Growing up, I loved to build and play with LEGO. The process of flipping through the pages and seeing what I was creating alongside it always brought me joy - and it still does with the few sets that I might get here or there today. There’s something about the entirety of a project that brings about a sense of accomplishment, and while not all parts of the process are as enjoyable as others, the end result usually makes it all worthwhile. I’ve always been a rather simple person, preferring not to have things be too complicated. I believe life should be enjoyable, filled with things that are memorable, and able to show what makes a person who they are and how they try to bring about a better world or even just simply live the life they wish to have. As you flip through the pages in this portfolio, I hope you see what is important to me show through the designs and that perhaps it’ll bring a renewed sense of strength for what you believe in your life, family, and company. Best Regards, Alexander Nils Dahlberg
Alexander Nils Dahlberg Architectural Design (804) 296-5274 architecturedahlberg@gmail.com
Architecture as Craft
House & Carriage House Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, MI
A conceptual home, designed to fit within Heritage Hill, Grand Rapids, MI. First designed as only a timber-frame carriage house with a two-door garage and able to suit a couple. Following suit is a design for the main house on the same lot. The house has 1,800 square feet of heated area, two floors, and an unfinished basement. Included are a master bedroom, two bedrooms, two full baths, one half-bath, and a mudroom as special specifics.
Background Building
Mixed Use Apartment 145 Main St, Warsaw, VA 22572
Fastening Bolt Parapet
Metal Tie Water Barrier Angled Rigid Insulation TJI Joist and Fastening System Metal Flashing
Double Hung Window
Window Sill CMU Block Rigid Insulation Air Space Stone Band Brick Veneer
CMU Header Block
Concrete Slab on Gravel Drainage System under Gravel Undisturbed or Settled Dirt
A conceptual design for a mixed-use project in Warsaw, VA. The upper floor is home to two apartments while the bottom floor serves as a store of sorts. It was designed to fit into the surrounding context so as to not stand out - a background building.
Background Building
Youth Social & Study Centre 130 Main St, Warsaw, VA 22572
Bond Beam Shelf Angle Weep Hole Flashing
Concrete Slab Steel Beam
Brick Veneer Metal Ties
Air Space Rigid Insulation CMU
Floating Concrete Slab Gravel
A conceptual design for a project centered on what I thought was most vital to the surrounding area of Warsaw, VA. It serves as a place to encourage the local youth to socialize, learn, and grow, while also functioning as a worship centre for the community.
Gravel Earth Drainage Mat Drain Pipe Concrete Footing
An Introduction to Design
Environtmental Centre Andrews University, MI
A conceptual design for a multi-disciplinary environmental research centre that could be built on an unused plot of land behind Andrews University. The purpose was to study sustainable building, land development, and the American rural landscape. It’s important to think about the relationships between a building and the surrounding areas, and in this case, how it fits in with nature to better suit its purpose.
Outside Deck
Public vs. Private
Closet & Deck Access
Closet & Deck Access
Classroom Manager’s Office
Multi-purpose Room
Hierarchy
Men’s Room
Front Desk
Greenhouse
Closet
Women’s Room
Lobby
Conference Room
Vestibule
Axis
Placemaking
Trinity Lutheran Service & Sanctuary Centre 9123 George Ave, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
A conceptual design for a church meant to replace the current church building in Berrien Springs, MI. The design is more modern in style as a way to draw attention not only to the building but also to the materials that represent strength and the many windows that let in light, serving as a symbolic connection to God.
An Introduction to Design
Prayer Centre Andrews University, MI
A conceptual design for a freestanding, one-room building, within an outdoor room. Designed in the classical language with the surrounding area serving as a stage - an equally important part of the design factor. Ideally, this is to be a gift to God; beautiful and comforting.
Furthering Knowledge & Skills
Various Studies, Models & Art Room for Work & Fun
Alexander Nils Dahlberg Architectural Design (804) 296-5274 architecturedahlberg@gmail.com