstruction. To that end, internal covers across the frames disguise fasteners and rubber gaskets, while low-gloss aluminum interior finishes and black spacer bars ensure an unimpeded outlook. This seamless finish allows inner and outer worlds to collide. In the warmer months when the doors are retracted, the covered deck becomes a natural extension of the interior floor plan.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

An interplay of modernist finesse and material resilience, this incredible waterfront home is a masterclass in building with glass. Negotiating challenging contextual and structural obstacles, the residence epitomizes the virtues of architectural minimalism. Simmons succinctly summarizes the scheme’s dual nature: “When you have this much glass, you feel like you’re a part of something out here, but you’re also being protected as well … Marvin gives us the tools to create environments such as this.”

To explore more case studies featuring Marvin Modern and learn how to harness windows and doors like these for your next project, click here.

All architectural drawings courtesy of Charlie and Co. Design; photography courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Reference

Architects’ Guide To Midjourney: An Adventure in AI-Generated Imagery for Concept Development
CategoriesArchitecture

Architects’ Guide To Midjourney: An Adventure in AI-Generated Imagery for Concept Development

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s Vision Awards is celebrating the innovative minds propelling architectural visualization forward with a special AI-Generated Visualization Category. Learn more and start your submission before the Early Entry Deadline on May 5th.  

You’ve probably heard by now: the AI revolution is well and truly upon us. And while it doesn’t quite resemble Spielberg and Haley Joel Osment’s 2001 vision, it’s clear that AI is moving in, and its moving in faster than your first love into that studio apartment you used to have.

While some industries rush to bolster their roles and justify their positions as AI proves that, in many instances, it can comfortably complete tasks to the same and often higher standards than its human counterparts, architects and the design industry as a whole are pondering with enthusiasm, how we can most effectively adopt this groundbreaking technology to explore, enhance, and streamline our practice.

Prompt: /imagine Architecture, concept sketch and plan, residential, modern, contemporary, handdrawn, in the style of Alvar Aalto

Change is daunting, and it’s safe to say we’re on the cusp of one of the most significant workflow conversions many of us have ever experienced, perhaps since the transition from drafting to CAD. So, in case you feel like you’re out of your depth or just haven’t yet had the time to explore the wonders of Midjourney, we thought it was important to show you why and how AI can be used to support your creative vision.

Let us start at the beginning. Midjourney is the brainchild of David Holz, the visionary mind behind Leap Motion. The company is a pioneering research lab that specializes in text-to-image AI technology. It offers a refreshingly simple and user-friendly interface through a platform named Discord. Users can seamlessly communicate with the AI “bot” using elementary commands without any coding experience whatsoever (phew!). The mission is to “expand the imaginative powers of the human species.” To say this tool has been popular is an understatement: The new company is making an indelible mark in the AI realm and proudly announced its profitability within a month of its open beta release in 2022.

Prompt: /Imagine Contemporary architecture, treehouse hotel, luxury, tropical jungle, hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, daylight, 8K Ultra HD

Now, where does architecture come into all this? Well, as we all know, as architects and designers, we regularly use imagery to express our vision, harnessing photographs, sketches and all sorts of visual aids to interpret and represent our ambitions. Yet, it can be tricky when the thing in your head doesn’t exist yet; how can you show what you mean using vague and abstract similarities, especially if your vision is unique? It’s the skill that has separated the good designers from the great designers, and Midjourney is here to make you even better.

Prompt: /imagine Hotel lobby, Moroccan, luxury, serene, wellness, airy, bright, hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD

Midjourney offers a groundbreaking solution to some of these challenges by incorporating AI-generated images into our design process, we can dictate our thoughts using descriptive language to generate images that can loosely interpret our ideas. I say loosely because, understandably and thankfully, in my opinion — AI can’t read your mind. Your images are only as good as your descriptions, and even then, often, the results are far from what you imagined. However, we’re still in the early stages and with time, practice and further technological development, these things will surely improve rapidly.

So down to the fun part, how do we actually use it? Honestly, it’s pretty simple once you’ve gone over it a couple of times. Midjourney has been designed to be user-friendly, and it takes only a few steps to create your first image.

To begin your adventure with Midjourney, simply follow these steps:

1. Install Discord and create a free account.

You can use a desktop or a mobile device. I’ve found the mobile interface a little more comprehensive for novices, but both work equally as well.

2. Visit Midjourney’s website and click on the “Join the Beta” to be given access to their Discord channel.


Once you’re all set up, head back to Discord and from the list on the left-hand side, locate the Midjourney Channel (a white icon with a sailboat) and select a Room in the Newcomer Rooms section within the channel.

These channels are available to use without any sort of subscription while your first getting started. Your free trial gives you about 25 image creations to start out. Subscriptions start at $10 a month, depending on your requirements.

Be aware that these rooms are public, so everyone else in the room can see your creations.

3. Activate the AI bot

Prompt: /imagine In the style of Rennie Mackintosh, architecture, office building, skyscraper, New York City, summers day, Hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD

Once you’re all set up and settled in, you can get started by typing “/imagine” into the messaging bar at the bottom of the conversation window, followed by a spacebar. This starts your “prompt” and you can let your imagination go wild from here. Enter any descriptive words that come to mind, and let the magic unfold as the program renders an image based on your input.

4. Select your preferred image

Image 3 – Upscaled

Midjourney will give you a grid of four images with several commands beneath it. U means “upscale,” and V means “Variation.” Upscale will provide you with a better quality and larger image. Variation will give you an additional four images similar to your chosen one. The numbers correspond from left to right. The top left is U1, and the bottom right is U4.

5. Keep track of your image in the constantly evolving message

With all the users on Midjourney it’s really easy to lose track of your message. If this happens, just head to the top right corner of your window, look for your inbox and hit mentions. Here you’ll see all the messages you have been tagged in, including your images, variations and upscales.

6. Integrate Midjourney into your creative process

From this point on, you’re free to develop and adjust to your heart’s content. Simply open up you upscaled image into a browser window, copy the URL, start a new /imagine prompt and post the URL followed by any adjustments.

Prompt: /imagine (ORIGINAL IMAGE URL) Black facade, biophilia, sustainable architecture, drone view, Hyperrealism, hyperrealistic, photorealistic, cinematic lighting, 8K Ultra HD

It’s that simple. As you hone your prompts, you can develop your technique to get the desired image style you are looking for. A single change of word can create an entirely new set of images.

As the AI-generated images from Midjourney continue to inspire architects worldwide, real-world applications are becoming more common. From initial mood boards to fully realized designs, architects have found new ways to incorporate AI-generated visuals into their creative processes. The innovative approach pushes the boundaries of conventional architectural design, allowing architects to explore ideas faster and more effectively, bypassing the need for exhaustive online image searches.

As we become more familiar with the software, daring architects are venturing even further by crafting AI-encouraged designs, generating photorealistic renderings of architectural structures using Midjourney, and creating 3D models based on the AI-generated concepts. With the development of these models in familiar architectural software, AI generated concepts can quickly become reality. Watch this space!

Architizer’s Vision Awards is celebrating the innovative minds propelling architectural visualization forward with a special AI-Generated Visualization Category. Learn more and start your submission before the Early Entry Deadline on May 5th.  

The images used are all author’s own.

Reference

What do Plastic and Paint have in Common? Everything.
CategoriesArchitecture

What do Plastic and Paint have in Common? Everything.

By Zarkon Group,

This article was written by Burgess Brown. Healthy Materials Lab is a design research lab at Parsons School of Design with a mission to place health at the center of every design decision. HML is changing the future of the built environment by creating resources for designers, architects, teachers, and students to make healthier places for all people to live. Check out their podcast, Trace Material.

We’ve got good news and bad news. Let’s start with the bad. We are dealing with a well-documented plastics problem that is choking our planet and infecting our bodies. This is not news. But, there is new evidence of an under-reported key player in our plastics crisis: paint.

Thanks to tireless advocacy work over the last decade, many of us are familiar with the concept of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints and the threat they pose to our bodies and the planet. We are now spoilt for choice when it comes to low and no-VOC paint options, even at big box stores. This is progress, no doubt, but VOCs are only one of the dangers of paint, and it’s vital that we once again reconsider how we make and use paint.

Environmentalists filter the microplastic waste contaminated with the seaside sand.

The vast majority of paints currently used in our homes, offices, and schools across the country (where we spend 90% of our time) are acrylic based —sometimes called “acrylic latex.” These paints are popular for a good reason. They are affordable, they dry quickly, and once dry, are water resistant. These characteristics are achieved because, at its core, acrylic latex paint is pigment suspended in liquid plastic. The plastic binders and additives found in acrylic latex paint are often toxic to humans and our environment. Some concerning additives are alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs)— a group of chemicals combined in acrylic paint for viscosity that are suspected endocrine disruptors, leading to hormonal dysfunction in humans and animals, and the disruption of marine life. Our widespread use of acrylic latex paint has created interior environments wrapped in toxic plastic bubbles.

Remember, good news is coming (spoiler: there are alternatives to plastic paint)… but first a bit more of the bad. Beyond the immediate threats to the health of building occupants, plastic paints, which never biodegrade, pose a host of dangers to humans, animals, sealife and the environment once their useful life is over. A recent study released by Environmental Action, a Swiss-based scientific research firm of world-renowned experts on plastic pollution, has revealed that our understanding of paint’s role in plastic pollution was dramatically underestimated.

The study finds that paint is the leading source of microplastics in our oceans and waterways.

12th Century Lime Paint Detail, Church in Store Heddinge, Denmark, 2018. Photo by J.Ruth

According to Environmental Action, an astounding 58% of microplastics in oceans and waterways began their life as paint. While some of this paint comes from sectors like the automotive industry or road markings, the largest single contribution comes from the architecture sector, which makes up 48% of pollution. Plastic particles have contaminated the entire planet and are wreaking havoc on ecosystems. New research has revealed a plastic-induced illness in seabirds dubbed ‘plasticosis,’ and microplastics were detected in the blood of 80% of participants in a recent study. The issue is acute, the need to replace petroleum-based paints is urgent, and the architecture industry must take action.

We promised some good news and here it is: healthier paint alternatives exist, and have for centuries! Mineral, clay, and plant-based paints are now readily available. Although transitioning to these paints sometimes requires slightly different installation and practices, it’s an easy learning curve. These paints can be used in interior and exterior applications and can be a superior option to minimize mold, without the addition of problematic additives. Unlike acrylic paints that lightly coat a wall surface, mineral paints penetrate into porous surfaces, which means they will be significantly more durable. Mineral paints, like lime paints for example, have a long history that weave through diverse cultures. Minerals are abundant — limestone makes up 10% of the earth’s crust — and modern technology has made mineral paints more durable than ever.

Lime Paint Color Swatches at KALK in Denmark, 2018. Photo by J.Ruth

In our research at Healthy Materials Lab, we have rigorously investigated and installed some of these plastic paint alternatives that are part of our meticulously vetted materials collection. These products not only avoid VOCs and other hazardous additives, they help to make healthier interiors by absorbing impurities from the air, actively improving indoor air quality.

Romabio employs an ancient recipe based on lime and offers both interior and exterior paints. The exterior paint is known for its superior coverage on brick, stucco and other porous surfaces. Some water is added to the lime pigment in the bucket before painting, reducing the weight of the paint during transportation. We painted our offices over five years ago and even after scrubbing scuff marks, it still looks fantastic.

Keim Paints, made from potassium silicate minerals, another abundant mineral class, offer a low-embodied carbon option that is free of plasticizers or preservatives. Just one coat of primer and one coat of paint provides enough coverage and is high-performing on a range of surfaces. Reducing the number of paint coats reduces the upfront costs, making it an affordable option. Beyond their health benefits, mineral paints are beautiful! They interact with light in a totally different way than synthetics, refracting it across spaces and creating warmth and brightness.

Lime-Painted Ceiling by Salty Labs, Pedagogy ike Shop NYC, 2022. Photo by Annie Schlecter

Real Milk Paint Co. offers a paint made from, you guessed it, milk (protein) along with lime, clay and earth pigments. It comes as a powder to be mixed with water in desired quantity. Less water creates an opaque coating and more water creates a transparent coating.

It’s important to note that, when it comes to healthier materials, labels can be deceiving. Some acrylic paints may contain trace amounts of minerals and be marketed as “mineral paints.” By the same token, some “mineral paints” can contain trace amounts of plastic polymers. Full ingredient transparency is a cornerstone of material health, as is practical patience when it comes to the transition away from petroleum based products. It may not always be possible to avoid acrylic paint altogether, but we have the option to dramatically reduce our consumption. In our materials collection, you’ll find some ‘less harmful’ plastic paint—although we strongly recommend avoiding them. Acrylic latex paint is often the first choice in many projects and low or zero VOC options are available. We acknowledge that this is a good first step to take.

Whenever possible, we encourage a consideration of the entire lifecycle of paint. According to the Environmental Action study, 33% of the total paint used in the Architectural sector will eventually end up in the environment. If that paint is made of plastic, it will end up clogging our waterways, infecting animals, and appearing in our bodies. If we opt for healthier alternatives, the paint will return to the earth as it came. That is better for all of us.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, learn more about Architizer’s Vision Awards. The Early Entry Deadline on May 5th is fast approaching. Start your entry today >

Reference

Aggressively Passive: Why Fierce Brand Competition Is a Huge Win for Green Architecture
CategoriesArchitecture

Aggressively Passive: Why Fierce Brand Competition Is a Huge Win for Green Architecture

By Zarkon Group,

Michael Ingui is a partner at Baxt Ingui Architects and the founder of Passive House Accelerator. The Accelerator is a catalyst for zero-carbon building and a collaborative media platform for practitioners, developers, and manufacturers working to create better buildings through Passive House design and construction.

We are in an incredibly exciting time as architects, designers and builders. Every day a new high-performance product enters the market, existing products are modified to perform better, and new solutions are identified. This is true whether the project is new construction or a retrofit, single-family or commercial. As the marketplace has expanded, more developers and owners have realized that they can build buildings that are healthier and more energy efficient with lower embodied carbon than in the past. Thanks to the growing competition and innovation within the market, these products also cost far less than they once did, and the kinds of sourcing difficulties that high-performance buildings experienced even five years ago are becoming a thing of the past, which has further contributed to the robust growth in the sector.

One of the most telling signs about the health of the emerging green building industry is the accelerated growth of Passive House construction across North America. Since 2014, the number of projects annually certified by Phius, one of two organizations through which one can obtain Passive House certification, has more than tripled. Meanwhile, the square footage of Phius-certified projects doubled from 2021 to 2022 — from 600,000 to 1.2 million square feet. This is in addition to the 37.5 million square feet of usable area certified by the Passive House Institute as of January 2023.

Left: Before, Right: After, Photography: John Muggenborg 

This would have been unthinkable less than a decade ago when Baxt Ingui Architects designed our first Passive House in Manhattan. Many of the challenges we faced were a lack of available materials and difficulty sourcing products. Passive House-quality windows on a brownstone receiving a full façade restoration was a first, and it required a public hearing. The window company, Zola Windows and Doors, collaborated with the Landmarks Preservation Commission and us to create a window they could approve. This helped pave the way for many successful Passive House projects to come. We are spoiled with the current options for readily available stock and custom skylights that meet Passive House standards, along with multiple interior and exterior shading options. For our first several Passive House townhouses, we were saved by a New Jersey-based custom skylight company, Fiore Skylights, who was able to help us work through many of the details we were doing for the first time on this project.

These kinds of growing pains stifled the growth of the high-performance building industry in North America. Design teams and manufacturers were hesitant to fully embrace what was often seen as an immature market. The lack of early adopters only compounded problems with access to materials and limited product options. Within the last few years, this hesitancy has eroded as sourcing networks have expanded and knowledge about the benefits of Passive House and high-performance construction has become more widespread. Consequently, the flood gates are now opening, and we are seeing loads of new high-performance products enter the market.

One of the most critical components to any high-performance construction project is the air barrier. When we began doing Passive House construction more than a decade ago, it was extremely difficult to source fluid-applied membrane air barriers in the U.S. Oftentimes, the only product that was readily available was manufactured by Sto Corp. Sto continues to be one of the air sealing products of choice for many, but now they have been joined by several others, including Intelligent Membranes, Partel, Rothoblaas, Prosoco and Pro Clima.

Finish Photography: Peter Peirce

Creating more airtight envelopes is certainly integral to improving building performance and pursuing Passive House certification, but it plays a more important role in buildings than you might think at first glance. Airtightness is a crucial part of the building’s wall system because it keeps the conditioned air inside separate from the unconditioned air outside. This translates into the lower heating and cooling costs associated with Passive House design.

Air sealing is also important from the perspective of occupant health. Rather than haphazardly finding pinholes and other seams or cracks through which to travel, all air that enters the building is directed through mechanical ventilation systems — another feature of Passive House construction. When outfitted with a filtration system, these ventilation systems can provide a constant supply of fresh air for occupants that is free of pollutants and allergens. For people with allergies in high pollen areas, this can be life-changing. For those who live in areas where wildfires are common, a more robust system outfitted with charcoal filters can keep their homes virtually smoke-free.

All-in-one mechanical systems (known as energy recovery ventilators [ERVs] or heat recovery ventilators [HRVs]) are currently available that provide not only mechanical ventilation, but also heating and cooling. What is truly impressive about these systems is their size. Products that have been developed by manufacturers like Minotair and Ephoca can fit in a closet. While this may seem undersized at first glance, when a building has been properly insulated and air sealed, the amount of energy it needs for heating and cooling drops precipitously. Therefore, the need for enormous mechanical systems disappears. Sometimes you don’t even need the heat at all. This winter, I only had to turn on the heat in my own Passive House certified home in Brooklyn for a few nights.

Finish Photography: Peter Peirce

Relatedly, the growth of heat pumps has been truly remarkable. Though they’ve been built by enormous manufacturers like Mistubishi, Daikan, and Fujitsu for years, they are becoming increasingly commonplace in new construction and retrofits. Rather than using natural gas or oil, heat pumps use electricity to efficiently heat and cool spaces, which helps reduce operational carbon emissions, particularly when paired with onsite and renewable energy generation. The same is true for electric and tankless water heaters, which will probably soon become industry standard.

The market for high-performance windows has also become exceptional, particularly in New York. In 2014, high-performance windows had to be ordered from Europe and there were only a few companies in the business of doing so. Moreover, most builders had never installed high-performance windows systems. Consequently, design options were limited, prices were outrageous, and months-long delays were inevitable.

Today, there are nearly two dozen high-performance window companies that include Zola Windows, Ikon Windows, Innotech Windows + Doors, EuroLine Windows, and Wythe Windows. Competition between these manufacturers is leading to innovations that are not only making high-performance more affordable, but also more varied. For designers, this means more options with respect to materials (wood, aluminum, or uPVC), dimensions, and configurations — including double hung. Builders are also far more accustomed to installing these systems and the process has gone from complicated (and sometimes contentious) to routine.

Another major change is that Landmarks Commissions have become more accustomed to high-performance retrofits. As I noted above, including a Passive House window on a townhouse just a few years ago almost always resulted in a months-long public hearing process. New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission was clear about what window companies had to achieve in order to be approved at staff level, and thankfully, window companies were able to successfully meet those requirements. This has been a significant game-changer, because window selection often drives the decision to pursue Passive House.

Finally, as the components that are necessary to make buildings more efficient become increasingly commonplace, a new generation of manufacturers is beginning to move beyond the problem of operational carbon and looking to how materials choices affect embodied carbon and human health. With respect to the former, this means using natural or recycled materials and manufacturing them without the use of fossil fuels. With respect to the latter, this means manufacturing products that do not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful other chemicals during the beginning phase of their lifecycle (a process known as off-gassing).

Given the exponential growth in the high-performance marketplace that we’ve seen in just the last ten years, I believe the next decade is going to be defined by product innovation, improvements in sourcing, and new materials that ultimately make buildings healthier and more sustainable.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, learn more about Architizer’s Vision Awards. The Early Entry Deadline on May 5th is fast approaching. Start your entry today >

Reference

Let the Light In: Maximizing Natural Light in the Design of Oudong Residence
CategoriesArchitecture

Let the Light In: Maximizing Natural Light in the Design of Oudong Residence

By Zarkon Group,

Oudong Residence – aims to combine functionality with artistic flair, creating living spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Drawing inspiration from a unified composition of textures inspired by nature itself, and cultural influences, the creative vision for this particular residence emphasizes sustainability, innovative use of materials, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The project brief outlines the key requirements and objectives for the residence, with a strong focus on maximizing natural light, ensuring energy efficiency, and fostering a sense of community among the occupants. Furthermore, the design aims to be adaptable to the evolving needs of the residents, reflecting a dynamic and modern approach to residential architecture.

Architizer chatted with Alessandro Mangano, Partner at Architectural Engineering Consultants, to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Alessandro Mangano: The initial concept for the residential design was inspired by the desire to create a harmonious balance between modern living and nature. Drawing upon elements from various architectural styles, the design seeks to establish a seamless connection with the surrounding environment, while ensuring functionality and comfort for its inhabitants. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies further reflects our commitment to preserving the ecosystem and promoting a greener future. Ultimately, this architectural concept aims to provide a haven where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – contemporary living in tune with nature’s grace.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of our project was the exceptional collaboration and communication among team members. This enabled us to leverage individual expertise and skills to move the project forward effectively. Another standout component was our dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability. By constantly assessing our progress and adapting our strategy, we were able to overcome challenges and ensure the timely delivery of a high-quality project.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

The greatest design challenge we faced during the project was effectively balancing aesthetics with functionality. Understanding the importance of incorporating visually appealing elements while maintaining the project’s core purpose was crucial to its success. To navigate this challenge, we fostered open communication among team members to ensure we understood their expectations and goals. Additionally, we incorporated iterative design processes, allowing for continuous adjustments and improvements while keeping both aspects in harmony.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

How did the context of your project — environmental, social or cultural — influence your design?

The Cambodian context of the project had a significant impact on the design process, particularly in regards to the environmental, and cultural factors. The diverse ecosystems near the outskirts of Phnon Penh city, required us to carefully consider the environmental impact of our design, ensuring that it would support sustainable development in the region. Moreover, we incorporated elements into our design, to feel a deeper connection to the space while also respecting the traditions of the community. Lastly, we accounted for the social dynamics within the Khmer societies, emphasizing elements that encourage communal interactions and emphasizing harmony with the natural environment.

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

© Architectural Engineering Consultants

For more on the Oudong Residence, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

Oudong Residence Gallery

Reference

Hidden Secret: How Energy Usage Was Transformed in Marcel Breuer’s Iconic Hotel
CategoriesArchitecture

Hidden Secret: How Energy Usage Was Transformed in Marcel Breuer’s Iconic Hotel

By Zarkon Group,

With climate change now firmly at the forefront of every architects’ mind, new innovations that help reduce carbon emissions are more critical than ever. While flashy façades and green roofs often take the headlines, it’s actually the hidden components of buildings — those elements concealed behind walls, in roof spaces, or within maintenance floors — where the most groundbreaking energy-efficient systems can be found.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Heat2O® Heat Pump Water Heater is a prime example. Through energy-efficient operation and reduction of on-site carbon emissions, this cutting-edge system significantly reduces the environmental impact of producing large volumes of Domestic Hot Water (DHW), a key consideration for hospitality, commercial and multi-unit residential projects.

Thanks to its modular design, the Heat2O system can be harnessed for complex adaptive reuse and renovation projects as well as new constructions. Notably, the technology was put to use in the iconic Hotel Marcel, a $50 million adaptive reuse of the historic Pirelli building, designed by Marcel Breuer. With the goal of becoming the first net-zero hotel in the United States, the installation of Heat2O is helping the building secure its LEED® Platinum certification.

Hotel Marcel, formerly the Pirelli building, designed by Marcel Breuer

Architizer spoke with the bright minds behind Mitsubishi Electric’s latest systems to learn more about how the brand is innovating to meet the increasingly ambitious environmental goals of its clients.

Architizer Congratulations on winning a 2022 A+Product Award! What does winning this accolade mean to you and your brand? 

Mitsubishi Electric: As a company, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US works toward contributing to a more sustainable society by developing and promoting energy-saving all-electric products and systems that will reduce the use of fossil fuels in the heating and cooling industry. Being recognized for our efforts in this area is significant and means a great deal. Recognitions such as this confirm we’re on the right track and provide momentum in moving forward to reach our goals.

What inspired the design of your product?

Heat2O has been available overseas for several years. After witnessing its positive impact on a building’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint, we wanted to bring this technology to the U.S. market. Domestic Hot Water (DHW) required by multifamily buildings, hotels, hospitals, senior living facilities and other commercial spaces accounts for roughly 25% of these buildings’ annual energy usage. Until the introduction of Heat2O, the U.S. building industry lacked an energy-efficient solution to provide high-volume DHW for commercial buildings.

Tell us about the manufacturing process — What are the key stages involved and how do these help ensure a high quality end product?

To produce the Heat2O QAHV units, Mitsubishi Electric uses a “cell manufacturing process” whereby one person is responsible for each step of the assembly process. Each person is trained at a high level and has an electronic display to ensure they follow clear guidelines/instructions in the process.

Once the unit is assembled it goes through a full functionality test, including electrical safety and operational testing. All test data and unit information including the people who assembled the product are recorded and assigned to the serial number of the product. This ensures that an audit can be performed, and data retrieved post sale if required.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Heat2O® Heat Pump Water Heater

What detail of your product was most challenging to design, and why? How did you resolve it?

The most challenging aspect was the heat exchange between the CO2 refrigerant and water circuit. The heat exchanger is a unique and patented design and is called the “Twisted Spiral Gas Cooler.” The challenge was to provide the best possible efficiency while still maintaining a relatively small footprint. This was overcome by using a unique design and using a twisted coil approach, with six of the heat exchangers stacked above one another.

What makes your product unique and of great value to specifying architects?

The all-electric, cold-climate Heat2O Hot Water Heat Pump reduces the environmental impact of DHW through energy-efficient operation and using CO2 refrigerant. CO2, a natural and environmentally friendly refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of one and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero, helps commercial facilities qualify for rigorous sustainability certifications such as passive house status. Using Heat2O reduces on-site carbon emissions in the production of domestic hot water.

Bathroom in the new Hotel Marcel

What has the reception to your product been like from architects/clients/consumers?

We launched Heat2O in select markets. So far, the demand has been phenomenal. One of the most notable installations was in the $50 million adaptive reuse of the historic Pirelli building in New Haven, CT, into Hotel Marcel, which is projected to be the first net-zero hotel in the United States. Aiming for LEED® Platinum certification and a 60% increase in energy efficiency compared to code requirements, Heat2O was installed to achieve the project’s aggressive sustainability goals.

How do you see the product evolving in future?

Efficiency improvements will always be a driving factor and goal, together with evolving controls options. There are also many opportunities to combine QAHV with other future products in the Mitsubishi Electric portfolio.

To find out more about Mitsubishi Electric, visit MitsubishiComfort.com, and reach out to one of their experts to learn how to incorporate the Heat2O into your next project.

All photos courtesy of METUS

Reference

A Journey of Movement and Form: Inner Mongolia’s Sculpture Research Center
CategoriesArchitecture

A Journey of Movement and Form: Inner Mongolia’s Sculpture Research Center

By Zarkon Group,

 

Inner Mongolia Normal University Sculpture Research Center – The project, which covers an area of 6,000 square meters, mainly functions as a sculpture workshop for research and development and production of various types of sculptures (stone, wood, copper, iron, plastic, leather, jade and pottery). It also has the functions of teaching, communication, exhibition and negotiation, and trading, etc. The creativity of the design is to establish the relationship between space and feeling.

Architizer chatted with Zhang Pengju at INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO., LTD. to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Zhang Pengju: The initial design concept came from the moving line of users entering the site, the organization structure guided by which established a series of overall orders in terms of form, space and structure, including: a movement line order that conforms to the relationship of the site, a form order that conforms to the functional needs, a structure order that conforms to the logic of construction, and a time order that conforms to the feeling of site. At the same time, it also further guides the selection of materials in line with the spatial temperament and the lighting strategy in line with the physical logic.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

At the core are construction, materials, low cost, light, and their interrelation. In the design, light steel was selected as the main structure and recycled concrete blocks served as the wall enclosure space. As both the structure and finishing, the block material expresses the sense of authenticity, achieves durability, and at the same time costs less. The design introduces sky light into the interior, maximizing the expression of the rough and natural block material and the hard and frank steel structure, reinforcing the feeling of a constant and natural site.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it?

The greatest design challenge was to create an artistic and infectious spatial character. The design laid the foundation of the spatial character by means of spatial staging and enclosure, such as the staging of the space with axial guidance and dynamic variations; the enclosure was completed with the enclosing form of the entrance and the interior light environment; the design also strengthened this spatial character with the attributes of authenticity and purity, such as the authenticity of the materials and the construction. At the same time, the materials, construction, light and shadow also strive to express purity.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

© INNER MONGOLIAN GRAND ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CO.， LTD.

Inner Mongolia Normal University Sculpture Research Center Gallery

Reference