Matatena Headquarters in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

When developing the design plans for Matatena Headquarters (a creative drawing association based in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico), Desnivel Architects aimed at creating an environment that was not office-like, yet not too formal either. In order to extend space, the owner had the idea of using a mix of wood and concrete, in combination with white plastered walls. Going with a double-height working room also helped with the scale of the project. A beautiful chaka tree was employed as the focal point of the scheme. This tree brings life into the space, thus overcoming the sober feel inspired by concrete.

The resulting program (occupying a total surface of 206 square meters) consists of four working zones, service area, reception, boardroom, kitchen and two bathrooms. Work here is generated in a relaxed but professional environment and a cafe was a perfect logical addition to exemplify the vision of the company. This place pays tribute to relaxation, but also functions as a hanging out spot for brainstorming ideas. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of working in an office like this ? [Photography: Ricardo López]

fonte:
http://freshome.com/2014/08/06/balancing-comfort-and-formality-modern-matatena-offices-in-mexico/

Bower Architecture designed the Hover House, located in Mt. Martha, Australia.

Nesta casa de praia os arquitetos brincaram com as texturas dos diferentes materiais utilizados no projeto. Com sucesso integraram as premissas de projeto: tranquilidade, sustentabilidade e privacidade, organizando a casa em função do jardim interno, mais privado, que fornece iluminação natural aos ambientes. O monobloco que vai da divisa leste a oeste facilita o recolhimento de água da chuva e incorpora sistemas passivos de sustentabilidade. Com o uso de tijolos de concreto para a pior orientação solar(Sul), aberturas generosas para o Norte que também proporcionam uma boa ventilação natural, criou-se uma massa térmica isolante do frio e um jardim interno que capta todo aquecimento solar.







Project Description:

Hover house is a residence in beachside Mt. Martha (Victoria, Australia) re-imagining the single dwelling courtyard on a rear battle-axe block. The project brief was for a tranquil, sustainable and private home filled with natural light, warmth and texture. As privacy and outlook were limited the concept sought to create a captivating internal focus in the form of a central courtyard, providing a strong link between key spaces. In order to maximise natural light and privacy a simple sectional gable shape was extruded through the east-west axis of the house, resulting in a form that efficiently collects rainwater, incorporates sustainable passive systems and emphasises views to distant gum tree canopies.
Hover House provides the clients and their friends and family with a warm and functional home all year round, adaptable to varying internal and external circumstances. Lovingly detailed concealed sliding doors and timber screens allow for the flexibility of each bedroom wing to be open or closed independently from the main living space, aiding energy efficiency and privacy and varying the character of the house with different configurations. Bedrooms and kitchen areas also capture discrete connections to exterior gardens around the site periphery, complementing the courtyard focus of the living and entry areas.
Internal concrete blockwork, timber veneer and a polished concrete floor provide cost effective texture and warmth throughout the internal living spaces. The reverse veneer blockwork, insulated concrete slab and fireplace are also effective as thermal mass and, combined with passive ventilation, result in a low energy house which is cost effective to run.
Hover House is a “replicable prototype for cost effective, high amenity housing” (Nigel Bertram, AIA Victorian Architecture Awards Jury 2014) suitable for other sites where a hostile outlook invites the creation of a meaningful inward focus.

Architect: Bower Architecture
Photography by Shannon McGrath
fonte:
http://www.contemporist.com/2014/06/26/hover-house-by-bower-architecture/

Casa de madeira, alta do chão, captação solar de energia...

 









 








On New Zealand’s sixth largest island, this home nestles lightly in to a wooded cove beneath rugged hills. Elevated slightly above the lush ground for protection from flooding, the house is sited to enjoy the hill views and to tuck the bedrooms close to the forest for privacy. The exposed timber skeleton and siding are a nod to the house’s woodland host. And the roof slopes up to increase the height of the living area and, of course, for functional reasons as well.
The roof extends to create a covered outdoor living area that flows directly out of the indoor great room for living, dining, and food prep. Frankly, you’ll barely notice that you’re inside if the three walls covered with large glass wood framed sliding doors are open, or even if they are closed.
Exposed timber trusses create a larger than life rhythm across the open living area and its softly shining wood floors. Crisp white cabinets and breakfast bar make for meals as elegant or as simple as you wish. The fireplace is more often used for ambiance than for warmth.

 

 The home operates with a very light foot print through the use of proper siting for day light and ventilation. Solar power heats the water, runs the laptops, washer, and every day luxuries with rare need for the house’s generator.

 

 

 

 

 

 Architects: Crosson, Clarke, Carnachan Architects
Photography: Simon Devitt
fonte:
http://www.busyboo.com/2014/04/30/great-barrier-house-ccca/