DESIGN DAD

Architortured...

2016-02-26T15:28:00.002-08:00

Gorgeous little cabin project called Knapphullet designed by Lund Hagem.

Their work is consistently well sited, formally interesting, and full of beautiful materials and details.

November 5

2015-11-20T15:44:00.001-08:00

1. Architecture:

I've been super impressed by Irving Smith Jack Architects after coming across one of their projects earlier this month; offSET Shed House, I quickly looked up more of their work. offSET Shed House has a floor plan that responds well to both life and the environment; the house opens to the south coast and invites one outside in the warm summer months, controlling the amount of solar exposure through external shades, but then enables an internalisation in the winter, providing shelter from the southern exposure by the offset form, and opening up to the precious northern light. I love the materiality both inside and out, it appears to be built to last through harsh elements, but not at the expense of either beauty or comfort in any way.

offSET Shed House - Irving Smith Jack Architects

2. Design:

Ferrolic

A Ferric Clock designed by Zelf Coleman, quite possibly the coolest clock I’ve seen. Using embedded electromagnets, it controls the displays ferrofluid to show the time. The ferrofluid is a black liquid that is made up of suspended magnetic particles that respond to the electromagnets, and they look like little swimming organisms. So cool.

3. / 4. Art / Music:

Rolling Art and Music into one, I came across this great track by Movement called 5.57. Loved it. So, as one should always do when they find something they love, I looked a little deeper. I was rewarded when I found this wicked video by Kevin Millet that explores fruit picking in the Okanagan Valley. I found it fascinating, beautiful portraits of some very interesting people, an overall exceptionally video. Not to mention its one of my favourite parts of BC.

S W E E T C H E R R Y from Kevin Millet on Vimeo.

5. DesignDad:

"Facet Deer" is a painting I recently finished up, the first I've completed in a line of study I’m working on called Fascinating Animals, using acrylics on 36” x 36” canvas. It seems that as soon as it was completed, it was off to a new home (some paintings are harder to release than others), but I'm happy in knowing it has a great new family, and a nice wall to rest on.

"Facet Deer", Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x36", by Jay Meyer

September 5

2015-09-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

1. Architecture:

Loving the design aesthetic of Herbst architects, practicing in Auckland, New Zealand. About a year ago I came across their Under Pohutukawa house, and it definitely caught my eye. Since then they have completed a bunch of gorgeous works, including the Castle Rock house. It brings together all the elements that I love in architecture, beautiful use of natural materials, innovative yet refined details, well proportioned and comfortable spaces, and interesting, but not complicated, massing.

Castle Rock House - Herbst Architects

2. Design:

Hanging Outdoor Lounge Kodama Zome. Who wouldn’t want to waste a day reading in the beautiful geode hanging in the yard. I would. It reminds me of a (much loved) Dedon Nestrest, but with a Buckminster Fuller styled spin. Love it.

Kodama Zome

Dedon Nestrest

3. Art:

I found this incredible artist profile short and had to share. The film itself is a well crafted work of art, reinforcing the emotional impact of the subject throughout, and the subject matter is pure, raw, poetry. It captures the beautiful truth of a human condition. Well done.

Beth Cavener - Sculptor from Bas Berkhout on Vimeo.

4. Music:

Beautiful brooding and emotional song: London Thunder by Foals, a nice slow burner. Enjoy

5. DesignDad:

I was happy to lend a few brush strokes to the very worthy cause of “Architecture for Kids” - supported by “Art for Kids Trust” the RAIC. Architecture for Kids brings together local architects and K-12 students who, “through hands-on studios, learn more about the power of architecture and the elements that make it an asset to our communities” - RAIC.

The event is an Art by Architects (AxA) Exhibition and Auction - celebrating the artistic talent of emerging and established architects and designers to raise money for the charity. Provided two 10”x10 wood panels and the theme “ArchKIDecture” we were asked to get creative and interpret the theme. An opening reception was held at the AIBC Gallery on September 17, 2015. Artwork will remain on display until November 5, 2015.

"Inspire" 10"x10", Acrylic on Wood Panel, Jay Meyer

"Reach" 10"x10", Acrylic on Wood Panel, Jay Meyer

August Five

2015-08-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

1 Architecture:
I was delving into some of my own past lately, researching some of the Architects that I have met or been taught by in the past, and I came across the Tofino House designed by Anthony Robbins. Anthony is a practicing architect, artist, and professor at UBC's School of Architecture whom I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago when I had just moved to Vancouver, after graduating from Dalhousie. It was a pleasure meeting him, and it was apparent to me that he had a strong passion for creating, and the creative process. The Tofino House is a exemplary product of this passion. The house is beautifully sited, has a well developed massing, tight detailing, with sustainable qualities that are built into the house through prefabrication and up-cycling, with a touch of a playful yet sophisticated nature.

2. Design:
I fell in love with the Duna Lounge Chair from Mula Preta Design. When I was in University I played a fair bit with the laser cutter and CNC machines to develop prototypes for furniture and design items. This chair threw me back to those late night sessions in the CNC room at Dalhousie. Mula Preta Design have created a beautiful piece here, equal parts sculpture and comfortable lounge chair, an incredible balance.

3. Art:
I was captivated by these GIF’s of animated street art by A.L. Crego - check out more of his work here.

4. Music:
Anthony and Josephine from Oh Wonder recently released a beautiful new track “Drive”. This is the 12th song from the duo released this year as part of their 1 song/month for a year - more on that here. I look forward to the Album release come September!

5. DesignDad:
Inspired by A.L Crego, I made my own attempt at an animated GIF, using my Monkeymoo and Scruffles characters from one of my pet projects: Night of the Monkeymoo. Part of a fun exploration.

5 for now...

2015-03-13T12:20:00.001-07:00

A few things that I've come across lately that peeked my interest:

1. Tower House - an incredibly fun, explorative, and innovative house by Andrew Maynard Architects, in Alphington Australia.

2. An interesting departure from the traditional form of a cabin, Cabin Norderhov is located in Norderhov, Norway - a creative small project by Atelier Oslo.

3. Deptford Goth made another great track; "Feel Real"

4. Here is a really great interview with the partners of my all time favourite architecture firms; Fearon Hay Architects.

5. The latest from our own adventures in home improvements:

We recently purchased a house that was previously suited into two units, and thus had a 2nd kitchen. We are taking over the whole house, as our boys need lots of room to romp and play, and we are slowly turning the second kitchen into a media/tv room. It's been great fun experience so far - tearing out the existing cabinetry, capping the plumbing and electrical, a little framing and drywall, lots of patching, and painting, and now finally about to install some carpet. During the whole process, the room was still used as the TV room, so the boys have seen every stage as we've progressed. I think they will be very happy to get the cozy carpet down, but I have to say they are such happy-go-lucky little creatures that have been intrigued in the entire process without complaint.

Another Happy Fathers Day

2013-06-18T21:26:00.002-07:00

I'll admit it; I am lucky.
I have two remarkable little boys who take up massive amounts of my time, massive amounts of my love, and throw it all back at me tenfold.
Being a father is amazing journey, and I get to travel it with these two little monkeys.
The brothers. They are the essence of my heart and soul.

Seriously! What a couple of imps!

Video: The ABC of Architects

2013-01-09T09:25:00.002-08:00

Came across this earlier, had to share...

The ABC of Architects from fedelpeye on Vimeo.

M-RAD: Fresh Hills

2012-12-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

While I was attending Dalhousie, getting my masters in Architorture, I had a partner in crime with whom I had an spectacular amount of fun; Matthew Rosenberg, founder of the LA based design office M-RAD. Getting into all the kinds of trouble one really should, and some that one shouldn't, we supported each others Scotch habits, and helped each other make it through the late night x-acto blade and super glue marathons that are so prevalent in architecture school. Sadly, our time together was cut short (perhaps for the best), when he moved on to pursue his masters of architecture at SCI-Arc, whereas I stayed on at Dal. Needless to say, we've stayed in touch over the years, and recently I was happily impressed with an outstanding achievement of his, when he received second place in the Fresh Kills Land Art Generator Competition.

His project Fresh Hills for Fresh Kills was not only conceptually strong, but a beautiful, poetic response to the site, and so I felt the need to share it with you.

The project in his words:

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As we approach Fresh Hills the undulating mounds appear to be natural elements growing from the earth. The closer we get, however, it is clear this structure, like the mounds below it, are not native to the recently capped Fresh Kills landfill site. Its form rests lightly on the existing topography and creates definition across the expansive horizon. It caresses the East mound creating a seamless integration between utility scale energy harnessing and a program filled landscape. It creates a harmonious relationship between earth and wind. Fresh Hills is a remedy for the typical turbine farm that so often isolates the landscape and discourages communities from engaging the space. The artificial landscape lifts higher at levels of increased energy potential where more predominant wind speeds and duration exist. It is a direct relationship between energy and land. The apparatus is generated from the grafting of Fresh Kills windrose data onto the site, creating a seamless exchange between the site-specific data and the structure used to harness that information. The project is site specific, but the concept provides global versatility.

The apparatus supports the wind turbines while also acting as a buffer that redirects and dissipates airflow towards the turbines vortex. The expansive surface area at the mouth of the mounds helps funnel wind towards the turbine and takes advantage of the fluid dynamic nature of airflow. The structure guides the airflow creating a low-pressure system on the other side of the mounds resulting in a pastoral central plaza. As if standing at the eye of a storm, the central hub becomes a place to gather, reflect, play, and explore. At the same time, the hub acts as a departure point guiding the user through its valleys to the extending vista platforms. The platforms set up a relationship between the user and the park as they reach out to frame the surrounding context. As site lines extend beyond the immediate park all the way to the Manhattan skyline, a richer meaning to the history of Fresh Kills transpires. Fresh Hills is more than a CO² filtering, energy generating landscape. Fresh Hills is a beacon tuned to its specific frequency. It illustrates to the world what the future of Fresh Kills stands for and delivers a promise for a healthier future. It is a symbol that people will recognize, learn from, and interact with for many years to come.

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Inventive: Thread Wrapped Furniture

2012-11-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

I came across the video below earlier today. I have seen the furniture by Anton Alvarez , but I had not previously seen the process by which it is made. It is by far one of the most interesting process driven designs I've seen in a while.

With thread and glue replacing standard joints and screws, the process by which the furniture is built is fascinating and uses a custom-made machine designed by Alvarez. Aside from the really cool inventiveness of the machine to wrap the string while adding glue, the aspect that appeals to me is that the process of making this furniture is itself a craft; the craft of thread wrapping, and it's a seemingly new craft at that.

Check it out...

Thread Wrapping Machine by Anton Alvarez from Dezeen on Vimeo.

More description and images can be found from Dezeen HERE.

Video: Gloam

2012-10-12T12:07:00.002-07:00

I came across this beautifully created short animation, and fell in love with the spooky yet gentle woodland creature Gloam. I can't wait to show my boys tonight, we've got plans to design/build a pint-sized haunted house out of cardboard boxes in order to begin prepping for Halloween. This movie will provide a great ending to the night, we'll sit in our newly created haunted house eating cookies while listening to the fire crackle in the background. Sounds like a perfect October night to me, good thing everything always goes according to plan when little children are involved...

Hhmmm, Better keep my fingers crossed.

Gloam from We Are The Forest on Vimeo.

Follow the link here to see the 'behind the scenes' shot breakdown. I'm always fascinated by process, and it was really interesting to see.

Life Moves Fast...

2012-10-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

What an amazing week we've had. It never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes by with the day to day, but when you're more busy that usual it just flies. This past week was definitely no exception to the rule for us. The start of October is a busy time for us here; Keiran's birthday, Thanksgiving, and Grammy's birthday, throw into that mix a John Fogerty concert and a head shave fundraiser and its a whirlwind!

The night everything really ramped up I received a last minute phone call from Carl, Loreen's brother, inviting me to see John Fogerty as Carl's wife wouldn't be able to make it. SWEET! (Sorry Nicole) What an amazing show! We were witness to almost every major hit he ever had, and he's still got a voice of gold, with skills on the guitar that would give Jimi Hendrix shivers.

The very next day was Keiran's birthday party. Talk about an awesome affair, with 15 pint sized party troopers being granted superhero status after graduating from a rigorous training program. As usual, Keiran's mother went a little 'overboard' on the prep work (a standard carried by Cahoon Ladies I've been told), she made an amazing cake (with a little Photoshop help from me, and a rice paper and edible ink printer), a buffet of food fit for a small wedding, custom capes and masks for all the little hero's, and goody bags packed with an assortment of superhero fuels. Fun. Exhausting. Memories were made.

Birthday Morning

How Old!?

Birthday Party Fun

Superhero Graduation

Superhero Cake

Birthday Dinner

Following the birthday we drove to my parents where we stayed for the long weekend. This was great as both my brothers and their significant others came as well, it's always fun to see my older bothers. Oh, I mean brothers. Glorious food and drink was plentiful (it's considered next to illegal to go hungry or thirsty at my parents), and we were able to go fishing with grampa and my boys, canoeing, hiking, hot tubing, and eat more cake for Grammy's birthday. I honestly gained 4lbs in 3 days, a true feat, probably not one I should be proud of.

Fishing with Grampa

Spidey Tackles Grampa

More Birthday Cake!

On Sunday, we ventured down to Glenora hall in the Cowichan Valley, where we met up with another 40 or so Cahoon's (Loreen's side of the family) for their annual Thanksgiving dinner. What an amazing assortment of food and family, great and delicious times were had. Beyond seeing the family, the highlight of that trip for us was the Head Shave Fundraiser planned to raise money for the for the chemo ward at Cowichan District Hospital, a place where a few family members have had to spend time in recent years, might I say F*#K Cancer!

Uncle Doug and little cousin Madison were all geared up in pink and ready to go, they had even died their hair pink for the occasion. The shears were buzzing, hair falling, the smiles spread like wildfire. Amongst the applause, as the last hair fell to the ground, Keiran spoke up and said he wanted to raise more money for cancer, and that he would shave his head too! Nervous proud smiles were shared between Loreen and I, but who are we to say no when our little guy takes up a cause like this, in fact I think it's likely just the sort of action we want to foster in our little men. So we spoke up and asked if anyone would donate more to the cause if he were to shave his head, and a few minutes later we had ourselves a little beautiful baldy. All together the three raised $1300 for the Chemo ward. Way to go guys!

Head Shave Fundraiser

Life moves fast. Too fast. While thanksgiving didn't slow anything down this year (other than me), it was particularly significant to me this year as I stopped to consider all we have to be thankful for. The list is long, but at the top, in a place of honor exist the two little amazing creatures I get to have in my life. Keiran and Merrick. They have become my therapists through humor, my inspiration through creativity and spontaneity, and have given me a love that I didn't know existed. Recently they even made me watch three of the most glorious sunrises ever. For them, and so much else, I am thankful.

Thankful for these rascals

One of the sunrises they 'forced' me to watch, it was rough...

VIDEO: Ai Weiwei: NEVER SORRY [Trailer]

2012-10-03T10:50:00.002-07:00

This will be an amazing film.

Ai Weiwei, hero to millions, is China's most famous artist/political activist/designer. In the film he gives the inside story to his work and life while striving to make a positive change through his art and social media in China. Though Chinese authorities have shut down his blog, held him in secret detention, beat him, and most recently destroyed his new studio, he will not stop battling to speak out against the ongoing problems in China. Journalist Alison Klayman directs the film and provides unique insight into contemporary China, and the country's most outspoken critic.

I am very much looking forward to seeing this film! Enjoy the trailer...

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry OFFICIAL TRAILER from Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry on Vimeo.

Architect: Bates Masi Architects

2012-09-21T15:55:00.002-07:00

Today, I'm showing off the work of one of my favorite Architecture practices in the US. As with pretty well all of the architecture that I show on Design Dad, their work brings together an amazingly successful marriage of form and material. Bates Masi Architects is a small practice run out of Sag Harbour, NY. Each of their projects involves a uniquely targeted design approach to meet the clients needs/desires, including researching materials, craft, environment within an architectural scope. There are all kinds of subtle but highly innovative details they generate for each project. The firm approaches each project as an opportunity to enrich the lives of the client and all who interact with the architecture while enhancing the environment.

See for yourself why they rock.

Robbins Way

Amagansett, NY

Bates Masi Architects

Genius Loci

Montauk, NY

Bates Masi Architects

Pryor Residence

Pryor, Montauk, NY

Bates Masi Architects

Recover

East Hampton, NY

A rejuvenation of a vacation residence that the firm originally designed 35 years previous.

Bates Masi Architects

Quail Hill

Amagansett, NY

Bates Masi Architects

Video: One-Point Perspective

2012-09-10T12:25:00.002-07:00

I came across this awesome composition from Kogonada on Vimeo earlier. It's an incredible "flash-back" of some of the most important, and super cool, movies ever made. Entirely composed of Kubrick's original work, this piece offers an excellent argument for the power potential of a one-point perspective, while at the same time it fragments the scenes in such a way that multiplies the violent emotion and brings you quickly into that dreamlike world that exists only Kubrick's movies. Cool.

Kubrick // One-Point Perspective from kogonada on Vimeo.

Kindergarten

2012-09-07T13:40:00.002-07:00

Wow, as parents well know, time speeds up faster than you ever thought possible once you have children. Of course that is aside from those moments where we expose the world to the full vocal capacity of our children during tantrums in the grocery store check-out, time has a happy way of slowing to a crawl for those special cases. I fully realized just how fast time is progressing today as we dropped off our little 4 year old (4.9 really) at his first day of Kindergarten. Wow. Sigh.

Boy Wonder

It all proceeded so fast! The walk to school was filled with smiles and laughter, both Keiran and Merrick were quite eager to get to school. We were directed to the gymnasium where the teachers were introduced and Merrick was in AWE of the basketball nets. Following the quick introduction, childrens' names were called then ushered out to their prospective classrooms. When Keiran was called, he walked up and introduced himself to his teacher (he always has been the most gregarious of us all), who led us to his class where we said our sweet goodbyes, giving kissing hands to hold onto for later - he made sure we had some too. A few blocks away the tears fell (poor Mama). With a happy-sad mix of emotions we realize that the Keiran is no longer fully in our hands. He is even now being molded by his peers and teachers. We can only hope that they understand how amazing he is, and how special he is to us. As Loreen pointed out, there is a great prayer that encapsulates our feelings. She wanted to print it out and pin it to his chest for his teachers to see.

Personally, I'm mostly just excited. School is exactly what Keiran needs. He is a social creature, and thrives when he's learning new things. The saddest thing to me is the fact that Merrick is loosing his day time play buddy, luckily it's just a few hours. I just can't wait to hear all about his first day of school tonight. I also wonder if Keiran's had his surprise treat yet, as we hid a tasty kissing hand (sugar cookie with a chocolate kiss) in his lunch to remind him we are thinking of him...

Kissing Hands

Architect: Lake Flato Architects

2012-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lake Flato Architects is a great architecture firm located in San Antonio, Texas, where David Lake and Ted Flato lead a team of almost 50 people in a very diverse practice. The projects they take on range from gorgeous single family residences and ranches, to civic and cultural centers and state universities. While the project programs vary greatly, their designs are very consistent. The firm has developed a language that is easily identifiable across their projects; consistent use of natural and rustic materials, minimal and beautiful steel details, soaring roofs, and large open spatial volumes. I truly enjoy their work, and hope you do to.

Lake Austin House

Austin, TX

Lake Flato Architects

LC Ranch

Three Forks, MT

Lake Flato Architects

ASU Polytechnic Campus

Mesa, AZ

Lake Flato Architects

Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters

Austin, TX

Lake Flato Architects

Armstrong Oil & Gas

Denver, CO

Lake Flato Architects

Brown Residence

Scottsdale, AZ

Lake Flato Architects

Broadform Farm Pavilion

Sun Valley, ID

Lake Flato Architects

Story Pool House

Center Point, TX

Lake Flato Architects

Video: MOMENTS

2012-08-24T14:15:00.001-07:00

I came across this interesting video titled "Moments" by Everynone earlier today. I love the way it poetically discusses the idea by showing a collection of moments many people can swiftly related to. I felt it asked of me the question: "what is a moment?"

When asked to define a moment, I feel sensitive, almost nervous. It seems a private and personal thing. Perhaps this is because, to me, a moment is an experience. It is something to be measured, not by a length of time, but by an emotion. To be described through ones eyes, lips, and gestures. Not words. In my life, not one has been duplicated, each is unique. The best ones are those that catch me off guard, they are the seeds of poetry. Seemingly infinite, I know they are not. They will run out. So I try to ensure that I feel all of my moments completely, good, bad, blissful, turbulent. I make a collection. Each moment, a feeling woven into the tapestry of my memories.

Moments from Everynone on Vimeo.

SO, what is a moment to you?

Architect: Fearon Hay Architects

2012-08-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am bringing you to New Zealand, to see some of the work of Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay of Fearon Hay Architects, one of my favorite architectural practices. These guys are gifted when it come to appropriate use of materials and details, and are able to generate great impact through subtlety. Their practice was founded on delivering incredible private dwellings, but has begun to move to hospitality, interiors, and commercial projects. Their work speaks for itself, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Shark Alley House

Fearon Hay Architects

Mountain Retreat

Fearon Hay Architects

Sandhills Road House

Fearon Hay Architects

Tribeca Loft

Fearon Hay Architects

Imperial Buildings

Fearon Hay Architects

Island Retreat

Fearon Hay Architects

Recap: Moss Street Paint-In

2012-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a Day!

Keiran meeting a Wolf Fairy

The heat was turned on, not too high, but high enough to make people thirsty! Keiran sold out of all of his lemonade, twice! A big thanks to Tom for going out to pick up the second batch, cousin Tawn for getting us more glasses, and Nana for helping with the boys! Keiran made enough to pay off his big business loans and make a tidy profit. After deciding on a toy, he will even have a small amount to put into his RESP! (OK, not THAT much, but he is into the idea and that's what matters).

Packed Street

The street was PACKED with art enthusiasts for most of the day, and the art was top notch. There we're 150 professional and emerging artists set up and showing their work on the street, some were even working on new pieces while passersby could watch. There was music, food, performance artists (Keiran met a Wolf Fairy - with a really great costume and airbrushed body painting!), and a few fun stations for the kids to make their own pieces as well - we have a new clay pot and wind chime courtesy of Keiran!

Musical Men

A few of my personal favorites at the show were Tylor McNeil, Birgit Piskor, Mitchell Villa, Tad Suzuki and Blyth, Sean and Shawn of the Wood Pile Collective. I know there were many more that should be on that list, but I was a little busy chasing Keiran and Merrick for most of the day. Art sales were happening though, someone even made me a cash offer on my painted Lemonade sign! I couldn't refuse, so the sale was made, contingent on waiting until Keiran finished selling the lemonade. They came back to have me sign it and took it away at the end of the day. What a way to finish!

Tad Suzuki

Tylor McNeil

Mitchell Villa

Wood Pile Collective

Brigit Piskor

Side Note: Moss Street Paint-In!

2012-07-21T10:31:00.004-07:00

Well, today is the Moss Street Paint-In, and the boys are ready! Keiran is running a Lemonade and cupcake stand (such a budding entrepreneur), and we're taking advantage of the foot traffic as well by putting up a little garage sale. Things are already looking better than last year, anything will beat the torrential rain that almost washed us all away then! I have faith the sun will soon poke its nose out from behind the clouds, and give us a great day.

Should be a blast, I can't wait to see all the talent!

New Address: DESIGNDAD.CA

2012-07-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided to make the move to DESIGNDAD.CA completely. Not really sure why I didn't do this earlier to be honest. I hope everything will be set up on the technical side to forward properly, but my apologies if things are not perfect. Everything should be transferred over within the next 24 hours. Please let me know if there are any 'hiccups', and don't forget to add our new location to your favorites!

The boys at our *country house (*wishful thinking)

Side Note: Within Two Worlds

2012-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I came across another beautiful video showing the wonder of the nature of our world and beyond, thought I must share. The video was shot in multiple locations; Tumalo Falls, Three Sisters Wilderness, Mount Shasta, Big Bend National Park, Mono Lake, Aurora Borealis over Crater Lake National Park, Texas, Painted Hills, the High Sierra, and the Aurora Borealis over Sparks Lake. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Video by Goldpaint Photography, music by Serge Essiambre 'Believe In Yourself'

Within Two Worlds from Goldpaint Photography on Vimeo.

Designer: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

2012-07-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec have been designing together for about a decade, in that time they've developed quite the reputation for putting out consistently interesting and beautiful work. They have had their work showcased in multiple museum exhibitions, have many designs available with some of the top manufacturers, and have quite a tidy collection of awards.

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

I first came across their work while I was studying for my Masters in Architecture at Dalhousie, I was investigating 3dimentional geometric patterns and found their Clouds, a modular textile wall system. Gorgeous. Intrigued, I looked up more of their work, saw they were not just flash in the pan designers, and have been following their work ever since. Below you'll find a cross selection of several of my favorites of their projects. They have a fair bit of furniture out, which are rather nice, but being the 'architect' I'm more intrigued by their larger partition/screen systems which are beautiful. Enjoy!

Clouds 2008:

Thermo compressed foam and fabric attached with a coinjected rubber band

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Clouds Modules 2002:

Polystyrene partition modules

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Algues 2004:

Injected polyamide partition module

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Ploum 2011

Fabric, foam and steel sofa

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Losanges 2011

Handmade wool rug using a traditional Kilim technique

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec

Side Note: O (Omicron) Video

2012-07-09T15:48:00.001-07:00

What do you get when you mix an amazing laser light show, an electronic contemporary orchestral music piece, an a 99 year old concrete dome structure?

O (Omicron). An amazingly modern supernatural experience.

(Or at the very least, a really impressive video for those that can't get there - such as myself.)

The permanent installation, by Romain Tardy and Thomas Vaquié, was created in Hala Stulecia (The Centennial Hall), an incredible concrete dome structure located in Wroclaw, Poland. Designed by the German Architect Max Berg, Hala Stulecia was, at the time of construction (1913), the largest reinforced concrete structure on earth, and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

The show:

O (Omicron) from Romain Tardy (AntiVJ) on Vimeo.

The making of:

O (Omicron) / Making of from Romain Tardy (AntiVJ) on Vimeo.

Architect: Atelier Tekuto

2012-07-06T12:00:00.003-07:00

Atelier Tekuto is an architectural practice with focus on architectural explorations and investigations. They have a strong academic mindset and while some of their work is not always 'in tune' with my own personal design styles, (mine being much more grounded in natural and raw materiality), their work is always very intriguing, thought provoking and quite successful. I truly appreciate that each of their projects is very unique, and created as part of an deeper exploration of something, be it a building material, or concept, and it's always done in concert with the owners needs.

Atelier Tekuto

Lucky Drops House, 2005
Skin House Project No. 7
Tokyo, Japan

This is the house that first caught my attention for Atelier Tekuto. Built on an incredibly constraining site of a long, narrow trapezoid with 3.2m frontage, 29.3m depth, and 0.7m at the end of the site, couple this with the 0.5 meter setback for external walls from adjacent land and you've got some serious constraints!

To create a house on such conditions the team stretched the building out, used a playful and light steel structure, created a transparent skin to allow ample sunlight in, and took advantage of underground space, as it was not limited to the 0.5 meter setback rule. To further expand underground, instead of a thick concrete foundation wall, they used 8mm thick steel plates with anticorrosive, heat insulation and waterproof treatments.

Talk about innovative solutions, and an incredible structure. Though at 660 sq.ft. perhaps a little tight for the four in my family…

Lucky Drops House - Atelier Tekuto

Crystal Brick, 2004
Toyko, Japan

This house is so remarkable due to the exploration of layering of glass block, an ordinarily neutral and ordinary object. The way it is used here however, emphasizes spatial demarcations through perception and the use of three types of block: transparent for view, semi-transparent for light, and opaque for private boundary.

Crystal Brick House - Atelier Tekuto

Parabola, 2007
Tokyo, Japan

This house, situated on a long narrow site, was designed specific for a family who spends the greater part of their day in the living room, which has been given focus on the top floor with prominent scenic views. To do so, it was cantilevered high over the entrance of the house. The parabolic shape of the roof and ceiling was designed to create conflicting feelings of tension and release and to give the room a sense of boundlessness, where the fluctuating tension/release invoke a sense of movement.

Parabola House - Atelier Tekuto