GVAL Chair, image courtesy OOO My Design

GVAL Chair, image courtesy OOO My Design

GVAL Chair, image courtesy OOO My Design

GVAL is a product that brings surprising and playful use to an object as ordinary as everyday's chair. This is the first prize of the category Making Chairs of the interational competition Art On Chairs, awarded by the Paredes Center of Furniture Design.

In doing so, it pays homage to the most archetypical of all production materials, wood, in its most natural form: a tree. The shape of the chair and the texture of alternating sheets of plywood is inspired by pattern of tree rings, which in a way represent tree's memory: each ring usually marks the of one year in the life of the tree.

+ Designer: OOO My Design | http://www.ooomydesign.com/
+ Product developed by Vanesa Moreno, Gustavo Reboredo, Louis Sicard & Nenad Katic.

Image courtesy Interdesign Interiores | Photo by Ivo Tavares

Image courtesy Interdesign Interiores | Photo by Ivo Tavares

Image courtesy Interdesign Interiores | Photo by Ivo Tavares

Image courtesy Interdesign Interiores | Photo by Ivo Tavares

Interdesign Interiores has completed a interior project for a private house in Maia, Oporto (Portugal).

Company: Interdesign Interiores | www.interdesign.com.pt
Photograph: ITS Ivo Tavares Studio | www.ivotavares.net

+ All images courtesy Interdesign Interiores

Two-Tree House was designed by Tel-Aviv based practice Golany Architects. The house is constructed among mature Jerusalem pine trees. Two of the trees have grown in the exact place where the house was to be located. The site was tight, and this led to the decision to integrate the two trees within the perimeter of the house. Preserving and rendering the mature trees as part of the house required attention and care. It was a daring decision that resulted in a house with a special ambiance.

Two-Tree House, image courtesy Golany Architects | Photo by Yaron Golany

The house, which now appears to have grown there, actually began as a recycled shipping container. It was constructed by applying prefabrication wherever possible, with all the interior finishes, insulation and structure completed off-site. It was brought to the site fully prepared to serve as a dwelling. The timber cladding, light roof over steel ceiling, stone work, and decks were designed in advance, and were complimented by works on site, after the house was inhabited.

Two-Tree House - Floor plan, drawing courtesy Golany Architects

Two-Tree House, image courtesy Golany Architects | Photo by Yaron Golany

Prefabrication was chosen to achieve the tight timeframe and budget, but also as part of the strategy to preserve the trees. With the local construction practice, which is typically heavy masonry construction, it would be impossible to save and preserve the trees.

Two-Tree House, image courtesy Golany Architects | Photo by Yaron Golany

The pines not only lend desirability to this unique house but also serve as a natural source of air-conditioning. Their shade also protects the timber from the harsh sun.

Two-Tree House, image courtesy Golany Architects | Photo by Yaron Golany

The pine trees were examined as part of the design process. Their continued growth is monitored and responded to, which results in a house that is a living structure.

Two-Tree House, image courtesy Golany Architects | Photo by Yaron Golany

+ Project details

Two-Tree House
nr Jerusalem, Israel

Architect: Golany Architects – Yaron Golany and Galit Golany | http://www.golanyarchitects.com/
Interior Area: 45 sqm
Completion: 2009
Photographs: Yaron Golany

+ All images and drawings courtesy Golany Architects

Monterey Peninsula College Student Services Center, image courtesy HGA Architects & Engineers

Monterey Peninsula College Student Services Center
Employing forward-thinking design solutions to meet today's higher education facility budgets

Flexibility and sustainability are more vital now than ever in architecture, particularly in higher education where every dollar counts. The HGA Architects and Engineers-designed Student Services Center at Monterey Peninsula College, which opened in Fall 2011, exemplifies these design principals, and showcases HGA's ability to create a facility that can be re-purposed for the future, which is one of the most sustainable and effective ways to manage campus assets in the long-term.

Monterey Peninsula College Student Services Center, image courtesy HGA Architects & Engineers

The 24,000-square-foot Student Services Center centralizes several diverse programs that were once scattered across the campus, including financial aid, developmental disabilities support, registration and academic offices. The new facility was designed to be adaptable — open to any needs the college may have and erasing the possibility of it becoming obsolete in the future.

Monterey Peninsula College Student Services Center, image courtesy HGA Architects & Engineers

A major educational institution on the Monterey Peninsula coastline, the Monterey Peninsula College has experienced substantial growth over the past years, and today, the HGA-designed student services center allows the campus to better serve its student population by creating a space that is accessible, clear in organization and open to promote social connectivity.

Monterey Peninsula College Student Services Center, image courtesy HGA Architects & Engineers

+ ABOUT HGA ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

HGA Architects & Engineers | http://hga.com/

HGA is an integrated architecture, engineering and planning firm that helps prepare its clients for the future. With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, California; Minneapolis and Rochester, Minnesota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Washington DC, the nationally recognized firm has developed expertise in the healthcare, corporate, arts, community, higher education, and science/technology industries since 1953. HGA's culture for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing and design investigation enables its clients to achieve success with responsive, innovative and sustainable design.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Aitor Ortiz © ACXT IDOM

Bilbao, Miribilla neighborhood, built on ancient iron mines adyacent to the old part of town. A very hilly solar (46 m from one corner to another, just 200m) in which the building was caught in the neighborhood park.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Jorge Allende © ACXT IDOM

Limestone rocks sticking out between the banks and trees in the park gave us the key to design and resolve the complex functional and circulation program: use of simultaneous game day sports use, use of court by the neighbors, access to players, officials, public premises for a possible lookout restaurant, sports center with a separate entrance but with access to track so that residents can use the court when there is no match, parking connected to both spaces, etc …

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo © ACXT IDOM

We divide the building into two.

The Arena enclosure at the top with the tickets away from houses to avoid the possible inconvenience of excessive noise of the followers of Bilbao Basket.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center - Concept © ACXT IDOM

The sports center at the bottom, closer to homes.

The Bilbao Arena was designed as a tree, tree-pillars that brace the elements in the metal structure façade and painted steel sheets in various colors to build an air-permeable end that hides all the machines in room climate.

The sports center was designed as a rock, precast concrete panels textured and colored in the mass of the color gray limestone of the area. A hollow rock in which the three spaces of sports communicate visually, in stages, in cascade: access to parking, gym and swimming pool. Panels lined with green, the color of moss. And the arboreal mass about Billbao Arena over the rock.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Aitor Ortiz © ACXT IDOM

The facade of the Bilbao Arena in the area of the corridors, the rings, the sum of the limited budget and a clear focus on low power, is designed permeable, resolved with a galvanized steel mesh is used for containment of slopes roads. Thus the space of the corridors, is an outdoor environment that requires no ventilation or air conditioning and increases safety in evacuation in case of fire. When the viewer opens the door vomitory already on the street and thanks to this permeability and high elevation of the citycenter become a viewpoint.

In the bathrooms again the strategy of the permeability: a closure plate perforated minionda ensures privacy and natural ventilation ducts or without ventilation equipment.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Jorge Allende © ACXT IDOM

Inside the pavilion is coated sand minionda entirely perforated plated, galvanized or lacquered, according to areas and rock wool. Vandal-resistant enclosures and get a good performance and absorbents that have enabled phone a perfect intelligibility of PA systems.

In one corner of Bilbao Arena in the highest level, that of the tree, leaves, provided for the local hospitality, with a core of vertical communication with two lifts and completely independent of the rest, to enable operation at different times. A generous balcony or terrace occupies behind the veneer in place dealing with the other facades of air conditioning machines. To enable the views of the city by simply removing a few leaves, not a Cartesian gap.

The sports center has a pool and gym and management office complex.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Jorge Allende © ACXT IDOM

The divisions between the various gyms and between them and the pool are made of glass, including the connecting corridor with parking. The aim is that the building is safe for the user, without dark corridors, and visual control by staff: everything in sight.

Everything inside the sports center is coated with an absorbent fiberboard phone, green. A large skylight in a corner of the pool, introduce natural light to illuminate the green signs would point to the green light we see when we dive in ponds or streams or caves.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center, photo by Aitor Ortiz © ACXT IDOM

The cover sports is a vegetable, green, an indoor cistern that stores rainwater, which retrieves the plant substrate by capillary action and makes irrigation unnecessary.

The pool water that the law requires waste, 5% per day, a lot of gallons for a pool of 25 m and 7 streets, stored in the basement in a cistern, where trucks that clean the streets of Bilbao refuel reused.

The machine sports conditioning and ventilation are located in a large covered patio with a Tramex (see cross section) between the pavilion and the sports arena. It is easy maintenance and unnecessary noise pollution and visual environment to housing.

Bilbao Arena and Sports center - Level 3 floor plan, drawing courtesy ACXT IDOM

Bilbao Arena and Sports center - Section, drawing courtesy ACXT IDOM

+ About ACXT

ACXT, an architecture services provider, started off as a society of professionals who came together with the aim of offering a quality alternative within the field of architecture, becoming a valid option for the professional development of architects interested in high level architecture. Its philosophy marks the creation of a professional framework of collaboration and avail of its members' synergies, always from a full understanding of architecture: both technically and culturally.

ACXT emerged linked to IDOM group, as an extension in the world of architecture of the principles that inspired its foundation and continuing functioning for over forty years. In an attempt to exceed the existing offer on the market, its work covers from the architect's studio model to that of the services company.

The philosophy that guides ACXT is based on the respect for traditional values, still in force today, generated during the secular practice of architecture. ACXT is committed to signature architecture, understood in terms of respect for the creative values that architects, with a clear customer orientated practice, have historically contributed throughout the whole intellectual and constructive process. ACXT aims to offer a quality solution to the huge social credit that the practice of architecture implies in its double commercial and cultural dimension.

ACXT-IDOM has become the largest provider of professional services to architecture in Spain and one of the most relevant worldwide. In the January 2010 edition of the BD World Architecture's Annual Survey, a British publication that gathers the hundred most important architecture firms worldwide, ACXT-IDOM was ranked number 37, rising ten positions since the previous issue in January 2009.

In 2009, the Board of Architects' Associations of Spain (CSCAE) awarded ACXT the "Professional Practice Methods" Prize, within the competition Experience/Futures. This contest tries to spread the quality and variety of the professional work that architects in Spain carry out, whether it be individually, in groups or multidisciplinary teams.

Throughout its professional career, ACXT has gained recognition from many organizations, public bodies, professional associations, etc. By way of overview, it is worth mentioning the various FAD and ENOR Prize finalist works, the participation, on repeated occasions, in the Spanish Architecture Biennial and the mentions and awards won in the majority of Architects' Associations in Spain.

+ Project facts

Bilbao Arena and Sports center
Avda Askatasuna 13, Bilbao, Bizkaia, España

Architect: ACXT | http://www.acxt.net
Project Architect: Javier Pérez Uribarri (ACXT) y Nicolás Espinosa Barrientos (ACXT)
Site supervisors: Javier Pérez Uribarri, Nicolás Espinosa, Ziortza Bardeci, Joseba Andoni Aguirre, Miquel García y Daniel Gutierrez.
Client: Azpiegiturak (Diputación Foral de Bizkaia)
Project team: Arquitectura – Leyre de Lecea, Ricardo Moutinho, Xabier Aparicio, Roberto Aparicio, Leticia Paschetta, Jose M. Cavallero, Nuno Miguel Lobo, Ziortza Bardeci, Virginia Canales; Ingeniería (IDOM): Fco. Javier Ruiz de Prada, Arrate Atxalandobaso, Javier Atutxa, Gorka Uria, Francisco García, Francisco Javier Gómez, Iker Velasco, Xabier Rekakoetxeta, Romina Gonzalez, Mireia Campmany, Miquel García, Unai Medina, Francisco José Sánchez, Jon Zubiaurre, Amaia Lastra, Rafael Pérez, Arturo Cabo, Oscar Malo; L&M Ingenierik.
Constructor: UTE POLIDEPORTIVO (CYCASA OHL)
Photographer: Aitor Ortiz and Jorge Allende © ACXT IDOM

Year: 2006-2010
Surface: 30.808 m2
Project year: 2006
Construction: 2007-2010
1st Prize Ideas Competition, 2006

+ All images and drawings courtesy ACXT | Photo by Aitor Ortiz + Jorge Allende

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Design bureau concern is jointly responsible for the interior of upc's new office and callcentre in leeuwarden; one of the most ecologically sound buildings in the netherlands (leed platinum and breeam-nl certification), designed by architectural firm paul de ruiter. Upc plans to raise the quality of the organisation and it's properties with this high value building. Transparancy, communication, clarity and personality are the keywords for this development. With this in mind, concern deisgned a modern, personable work environment, where the wellnesss and productivity of the employees can be optimally realised.

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Design team

For this project, upc brought an expert team together, where four parties (concern, hollandse nieuwe, inside outside and femke van gemert) introduced 7,800 m2 for use within the flexible working strategy or "het nieuwe werken ". Concern was within this expert team responsible for the design of the restaurant, the entrance area and the coffee bar on the ground floor. The atrium and roof terrace were both jointly designed.

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Interior

the ecological character of upc leeuwarden comes not only from the climate control system and the introduction of a grey-water system: also open spaces, large amounts of daylight, green and optimal usage of the building are signature marks of both the work floors and public spaces. Alongside this, the upc employees stand centrally with the "flexible working strategy" concept. the work floors are open, and the 600 employees that work in the call centre share their office. the work spaces – designed by hollandse nieuwe – are spread out over four floors and offer large amounts of space for interaction. not only in the form of flexible work stations, but by the introduction of various play spaces.

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Right in the heart of the building are two high reaching atriums which are both an ecological and connecting factor. these atriums are seen as the lungs of the building and are actually arranged as an interior garden, with a large diversity of living green. the entrance area gives direct access to this green oasis and ensures a warm welcome and fresh image. here you also find the reception desk which is integrated into the bar of the restaurant area.

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

Restaurant

a central item of furniture as the focal point – both in form and function – is typical for the interiors from concern. where the reception desk transforms into an espresso bar, you literally step into the company restaurant. this efficiently arranged space includes seating for 237 people, a buffet area, a "fly-in zone" and – including the atrium – is spread over four floor areas. for this floor, inside outside designed a carpet that embraced the atmosphere and structure. also in green, because: natural, restful, stimulating and a basis for the natural order. every zone retains it's own identity predominantly through it's own furniture. everything in white and visibly related to each other through the fresh, clear design. and it is fun here. above all, upc offers it's employees maximum freedom to choose: coffee or lunch, with a group or alone, relaxation or informal work discussions. referring to the atmosphere of a large city square with all it's possibilities.

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC's Call Centre, image courtesy Marieke van de Ridder

+ Project facts

Interiors of Communal Spaces at UPC’s Call Centre
Leeuwarden, The Netehrlands

Design: Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter bv
Project Architect: Paul de Ruiter in collaboration with Noud Paes
Project Leader: Noud Paes
Project Team: Richard Buijs, Marieke Sijm, Wilko de Haan
Interior Achitects: Concern, Hollandse Nieuwe, Inside Outside
Building Contractor: Van Wijnen
Photographer: Marieke van de Ridder

Fragments is a real table created by the virtual designer Uto Balmoral for Tonelli Design that will be presented on the next Milan Design week. The lighness of the extraclear glass contrast with the great stability garanted by the light inclination of the four legs. Engravings under the top realized with craftsmanship create the illusion that the table is a 3d fragments assebly.

Fragments Table, image courtesy Uto Balmoral

Fragments Table, image courtesy Uto Balmoral

Fragments Table, image courtesy Uto Balmoral

 + Project facts

Project: Fragments Table
Dimensions: 220 x 90 x h. 75 cm
Company: Tonelli Design | http://www.tonellidesign.it/
Virtual Designer: Uto Balmoral | www.utobalmoral.com