Background
The client, HelgelandsKraft AS, is a large producer of hydraulic electricity in northern parts of Norway. In 2008 they started planning several new hydraulic power stations with high environmental ambitions. From the beginning their task for the architect was to find the best way to make their new power stations adapt to the site, and at the same time function as attractions and destinations. The general idea from the architects at stein hamre arkitektkontor, is the design of the new stations should reflect characteristics of the locations. At the same time the buildings should be spectacular. They should also tell the story about the production of power.
Located to the north-east of Crowley, the site lies between the urban/residential development to the west and the rural/agricultural development to the east. The design seeks to mediate this threshold and express the importance of the local agricultural development to place. Rice is the primary economy in the Parish and city of Crowley. Rice fields create a beautiful mosaic that blanket the landscape. Contours follow the natural topography, control water run-off and delineate rice paddies. As technology has advanced the rice fields have evolved from a more fluid configuration to a more orthogonal configuration. This results in a more efficient layout and maximizes the yield.
Memoria e Luce is a memorial in Padua, Italy for victims of the 9/11 attacks on New York City. The memorial is designed as an open and luminous book, featuring anorginal twisted steel beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center that was donated by the US to the Veneto Region, and in turn to the city of Padua. The memorial was completed in September 2005 in collaboration with Permasteelisa.
In order to balance a respect for history and tradition with the need to create a modern neighborhood, the design takes cues from the regional architecture and builds on the best practices in contemporary architecture. The aspiration for the project is to build a sustainable development that is of high quality while being cost-efficient.
Community is organized by the principles of the Arabic courtyard house
Project Type: Residential Community with Mixed-Use
Client: Global Omani Development & Investment Company
Close-up of gateway – traditional motifs and screens
The community is organized according to the principles of the Arabic courtyard house, a response that is sensitive to the culture and climate of the place. Expanded to a whole self-sustaining community, this vision creates a new type of residential development that has the neighborly feel of a house that has expanded to nurture a new community while balancing the vibrancy of a city in microcosm.
Main entrance gateway into the modern neighborhood
Sustainability is at the core of the architectural expression, encompassing environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability by preserving traditional crafts and promoting new techniques and technologies. The design of the residential development is small scale, compact and organic, and will comprise locally sourced materials including limestone, marble, and aluminum. It is inherently sustainable through passive means, such as natural ventilation, the use of traditional arcaded spaces and loggias, mashrabiya screens and water features to maximize passive cooling.
Aerial view of sustainable community
Typical modern interior respecting local history and traditions
Community is organized by the principles of the Arabic courtyard house
Close-up of gateway – traditional motifs and screens
Main entrance gateway into the modern neighborhood
Aerial view of sustainable community
Typical modern interior respecting local history and traditions
email
Facebook
Twitter
RSS Feed
