In pursuit of a ‘holistic’ architecture.
A r c hit ec tu re g o e s b e y o n d me re fu n cti on, i ndul gent pl easure and avi d symbol i sm. We need an ar chit ec t ur e t h a t a c k n o w l e d g e s o u r c o n n e cti on to ai r, earth, w ater and l i fe, that hel ps us feel and under st and t his c onn e c ti o n ; a n a rc h i te c tu re th a t i s functi onal and sustai nabl e, as w el l as meani ngfu l and ar t f ul.
- Anne W. Spirn, Towards a Unified Vision.
Architecture by its elemental nature is the attempt to understand, define and express the human ‘living’ condition. However, much architecture confronts, dictates and confines life. At kuozuo , architectural intent is conceived through the principle of “life expressed in form”. kuozuo works one way: by articulating the inherent tranquility of life when the material is seamlessly synchronized with the spiritual. It is of striving for that persistant balance between man and nature, humanity and spirituality. This approach to architectural realization is intimately based on natural rhythms. Designs are strongly rooted in principles of sustainability and ecological stewardship. There is the recognition that architecture should be in conversation with all of life, expressing not only those conditions of its cultural and social environment, but also resonating with the rhythms of the natural world, adopting its patterns, textures and “spirit of place”, as stated by Christopher Day.
The creation of a ‘great space’, and hence great architecture, takes into consideration not only functionality, rhythm, light, sound, balance and texture – with careful attention to every corner and detail – but also the relationships between the environment (space and place), behaviour (humanity), and health (well-being). Our projects are rooted to varying degrees in the humdrum real world in which we live. The proposition is made that, contrary to feeling weighed down by this reality, we receive inspiration from those clients, sites and materials which become integral parts of the design process. The ideas developed in imaginary universes become more refined, and untimately more beautiful, as they are shaped to fit specific circumstances. We strive to provide design solutions which reawakens our humanistic dimensions: through a synthesis with the surrounding cultural and societal fabric, while being in perfect harmony with the local ecosystems. Ours is an architecture that reconnects you with the primeval forces of life – sun, wind, earth and water – regenerating within you a sense of physical and spiritual well-being. It is our goal at kuozuo to be deeply committed to cultivating an architecture that is respectful of nature, caring for health, and nurturing to the spirit – A HOLISTIC ARCHITECTURE!
1 .
4
Iru-PURE Retreats Inc.,
Bahamas (2013) A Holistic Eco-Retreat Centre. Crooked Island, The Bahamas. TM
Con 20
CUSTOM PRIVATE RESIDENCE (2010) Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
28
THE RED LOFTS (2007) London, Ontario,
Content
Canada.
38
BATH CREATIONS TRADE SHOW BOOTH (2006) Winner of 2nd Place, Large Booth Design, Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Trade Show, 2007. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
44
LUXURY PRIVATE RESIDENCE (2005) Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
48
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (2002) International Design Competition. Washington, D. C. U.S.A.
54
101 HOUSE PLANS (1998) House 100 Design Concept.
64
THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFE (1997) A Case Study of Settlement Patterns Gimli, Manitoba, Canada.
TENT 76
PAVILION IN A CITY PARK (1996) (S.A.M.O.) S t r a d d l i n g A M o u n d o f O f f a l Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
92 T H E
S M O K I N G H E L M E T ( 1 9 9 5 ) From Sweet’s Catalogue C r e a t i v e A r t W o r k .
3 .
CONTEXT
L U X U R Y
P R I V A T E
I r u --P PU UR REE Crooked
R e t r e a t s I n c .,
Island,
R E S I D E N C E TM
The
Bahamas
Bahamas.
“we must never lose our sense of awe at the magnificence of this planet.� - Anonymous.
5 .
“Iru-PURE, BAHAMAS ... IS A UNIQUE HOLISTIC RETREAT CENTRE, WHERE THE EMP IT IS FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLILITY AND HOLISTIC LIVING,
PHASIS IS ON HEALING, REHABILITATION AND RENEWAL. AND FEATURES THE COMPLETELY NEW CONCEPT OF ‘RAW LUXURY’... 7 .
Existing Site
Site Plan
9 .
Iru-PURE, BAHAMAS is ...
Insisting on the rights of Humanity and Nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition.
Sited at the interface of cultivated, urban dwelling, and the eternal life-giving force of Nature.
Recognition of Interdependence - that Human designs inter act with and depends upon the natural world.
Links long-term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility, natural processes and human activity.
A place of peace, seclusion, solitude and tranquility..., that is remote, private, secluded and protected.
A journey to relinquish the usual, mental habits and normal processes, to find inner peace, harmony and physical renewal.
Eliminating the concept of waste - by approaching the state of natural systems, where there is no waste.
1 - Bedroom Villa
1 1 .
2 - Bedroom Villa
2nd Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
1 3 .
2nd Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
1 5 .
3 - Bedroom Villa
2nd Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
1 7 .
2nd Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
1 9 .
RE-NEW
L U X U R Y
C U S T O M
P R I V A T E P R I V A T E
Toronto,
Ontario,
R E S I D E N C E
R E S I D E N C E
Canada.
2 1 .
219 HOLLYWOOD AVE. PROJECT
KUOZUO
DESIGN
MIZRAHI DESIGN + BUILD
CLIENT
TORONTO, CANADA LOCATION
4,573 sf GFA
JUNE, 2011
COMPLETION
OLD
PROJECT DESCRIPTION This project seeks to address the situation that is occuring throughout the metropolitan Toronto area, that being the re-gentrification of previously derelict neighbourhoods. Toronto, as a city, is now in tremendous flux, as investors and immigrants worldwide are flocking to Canadian cities, where Canada is seen as a safe place for investors, with a somewhat stable economy. As a result, entire neighbourhoods are experiencing incredible shifts in their demographical, cultural and physical characteristics. No where is this more evident than in the residential real estate sector. Within the Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. area - known as the C14 neighbourhood - one such major shift is occuring. Traditionally dominated by the WASP demographic, the change has now been (and is continuing) towards a more Asian demographic. Older homes are continually being demolished, to be replaced in their place by ‘Mini Mansions’. Developers and builders are scrambling to keep up with this demand. Therefore, architects should study and understand these societal changes, in order that they may insert themselves into the process, and be a part of offering positive solutions - where traditionally they have been excluded from the residential real estate developement process.
2 3 . NEW
Site Plan
2nd Floor Plan
1st Floor Plan
2 5 . Basement Floor Plan
2 7 .
TEXTURE
“The business of architecture is to establish emotional relationships by means of raw materials.� - Le Corbusier : Towards a New Architecture, 1927.
2 9 .
This project speaks definitively to the issue of “environmentalism, and sustainable development”. By converting an existing building, we’re in fact reducing the demand on the planet for new materials, so we’re reducing our “carbon footprint”. This can assist Canada in meeting it’s Kyoto accord obligations, and become a part of the larger and growing awareness worldwide that we need to do more to maintain and protect the planet. The project involved the renovation of an existing 4-storey brick building (approx. 80+ yrs. old), into luxury residential condominium units in the upper 3 floors (with 4 additional floors of residential condos added). The main floor remains as commercial retail space, for a total GFA of approx. 13,000 sf. In order to accommodate 2 sizeable units per floor, the building footprint was increased by 16 ft. to the rear, which allowed for a secondary set of fire exit stairs, as well as creating a new rear lobby and Barrier-free access to the elevator. The design featured the concept of “healthy suites”, emphasizing the use of principally natural materials and finishes. As such, the brick partii walls are exposed and sealed to a glossy finish, allowing their inherent natural beauty to become a principal design aesthetic. Bamboo flooring is utilized throughout, in combination with granite foyers and counters, stone-tiled baths and glass tiled showers. In addition, each suite features a very unique, curved wood-paneled wall, behind which most service and utility spaces are organized.
PHASE 1 UNIT 2
TYPICAL PLAN
UNIT 1
unit 2 - 1,085 sf + 80 sf balcony unit 1 - 1,112 sf utility areas common hallways / areas fire exit stairs commercial area barrier-free ramp storage lockers
3 1 .
3 3 .
3 5 .
3 7 .
RHYTHM
T TR R AA DD EE
SS H H O O W W
BB OO OO T TH H
WINNER OF THE SECOND PLACE PRIZE FOR BEST LARGE BOOTH DESIGN - 800+ SF. CANADIAN GIFT & TABLEWARE ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW (SPRING 2007).
3 9 .
The re-design and execution of the 1,200 sf Tradeshow Booth for Bath Creations, the owner of Bath Décor & Things. The design brief required that the design be flexible and efficient enough to be moved between various tradeshows – from Toronto, to Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver – as well as varying booth sizes (from a booth in a mall, to a 600 sf booth and up to the 1,200 sf booth in Toronto). The design solution engendered the concept of partially circular display ‘pods’,
Axonometric showing ‘catwalk’ truss & graphic panel.
Exploded axonometric - circulation & ‘catwalk’ truss plans.
Axonometric showing ‘catwalk’ truss & graphic panel.
BATH CREATIONS TRADE SHOW BOOTH
composed of portions of a circle (approx. 143 degrees between ends). Each ‘pod’ is conceived of an upper & lower solid entity, separated by an open ‘void’! Each ‘pod’ can display different products, and can stand alone as a single ‘pod’ (for a small installation) or be combined together to create a larger installation of groups of ‘pods’. The design engendered the use of primarily ‘natural’ materials – in combination with earth inspired ‘natural’ colours – to create that sense of warmth, familiarity and comfort.
Booth showing long ‘catwalk’ entrance.
Corner showing typical display pod.
Exploded axonometric - floor finish & layout plans.
WINNER OF THE SECOND PLACE PRIZE FOR BEST LARGE BOOTH DESIGN - 800+ SF. CANADIAN GIFT & TABLEWARE ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW (SPRING 2007).
BATH CREATIONS TRADE SHOW BOOTH
4 1 .
Display pod upper panel.
Frosted glass shelf detail.
Typical display pod.
Display Pod - plan, elevations & section.
BATH CREATIONS TRADE SHOW BOOTH
Lounge with bar counter & graphic display. Detail of central graphic display.
Rear wall of central graphic display.
Central Graphic Display - plan, front & side elevations.
BATH CREATIONS TRADE SHOW BOOTH
4 3 .
BALANCE
L U X U R Y
L U X U R Y
P R I V A T E P R I V A T E
R E S I D E N C E
R E S I D E N C E
“architecture I know to to be a Great Spirit ... is that great living spirit.� - Fronk Lloyd Wright : Writings and Buildings.
4 5 .
“ the dwelling forms the background to everyday life. the home is the most ‘public’ expression of who we are as individuals. housing - houses collectively - is the most material expression of who we are as a society. “ - Rafael Gomez-Moriana , 1999..
“ the most canadian word I know is subdivision - Will Ferguson, Why I Hate Canadians
L U X U R Y
P R I V A T E
K i n g s t o n ,
R E S I D E N C E
O n t a r i o ,
C a n a d a
PLANT A TREE He who plants a tree Plants a hope. Rootlets up through fibres blindly grope; Leaves unfold into horizons free. So man’s life must climb From the clogs of time Unto heavens sublime. Canst thou prophesy, thou little tree, What the glory of thy boughs shall be? He who plants a tree Plants a joy; Plants a comfort that will never cloy; Every day a fresh reality, Beautiful and strong, To whose shelter throng Creatures blithe with song. If thou couldst but know, thou happy tree, Of the bliss that shall inhabit thee! He who plants a tree, He plants peace. Under its green curtain jargons cease. Leaf and zephyr murmur soothingly; Shadows soft with sleep Down tired eyelids creep, Balm of slumber deep. Never hast thou dreamed, thou blessed tree, Of the benediction thou shalt be. He who plants a tree, He plants youth. Vigor won for centuries in sooth; Life of times, that hint eternity! Boughs their strength uprear; New shoots, every year, On old growth appear; Thou shalt teach the ages, sturdy tree, Youth of soul is immortality. He who plants a tree, He plants love, Tents of coolness spreading out above Wayfarers he may not live to see. Gifts that grow are best; Hands that bless are blest; Plant! Life does the rest! Heaven and earth help him who plants a tree, And hie works its rewards shall be. - Lucy Larcon, (Born March 5, 1824 (?); Died April 17, 1893).
4 7 .
HARMONY
D r .
M a r t i n
L u t h e r
K i n g ,
J r .
M e m o r i a l
International Design Competition Entry - Washington, D. C.
4 9 .
Introduction – The Design The designated site is in kite formation, Lincoln to Jefferson to the Capitol to the White House. There are direct axes of connection between Lincoln and Washington and Lincoln and Jefferson. There is an indirect axis of connection between Roosevelt and Washington. The MLK Jr. Memorial will mirror this kite formation and will intersect the axes of connection between Lincoln and Jefferson and Roosevelt and Washington. Similarly, the MLK Jr. Memorial will reinforce by virtue of its design the importance of this line of connection between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, by siting its central axis precisely on this line of connection. As such, the MLK Jr. Memorial will reveal and symbolically establish its processional path – The Movement – along this ‘processional path of leadership’ from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgement. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
D r .
M a r t i n
L u t h e r
The Washington D. C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation, Inc.
K i n g ,
J r .
M e m o r i a l
Licence granted by the Intellectual Properties Management, Inc. as Manager of the Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Marble statue of Dr. MLK Jr. with relief carvings on retaining wall behind.
the man the movement the message
International Design Competition Entry - Washington, D. C. A P r o j e c t o f A l p h a P h i F r a t e r n i t y, I n c . a u t h o r i z e d b y t h e U n i t e r S t a t e s C o n g r e s s , P u b l i c L a w 1 0 4 - 3 3 3 ; a l s o k n o w n a s t h e “ M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g J r. N a t i o n a l M e m o r i a l P r o j e c t . �
5 1 .
The Movement
Most monuments are passive and static. The MLK Jr. Memorial will be active and interactive. There will be a direct path leading from the statue to the pinnacle, from The Man to The Message. This “path of participation” is a critical feature of the site. It will be a mental, physical, and emotional experience, something life transforming. This path will be bordered by walls. These glass walls with the Tidal basin washing over them, will visually disappear behind the screen of water flowing down and are a direct reference to the biblical epic of the Red Sea passage. “All our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2). The “walls of remembrance” embraces our descent and pilgrimage back through time to meet The Man on the plaza, who awaits us to journey with him to our future. These walls will chronicle the incredible pilgrimage of black people. Here the visitor will experience how challenges have been surmounted, how obstacles have been overcome, how problems have become promises and how barriers have become blessings. We will chronicle the names of black luminaries from the fields of education, ministry, civil rights, sports, science and medicine, and the arts and entertainment. Politics and Civil Rights: Rosa Parks, Ralph Abernathy, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, … Military: Colin Powell, … Education: William DuBois, Benjamin Mays, Frank Hale, … Ministry: Rev Joseph Roberts, Charles Adams, Earl Cleveland, Jeremiah Wright, Gardner Taylor, William Augustus Jones, Renita Weems, …Sports: Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Mohammed Ali, George Foreman, Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, Michael Johnson, Tiger Woods, … Science and Medicine: Ron McNair, Benjamin Carson, … Arts and Entertainment: Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby, Sydney Poitier, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Jessye Norman, Oprah Winfrey, Denzil Washington, …
Design Solution
Movement reflects the fullest spirit of Dr. King’s journey. His achievements, words, and instances of his life, are used as images on all surrounding walls, and will be timeless beacons for human justice and dignity, bringing those unforgettable memories of YESTERDAY into TODAY, and to fuse them into NOW. The rhythm of movements, of descents, of ascents, of curves and steps leading us to the focal point of the memorial, embodies the history of The Movement. The colors of the pathway seek to express Dr. King’s message of the collective community of man, and the unity of all humanity. Brown represents our common roots and connection to the soil, whereas gray result from the equal participation of Black and White!
Garden
From the beginning of time the garden has always symbolized life and freedom, joy and beauty. Such is the case with the MLK Jr. gardens. The gentle garden slopes provide a natural focus towards the plaza, in the manner of a Roman amphitheatre. The garden then represents a place where people gather for reflection and response, dialogue and debate, fellowship and fraternity. The garden becomes a place which liberates the human spirit. The intellectual capacities are challenged to soar still higher. The moral faculties are invited... The garden with its natural entities balances and provides a glorious dialogue with the other structural elements of the memorial, reminding us of the ultimate designer, our Creator. The garden becomes a place of inspiration.
D r .
M a r t i n
L u t h e r
The Washington D. C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation, Inc.
K i n g ,
J r .
M e m o r i a l
Licence granted by the Intellectual Properties Management, Inc. as Manager of the Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr .
SECTION
The Message
The “path of participation” journeys through a tunnel. This tunnel of darkness will portray the inhumanity of slavery, the degradation of segregation and the dehumanization of discrimination. Through the tunnel one will hear the sound of water, reminiscent of the African waters that separated loved ones, reminiscent of police hose pipes which rained mercilessly on the victims and left dry the perpetrator, reminiscent of the words of the prophet who said, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee” (Isaiah 43:2). Above will be the bridge of hope from where one can look back to the statue and forward to the pinnacle. A single message will be read there: I have a dream. “I have a dream that one day little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.”
Design Solution
The Message is embodied in a glass sculpture at least 20 feet high. Its architectonic expression is an inverted triangular pyramid, consisting of three columns existing individually but also collectively acting in unison with the Holy Trinity. Each column is built up of clear glass pipes fused together, and shaped dramatically at the top to create a multi-faceted surface reflecting light. This sculpture will be animated by water and air flowing through the center of each column, creating an awe-inspiring play of light, sound, and movement. In the daytime it is a structure that invites and celebrates light. Through the interconnectedness of tubes working together as a prism, the glory of the full spectrum of natural light is revealed in all its resplendent colors. At night, this glorious celebration of light will be achieved through the use of light projectors installed in the base of the pinnacle, beaming through the glass tubes towards the Heavens, and harmonizing with the rhythms of nature and the larger constellations of the cosmos. Such a kaleidoscope of colors will act as a giant light beacon of hope, guiding all men from the shores of darkness to Dr. King’s message of “I have a Dream”.
“Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of our Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind’s quest for peace and security.” - Dr, Martin Luther King Jr.
the man the movement the message
International Design Competition Entry - Washington, D. C. A P r o j e c t o f A l p h a P h i F r a t e r n i t y, I n c . a u t h o r i z e d b y t h e U n i t e r S t a t e s C o n g r e s s , P u b l i c L a w 1 0 4 - 3 3 3 ; a l s o k n o w n a s t h e “ M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g J r. N a t i o n a l M e m o r i a l P r o j e c t . ”
5 3 .
CO-EXISTENCE
1 0 1
H O U S E
P L A N S
an examination of the nature of the suburban detached house
5 5 .
101 HOUSE PLANS
HOUSE 100
5 7 .
Site Plan
Southwest bird’s eye perspective.
Roof plan.
HOUSE 100 Th i s h o use d e si gn is an attempt to devel o p a ful l y sust a i n a b l e h om e , b a se d o n eco l o gi cal p r i n c i p l e s. H e n c e , t h e d e s ig n respo nds to en v i r on m e n t a l f a c t or s - suc h a s sunl i gh t, prec i p i t a t i on , w i n d p a t t e r n s a n d regi o nal w eathe r c on d i t i on s ( t o n a m e a f e w) w h i ch al l hel p i n e st a b l i sh i n g t h e c h a r a c t e r o f th e h o me. Th i s d e si g n i s b a se d on t h e con c e p t of a tree; i n pa r t i c ul a r , t h e El m t r e e , a sp e c ie s co mmo n to the Ma n i t ob a r e g i on ; a n d i t s sp at ia l, structural an d f un c t i on a l or ga n i za t i on r e sp o n ds very cl o sel y to t h e or ga n i za t i on a n d f unc t io n o f a tree and i t s v a r i ous p a r t s a n d e l e me n t s . Th e ho use desi g n i s or g a n i ze d w i t h t h e c e n tral , (mai n ) c i r c ul a r sp a c e - c on t a i n i n g t h e mai n en tranc e s, l i v i n g r oom , m a i n c i r c u la ti o n (al o ng l e v e l s a n d b e t w e e n l e v e l s) , a n d th e co ncrete st or a ge t a n k - r e p r e se n t a t iv e o f the tree t r un k . T h e r e c t i l i n e a r sp a c e s acco mmo dati n g a l l ot h e r f un c t i on s ( suc h a s bedro o ms, ki tc h e n , d i n i n g r oom , of f i c e , e t c . ) - are represe n t a t i v e of t h e b r a n c h e s o f a tree, and as suc h , w i n d s a r oun d a n d up t h e mai n ‘trunk’. A l l ot h e r e l e m e n t s - suc h as t h e windows, greenhouse, etc. - becomes metaphors o f a tree’s l eav e s, b l ossom s, f l ow e r s a n d f r u it . En demi c w i th i n t h e d e si gn of t h i s h ouse a r e th e vari o us syst e m s w h i c h t oge t h e r r e nde r s th e h o me ful ly se l f -sust a i n i n g . T h e se i n c lu de : a) th e w ate r st or a g e t a n k - c ol l e c ts a ll w ater runo ff fr om t h e r oof , t h e n f i l t e r s i t , s t o r e s i t and pro vi de s f or n or m a l usa ge w i t h i n t h e h o me; as a se c on d a r y b e n e f i t , t h e c on c r e t e tank, to geth er w i t h i t s t h e r m a l m a ss a n d t h e
in h e r e n t ly h ig h h e a t s t o r a g e c a p a c it y o f wa t e r , s e r v e s a s a n in t e r io r t e mp e r a t u re r e g u la t o r . b) t h e g la s s r o o f - t h e t r a n s pa r e n c y o f t he glass r o o f o v e r t h e c e n t r a l s p a c e , pe r mit s t h e core of t h e h o u s e t o b e f lo o de d wit h n a t u r a l d aylight -, in g ,imiz mininimiz ineg nte he dnfeoer da rftoifricaia r tliflig ic ia As min g th h tl . light. A s well, c ywsa llo t h le sr mal twe h isll,t rtahniss pt raarn esnpa c yr eanllo f o rwst hfeorrma o lar solar gain g a rin dutrhineg win t h et ewin t e rnmo s . S imila didu in g r mo t h s .n tShimila r ly , tr ly, h is this direct o b wat e t er r st storage sr e oc lat r s ogla aring aain ls oa lsbe ne n f itesf it ts hteh e wa orage p r o v idin g a n a t u r a l s o u r c e f o r heat heating t a n k, in pr ing t h e wa t e r - wh ic h in t h e s u mme r mo nths can m e during r e mo v e a n d s t o r e t h e h e a t f r o m t h e h o me da y lig h t h o u r s , wh ile r e le a s in g t h is s t o rred ed heat ba b a c k in t o t h e h o me du r in g t h e n ig h t . T h is process a ls o wo r ks c o n v e r s e ly du r in g t h e win t e r months. c ) t h e a ll s e a s o n g r e e n h o u s e - t h e y e ar- round an g r e e n h o u s e , wh whicichh f afcaecse s o ustohu, t hpr , o vides p rovides ou o rt af o ll r caollmp t in g s tma r ia ls and proa n t le o tu tfle co osmpo in gt ema t e, r ials, and v ide a sy a e ayre - raoru- rnodu nf o o usrocuer.c Teh. eT he p lants in p r o vside dofdo os d plants t h e t hger e egnr e he on uh s eo uas e ls o aalscot s aacst sa af ilt natuin s ear to f ilt er to r aally c le n let h ( a ll (all st ale air n tura llya c ae n tahire oaf ir t hoef thhoeme h o me st ale is ir f is ilt e r eedr e tdh rtohur oguhg ht hteh egg r er e ee nn hh oo uu se , , and t he a f ilt se and the ba f r e s h a ir r e - c ir c u la t e d b a c k in t o t h e home). p a n e ls - t h e s o la r h o t water wat er and d) t h e s o la r pa r mst h et hreo o fr oooff t hoef gtrheee nhouse, greenP V C ppa a nneelsls f ofroms h o u s e , pr o v idin g a ll e le c t r ic a l, h o t water and r a dia n t h e a t in g - t h r o u g h h e a t e d f lo o r s - for t he h o me . T h e u n iqu e s h a p e o f t h is r o o f f e at ures a dy n a mic c u r v e d pr o f ile - imme dia t e ly creating a u n iq u e ima g e f o r t h e h o me - a n d a llows for o p t imu m e x p o s u r e o f t h e p a n e ls t o t he sun’s r a y s a s it c h a n g e s a n g le s f r o m s u mme r t o winter.
5 9 .
Exploded bird’s eye showing building footprint (east view).
Exploded bird’s eye showing building footprint (west view).
Rear (east) bird’s eye perspective.
Front (west) bird’s eye perspective.
Front (west) bird’s eye perspective.
Front (west) bird’s eye perspective.
EAST
Front (west) elevation.
WEST
6 1 .
Detail showing greenhouse with solar roof profile.
Detail showing concrete water tank, stair and entry vestibule.
Northwest bird’s eye perspective.
Detail showing window profiles.
6 3 .
SPIRIT OF PLACE
T H E
L I G H T H O U S E
C A F E
“Holistic architecture is more than simply the designing of buildings. It is fundamentally a way of seeing the world, and our place within it. It is about values of tolerance and adaptability; it’s the recognition that differences, variety and inter-connectiveness are vitally necessary conditions and processes for the continuation and preservation of all life.� - Kelvin Kellman, 1999.
6 5 .
MONOFILAMENT LINE This is an examination of settlement patterns along the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. It will involve conjecture on the themes of pattern and order, landscape and landuse, vernacular architecture, life-cycles and transplanted culture within a hybrid agrarian / maritime setting.
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THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFE. The focus of this cafe project is an exploration of the importance of character in conjunction with a functional plan, with an emphasis on context and the capturing of “spirit-of-place”. At the Lighthouse Cafe, patrons will be able to experience the peace and quiet of this mostly private residential area of Gimli. Located strategically on the beach at the southern-most boundary of the town line, the cafe becomes either a beacon guiding visitors into the town, a stop-over on a leisure walk along this quiet stretch of beach, or a destination point in itself for those wanting to escape the bustle of the town core. The cafe is organized into three linear zones - in keeping with the theme of monofilament line - reinforcing and representing the strong linear character of the site. These lines are: the road, the dyke and the storm ditch, and within the cafe respectively becomes the service area (kitchen, storage, washrooms), the transitional area (entrances, bar / counter), and the main dining area. Each of these three zones seeks to capture metaphorically the functional aspect of the three physical features. Each zone then is distinguished in form and materiality, moving from the solid structure of the service zone to the fluidly liquid shape of the glass encased dining area, which is cantilevered over and engages the drainage ditch. In essence, the cafe is designed where from a site plan perspective, the strong linear nature of the site should flow unbroken through the form of the cafe, to the beach and lake. The cafe is not a traditional “lighthouse” in the sense of the word, but in its celebration of the virtues of natural light. The main dining area faces directly south, where it can benefit most from natural sunlight, while the walls of the transitional zone can be pivoted open in the summer to allow the wind and sounds of the waves to flow through the cafe. These spaces flow naturally out to the adjoining outdoor patios, where one can enjoy the many aspects of the environment (lake, ditch, forest). The roofline of the entire building reflects the roofline of the quonset form, the storage shed typical to the region. The unassumming and unpretentious character of the “Lighthouse Cafe” is an attempt to respect and reinforce the quiet and peaceful nature of this private area of the town of Gimli, Manitoba.
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RE-CONNECTION
T H E
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P A V I L I O N
Straddling A Mound of Offal
“Mankind as a species evolved within nature, among the plants and animals, as a vital link in the chain of life. Our holistic selves resonates with the same frequencies found in the natural world; which accounts for feelings of relaxation and the experience of a certain calming of the spirit when we are in direct contact with a natural setting.� - Kelvin Kellman, 1999.
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RE-USE
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S M O K I N G
H E L M E T
00200 General Sweet’s Warning: Smoking May Cause Fatal Lung Disease.
“5. Create Safe Objects of Long-Term Value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products, processes or standards.” - William McDonough Architects, The Hanover Principles: Design for Sustainability, 1992.
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SWEETS CATALOGUE “ SMOKING HELMET “ - compiled from components of 05720 , 08720 , 11110
00100 SWEET’S GENERAL WARNING:
Quiting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your life.
00300 GENERAL SWEET’S WARNING:
Enough already! Reduce the conflict, stop the hatred, live and let live!
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1900 lakeshore blvd. west suite 1006 toronto, ontario m6s 1a4 t/f: 289.814.0451 e: kelvin@kuozuo.ca www.kuozuo.ca