Archive for May, 2011

May
0

Living Small

Using the idea of storage solutions in boats, a small space has all the comforts of home…in 258 square feet! This is a perfect example of how proper planning and creativity can solve challenging problems in a beautiful way. This ‘Action Apartment’ puts the ‘fun’ in functional. As Architects, we strive to bring all of these aspects into our Client’s projects. Enjoy!

Here is the link to the original post.

May
0

Furniture ReDo

As you have read in previous posts, I love to see how simple items are creatively reinvisioned. Furniture is often the choice of these ‘redos’.  I was scouring the web searching for valuable content to add to our weblog this past weekend.  I couldn’t find anything so I thought I would post these!  (Kidding)  It is always fun looking at what others are coming up with!
Click on images to enlarge.

I love this coffee table that ‘morphes’ into a chair. The clean lines and pop of color makes this a winner…depending on how much stuff you have to move off of the table! Link to original post.

 

 

 

 

This ‘trampoline chair’ looks like fun.  Would you want to sit and read a book in it…I don’t think so.  Maybe this is great for those fidgety kids. Link to original post.

 

 

 

 

 

Um…  I don’t know what to think about this one.  I applaud its simplicity but find it hard to believe it would be comfortable…let alone hard to find!  Link to original post.

May
0

Insulation Basics

Most people know that they need insulation in their projects but… What types of insulation are available, where should they go, and how much do I need? I preach that the ‘greenest’ thing you can do on any project is to make sure the envelope is as well insulated and airtight as possible. Insulation being a critical component. It is one of those unseen and magic elements that people don’t understand how it works, but know when it doesn’t.

I met with Scott Glowe from St. Croix Insulation, Inc and he was nice enough to answer a few questions -the basics -on several types of insulation.  You can reach Scott via email at scott@stcroixinsulation.com or call (715) 386-1200.

May
0

Project Update – King Leadership Center

Project Update – King Leadership Center

We are finishing up the Schematic Design for the King Leadership Center at Camp St Croix. This means that a basic concept is approved and can move into what is called Design Development…where the design is developed!

The program took a little shift, which often happens as discussions occur. The Camp wanted to look at accommodating 24 single beds in lieu of 18 bunk beds. This makes sense because the bulk of the visitors will be adults. The challenge is the 3-to-a-room requirement and then wanting them to join as suites. That means a room access door, suite door and window are needed in each room…which also means more floor and corridor space, etc. The typical puzzle solving.

The overall concept is to use the Classical Elements as a tool to organize as well as give opportunities for learning. The building is divided into Fire, Water, Wind and Earth. So for example, most of the ‘wet’ services are in the Water Bldg with maybe a solar hot water system on the roof. With this facility attempting to be LEED Certified, we can hopefully highlight sustainable concepts that reinforce this design concept.

We also realize that many times the dreams exceed the budget. Some tough decisions are on the horizon to maintain that dream while being diligent with the dollars… Click on images below to enlarge.

Architect: Us!, Green Bldg Facilitator: EcoDEEP, Structural Eng: Mattson Macdonald Young, Mech/Elec Eng: Gausman & Moore, Civil Eng: Foth Infrastructure & Environment

May
1

How to recycle cardboard -PSA

Ever wonder how and what cardboard you can recycle?  I happened to find this video my daughter made a year ago for a school project and thought it would be fun to share.  I am still amazed that many people do not recycle.  The energy and cost of creating a product from scratch versus utilizing a waste product that is 90 percent ready to be reused doesn’t make sense…does it?

May
0

Gelatin at 6200 fps

I could use analogies such as ‘Architects are flexible in design, fluid in the process’, ‘Can hold it together when the project is shaken up’, ‘Bounce back from challenges….etc’.  To be honest, I just thought this video was cool and wanted to share it.