Descriptioncoming soon

 

Descriptioncoming soon

Descriptioncoming soon

DescriptionPivot house embraces an approach to to high-density, spatially optimized domestic dwelling that engages a dynamic architecture capable of being reconfigured by the inhabitants. The spatial constraints of a minimal, 400 square foot footprint are expanded by allowing reconfiguration of the space in multiple ways. Adjacent outdoor space can be captured and integrated within the spatial envelope of the dwelling, and multiple spatial configurations can be programmed by the inhabitants based on external conditions such as weather, number of inhabitants, events, programmatic innovation and their own desires to experiment. What is lacking by some definitions in living area is thus compensated and even exceeded in terms of spatial novelty and richness of variety of spatial and programmatic variation.

Pivot house operates by rotation. The building consists of three stacked volumes, the top two of which can rotate their position around a central mast or “trunk”. The central mast’s rotation is enabled through a modified crane motor which is recessed into the ground floor module and can be easily accessed. Sensors halt the rotational action of the building if any object is encountered within the rotational path. Through the design of the building, the stairways which allow access to the loft floor and roof deck in the “home” position (when all modules are in position one directly on top of the other) continue to allow vertical access between the modules in all but one configuration, where the roof deck is not accessible. A drop seal detail at the bottom edge of the top two modules ensures that the building envelope is water and air proof when in the “home” position. Guardrails that become necessary at the upper levels when the modules are rotated are deployed through a hinged panel system, where the guards are simply lifted from the horizontal position (where they are recessed into the floor) to the vertical position, where they lock into place. Accessory components, such as curtains, tent structures and awnings can be applied to the modular arrangements of the modules to capture outdoor space and integrate it into part of the interior, to provide further spatial possibilities, and to provide weather protection. These accessories are similar in principle those available for camping and recreational vehicles. Areas of the building can also be left open to the elements. Heating is provided through an in-floor radiant hydronic system. Building power is augmented by a grid-tie photovoltaic system on the roof (the roof module may rotate with the sun’s path to optimize power harvesting).

The Pivot house is factory-fabricated in seven modules (two for each floor module and one for the rotational mast) which are delivered to site and assembled by truck-mounted crane. The top two, rotating modules consist of insulated wood panels and metal roofing cladding steel moment frames. The ground floor module consists of insulated wood panels infilling a steel frame on a lightweight concrete slab and footing. The rotational mast or “trunk” has it’s own concrete foundation which is cast in place on site. Windows and doors are triple-glazed units in aluminum frames.

Infocompetition / Vancouver / 2009

DescriptionThe goal of AgriLoop is to develop not just one building but a typology for a hybrid residential/commercial architecture that integrate biointensive gardening, urban agriculture, and a market for selling produce. The formal, spatial and material characteristics of individual buildings vary to suit their particular locations (climate, microclimate, local zoning, site constraints, building orientation, etc.). The building shown here is just one example for a particular site. The ultimate goal is to create a complete productive cycle, where food and other plant matter can be grown and consumed by residents or others, or sold in the market space provided, along with other community garden yields from the surrounding neighborhood. Compost from resident’s kitchens is used in a systematic way to provide nutrients for the gardens.

The building integrates many sustainable features including a gravity-based rainwater/greywater irrigation system, and takes advantage of natural heating, cooling and ventilation. The residential units feature operable windows on all four sides of every unit, geothermal radiant hydronic heating, and air and light flow through the body of the building is enabled through its porous organization. Passive solar principles are deployed throughout, supplemented by active solar through photovoltaic systems integrated with shading devices and cladding panels. A green roof and walls are primary features, and landscape and vegetal elements are essential components of the building fabric.

The building is bicycle and pedestrian friendly: lots of secure bike parking spaces are provided, and one can ride their bike up the inner “loop” to their apartment and/or to the roof garden/park.

The building integrates a variety of social spaces to encourage community building and invite the participation (casual or otherwise) of the general public. An inner courtyard “street” and promenade leads to a rooftop park and garden with a cafe. public programs, Other gathering spaces and play areas are provided throughout. Daycare and other possible programs providing social benefit are included.

The promotion of gardening cultures in Vancouver can provide a healthy food source, a means to reconnect to nature, and a way to build community and stimulate local economic activity and diversity. In this case the activity of gardening and resulting spatial and material effects mingle with public activities such as the market, garden and park spaces to create an intriguing urban mixture. This approach is seen as both a remedial device for the contemporary city and as a contribution to a body of organizing principles for a new ecological urbanism.

Infocompetition / Vancouver, 2009

DescriptionThis addition/renovation project transforms a modest two storey house in West Vancouver into an open, light-filled dwelling which captures a beautiful view offered through its position on a sloped site overlooking Burrard Inlet and the city of Vancouver to the south. The living and kitchen spaces on the house’s main floor are reorganized into an open plan arrangement with a fully glazed, south-facing window wall which opens onto a deck, overlooking a small garden and panoramic view. Organized along the view, the upper floor space provides several ways of modulating the connection between the house’s interior and the exterior deck space and views beyond through large glass doors and a unique exterior curtain system. The system allows for variations in privacy and control of shading in the summer and for the creation of a variety of interior/exterior zones of varying degrees of privacy. The curtain features solar cells that capture energy from the sun and use it to power hundreds of tiny LED lights which are woven into the curtain system’s fabric. At night, the lights activate and create softly glowing points of light which can be adjusted by the owners.

The openness and clear views to the exterior that characterize the upper floor are contrasted on the lower floor by more diffuse natural lighting (akin to the ‘forest floor’) and intimate connections to exterior landscaped garden spaces.

Infointeractive residence / west vancouver / 2009 – in construction

DescriptionThis building is part of a larger site which includes an old church which has been converted to a dwelling and gallery, and the associated garden and landscaping.

The accessory building acts as a backdrop and anchor to frame activity and events in the garden. The main role of the building is to capture exterior space and integrate with small interior. The building is divided into two zones; one for storing artwork and the other for relaxing, entertaining and to use as a small studio.

Building has been designed in such a way that it can be converted into a 1-bedroom dwelling.

InfoVancouver, 2009

DescriptionThis project renovates a long, narrow commercial space in Vancouver’s Gastown area into offices for two local internet companies, providing an open platform for both office’s young and dynamic work cultures. The space is organized into two zones, one for each company, with a central, shared, glass conference room and reception area which provides separation but preserves spatial continuity and access to views and light at each end of the space.

A stair at the north end leads to a small break room and deck above which gives an amazing view of Burrard Inlet, the port facilities and the North Shore beyond. Each space takes advantage of the top-floor location to maximize daylighting via skylights. Private offices flank open work areas which facilitate a fluid, collaborative working environment. Bnode designed furnishings for these areas that integrate power supply, screens, and lighting into a continuous, modular system which can be reorganized into different configurations, expanded, or minimized. The system features a powder-coated, folded metal spine from which adjustable light fixtures sprout, creating a warm glow.

Infooffices / Vancouver / 2007
with Keith Doyle and Marc Baumgartner