SkB Architects is the collaborative design architect on the exterior of this significant new development, including the design of how the tower base meets the street, and the design of the tower’s three main entries. The design goal is to evolve the tower’s base to create an inviting and vibrant pedestrian experience, while honoring Willis Tower’s role as a unique Chicago and American icon: to create a sense of place, not just a place to work.
Located in the downtown Seattle neighborhood of Belltown, Block 41 celebrates the legacy of an historic warehouse while transforming it into a contemporary, multipurpose event space. The 15,000-square-foot, two-story, brick-and-heavy-timber building began its life in 1927 as an ice warehouse. Over the years it was subject to multiple renovations and modifications, resulting in the fragmentation of the building’s large volumes into a series of dark and maze-like rooms. The new design highlights the building’s history by stripping away later insertions and partitions to reveal its hard-won patina, while simultaneously opening up the volumes to create spaces large enough for formal events, yet flexible enough to accommodate intimate gatherings.
Anchored to a rocky slope and looking out over expansive water views, this house is the expression of the clients’ desire to connect to both the immediate landscape and the view beyond. Cascading organically down the hill, the house remains firmly rooted to the earth even as it rises high above the ground. It is a complex form with a simple goal: capturing the beauty of this spectacular site.
Located on the leeward side of Cape Cod the Indian Neck spit is the location of this Modernist inspired beach house. Nestled in pine forest and sand dunes looking out to the open water the house is designed to experience seasonal vitality of the location. A simple square of protected habitation, combining indoor and outdoor space under a canopy of lattice Cedar; existing Pitch Pines grow up through the structure providing additional shade. Raised up off the sand, the platform of the house becomes the stage on which a basic set of rooms are arranged, with the principle spaces focused across the broad veranda to Cape Cod Bay. A separate bunk-house with a partially enclosed outdoor shower protects the entrance from the rigors of wind and rain. On the sides of the house angled cedar boards are providing privacy and shade from the rising and setting sun.
A bright and welcoming space established by full height glass walls envelope the Houndstooth Coffee interior. An expansive U-shaped bar with split capabilities allows it to work as a full-service coffee bar during the day and cocktail bar in the evenings. The form and materiality of the bar defines and directs its uses. The quartz monoblock to the east is thoughtfully carved to receive customers and equipment while the opposite high bar is a white oak cantilevered surface. Above the bar is a sculptural white volume clad in alder slats that activates the space and intuitively directs customers from entry points on opposite ends of the storefront to point of service while concealing mechanical systems. The form, likened to a ship in a bottle, brings mass and focus to the voluminous interior. The architectural horizontality is complemented and balanced by vertically oriented and textured materials that respond to functional needs of durability and acoustic control.
The Beach Drive Waterfront Studio is a 1,100 square foot hideaway residence situated on the east side of Camano Island, Washington. The clients have a larger home located across the road from the studio where their extended family gathers during the summer and on holidays. They utilize this studio when they retire for the evening or wish to entertain close friends on the beach. The studio encapsulates one space as the kitchen, dining, living and sleeping area is separated by a free-standing double-sided stone fireplace. Only the master bathroom is a separate room. All of the spaces are oriented toward Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains for spectacular views.
The new headquarters for Civitas Capital Group occupies 22,000 square feet on the eighth floor of One Arts Plaza in Dallas’ Arts District. Civitas is a youthful investment group and they wanted a well-appointed office that represents their approach as creative thinkers and responsible stewards of client investments.
The original building, Designed by C.C. Sainsbury in 1957, is a gem. It is an unconventional example from the War Services program; which assisted veterans acquire homes. The clients sought to supplement what they loved to better accomodate their growing family.
Our brief included two matching kids’ bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, storage and laundry. The clients asked to showcase their book and art collection and for the design to be bold.
Skllion roofs and deep eaves were a challenging foundation for a second storey extension. Our intention was to preserve as much as we could while creating a cohesive and consistent feel using contemporary execution.
Our aesthetically astute clients bought a 1980’s Bud Oglesby designed townhouse with the intention of renovating it for themselves and their growing art collection while staying true to the original design. The project had a sophisticated section so our goal was to modernize the spaces in both use and technology while also rectifying awkward and outdated spatial relationships.
“APDesign is all about placing the students at the center of the experience. With a facility that emphasizes the tactility of design and creation, students can interact intimately with their budding role as the makers of our future.” – Tomas Rossant.
Tags: Kansas, USA Comments Off on Kansas State University – College of Architecture, Planning and Design in Manhattan, Kansas by Ennead Architects + BNIM
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