+MOOD | recent articles |  |
| Ala Moana | Omiros One Architecture Posted: 11 Jan 2010 07:42 AM PST  Ala Moana, image courtesy of Omiros One Architecture | Photo by O1A Ala Moana, is a recently completed project on Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The house was designed by Australian architect Omiros One Architecture to maximize the views and set at different levels to follow the natural ground slope with minimal cutting into the site.
+ Project description courtesy of O1AALA MOANA Ala Moana takes its name from the Hawaiian term "ocean pathways." Designed by Omiros One Architecture (O1A), this five bedroom luxury residence commands endless ocean views from atop a steeply inclined site on Hamilton Island in the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and combines a relaxed tropical resort ambience with luxury, sophistication, privacy and tranquillity. The architectural design process involved meeting all objectives of the client brief whilst responding to the unique site conditions, environmental imperatives and planning requirements. The project was challenging on many different levels: The house is sited and designed to maximize the views and take advantage of the uniqueness of the location and natural layout whilst:  Ala Moana, image courtesy of Omiros One Architecture | Photo by Scott Newett One key issue considered by the architect was how the architecture could be viewed and appreciated by the visitor from close up on such a steep site. The solution was to design a meandering buggy path which approaches the house from below, a journey of discovery with different aspects, textures and functions unfolding slowly at close range, including such features as the stepped layout of the building and the sheet of water cascading down the slope and reflecting the sky from within. The pathway circumnavigates the building and brings the visitor to the entry where the glass-edged double doors allow the first glimpse of the best attribute of the site, the breathtaking view. Once inside, the architecture becomes a series of frames for the view, working hand in hand with the surrounds to enhance the experience. The internal reflective pool rolls through the site to the open view at front, fusing with the sky and appearing to spill into the ocean beyond. The inside becomes the outside and the swimming pool becomes the focal point of the living space.  Ala Moana, image courtesy of Omiros One Architecture | Photo by Scott Newett Another key concern of the design process was how to reduce the visual impact of the new structure. This was achieved by breaking down the mass of the building into smaller articulated parts; four main volumes of different heights, each crowned with curved, wing-like zinc roofs. These volumes are set at different levels to follow the natural ground slope with minimal cutting into the site; their materiality further reduced by opening large areas of the envelope with full-height glazed folding doors. The result is a lightness and transparency which is not typical of the dominant architectural character of the island.  Ala Moana, image courtesy of Omiros One Architecture | Photo by Scott Newett The design responds to the orientation and microclimate of the site, drawing in the cooling ocean breezes from below via the rosewood-framed folding glass doors which open onto generous outdoor terraces, the infinity-edge pool and a lush garden backdrop. Summer shade is maximized by the generous roof overhangs, slatted cedar screens and strategically-placed trees which protect the privacy of the occupants within. Together with the harmonious exterior colour scheme, these elements diffuse the perimeter and help to integrate the building form with the natural character of the site. Where ever possible, materials were selected to meet sustainable criteria such as low embodied energy, low environmental impact and recyclability. The building can be classified as both sea-side residence and luxury resort, of a typically Australian character, and Ala Moana evolves this specific typology through its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, combination of spaciousness with private and intimate zones, resort grandeur with human scale, opulence with earthy tones and natural materials. + About O1AOmiros One Architecture (O1A) is a design-orientated practice with a focus on environmental sustainability. Based in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, O1A is currently involved in projects across the Middle East, India, China and Australia, including the prestigious Yas Island Yacht Club in Abu Dhabi which is set to open its doors by February 2009 + Project credits / dataArchitect: Omiros One Architecture (O1A)
Related posts:
| ||||||
| Posted: 11 Jan 2010 06:47 AM PST  Parascape, image courtesy of Christoph Klemmt German architect Christoph Klemmt has designed the Parascape project – a new architecture school in Stuttgart. The project was developed as a place for communication and the exchange of ideas, social and gathering spaces are everywhere integrated into the buildings.
+ Press release courtesy of Christoph KlemmtChristoph Klemmt Architecture + Design is pleased to unveal Parascape, the design for the new architecture school in Stuttgart. Architecture and architectural education are happening through discussions. The design of the new architecture school in Stuttgart is therefore based on its perception as a place for communication and the exchange of ideas.  Parascape, image courtesy of Christoph Klemmt The building is designed around a central communication space which at the same time acts as a foyer, an exhibition space, a cafe and a work and studio space. All routes through the building are crossing here so that students and employees happen to meet each other. Students are working on their laptops, lecturers are enjoying their coffee break and people are visiting the exhibition. Presentations are happening in the surrounding spaces visible by all, and both students and teachers find others for discussions or to ask a question.  Parascape, image courtesy of Christoph Klemmt Also the general public is integrated into the architecture related interaction: Pathways across the roof are accessible 24 hours, connecting the surrounding areas of Stuttgart’s city park, the Liederhalle, the main shopping street and the railway station, and a bridge leads across the adjacent main road. To achieve this the roof of the building is stretching down to the ground in certain places and reaching up in others to create space for the programmes of the school. The geometry of the roof has been generated through an iterative process of shaping according to the internal and external circulations which are needed to access and cross the building. The resulting roof garden is made accessible via a network of Stäffele, the stepped pathways which are typical for Stuttgart’s urbanism. The areas of the green roof landscape have different functions assigned to them according to their inclination, degree of privacy and geographical orientation. The pathways are crossing in a central square with cafe and bookshop, other areas are used for technical experiments, solar cells, an auditorium and general leisure.  Parascape, image courtesy of Christoph Klemmt The building is designed to be transparent, allowing visual connections from each area into the others, and passersby can look inside to see the presentations and work of the school. The large windows along the pathways are constructed as showcases, housing constantly changing displays of the student’s work.  Parascape - Floor plan, drawing courtesy of Christoph Klemmt  Parascape - Section, drawing courtesy of Christoph Klemmt + Project credits / data Architect: Christoph Klemmt Architecture + Design
Related posts:
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from +MOOD To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
