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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Partnership content

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

Reference

Interior Design

Michael Hsu utilises soft shapes for Austin skyscraper interiors

By Zarkon Group,17/07/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The photography is by Chase Daniel.

Project credits:

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

Reference

Architecture

membrane roof casts a soft glow over two-story house in tokyo

By Zarkon Group,14/07/2023

house with a membrane roof in tokyo, japan

House with a Membrane Roof is a private dwelling located in a dense residential area of Tokyo. Designed for an owner with a nomadic lifestyle, the project takes on a camping-like aesthetic with adaptive functions and spaces. Yuko Nagayama & Associates teamed up with Shohei Yoshida + Associates and architect Asuka Fujita to complete the 60 sqm residence enclosed by surrounding buildings on all sides except for the narrow frontage facing the street. These site conditions restrict from having large openings in the exterior walls, pushing the trio to introduce natural light from above through a tubular membrane roof. As a result, a diffused glow engulfs the roof volume before pouring into the second floor and atrium, reaching as far down as the ground floor.

Bathed in ample daylight, the second floor serves as a lively public area, whereas the ground floor shelters private quarters like the bedroom and bathroom, which, although basking in subduded lighting, provide a serene sanctuary akin to a tranquil cave, ideal for unwinding and slumbering peacefully. To optimize the site’s limited space, an indoor garden, complete with a flourishing tree, graces the skylit atrium, replacing the conventional outdoor garden. ‘By incorporating it indoors, the owner enjoys an immersive experience, directly engaging with nature rather than merely observing it through a window,’ notes the team.

all images © Satoshi Takae

changing lights inform about outdoor conditions

The Yuko Nagayama Associates team collaborated with Fujita and Shohei Yoshida + Associates (more here) to incorporate a flexible membrane material onto the roof, allowing it to take on a visually striking contorted shape. It consists of a dual-layer structure, with an upper and lower membrane enclosing the structural components and thermal insulation. The lower membrane follows a graceful catenary curve, attaching to T-shaped structural beams, resulting in a ceiling adorned with semi-circular light tubes. Meanwhile, the airspace within the roof serves as an insulating layer and facilitates natural ventilation. This allows air to circulate from bottom to top, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

While the sky is not directly visible through the membrane roof, the changing light conditions give cues about the surrounding environment. At sunrise, the space gradually brightens, and warm light tinges the area with a reddish hue during the evening. The brightness also varies depending on whether it is sunny or cloudy. ‘In this way, the roof acts as a skin-like layer, transmitting the exterior changes to the interior and transforming one’s sensory experience,’ reflects Yugo Nagayama. The House with a Membrane Roof took two years to complete.

a skylight at the entrance of House with a Membrane Roof

the membrane material introduces a soft glow to the interiors

attaching semi-circular light tubes to the lower membrane

Reference

Interior Design

Home Studios adds soft seating to Italian restaurant Bar Enza

By Zarkon Group,02/10/2022

Brooklyn-based Home Studios has filled an Italian restaurant close to Harvard University with plush booths and banquettes to introduce colour and texture to the space.

Bar Enza is situated in a prime spot on Harvard Square next to the Ivy League college in Cambridge, Massachusetts – just across the Charles River from Boston.

Red booth seating at Bar Enza — Home Studios revamped Bar Enza to include a variety of soft seating

The project involved the revamp of an existing restaurant on the ground floor of The Charles Hotel.

To complement chef Mark Ladner’s menu, Home Studios pulled references from a range of regions and styles across Italy – from Rome’s trattorias to Milanese villas – and combined them to create interiors that feel elevated yet cosy.

Sofa seating forms a row through the centre — The restaurant’s original floors and ceiling were kept intact

Upon request of the client, the original ceilings and floors were retained. Meanwhile, brick walls were plastered and painted white to match the ceiling and to help brighten the space.

Freestanding tables and chairs were mostly swapped for soft seating, in the form of booths, banquettes and sofas covered in five different upholstery types to add variety.

Green booths against the service area — Five different fabrics were used to upholster the booths and banquettes

The building’s zig-zag glazed facade, which brings in plenty of light, creates niches that are filled with high-top tables surrounded by curved, pale pink booths.

Forming a row through the centre of the dining area, pairs of high-backed red sofas face each other across marble tables.

Curved pink booth in a corner — Brick walls were painted white to help brighten the interior

Other booths and banquettes feature sage green or beige fabrics, accompanied by cane-backed cafe chairs, while bar stools are topped with red leather cushions.

“Unexpected details include plush seating, reminiscent of stately libraries and studies,” Haslegrave said. “Essentially we mixed mid-century architectural details with more traditional upholstered seating to achieve a confluence and diversity of designs.”

The service areas were kept largely intact, but custom millwork was added to refresh the materiality.

Shelving was also clad in warm woods, while textured glass and brass hardware were introduced as accents.

Ceiling details above marble tables — Cane-baked cafe chairs accompany the booths and freestanding tables

“The very elevated level of service meant for very specific requirements on the service area millwork and shelving,” said Haslegrave.

Time and budget restrictions meant that lighting was sourced. The selection of sconces, pendants and table lamps was chosen to create a “warm and sexy” feeling in the evening.

Beige banquette along a window — The Italian restaurants draws references from Rome’s trattorias and Milanese villas

During the day, sheer curtains allow natural light to wash over the interior and allows the fabric hue to pop.

Home Studios’ previous bar and restaurant projects across the US include the Laurel Brasserie and Bar in Salt Lake City, The Harvey House in Madison, Wisconsin,and Bibo Ergo Sum in LA.

The photography is by Brian W Ferry.

Reference

Interior Design

Ashiesh Shah creates “visually soft” restaurant interior in Mumbai

By Zarkon Group,29/06/2021

Textured surfaces and sinuous forms populate this outpost of vegan restaurant chain Sequel in Mumbai, which was designed by local architect Ashiesh Shah.

Located in an office development in the city’s Bandra Kurla Complex, the interior was conceived as a calming antidote to the busy business district beyond.

“The restaurant alludes to a timeless charm, celebrating the ethos of subtle luxury, slow living and refined lifestyles,” Shah explained.

Counter seating with oak veneer walls in Sequel restaurant interior — The dining area of Sequel’s Mumbai outpost features counter seating (above) as well as a number of standalone tables (top image)

Divided into two zones, Sequel features a grab-and-go counter on one side and a cafe on the other, which serves as a formal dining area for customers looking for a break from work.

The two areas are divided by a central partition with a doorway on either side for easy circulation.

Seating area with sheer curtains and rounded seating in restaurant by Ashiesh Shah — Sheer curtains cover the restaurant’s wrap-around window

Shah designed the restaurant as a reflection of Sequel’s philosophy, which it described as “futuristic in form and earthy at its core”.

Textured materials are paired with neutral colours and soft edges to create a “visually soft interior”.

Spherical lights and counter seating in Sequel restaurant interior — Shah had a number of furniture items, such as these stools, custom-made for the project

“The material choices for the space pay homage to Indian craftsmanship and handmade processes,” Shah explained.

A sculptural lighting fixture, handmade using lacquered channapatna beads from the Indian state of Karnataka, hangs in the centre of the seating area.

Seating area with oak veneer walls and sculptural chandelier made from wooden beads in restaurant interior by Ashiesh Shah — A chandelier made from lacquered wooden beads hangs above the dining area

Here, walls are lined with oak wood veneer that runs from the ground onto the walls and along the gridded facade, while a sheer curtain covers the wrap-around window. A matching console unit is finished in the same oak wood veneer.

The grab-and-go section of the restaurant is enveloped by curved walls clad in louvred wooden panelling that was handmade on site, before being finished in an open-grained veneer with grey lacquer.

A monolithic serving counter enveloped in moulded off-white Corian resin emerges from the wall and snakes out into the dining area.

Its curved lines are echoed in the false ceiling overhead, where globe-shaped lights are positioned like pearls within oyster-shaped reliefs made from textured lime plaster.

The same bumpy plaster was applied to parts of the walls and a series of oyster-shaped shelves that appear to grow out of the wall, while patterned terracotta bricks line the floor.

Oyster-shaped ceiling relief with spherical lights in Sequel Mumbai — The ceiling is decorated with oyster-shaped reliefs

Many of the furniture pieces, including the rounded chairs and sofas in the formal dining area as well as the consoles, bar units, coffee counters, communal tables, shelving and storage cabinets, were custom-made for the project.

“The lighting, materiality and form together celebrate a narrative of perfect imperfection,” Shah explained.

Integrated white shelving in restaurant interior by Ashiesh Shah — An integrated shelving system seems to grow from the walls

In his work, the architect says he practices the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfections.

Other restaurants with textured surfaces include a Kyiv eatery by Yakusha Design  with rough concrete walls and this fine-dining restaurant where Valencia studio Masquespacio employed uneven surface finishes such as rough stucco, ceramic and terracotta tiles.

Photography is by Atelier Ashiesh Shah.

Reference

soft

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

Michael Hsu utilises soft shapes for Austin skyscraper interiors

membrane roof casts a soft glow over two-story house in tokyo

house with a membrane roof in tokyo, japan

changing lights inform about outdoor conditions

Home Studios adds soft seating to Italian restaurant Bar Enza

Ashiesh Shah creates “visually soft” restaurant interior in Mumbai

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