Aedas plans tower of flowing lines + nested rooftops for shenzhen
CategoriesArchitecture

Aedas plans tower of flowing lines + nested rooftops for shenzhen

a new gateway to shenzhen

 

Aedas proposes a new landmark for Shenzhen with its newly unveiled Huanggang Skyscraper. Standing tall at 247 meters, the tower will stand as a symbolic gateway to the Greater Bay Area and Huanggang Port — an entry point between Shenzhen and Hong Kong — and will play an important role in the Chinese region’s development. The design team hopes to integrate the landscape surrounding the city into the architecture, drawing inspiration from stacking stones and flowing rivers. The fluid volumes and nesting rooftops are planned to resemble cascading water, while the cantilevered canopy at the entrance evoke the image of splashing water.

aedas huanggang shenzhenimages © Aedas | @aedas_architects

 

 

the sunlit huanggang port headquarters

 

Stepping into the Huanggang Skyscraper, visitors are greeted by a thirteen-meter-tall, sunlit lobby, designed by Aedas with transparent glass. The layout follows a rigorous, symmetrical form with four stacked circles defining the facade. This optimizes space utilization, offering stunning views and vibrant visuals for the city. The interiors allow for diverse workspace programming with a flexible floor plan divided into four quadrants. Each section offers office depths ranging from ten to fourteen meters, accommodating companies of various sizes. Open office spaces near the crown promote communication and interaction, further enhanced by the inclusion of indoor-outdoor areas. Meanwhile, landscaped ‘sky lobbies’ and gardened rooftop terraces allow space for employees to relax and connect.

Aedas plans tower of flowing lines and nested rooftop gardens for shenzhen
Shenzhen’s new landmark will redefine the skyline with inspiration from stacked stones and flowing water

 

 

sustainable goals by aedas

 

Aedas notes that it designs its Huanggang Skyscraper for Shenzhen with sustainability at the forefront. Vertical fins provide shade, reducing energy consumption, while low-reflection panels on the curtain wall minimize the building’s carbon footprint. Integrated ventilation solutions seamlessly blend into the tower’s aesthetics, ensuring a low-carbon design without compromising visual integrity. Executive Director Chris Chen comments: ‘Built based on the principles of ‘high quality,’ ‘customisation’ and ‘sustainability,’ we envision a harmonious layout of simple geometric shapes together formed by the tower and Huanggang Port, that contributes to the development of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone.’

aedas huanggang shenzhen
the project is defined by its nested forms and stepping rooftops aedas huanggang shenzhen
sky gardens and rooftop terraces will promote wellness in the workplace Aedas plans tower of flowing lines and nested rooftop gardens for shenzhen
the 247 meter-tall tower will replicate the fluid forms of nature



Reference

a brick tower rises from a concrete base inside matteo arnone’s caso attico
CategoriesArchitecture

a brick tower rises from a concrete base inside matteo arnone’s caso attico

casa attico by atelier matteo arnone

 

In the north-east of Brazil, on the shore of São Miguel do Gostoso, Casa Attico emerges as one of the recent and characteristic projects of architecture and urban design studio Atelier Matteo Arnone. Made of brickwork and concrete, the residence takes on a unique, circular morphology and position, both influenced by the regional winds. Its concrete foundation reveals an exposed, almost labyrinthine layout with a brick core shaped like a tower that rises just enough from the dunes to capture scenic views of the Brazilian sea, becoming a reference point for the landscape. 

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 2
all images © Federico Cairoli

 

 

a sweeping morphology inspired by the movement of wind

 

Observing both sections and plans of Casa Attico, one understands Matteo Arnone’s willingness (see more here) to capture the natural ventilation coming from the east and drive it across every corner of the living spaces. On the ground floor, the house is shaped like a wind machine. From the east, the wind penetrates the patios and circulates geometrically according to the shape of the walls, breaking strength and aerating the four symmetric bedrooms. At the tower level, the wind rises in between the two layers of brickwork composing its wall structures. The central kitchen, positioned to overlook four patios, serves as the focal point of the ground floor. Its symmetrical placement creates the core of the house, connecting with the living spaces.

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 3
Casa Attico by Atelier Matteo Arnone rises amid dunes in Brazil

 

 

Matteo Arnone and his team mainain visual continuity between the kitchen and first floor of Casa Attico through a circular opening that leads to the living room and office area. ‘As one ascends, a sense of privacy intensifies, offering a feeling of seclusion amidst the expansive natural surroundings. This sensation culminates on the top floor, where a compact space provides a panoramic view of the landscape, allowing for quiet contemplation,’ concludes the architect. 

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 4
a circular morphology inspired by eastern winds

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 7
a brick tower rises from the core

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 5
cicular openings and layouts take over the design of Casa Attico

casa attico atelier matteo arnone 10

Reference

MONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth
CategoriesArchitecture

MONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth

areal am kronenrain: earth architecture in germany

 

The German town of Neuenburg am Rhein sees the completion of the ‘Areal am Kronenrain’ complex, designed by MONO Architekten. The development, including an observation tower for viewing the vast landscape, marks a transformative moment for the city, which is found in the tri-border region of France, Switzerland, and Germany. As part of the State Garden Exhibition 2022, the project aimed to reorganize urban areas, with a particular focus on the site between the city center and the redesigned green space ‘Stadtpark am Wuhrloch.’ The architecture prioritizes durable materials, and takes shape with red-tinted rammed earth and Corten steel, inspired by the region’s red sandstone and the former Rhine riverbank.

MONO architekten areal kronenrainimages © Gregor Schmidt

 

 

mono architekten takes on a complex site

 

MONO Architekten notes that the initial urban situation at the site of Areal am Kronenrain site posed challenges, characterized by limited usable space and a substantial height difference of around nine meters. In response, the architects conceived a distinctive ensemble, comprising a parking garage, public space, bridge, and tower, effectively bridging the gap and establishing a connection between the green space and the town center. The design further contributes to the city’s identity. The tower, a prominent feature of the ensemble, serves as a striking city entrance, visible from a distance. Its dynamic interaction with the adjacent parking garage and the connecting bridge structure forms a clear landmark, setting the tone for the revitalized urban space.

MONO architekten areal kronenrain
Neuenburg am Rhein’s ‘Areal am Kronenrain’ development is completed as a pivotal urban space

 

 

the observation tower over neuenburg am Rhein

 

The thirty six-meter-high tower, with its unique design and materials, stands out as a focal point. Offering an observation platform with a panoramic view, the tower becomes an essential element in connecting visitors with the picturesque landscape. Future plans for extending the bridge as a ramp to park level enhance accessibility, providing a barrier-free connection for all. The Münsterplatz, situated atop the three-story parking garage with 231 parking spaces, introduces a new public space. This plaza, which blends outward to integrates with the city plan, alleviates inner-city traffic due to its central location. Future plans for densification and mixed-use further emphasize its role as a hub for public engagement.

MONO architekten areal kronenrain
part of the State Garden Exhibition 2022, the design bridges gaps and redefines connections MONO architekten areal kronenrain
visible from afar, the tower establishes a landmark, engaging in a dialogue with the adjacent parking garageMONO architekten builds a tower of red-tinted rammed earth in germany
the urban ensemble comprises a parking garage, public space, bridge, and observation tower

Reference

Restored Book Tower in Detroit features hospitality venues by Method Co
CategoriesInterior Design

Restored Book Tower in Detroit features hospitality venues by Method Co

Several restaurants and a hotel have opened within Detroit’s historic Book Tower as part of a years-long restoration project of the building undertaken by its developer and architecture studio ODA.

The 1920s skyscraper has undergone extensive restoration work over the past seven years by local developer Bedrock, which has transformed the former office building into a mixed-use space.

Giant glass dome over a neoclassical lobbyGiant glass dome over a neoclassical lobby
Among Book Tower’s restored features are a grand glass dome, which sits over the lobby’s Bar Rotunda

A collaboration with Method Co has led to the first phase of restaurant and bar concepts, which were introduced through the course of 2023.

“We have been ever-mindful of what the restoration of Book Tower means to this city,” said Randall Cook, CEO and cofounder of Method Co, “and we’ve worked hard to create hospitality concepts that will excite and reconnect Detroiters to Book Tower once again, and at the same time honour the heritage of this magnificent property.”

View through an arch in a stone wall of an atriumView through an arch in a stone wall of an atrium
Developers Bedrock worked with architects ODA on the restoration of the 1920s neoclassical building

Located on Washington Boulevard in Downtown Detroit, the 38-storey neoclassical building was designed by Louis Kamper – a prolific and celebrated architect in the city during its Gilded Age.

New York architecture firm ODA was hired to update and expand the programming and existing structures, resulting in half a million square feet (46,450 square metres) of mixed-use space.

Le Suprême brasserie interior with green tiles and wood accentsLe Suprême brasserie interior with green tiles and wood accents
Method Co was brought on to conceptualise and operate multiple culinary offerings within the building, including Le Suprême brasserie at street level

The work included restoring the exterior windows and stonework and bringing an ornate domed glass ceiling back to life.

Method Co was then brought on to conceptualise three restaurants and bars, as well as a hotel, and operate each of these venues within the building.

Le Suprême restaurant with zinc bar top, hand-made tiles and mosaic marble flooringLe Suprême restaurant with zinc bar top, hand-made tiles and mosaic marble flooring
Designed with Stokes Architecture + Design, Le Suprême includes a zinc bar top, hand-made tiles and mosaic marble flooring

Dining options include Le Suprême, a classic French brasserie that offers an all-day menu and both indoor and outdoor seating at street level for up to 210 guests.

Designed in collaboration with Stokes Architecture + Design, the 6,200-square-foot space features a traditional zinc bar top, hand-made art nouveau tiles, mosaic marble flooring and oxblood leather booths.

Furniture and decor were chosen to reflect Detroit’s cultural heritage, and photos on the walls of the Le Mans car race tie to the city’s automobile legacy.

Kamper's rooftop cocktail bar with exposed brickwork and dark wood accentsKamper's rooftop cocktail bar with exposed brickwork and dark wood accents
On the 14th floor is Kamper’s, a rooftop cocktail bar designed with ODA

On the 14th floor is Kamper’s, a rooftop cocktail bar designed with ODA comprising an indoor lounge that opens onto an expansive outdoor terrace via large French doors.

The cosy interior has exposed brick walls and dark wood accents, complemented by marble mosaic flooring, antiqued mirrors and velvet drapery.

Expansive outdoor terrace with views across DetroitExpansive outdoor terrace with views across Detroit
Kamper’s opens onto an expansive terrace with views across Detroit

Bar Rotunda sits below the glass dome and acts as an all-day lobby cafe and bar, with 70 seats surrounded by ornate architectural details that recall the grand eateries of early 20th-century Paris.

“The space is canopied by a beautifully restored 100-year-old Keppler Glass dome that features more than 7,000 individual jewels and 6,000 glass panels making it an architectural centerpiece,” said Method Co, which also worked with ODA on this space.

Also planned to open soon within Book Tower are sake pub Sakazuki, and izakaya and omakase-style dining spot Hiroki-San.

The hotel component of the building, Roost Detroit, offers short and long-stay accommodation in contemporary apartment-style spaces, alongside The Residences that are purchasable as permanent homes.

Studio hotel-apartment with a bed, kitchen and sofaStudio hotel-apartment with a bed, kitchen and sofa
The building’s accommodation component, Roost Detroit, is Method Co’s latest iteration of its apartment hotel brand

Roost Detroit is the latest iteration of Method Co’s apartment hotel brand, joining multiple outposts in Philadelphia – including the Morris Adjmi-designed East Market – along with Tampa, Cleveland and more across the US.

The company also operates The Quoin boutique hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, which offers 24 guest rooms within a converted bank building, and the Whyle extended-stay property in Washington DC that was longlisted in the hotel and short-stay interior category of Dezeen Awards 2021.

Contemporary residential interior with lounge and dining areasContemporary residential interior with lounge and dining areas
Roost Detroit offers short and extended stays within contemporary spaces of various sizes and configurations

Downtown Detroit’s revitalisation has taken shape over the past few years, and a handful of new hotels have opened to accommodate visitors who are returning to witness its cultural and creative rebirth.

They include The Siren Hotel, designed by ASH NYC to recall the city’s glamorous past, and the Shinola Hotel, which Gachot Studios designed for the local watch company of the same name.

The photography is by Matthew Williams unless stated otherwise.

Reference

Atelier 9.81 models Calais port tower on stack of pebbles
CategoriesArchitecture

Atelier 9.81 models Calais port tower on stack of pebbles

French architecture studio Atelier 9.81 has designed a tower of staggered concrete blocks for a harbour master’s office and lookout building on the Calais coastline.

Forming part of the Calais Port 2015 expansion plan, the 38-metre-tall tower comprises four stacked white-concrete boxes with decorative surfaces.

The blocks are designed by Atelier 9.81 to resemble balancing pebbles and visually separate the functions of spaces inside.

Concrete Calais port lookout office tower by Atelier 9.81
The staggered concrete boxes feature patterned surfaces

Situated at the junction between the existing port and its planned extension, the building is intended as a distinctive entry point to Calais that is visible from the sea, surrounding beaches and the nearby city.

“We have opted for a visual fragmentation of the program,” Atelier 9.81 associate architect Cédric Michel told Dezeen.

“Like pebbles balanced on top of each other, this work is erected by accumulation, by stratification of stories contained in simple geometric shapes.”

View from the lookout tower at Calais' harbour master's office
It forms part of the Calais port’s wider expansion

The harbour master’s office is built in white concrete to withstand harsh coastal weather and cement the image of a cairn – a man-made pile of stones.

“From this idea of ​​the cairn, it seemed important to us to use only one material,” explained Michel. “Also, with the extreme climatic conditions of the coast, the question of sustainability played a role in our choice.”

The base of the building is a square four-storey volume that was cast in situ. It contains offices, meeting rooms, a control station for locks and movable bridges, and a roof terrace.

Prefabricated concrete was used to construct the rest of the tower, including the central structural core.

View of the sea from inside Calais' harbour master's office by Atelier 9.81
The base volume was cast in situ

The middle two volumes in the tower act as a structural void, clad in the precast concrete panels.

These panels feature light bas-relief, including crossing lines and a sandblasted geometric pattern depicting the Strait of Dover, or the Pas de Calais in French, which is the narrow water passage separating England and France.

View of the sea from the terrace at Calais' harbour master's office by Atelier 9.81
Terraces overlook the port

Concrete cladding stamped with circular patterns wraps the volume at the top of the building, which contains the facilities and equipment for monitoring and managing the port.

This two-level volume has breakout space and living quarters on the lower section, and a glazed lookout with an outdoor panoramic terrace on the upper level.

Other concrete buildings with boxy silhouettes featured on Dezeen include a power station control centre in Austria and an apartment block in Tokyo that staggers to create a series of terraces.

The photography is by Nicolas da Silva Lucas.

Reference

KPF approved for ‘tower 36’ in design district
CategoriesArchitecture

KPF approved for ‘tower 36’ in design district

a luxury office building to rise in miami

 

Miami, a rapidly growing city known lately for its diverse and innovative architecture, is about to welcome Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)‘s ‘Tower 36’ to its skyline. The luxury high-rise office building, developed by One Thousand Group together with architect of record ODP Architecture & Design, has just received unanimous approval to be realized in the heart of Miami’s Design District. This upcoming skyscraper will further redefine the city’s urban fabric and contribute to the area’s evolution into a mixed-use neighborhood. Rising 635 feet and covering 922,000-square-feet, it will become the tallest building in the neighborhood, promising sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

kpf miami tower 36images © Atchain, courtesy KPF

 

 

the tapered tower by kohn pedersen fox (kpf)

 

One of the defining features of Miami’s Tower 36 is its glass facade, which the architects at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) design to gracefully reveal terraces on every office floor. This arrangement creates a visual sense of movement and activity across the building, inviting occupants to connect with their surroundings and enjoy enhanced views. Accentuated by light bronze soffit accents, these outdoor spaces will provide tenants with an elevated office experience that celebrates the natural beauty of Miami’s sunny, coastal landscape.

KPF Design Principal Robert Whitlock comments:The architectural language of the tower utilizes an elegant, tapered form, sculpted to reveal outdoor terrace floors in a geometry that conveys a sense of activity and motion.’ 

kpf miami tower 36
as the tallest building in the neighborhood, Tower 36 will be a prominent addition to Miami’s evolving urban fabric

 

 

the urban garden at tower 36

 

Complementing the office floors above, the podium of KPF’s Tower 36 will host a curated selection of retail spaces. This podium will offer bicycle and car parking for tenants, and will be capped by a rooftop restaurant experience amidst carefully landscaped gardens. Moreover, the multi-story office amenity space boasts equally striking terraces that open up to breathtaking views of the bay and Downtown Miami. Unlike the strict, angular corners which define its neighbors, the podium of Tower 36 embraces gentle curves throughout its design. The northwest corner is intentionally truncated, revealing an arrival court with a naturally lit open-air oculus at the entrance to the office lobby.

kpf miami tower 36
a facade of aluminum panels and sculpted metal fins conveys a sense of motion

 

 

The podium’s facade, with its layered pattern of aluminum panels, suggests a sense of motion while naturally ventilating the parking garage within. The metal fins on the wall, a nod to Miami’s ubiquitous palm trees, feature a dual-toned design with a warm copper interior and a silver exterior. Geometric apertures thoughtfully inserted into the podium wall elevations at specific locations are designed to showcase the works of local and renowned artists, further enhancing the building’s connection with the artistic community of Miami Design District.

miami is growing up: kohn pedersen fox (KPF) approved for 'tower 36' in design districtdrivers arrive to the entrance lobby beneath a naturally lit, open-air oculus

 

 

New York-based KPF was the logical choice for design architect of our newest planned tower, creating for Miami a true New York-caliber, Class-A luxury office tower, which currently does not exist in the market,’ said Kevin Venger, Co-Founder of Miami-based One Thousand Group.KPF is on the leading edge of high- rise office design in major business centers around the globe. In the past decade, Miami has grown to become one of these global cities and needs office product that keeps up with the latest market trends in order to be competitive in attracting companies to headquarter in Miami.

The project’s location at the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and 36th Street marks the northern entrance to Miami’s high-rise district. The building is positioned as a true gateway to the city and its Edgewater neighborhood immediately adjacent to Miami’s Design District. Tower 36 also defines the entrance to the Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195), which serves as the main point of access from Miami’s mainland to the heart of Miami Beach.’

miami is growing up: kohn pedersen fox (KPF) approved for 'tower 36' in design district
the tower’s massing is shaped by graceful curves, departing from the typical angular corners of its neighbors

Reference

moreau kusunoki completes ‘le berlier,’ a timber tower in paris
CategoriesArchitecture

moreau kusunoki completes ‘le berlier,’ a timber tower in paris

la berlier: A Timber Tower Redefines Architecture of paris

 

In the heart of Paris‘ thirteenth arrondissement, a new addition to the urban fabric has emerged with Le Berlier timber tower, designed by locally-based architecture studio Moreau Kusunoki. This forward-thinking tower rises fifty meters (165 feet) above the streets of the French capital city, and represents an harmonious blend of architectural innovation and a deep understanding of its site. Positioned at the intersection of various urban flows, networks, and scales, this residential project stands at the intersection between the monumental and the domestic.

moreau kusunoki berlier parisimages © Maris Mezulis | @mariocee

 

 

The ‘Inhabited Wall’ facade

 

The essence of Moreau Kusunoki’s design for the timber tower Le Berlier lies in its concept of the ‘inhabited wall.’ The building’s facade takes shape with a grid that introduces both a rhythmic texture and a functional filter. This grid, born from the design team‘s deep understanding of the site, plays a crucial role in preserving the tower’s sense of domestic tranquility amidst the densely-built urban environment. It’s a marriage of form and function, where the grid both complements the architectural aesthetics and shields the residents from the surrounding urban chaos.

 

The design of Le Berlier’s frame and its proportions exemplifies structural necessity and aesthetic intent. The tower’s verticality, an intentional choice made by the architects, results from the elongation of its proportions — the tower confidently stands its ground against the towering heights that encompass it, effectively becoming a part of the monumental Parisian landscape. This contrast between the tower’s massive, introverted inhabited wall and its transparent base is a feature that defines its architectural identity.

moreau kusunoki berlier paris
Le Berlier timber tower reaches new heights in Parisian architecture

 

 

moreau kusunoki emphasizes verticality

 

In contrast to the tower’s towering presence, the transparent base of Le Berlier opens itself up to the city. This public space serves as a welcoming gesture to the bustling urban environment that surrounds it. It aspires to seamlessly integrate with the cityscape, forging a strong connection between the tower and its vibrant surroundings. This dichotomy between introverted privacy and extroverted openness adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

 

Moreau Kusunoki’s careful attention to detail extends to the choice of materials, with charred and pre-weathered wood being a prominent feature. This choice adds a layer of texture and depth to the tower’s aesthetic, evoking a sense of timelessness. This commitment to materiality is echoed in the thoughtful layout of the residential units. Each unit opens onto a private exterior space, effectively weaving a discreet and respectful connection between the interior and exterior. This decision fosters an harmonious relationship between nature and the city, private and public spaces, and ultimately, the growing neighborhood and its inhabitants.

moreau kusunoki berlier paris
a transparent base welcomes the city into the heart of the tower
moreau kusunoki completes 'le berlier,' a charred-timber tower in paris
the ‘inhabited wall’ is a grid facade that balances form and function



Reference

MVRDV revives old tower as shenzhen women & children’s center
CategoriesArchitecture

MVRDV revives old tower as shenzhen women & children’s center

 

project info:

 

name: Shenzhen Women & Children’s Center 

location: Shenzhen, China 

architecture: MVRDV @mvrdv

founding partner in charge: Jacob van Rijs

partner: Wenchian Shi

director MVRDV Asia: Steven SmitPeter Chang

project leader (Rotterdam): Lorenzo Mattozzi
project leader (Shanghai): Luca Xuconcept design: Lorenzo Mattozzi, Marco Gazzola,
Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Daehee Suk, Chi Zhang, Siyi Pan, Bertrand Tan, Albert Parfonov,
Andrius Ribikauskas, Enrica Perrot, Martina Franco, Peter Chang, Luca Xu
schematic design: Lorenzo Mattozzi, Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Daehee Suk, Fredy Fortich,
Chi Zhang, Bertrand Tan, Jiameng Li, Agnieszka Dabek, Paula Vargas Torres, Elisa Paneni,
Peter Chang, Luca Xu, Yang Hong, Leo Zhang, Cai Huang
detail design: Lorenzo Mattozzi, Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Daehee Suk, Fredy Fortich,
Chi Zhang, Bertrand Tan, Jiameng Li, Paula Vargas Torres, Luca Xu, Yang Hong, Echo Zhai, Ruochen Zhang
interior & Landscape design: Lorenzo Mattozzi, Fokke Moerel, Pim Bangert, Giovanni Nardi, Daehee Suk, Jiameng Li, Bertrand Tan, Paula Vargas Torres, Luca Xu
working documents revision: Lorenzo Mattozzi, Luca Xu, Giuseppe Mazzaglia,
Daehee Suk, Jiameng Li, Fredy Fortich, Yihong Chen, Peilu Chen, Xiaoliang Yu
aesthetic supervision: Lorenzo Mattozz, iLuca Xu, Giuseppe Mazzaglia,
Bertrand Tan, Jiameng Li, Americo Iannazzone, Yihong Chen, Kefei Yan, Edvan Ardianto Muliana
MVRDV NEXT: Boudewijn Thomas, Yayun Liu, Changqinq Ye
visuals: Antonio Coco, Angelo La Delfa, Pavlos Ventouris, Francesco Vitale,
Luana La Martina, Jaroslaw Jeda, Emanuele Fortunati
lead project coordinator: Jammy Zhu

co-architect, lanscape, MEP: SZAD

co-project coordinator: Shenzhen Women & Children’s Building Operation and Management
facade consultant: KGE (King Glass Engineering)
structural engineering: Yuanlizhu Engineering Consultants
lighting consultant: BPI (Brandston Partnership Inc.)
cost calculation: Jinxia Property Cost Consultation Co. Ltd.
interior architect: Jiang & Associates

photographer: Xia Zhi@xiazhi_photogtapher



Reference

a reconfigurable apartment is built in bjarke ingels’ ecuador tower
CategoriesArchitecture

a reconfigurable apartment is built in bjarke ingels’ ecuador tower

an adaptable dwelling in quito, ecuador

 

Ecuador-based JAG Studio photographs a timber intervention dubbed ‘501’ within Quito’s pixelated IQON tower, a residential project completed recently by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). This interior space is designed by a team led by Juan Alberto Andrade with the aim of maximizing utility and creating adaptable spaces that allow for the fluid integration of different activities. The core concept behind the ‘501’ apartment is to prioritize the flexibility of useful space by introducing volumes that are both inhabitable and reconfigurable.

 

The architects have recognized that modern housing should be versatile, diverse, and capable of accommodating transformations over time. Embracing this concept, JAG Studio has designed a space that is neutral and configurable, offering a canvas for inhabitants to tailor the environment according to their needs.

jag ecuador bjarke ingels
images © JAG Studio @juanalbertoandrade.ec

 

 

Juan Alberto Andrade transforms a bjarke ingels apartment

 

At the heart of the ‘501’ apartment in Bjarke Ingels’ Ecuador tower, Juan Alberto Andrade incorporates two containing pieces that allow for various activities within one harmonious place. These ‘Stations’ and ‘Substations’ provide distinct zones that cater to different functions. The Stations are identified as ‘a: room’ and ‘b: music studio,’ each serving as dedicated spaces for specific purposes. On the other hand, the Substations — labeled as a1, a2, a3, a4; b1, b2 — offer the flexibility to include diverse uses. This arrangement allows for a seamless transition from spaces designed for permanence and privacy to those that cater to professional activities.

jag ecuador bjarke ingels

 

 

integrated furniture solutions

 

The Ecuador-based architects integrate thoughtfully-crafted furniture solutions into the design of the ‘501’ apartment to make the most of the available space. The Stations include a pull-out bed system, offering an efficient way to optimize sleeping arrangements while freeing up floor area during the day. Additionally, a unit featuring a working table, seats, and multiple storage and shelving equipment crafted from laminated boards, green-tinted boards, and four-milimeter metal sheets brings practicality and elegance to the living space.

 

The beauty of the ‘501’ apartment lies in its adaptability to change and the range of possibilities it presents. By creating a space that can be reconfigured and tailored to the inhabitants’ needs, JAG Studio has successfully bridged the gap between contemporary dynamics and habitability in the bustling city of Quito, Ecuador.

jag ecuador bjarke ingels
the compact dwelling can be freed up with built-in, collapsable furniturejag ecuador bjarke ingels
two ‘stations’ can each be transformed for different uses jag ecuador bjarke ingelsa keyboard is hidden away in the ‘music studio’ station



Reference

DDG and IMG outfit penthouse at Manhattan’s 180 East 88th Street tower
CategoriesInterior Design

DDG and IMG outfit penthouse at Manhattan’s 180 East 88th Street tower

Arched openings frame views of New York City from this duplex penthouse apartment in a Carnegie Hill residential tower, designed and developed by American real estate company DDG.

The penthouse sits atop the newly constructed 180 East 88th Street, an art deco-influenced building that tallest residence north of 72nd Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Bedroom with arched window
The arched opening that crowns 180 East 88th Street frame views from the interior

Spilt over two storeys, its 5,508 square feet (512 square metres) of interiors were designed by the tower’s architects and developers DDG and staged by New York firm IMG.

The residence also enjoys an additional 3,500 square feet (325 square metres) of exterior spaces across multiple levels — including a private rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park.

Sculptural staircase
A sculptural staircase connects the two storeys and the roof terrace of the penthouse

Huge arches in the grey-brick facades that wrap the building’s crown are visible from the inside, thanks to large expanses of glazing that enclose the apartment on both floors.

There are views across the city in all directions, the most dramatic of which is of the Midtown skyline to the south.

Kitchen
The kitchen features a golden cooker hood that echoes the building’s pinnacle

There are two living spaces, a large dining area and a separate eat-in kitchen, five bedrooms and a den, and four full and two half bathrooms.

The two internal levels and the roof terrace are connected by a curvaceous staircase that rises through centre of the penthouse.

Spaces are neutrally decorated, with sculptural light fixtures and expressive artworks adding visual interest.

In the kitchen, a golden cooker hood echoes the colour and shape of an architectural feature on the building’s pinnacle.

Huge arched opening with view of Manhattan
Expansive terraces enjoy unobstructed views across Manhattan

Completed earlier this year, 180 East 88th Street includes 46 half- and full-floor residences, along with amenities such as a partial indoor basketball court and soccer pitch, a game room, a residents’ lounge, a private fitness and yoga studio, and a children’s playroom with a slide.

The building’s exterior design was influenced by “the boom in high-rise masonry construction in New York in the early 20th century”, and is one of many recent skyscrapers in the city that have ditched glass in favour of more solid-looking materials.

Bathroom
Full-height glass walls allow the vistas to be enjoyed from the majority of rooms

“Paying homage to the lost art of traditional craftsmanship, the intricate exterior features a striking hand-laid brick facade made of 600,000 handmade bricks by Denmark’s master brickworks Petersen Tegl,” said a statement from DDG.

Manhattan has no shortage of luxury penthouses, with some of the most notable including a residence at the top of Rafael Viñoly’s 432 Park Avenue and the premium unit at Zaha Hadid’s 520 West 28th Street development.

The photography is by Sean Hemmerle.

Reference