ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Parcel D in San Juan, Puerto Rico by Oppenheim Architecture + Design LLPNovember 3rd, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Oppenheim Architecture + Design LLP The project challenges the common residential typology, aiming for a hybrid between a single family home and an urban residence. To this end our approach responds not only to the specific zoning and programmatic criteria, but also takes as a point of departure the natural landscapes of the island, in particular El Yunque Rainforest (Forest in the Clouds). It also glances across notions of aerial gardens particularly those mythologized in the sketches of [KM] ancient Babylon.
Puerto Rico is historic and cosmopolitan, beautiful and engaging, exotic and accessible and the design is ultimately a fulcrum of everything pleasurable on the island. In an attempt to veil the density commonly associated with urban living, lush gardens have been provided on all the exposed surfaces of each unit. This enables levels of privacy and seclusion usually associated with sub-urban settings, while being positioned at a point of critical mass within Puerto Rico’s growing urban fabric. This topography of tropical gardens will contain 165 residences wrapped around a lush central courtyard (bio-climatic lung), arcaded ground level retail, pristine pools, fully equipped gym, restaurants/cafés, and above ground and underground parking. Numerous environmental imperatives have been integrated into the design that serve to reduce energy consumption, sustain natural resources and provide for the most healthy and pleasurable living environment. Tags: Puerto Rico, San Juan Category: Residential |