“I can only do so much” to protect the environment, says Peter Zumthor

October 29, 2018 Amy Frearson 0

Architects may be limited in their power to prevent climate change, says Peter Zumthor, but they can help by designing buildings to last for centuries rather than decades. Zumthor spoke to Dezeen on a tour of his recently completed Secular Retreat villa – a concrete and glass holiday home in Devon, England. The tour took place shortly

The post “I can only do so much” to protect the environment, says Peter Zumthor appeared first on Dezeen.

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AD Classics: New German Parliament, Reichstag / Foster + Partners

October 25, 2018 David Douglass-Jaimes 0

This article was originally published on November 2, 2015. To read the stories behind other celebrated architecture projects, visit our AD Classics section.

As Norman Foster describes in his firm’s monograph, Foster 40, “Our transformation of the Reichstag is rooted in four related issues: the Bundestag’s significance as a democratic forum, an understanding of history, a commitment to public accessibility and a vigorous environmental agenda.”[1] Foster’s description sounds straightforward enough, but the process of creating the New German Parliament at the Reichstag was only the latest entry in the long, complex, and contentious history of the building.

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Ross / Ola Studio

October 25, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

 Ross sits proudly within a characteristically diverse heritage precinct. Informed by our clients’ love of stark materiality and clean aesthetics, Ross unexpectedly provides a warm and joyful environment. Their new suburban home comfortably houses a family of five, their dog and an art collection while alluding to the industrial lofty spaces of a converted warehouse they had all become accustomed. Being nestled within a private garden, Ross completely satisfies our clients brief.

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Casa Lomas / Oficio Taller

October 24, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

The project concept is a stereotomic box of concrete. A stone element that sits on the mountain. The property, of pronounced topography and north orientation provides the ideal elevation to contemplate the city and the views to the mountains that surround it.

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Sri Lanka Passive House / JPDA

October 23, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture (JPDA) has completed the first Certified Passive House project in South Asia, proving that ultra-high-performance efficiency standards are achievable for buildings in any climate.

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City Cabin / Olson Kundig

October 22, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

Located in one of Seattle’s most established residential areas, City Cabin’s design answers the client’s desire for a private urban retreat that would connect her to nature. Siting the 2,400-square-foot house on the northwest corner of the lot maximizes garden areas on the south and east sides. The home’s staggered footprint allows for more glazing, which increases sun exposure and garden views from every room. With the goal of net-zero energy use, the home’s design incorporates key sustainability features such as photovoltaic panels and an air-to-water heat pump. Planting mature trees and dense greenery onto the site helped transform an ordinary urban infill lot into a private refuge.

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Debris House / Wallmakers

October 19, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

Nestled in a quaint township, is this rammed earth residence for a family of six. The site was at a slope with remnants of many demolished buildings.  Maximizing the given area the building is set in multiple levels to accommodate the family and to meet the client’s dreams in the most feasible way.

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Remington YMCA / GEC Architecture

October 17, 2018 Pilar Caballero 0

The Remington YMCA is among the newest and most striking wellness facilities in western Canada, serving the citizens of Calgary and the surrounding area as a polestar for health, wellness, and community spirit. The YMCA’s expansive glazing and bright, open spaces invoke a sense of connection, sparking interest and encouraging participation. As a bustling hub in a new urban community, the facility embodies the City of Calgary’s strategy to build vibrant communities, and features leisure and competition pools, a hot tub and sauna, a gymnasium, running track, fitness area, daycare, childminding, and public library.