Showing posts with label Architectural Products. Show all posts
Curtain Wall Extraordinaires
08 April 2008
You'll have to excuse me if you already know all about Permasteelisa, but I just heard about them when reading a Slate article today... I don't have much experience working on large structures, so my curtain wall knowledge is fairly limited... and its especially limited when it comes to particular manufacturers. For those of you, like me, who aren't exposed to different curtain manufacturers... Permasteelisa is basically one of the premier building envelope and cladding manufacturers, based out of Italy..
Their list of projects and architect collaborations is pretty insane. They developed the curtain wall system for the above projects (the TU Delft Library by Mecanoo, the Heart Headquarters by Foster and Associates, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Gehry), as well as a whole slew of other projects (including practically all of Gehry's). Clearly, the design/engineering and fabrication technologies developed by Permasteelisa directly affect the success of these collaborative projects. I imagine that it helps to get directly involved with Permasteelisa as soon as possible in order to work together on the optimal solution for your particular project.
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Checking out their webpage is a pretty interesting look into evolution of curtain wall and cladding systems over the past 30 years. I just wish that they had their projects listed chronologically, so that we could really see the progress!
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Moving Walls
27 December 2007
I've been looking for some interesting door/wall solutions for a room I'm trying to open up in our house. While, these won't work for our home, I'm in love with these Welter Walls. The moving walls are as much doors as walls, and add a bit of interest to the walls without too much extraneous detailing. The simplicity is really lovely....
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Seattle's Modern List
17 December 2007
I'm having some computer troubles at the moment, so posting might be sparse this week. In the mean time, check out the Modern List Seattle, brought to you by the same guys who do the Build Blog (Not to be confused with BLDG Blog).
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Its an interesting resource for modern architecture, design, and local resources.
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I found C's Christmas Present!
13 December 2007
Ok... so maybe I won't actually be buying this 'Litroenergy', but it sure would be helpful on his dark rides to and from work! .
Litroenergy, is a relatively new material that purports to emit lights for 12 years without any electricity or exposure to sunlight. It will be interesting to see if this product lives up to the hype or if its radioactive core proves too much for the public to handle.
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Via Ecofriend
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Way Too Excited
19 November 2007
In our teeny tiny home, space is always at a premium. This weekend, C & I finally bought this combination washer/dryer/steam cleaner to replace the old stacking washer/dryer sitting in the kitchen. I can't tell you how excited I am to have this new appliance... It will help free up so much space in the house since we'll be able to add shelves and hanging racks above the w/d. Now we won't have to put a drying rack in the living room! I could go on and on about the fabulous nature of this washer, but maybe I'll wait until it comes and I'm sure it works as well as I hope!Tradition in Kärsämäki
16 October 2007
I have seen this project a few times on various websites and blogs, but until today I had really never read up on the project. I knew that this wooden church located in Kärsämäki, Finland was the result of a student competition (won by Anssi Lassila of the University of Oulu) in conjunction with the parish of Kärsämäki (and additional funding from the EU). However, until I noticed the admittedly older post on 2 or 3 things, I had never checked out the webpage for this church.Apparently, this wooden church replaces one that was built in the 1700s, and subsequently lost in the 1800s, using traditional 18th century building processes. The church was intended not just as a place for worship, but as a place for learning, too. Using these historic building techniques, older craftsmen were able to pass on their trades to a younger generation through volunteer participation in the construction process.
This is truly a special project... incorporating a very simple, modern, and beautiful design with volunteerism, learning, and community traditions.
Light Transmitting Concrete
11 September 2007
LiTraCon is another relatively new form of concrete, developed by Hungarian Architect Áron Losonczi. The concrete is substantially similar to Pixel Panel, but with a more organic result. Whereas the pixel panel system is formed with a grid of fiber optics, Litracon is consists of typical concrete with glass fiber optic matrices that become an aggregate in the concrete. Both of these types of translucent concrete show imagery and shadows on the other side of the wall, butthe most exciting aspect of Litracon is that its actually being fabricated and used (you can even get samples!).Via Urbicide
Precursor to Gyp Board?
05 September 2007
Does anyone know what type of material was commonly used for wall finishes in the United States during the early 50s? Our house was built in 1951 and gyp board was re-introduced to the general market in 1952. Its not plaster and lathe and its not gyp board... so what is it?
Ever Evolving Concrete
06 August 2007
I was reading an article today on Treehugger that was describing a new sealant made from sodium acetate (an ingredient commonly found in potato chips) that is proving to be a cheap and efficient way of sealing concrete. The chemical seeps into the pores of the concrete and crystallizes after contact with any water, thus restricting any further water infiltration. It sounds pretty cool, but imagine what it does to your stomach! Anyway... it got me thinking about concrete and all the new ways in which we are developing it as both a structural and finish material. Honestly, its really amazing to think about how concrete has been in use as a building material for thousands of years and yet we are still finding new ways in which to use and create it! Below are just a few examples of new types of concrete.
Graphic Concrete is a really interesting product out of Finland that provides amazing detail etched into the concrete. There are standard patterns available as well as custom designs. The designs are created by applying a surface retardant to a special membrane, which rejects the concrete in certain areas... then when the membrane is removed, the design's various shapes and depths appear.
Concrete Blond is yet another company that specializes in a variety of concrete applications. Many of their projects incorporate glass, steel, and concrete (among other materials). I'm not exactly sure how this particular 'wallpaper panel' is created, but its quite impressive to see the minute detail, texture, and sheen created by the concrete.
The image shown above is an actual sample of a Pixel Panel in which the concrete panels are actually translucent, if you can imagine that.... Via Liquid Stone
Designed by Frederik Molenschot, Solid Poetry shows its inherent design when wet...
Something tells me that these concrete innovations are just the tip of the iceberg... I can't wait to see what else the design world comes up with!
A New Source of Energy?
27 July 2007
Two MIT students have developed a way to generate electricity by harnessing the energy of crowds... The Crowd Farm is made up of a system of sub-flooring blocks that depress under weight, creating a mechanical energy that can be translated into electrical energy."A responsive sub-flooring system made up of blocks that depress slightly under the force of human steps would be installed beneath the station's main lobby. The slippage of the blocks against one another as people walked would generate power through the principle of the dynamo, a device that converts the energy of motion into that of an electric current."Its a pretty sweet idea, even after realizing that a single human step is only capable of lighting (2) 60w bulbs for a mere 60 seconds. The intent is not to generate enough energy to light a house, but rather to help educate people about energy usage.
Via Geekologie
Could it be Pre-Fab?
29 June 2007
I saw this great retro 1950s advertisement for pre-fab homes on Maraid Design. The graphic itself is a lot of fun, but the house is what caught my eye... because it looks very similar to our house! I'm fairly certain that our house was a builder's special in 1951 (the house next door is the mirror image), but after seeing this image I could almost imagine it as pre-fab! Its funny to think about how well designed pre-fab is considered the new big thing when people were providing great modern pre-fab design in the 50s!Mailboxes on the Brain
26 June 2007
Ever since Karen mentioned the great modern mailboxes she saw, I've had mailboxes on the brain. Its really difficult to find a good modern design and in my opinion, even more difficult to find ones that are modern, but not metal! Wouldn't this be a great place to use some sort of innovative material?!?! Something that would be great in small doses, but perhaps not as good on a large scale would be perfect for a mailbox.
As a sidenote... please pardon the poor image editing, as I mentioned before, I don't have consistent internet access and this particular computer doesn't have image editing software!
I actually bought this mailbox for my parents last Christmas... so although I like it, I don't think I could have it for our house.
Futuristic Kitchens
10 June 2007
French designer Ora Ito has developed a new line of 'futuristic kitchens' for Slovenia based appliance manufacturer Gorenje. The design incorporates Gorenje's value of high design, technical superiority, and concern for the environment. Like many other pre-fab kitchen units, this would be perfect for anyone with an empty loft condo... Its a fun design that appears to takes its cues from Apple and the ipod, but if it functions as well as Gorenje's appliances it would probably be a great, but dated solution. Decades from now, I think we'll be able to look back at designs such as these as part of the mac design revolution.Other Options
08 June 2007
I can't remember the exact statistic, but I do know that a very few percentage of architecture graduates actually go on to practice architecture. The lighting examples above are proof that there is life beyond strict building form. The duo of Ximena Muñoz and Paulina Villalobos (two architects and lighting designers) have created a new 3d lighting system - theANEMIX- in order to help develop the way that we perceive space. They based their design of the system on the bioluminescence present in the black space of deep sea. I'd be interested in seeing a few more examples... perhaps some that aren't quite as reminiscent of neon lights.
Regardless, its a great examples of one of the many design possibilities available to architecture graduates.
Via Dexigner
Brilliant
05 June 2007
Within 4 Walls out of the UK has got some brilliant (both figuratively and literally) lighting fixtures to choose from... Its hard to choose just one, but each of the fixtures is so unique you probably wouldn't want multiples competing with one and another. I'd be glad to hang any of these in my home.Via Dear Ada
Love These Lights
03 June 2007
These Amorphous Lamps by Ann Adams would be a lovely addition to any gallery or boutique. The soft glow is a lovely match for the soft forms of the fixture itself.Via Wallpaper
Add Texture to Your Walls
26 May 2007
These wall flat patterns available at Inhabit Living are an absolutely gorgeous and green solution for any modern home. Although the name is a bit of a misnomer since these tiles are anything but flat! The patterns come in tiles that can be infinitely repeated in every direction or combined to create a unique pattern. Made from bamboo pulp (a renewable resource due to its fast rate of growth) the tiles can be painted or left white. I'd be interested to see how they hold up in wet areas... because I think they'd make a great backsplash!Lacy Lighting
23 May 2007
I'm not particularly girlie, but I love these feminine lacy light fixtures by Tay Lighting. I ball on the floor is especially great...Anything and Everything IKEA
17 May 2007
Its amazing how much is available at IKEA. What was once an interiors store is now everything interiors and home improvement. Not only can you buy cabinetry and flooring, but you can also buy appliances and plumbing fixtures... Don't want an expensive Sub-Zero? Why not check out what is available at IKEA. The big question is... Without a track record for appliances, what kind of quality are you getting? While I like IKEA as much as the next person, do you really want a fridge of the same quality as that bookcase you put together? Is it possible that IKEA is reaching too far? I mean, while its great that you could potentially design an entire kitchen to include flooring, cabinetry, and appliances with one visit, are you getting the quality you need for items like appliances, that need to be highly functional as well as safe?
Just a question. I'd definitely be interested in hearing from anyone who has purchased appliances from IKEA.