Strates, image courtesy LNV-Architects

As part of the season Art and Archaeology in Cugnaux (France), Les nouveaux voisins have created the installation architectural strata.

Strates is an accumulation of strata that are slightly shifted from each other, producing an imprecise outline that reminds us that archeology is a science based on constantly evolving theories. This layering represents the stairwell of knowledge that elevates mankind.

Strates, image courtesy LNV-Architects

People are invited to climb on Strates in order to physically experience this principle for themselves: you have to climb on the first step in order to understand the next.

Strates, image courtesy LNV-Architects

Strates, image courtesy LNV-Architects

In architecture, the strata filter the landscape, and therefore alter our vision of the actual environment. The strata elevate the visitors and free their field of vision over the last step, where they can re-discover the place where they live. At this level, posts are awaiting the next stratigraphic layer…

+ Architect: LNV-Architects

+ All images courtesy LNV-Architects

Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture, image courtesy h2o Architectes | Photo by Stéphane Chalmeau

The client’s specific request for this press conference room was to create a project that would be both contemporary and timeless in order to match the Institution that it would represent.

h2o Architectes aimed to transform this “technical tool” into a space of representation and communication for the Minister and its politicians. A high number of technical equipments and utilities needed to be integrated in the suspended ceiling in order to a clear a clean, bright and sun filled space. This sensitive space is located at the ground floor of the Ministry, rue de Varenne in Paris, in a monument listed for Historical Monuments Preservation.

Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture, image courtesy h2o Architectes | Photo by Stéphane Chalmeau

Two existing massive columns were supporting the four upper levels. These were problematic for the use of the space and have been suppressed to fully reveal the newly opened volume.

Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture, image courtesy h2o Architectes | Photo by Stéphane Chalmeau

A grid acts as a matrix to organize the different elements from the floor to the ceiling. At the same time, a generous undulation expands on the floating ceiling, covering the entire room. The variations are directly related to the spaces: journalists and minister access, large windows, structural beams, etc.

The suspended ceiling It is made of a series of boxes with variable altimetry. The slits between the boxes allow for a soft light to diffuse into the space. The depth of the ceiling and the technicality of the wooden boxes allow to conceal and insert all technical constraints and scenography equipment (structural beams holding the four upper floors, ventilation, lighting and public address system, acoustic treatment).

Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture, image courtesy h2o Architectes | Photo by Stéphane Chalmeau

A random perforation of the panels allows to treat the acoustics and create a poetic design diffusing light over the entire room.

The Koto wood used in the ceiling panels echoes the colours and tones as well as the patterns to be found in the flooring, hence tying the whole volume in together.

The Ministry of Agriculture now has a performing tool which combines poetry and rigour in a flexible and controlled environment.

Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture - Section, drawing courtesy h2o Architectes

+ Project facts

Program: Press Conference Room for the French Ministry of Agriculture in a 19th century building listed as a Historical Monument
Location: Rue de Varenne, Paris (75007)
Client: French Ministry of Agriculture
Team: h2o architectes (www.h2oarchitectes.com) with
Engineering
- Ingénierie Louis Choulet, HVAC
- Cabinet Virtz, Economist
- BMI, Structural Engineer
- Scène, Scenography
Project area: 100m²
Delivery: 2011
Photo credits: Stéphane Chalmeau

+ All images and drawings courtesy h2o architectes | Photo by Stéphane Chalmeau

+ If you are looking for online printing companies, we recommends PrintRunner, one of the most effective online printing companies out there.

Bluepoint Condos, render courtesy Paul Raff Studio

Named after the lookout point where it is being built, the Bluepoint Condos development capitalizes on its phenomenal location. It overcomes the challenges of a compact, steeply sloped hillside with highly efficient land use and a terraced configuration. Thus, it offers an extraordinary panoramic vista to all buyers.

Bluepoint Condos, render courtesy Paul Raff Studio

Bluepoint Condos, render courteys Paul Raff Studio

Designed by the multi-award winning architecture firm Paul Raff Studio, Bluepoint is a luxury development with high-end price points. At the same time, it is neither lavish nor grand.

Bluepoint Condos - Site plan + Section, drawing courteys Paul Raff Studio

Bluepoint Condos - Exploded axonometric, drawing courtesy Paul Raff Studio

Rather, it utilizes strategic design (site planning, architecture, interior, and landscape) to maximize usability and to provide a powerful sense of living in the landscape. This ecologically effective plan optimizes land use and connects people with nature. It also produces commercially effective means to produce more — for the developers and for the buyers — with less.

Bluepoint Condos, render courtesy Paul Raff Studio

One way this is achieved is with Bluepoint's louvered façades. The louvers give a unique and gracious look to the architecture while marrying the development visually with its natural surroundings. The louvers are configured to provide privacy for all the residences while maintaining floor to ceiling ocean views—one of the great challenges of all such developments. The louvers, as well as the development's extensive green roofs, also reduce solar heat gain and associated energy consumption by greater than 60%. This reduces both capital costs and operating costs. The associated reduction in carbon footprint is a significant and attractive marketing feature.

+ Project facts

Project: Bluepoint Condos
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Area: 3,500 m2
Completion: In Progress
Architecture: Paul Raff Studio Inc. Architect

Zurich-based Studio KMJ recently has completed Chocolate-Boutique in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Chocolate-Boutique, image courtesy Studio KMJ

Chocolate-Boutique, image courtesy Studio KMJ

Chocolate-Boutique, image courtesy Studio KMJ

Chocolate-Boutique, image courtesy Studio KMJ

+ All images courtesy Studio KMJ