A P Møller School Schleswig - Award News

C. F. Møller Wins RIBA European Union Award and Worldwide Brick Award

The A. P. Møller School designed by C.F. Møller Architects has won both the prestigious 2010 RIBA European Union Award and the 2010 Worldwide Brick Award. The school is located on a scenic site in Schleswig in Germany. The site's interaction with the town of Schleswig and the picturesque landscape of Schlei Fjord was a primary generator of the design.

Les Quais by Fabrice Dusapin

Les Quais by Fabrice Dusapin

Architect Fabrice Dusapin came up with a project that complements diversity of urban “quai” of François Mitterrand. “Quai” is a french word for docks. Project, located on the banks of Loire river in the french city of Nantes, has very different building heights and volumetric comparing to an existing renewed house and a new residential building. Located on a large parcel, the project offers a space with an alley and access to the Loire river. This project is composed from four parts: maison de ville, ateliers, centre and building itself that fits around a square that represents heart of the area. Residents of apartments have a fabulous view at the river and take advantage of natural lighting. The yard catches eye at first sight; various shapes like some very different buildings glued together. The conglutination reflects on functionality of these buildings - the yard is poly-functional. It houses residential parts as well as shops, parking slots, small square or halls for local activities.

Les Quais / Fabrice Dusapin

Architect:  :   Fabrice Dusapin, architectes, urbanistes

Location   :   Ile de Nantes, Nantes, France

Client:       : PROMOGIM

Site area  :  6,205 sqm

Built area  : 11,800 sqm

Project year: 2010

Floor plan

Site plan

National Glass Museum Holland by Bureau SLA

National Glass Museum Holland by Bureau SLA
The Dutch National Glass Museum collects, examines and exhibits glass art and design from 1850 onwards. It serves as the Netherlands’ treasury, laboratory and centre of knowledge on glass. The Glass Museum was started in 1953 in the house of Petrus Marinus Cochius, director of Leerdam glass manufacturers and founder of the Leerdam glass tradition.

Having two villas is charming, but provides the visitor with nothing else than to walk from one small room to another. By linking the two buildings, continuous exhibition rooms are created. The connection is more than a corridor; it is display space itself and becomes part of the visitor’s experience. Furthermore, the connecting bridges serve as the museum’s storage space. This open storage is fully accessible, making the National Glass Museum the Netherland’s first museum to give public access to its complete collection.

Exhibition spaces are spread across both existing buildings and the bridges with 9000 objects on display in glass cabinets by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek

Both buildings have been refurbished with one housing a restaurant and the other a library that doubles as staff offices.

The New National Glass Museum in Leerdam

Once the villa on Lingedijk 30 had been acquired, bureau SLA were commissioned to turn the two buildings into a home for the National Glass Museum. It was suggested to turn Cochius’ former residence into an exhibition area and to use the second villa as offices, storage facilities and a cafeteria.

Whilst this fulfilled functional requirements, it seemed like a missed opportunity to us at bureau SLA, as the new situation would appear to be not very different from the old one. The museum would have more space, indeed, but this would not be visible from the outside

The four pedestrian bridges that bureau SLA designed draws everything together in an elegant manner. Visitors can idle through extensive rooms; only one lift is needed and an enormous amount of space is gained. The bridges serve as storage space in which all the museum’s objects are on display, in cases specifically designed for the museum by Piet Hein Eek.

In the historical villas not much more needed to be done; they were elegant by themselves. Repairs were carried out where needed, with some later additions removed. The bridges were constructed from several layers of polycarbonate panels and covered by a translucent skin of grey, powder-coated, aluminium mesh. During the day they contrast sharply with the refined old villas, whereas at night they glow in reflection of the 9000 glass objects inside them.

Iseami House, Costa Rica

The Iseami House by Robles Arquitectos is a work of science as much as it is an achievement of design.  This home rests on a hill above the ocean on the Peninsula de Osa in Costa Rica, a location with 5% of the world’s biodiversity– yet 20km away from the nearest town.  To build such a home, Robles Arquitectos were tasked with designing a fully grid-free, self-sustainable structure that could manage the demands of this hot, humid environment.

RoblesArq has followed their design process named: SDRA (Dynamic system Robles Arquitectos) which, during the investigation stage,evaluates 10 important elements as: Site, Climate, Energy, Water, Materials, environment, atmosphere, cost, innovation with the use of passive strategies and the implemented processes.These elements will be analyzed to develop a design plan and a management plan during the building lifecycle in order to reduce the negative impact this house could bring to the natural environment and then, to minimize the negative impact that nature could create in the building, this because our main concept is to create a very low maintenance house.

The secluded project site is located at 30 km from the closest town, Puerto Jimenez, therefore, the house doesn’t have any public service supply as electricity or water, and this condition obligates the institute to invest on a 100% self-sufficient house. During the design process, decisions were takenin order to bring the water and energy supply.

 The existence of a water concession on the protected forest inside the property, allows the project to consider a natural potable water source for its use, then the water volume is utilized in order to produce energy with 2 low impact hydroelectric generators that generate a total of800KW/H.Furthermore, Casa Iseami becomes a solar power plant with a production capability of 10.800KW/H, this because the roof has been designed in order to have the orientation and position to maximize its production. The roof material has great structural capacities, so the access to the roof for maintenance is possible (The use of a solar hot water tank provides comfort to the users). The hybrid energy systemprovides with success enough energy to the project, the caretaker’sand maintenace housing and the existing lodge for the participants of the institute.

 

The materials for the house were selected following the results given by an investigation process done to the existing project near the site. This way we took the results and then decide which were the best materials to use in order to create a low maintenance project. All the proposed materials were tested in order to evaluate its behavior on the difficult environment that the Osa peninsula has because of its humidity, high percentage of rain, mould, fungi and its flora and fauna.

The structural and electro mechanic design has been inspired on an exo-skeleton insect, this way the creation of open spaces between walls and ceilings are eliminated, creating a benefit for the indoor air quality because we avoid the creation of mould and plagues common in the projects around.
 

Within the chosen materials, the thermal-panels (Versawall and Versapanel by Centria) are chosen as the main material for walls and roof because of its solar reflectance index, structural and acoustic properties and ability to give the thermal comfort without using empty spaces on the walls. This material brings the opportunity to build the house, piece by piece as a Lego, a great strategy to minimize the use of transportation in order to lower the carbon footprint of the institute and the ability to build the house with fast and minimum labor on this secluded location. Because of the high structural capabilities of the material, the amount of steel structure was lowered considerably, saving the use of the natural resources needed for the anti-seismic structure. Furthermore the thermal-panel is a very light and easy to install, low maintenance and highly resistant material for humidity.

Passive design strategies have been successfully implemented to handle the sun exposure, relative humidity, natural illumination and ventilation inside the bioclimatic considerations of the project. Relative humidity is managed to create a healthy and comfortable space. The strategies used are, elevating the house 1 meter above the ground (water permeability in the ground will be possible), ideal orientation (Southeast-northwest)for cross ventilation and the installation of two polycarbonate skylights that provide the control of sunlight exposure in the interiors of the house, preventing UV to damage the furniture and Indoor environmental quality for its occupants. Large overhangs create shadows all day long in order to control the interior temperatures and natural illumination together with the thermal capacities and white color of the envelope. The use of recycled plastic louvers (Trex) creates a second envelope that surrounds the house in order to maximize the temperature control and rain exposure.On the other hand, the white color in the totality of Iseami has the goal to be able to visualize any insect or mould creation inside the house, frame and create a contrast with nature, maximize natural light and solar reflectance index (SRI 100). The roof design allows the occupants to have an integration with the mountains around with an “open to the sky” concept, this way, cross ventilation, daylight and views are present in every single space around the house.

One important goal of Iseami house was its recyclable potential, therefore, the material selection needed to be 100% recyclable at the end of its lifecycle, therefore, recycled plastic, glass and mainly the steel (structure and panels) have been choose for the project. Plastic materials at the interior are not included to avoid the outgassing of any toxic compound found in certain plastics, sealants or aditives. Instead, the Versawall and regional materials as white mosaic floors creates a simple but well balanced interior.
The construction system is based on a prefab method planned in order to get the construction time and low environmental impact on the site. The main benefit about that is the adaptation and evolution potential with the community inhabitants, which have a poor economy and will be able to imitate these solutions in different scales with very simple materials.

The distribution of the house looks for a new way of living where all the activities have the possibility to be developed outside, this way the integration between the interior and the exterior become succesfull and natural, creating possibilities to enjoy nature on its original state as much as the occupants desires it.
Iseami House is the result of an investigation during the design process of a tropical house built on a remote and difficult site in which the main objective was to promote the benefit of the well being of the community and its occupants, all thru an emergent tropical architecture concept.

Ground floor plan

second floor plan

Kristiansund Opera and Cultural Centre

Kristiansund Opera and Cultural Centre will house Norway's oldest opera, dating back to 1805. Furthermore it is intended to be the new cultural power centre of Kristiansund, the capital of the region of Nordmøre, and a landmark to the entire region. 

Apart from the opera the new cultural centre will house a ballet centre, library, college centre, conference rooms, a restaurant, and a café. The task has been to integrate two existing buildings, one of them the former Folkets Hus, in the new and create a vibrant urban space around the building by connecting the cultural centre with the pedestrian streets, squares and a nearby park. 



Kulturkvartalet, as the project made by C. F. Møller Architects is called, unites the different cultural functions in a dynamic and creative environment, centred round the main concert hall. The concert hall has been designed to offer sublime acoustics and super flexible theatre settings. 

"Working on the project has been a very inspiring process so far. We have clearly sensed the tradition and pride, that the project is founded on," states partner Klaus Toustrup. 

The other first prize in the competition for the Kristiansund Opera and Cultural Centre goes to the Norwegian firm Space Group in collaboration with the London firm Brisac Gonzales for their project "Silencio". 

The two winning teams will now go into a clarification process before one of the parties is entrusted with the task.

The other participants in the contest were: Snøhetta AS, Jarmund / Vigsnæs AS Architects in collaboration with Wingårdh Arkitektkontor AB and a team consisting of Nordplan, 70 ° nord architecture, and Mestre Waag Arquitectes. 

The inauguration of the Kristiansund Opera and Cultural Centre is planned to take place in 2013.

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 images / information from C. F. Møller Architects

Gorgeous Treehotel in Sweden

A Treehotel in Sweden which opened this month has been attracting the attention of tourists and local citizens alike. Set in the pristine surroundings of the forests of the country, the hotel is actually a series of prefabricated treehouse units which have several sustainable features incorporated in it.

The hotel is located just miles away from the Artic Circle, which is a favourite with tourists visiting the country. The hotel looks as if it is hanging with the support of adjoining trees, while actually it is supported by them. 

The hotel units will be accessible by rope bridge, with each one of them providing accommodation for two, with a double bed, kitchenette and roof terrace.

King Abdullah Financial District

Today's Architecture

  Parcels 407 and 408 are mixed-use, and are developed as one combined lot with two towers - 88 meters and 133 meters tall. The site has its longest eastern face to the Wadi, and along this edge the design has 3 levels of continuous retail and public space. 

One pedestrian bridge enters the site across the Wadi at the +1 level. The northern edge of the parcel faces a large plaza and a science museum attractor, and the taller tower is situated along this edge of the parcel. The western edge of the site is bound by an access street. The primary vehicular drop off is located along this edge, and the tower lobbies front this main thoroughfare. 

Two bridges enter the site above the access street on the +1 level. The southern edge of the site is a sloped cul-de-sac that provides public access from the street to the Wadi. The shorter tower is situated on the corner of the cul-de sac and the access street. The cul-de-sac is also utilized for access to the garage and service/loading level below grade. Each façade is conceived to adjust to meet the design requirements of its particular orientation while maintaining continuity within the development.

Parcel 209 is a residential development with facades facing a shared cul-de-sac to the north and access street to the east, a public square to the south and the Wadi to the west. The development is connected at the skywalk level to adjacent developments via a pedestrian bridge to the north, and an additional bridge to the south. The access street provides a shared drop-off, as well as access to below grade parking, and a landscaped pedestrian route to the Wadi. At the middle of the combined drop-off is a landscaped pedestrian walkway leading to the residential lobby and beyond, with stair and elevator access to the Wadi below.

Multiple programs for Parcel 214 include office, residential, retail and religious components. A 26-story office tower is located in the middle of the parcel to take advantage of open north and south view corridors through adjoining sites.

The residential building engages the tower within the lower recessed portion as an architectural gesture and becomes part of the tower façade that faces out onto the mosque and its plaza below. The tower in turn inflects its west and east façades to acknowledge the presence of the mosque on one side and the residential terminus on the other.

Open spaces are defined by two public pedestrian thoroughfares that connect the street to the Wadi on the east and west sides of the tower. One is used for residential entry at ground and skywalk level, while the other is for mosque use. Public access occurs at entry lobbies into the office tower, residences and retail.

Client      :- Rayadah Investment Company  

Estimated Value   :- 500m USD

 Consultants  :- Main Consultant: Henning Larsen Architects (Masterplan Consultant)

Country         :- Saudi Arabia 

Category :- Buildings 

Project Type :- Commercial Building 

Project Duration From:   Q4 2009 Estimated To:        Q2 2012 Estimated

Status         :- Design  

Scope       :- The project calls for construction of Capital Market Authority (CMA) headquarters in King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh city. The tower is made up off 79 storeys above ground with 3 basement floors. The total built-up area is 185,000 square metres.  

Schedule        :-   CMA is currently prequalifying contractors to bid for the deal. Site preparation work is expected to be started by end of 2009. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2012.  

  

images fxfowle.

Landmark Project in Sweden

Today's Architecture


 The softly shaped building symbolizes the human values characterizing the revival of Vällingby Parkstad in Stockholm, Sweden.Danish architect 3XN has won the Landmark Project in Sweden, the construction is planned to begin 2011.

 It was important for us to create a contrast to the traditional and more angular buildings surrounding the site. This building will add human values and scale to the area – and at the same time it will be a significant landmark for the Vällingby Parkstad, says Jan Ammundsen, Partner and Head of Competition at 3XN

The building’s curved design embraces the area and the lively shaped balconies opens up the structure towards the surroundings thus raising the park up in the air. The dense city structure at the base adds activity at eye level and life thrives on active roof tops and flowering balconies.

Archipelago House - Building Information
 

Address: Vällingby Parkstad, Stockholm, Sweden

Client: Svea Fastigheter

Size: 13,000 m2 (14 floors)

1. prize in invited competition 2010

Construction is planned to begin 2011.

Business School of the Future...Today's Architecture

Business School of the Future

The University at Albany in Albany, New York recently unveiled the architectural design for the new 96,000-square- foot, state-of-the-art School of Business building that evokes the style of its 1960s predecessor.


Designed by Perkins+Will, the building will feature technologically advanced classrooms and meeting spaces, break out rooms for team projects, expanded space for career services, student reception areas, collaborative research centers and additional graduate assistant workspace. It will have a trading room on the first floor with Bloomberg terminals.

The building's interior will have floor-to-floor terracing for maximum circulation and natural lighting, with an exterior represented by both solid and transparent volumes. Other features include including a glass overlooking a sunken garden that will serve as a gathering space for students and faculty. Also the expansive second-floor hall will be opened up with large skylights in the ceiling.. The building also includes a large second-floor hall with skylights at its ceiling.

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