Here is one of those small, simple and economical DIY projects that never got built. The idea was to have a ‘convertible’ building that could be locked up when gone but opened to allow for views/breezes when visiting. Steel tubes slide through u-bolts to lock the doors but then can be used to create an Read More…
Aug
Podcast #31 – LEED Projects
Today we speak with EcoDEEP‘s Kevin Flynn AIA LEED AP about LEED. This is an internationally recognized green building certification program. A few questions discussed include: -What is the basic philosophy behind LEED? -Are there different classifications depending on the building type? -What are the categories within LEED and how does the point system work? Read More…
Aug
Staying Creative
Great little video on ways to stay creative. Enjoy each day, each struggle and each success. Check it out and get creative!
Aug
Project Update- Riverview BC: Punchlist
Time to wrap up another project. This is always a great time -seeing the final product of a lot of efforts come together. It also feels like you are sending a child off on their own. The day to day contact, the teaching/learning, and the relationships with everyone involved now changes. You have to trust Read More…
Aug
DIY Design – Tie Holder
Yes, I could have gone to Bed, Bath and Beyond and purchased a slide-out tie rack that would fit into my closet system…but that would be boring! Instead, I thought about what I needed in a tie rack. A space for a dozen ties, maybe hold a belt or two, and someplace to keep my Read More…
Jul
Photography Friday -Camera Music
Two things I love (besides architecture) is photography and music. This video created by Lv Sisi is titled ‘Digital Analogue’ and uses only sounds recorded from a collection of antique cameras and uses 6,000 individual photographs. This stop-motion video is pretty cool!
Jul
Re-purposed… in a fun way!
We love this! Makes total sense. What could shelter you while you wait for a bus…? How about a bus! Rather then taking retired buses to the junk yard, Artist Christopher Fennell created this fun and functional sculpture in Athens, Georgia. Creative, unique and another example of being sustainable by thinking outside the box. Read More…
Jul
Recycle Flashmob
This fun video emphasizes that although we all are not sitting next to you in a mall, there are many of us who applaud those who make the effort to recycle. It does not take much to effect us all -directly and indirectly. Cheers!
Jul
Podcast #30 – What is the AIA?
Today we speak with a AIA Minnesota’s Communication Director Jennifer Gilhoi about ‘What is the American Institute of Architects?’. A few questions discussed include: -What is the American Institute of Architects? -How does the National/State/Chapter arrangement work? -Why (and who) should think about becoming a member? -What are the benefits and opportunities? -What sort of Read More…
Jul
Project Update -Bald Eagle Lake Part 2
We are still in the beginning design stages of this home remodeling and addition project. The video shows the first sketches that we presented to the clients after our initial meeting. A big chunk of this first part of work is understanding the existing home and site. The goal of these early meetings and presentations is to start with the ‘big picture’ and not get bogged down in the details -those will come later to reinforce the overall design concept. We start by loosely putting rooms and forms together so the client has something to look at and react to. We then discuss the ideas, doodle over the drawings and listen to the verbal (and non-verbal) reactions from the clients. Then we encourage them to take a couple days, let things soak in before we touch base and move forward with refinements. Stay tuned for more updates!
Architect: michael huber architects Contractor: Cates Fine Homes
Jul
Small Town America
Our annual Fourth of July tradition led us to my parents place in beautiful Walker, Minnesota. I instantly relax seeing the clear lake water, hearing the sound of the Loons and visiting the shops and events of that quintessential small town. All walks of life gather here. Whether ‘local’ or ‘metro’, everyone is a citizen of Walker. Besides the usual parade, fireworks, shopping…and garage sale signs stuck out everywhere, this Fourth of July, the town dedicated the ‘Circle of Time’. The community had gathered together and commissioned 6 bronze sculptures dedicated to the history of the town. They recognized that we all are quick to demolish the old in favor of the new.
With a backdrop of the County Museum, liquor store and Dairy Queen, Mayor Johnson stated that we need to ‘Look to the future while preserving the past’ and more sculptures will be added to the group as time marches on. A few more words by Reverend Olson and sculptor Joel Randell led to the unveiling -with the Foundation Chorale singing Battle Hymn of the Republic. It doesn’t get much better then this!
The statues included: Early Man, Prehistoric Tribes, The Fur-Trader, The Lumberman, The Fisherman and The Family. I told you, we ARE part of this community!
Jun
Project Update – King Leadership Center
Several years ago, our office was fortunate enough to lead and create a Visioning Document for the entire 400 acre YMCA Camp St. Croix. This is different from a Master Plan such that it included not only recommendations of materials, forms, etc. but also philosophical goals. One of those goals was to be mindful of Read More…