Showcasing BC & Alberta’s architects and interior designers
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FALL 2009 Vol. 10 No. 2
Holt Renfrew CalGARY
Peter Burgener, BKDI | Kitchen & Bath | Furniture | Flooring
kitchen & bath :::::::
contents
FALL 2009 Vol. 10 No. 2 www.designquarterly.ca PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Designers Shannon Swanson Cory Dawson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Inez Braz, Karen Deel Stuart Lyons, Carol Jones Jason Kuss, Cheryl Oud Peter Schor, Florence Thompson Alykhan Velji B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.739.2115 ext. 223
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06 Designer Profile
Determination, entrepreneurial drive and a strong dedication to the community – these are all traits that characterize architect Peter Burgener’s life and career.
10 project Profile
Holt Renfrew’s stunning new Calgary flagship store is bringing luxury shopping to a whole new level for the city.
Features 14 Kitchen & Bath
Bathtub Innovations Trendsetting Kitchen Design Faucetry: Today’s Bathroom Jewelry
24 Flooring
Versatile and sustainable Green Innovation in Flooring Hot 2010 Flooring Trends
32 Furniture
Office Furniture Evolution Judson Beaumont, Straight Line Designs
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departments 04 From the Editor For the Love of Shoes 35 IDA Fireplace or Feature? 36 Architects in BC Solar Shading 38 Design Headlines
April 21 & 22, 2010
March 23 & 24, 2010
November 3 & 4, 2009
ON THE COVER: Holt Renfrew’s women’s footwear in its new Calgary flagship store.
The purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY 3
::::::: from the editor :::::::
for the love of shoes
I
love shopping for shoes. And I especially love a shoe sale. It’s no secret that many women have a special affinity for shoes, and lots of them. So imagine my delight when I came across the photo gracing our cover for this issue. The phenomenal space designed for Holt Renfrew’s women’s shoes department (38 designer brands in 5,400 square feet!) is nothing short of breathtaking. Opened this October, Holt Renfrew’s Calgary flagship store takes luxury shopping to a whole new level for the city. The open concept, vaulted ceilings and light filled interior is an innovative design that successfully reflects the store’s international luxury brand identity. The project is one of many representing a revitalization of the city’s downtown core. Architect Peter Burgener, our profile, has certainly done his part in reshaping Calgary. Many of the city’s prominent downtown highrise condos are the works of his firm BKDI Architects. His firm’s most recent accomplishment is being selected to design the new $100 million Cantos National Music Centre.
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Also in this issue is our popular kitchen and bath focus which brings you insights to all the wonderful things happening in bathtub innovations, faucets, kitchen cabinets and accessories. Read about it all starting on page 14. A good flooring option for the kitchen and bath is laminate. It’s is one of the most versatile and durable floor coverings available today, ideally suited for clients who want the natural flooring look without the expense. Our flooring feature showcases what’s new with laminates plus environmentally responsible flooring choices and top flooring trends for 2010. In our furniture feature, read about creative furniture designer Judson Beaumont’s thoughts on children’s furniture design. We also take a look at the history of furniture.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor
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kitchen & profile bath ::::::: ::::::: designer
a cowboy architect By Cheryl Mah
Arriva Condo
I
f Peter Burgener wasn’t a successful architect, he probably would be a cowboy. Or a sailor. Or a polo player. More than 30 years of hard work in the design profession has afforded the 59-year-old Calgary architect the time and opportunity to enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle. “I love horses, I love team cattle penning and polo is even better,” laughs Burgener from his Calgary office. “I’ve been fortunate to have built up an amazing team over 30 years that can carry out the day to day which gives me more free time. I’m at an age where I want to enjoy life and not just be working 20 hours a day.” Architecture, in fact, wasn’t the first career choice for the Toronto born Burgener. He initially studied philosophy and English at the University of Toronto before taking a year off to hitchhike around Europe. During that trip, he realized architecture was the path for him. “The reason I decided to go into architecture was 100 per cent related to the educational component of it,” recalls Burgener. 6
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
“Architecture is the broadest field of study because it involves philosophy, English, communication, physics, engineering, photography. It’s an incredibly broad subject.” Out of the 60 students accepted into the School of Architecture in 1970, he was one of only eight who graduated with his Bachelor of Architecture five years later. With a father and two brothers who are all scientists, Burgener jokes he’s the “black sheep” of the family, “I’m the artsy guy.” His first commission was a 10 storey senior citizen apartment building in North Battleford, Saskatoon. He worked there for 10 months — “a great learning experience” — before moving to Calgary in 1976. After working for two firms, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own practice Peter Burgener Architect at the age of 28. He had already operated his own businesses in highschool and university.
::::::: designer profile ::::::: Since then, the firm has grown and excelled, helping to shape and change the face of Calgary. His firm now called BKDI Architects is one of the leading architectural firms in Western Canada. “I love the diversity of it. I love the impact it has on people’s lives and the opportunity to really do something meaningful,” says Burgener about architecture. Today the firm is a team of more than 50 architects, interior designers, technologists, and administrative staff. Having senior personnel who have been with the firm for more than 20 years coupled with a younger generation of architects enables them to offer a wide range of experience and skills. “Unfortunately the economy has definitely had an impact on our office,” says Burgener, noting the firm was reduced by more than 40 people early this year. The firm’s six partners have their own particular area of focus in the practice (eg interior design) as well as carrying responsibilities for individual projects. As the senior partner, Burgener is extensively involved in project development and the overall management of the firm. “I’m very involved at the front end of projects — setting the direction, the design and planning of it, the city approval process and programming,” he says. “Once it goes into working drawings, my role is one of management. I don’t work on every single project.” The firm’s projects range from office, retail to hotels and high rise condos. Current projects include: Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, Central Green in Kelowna, City Centre, Le Germain and interior work for IHS Energy.
Heritage Park
Projects are primarily located in Calgary with about 30 per cent in B.C. and 20 per cent across Canada and international. BKDI has been involved with the Grand Okanagan Resort Hotel since 1989 along with many other projects in the Kelowna area. “Many years ago, we had an office in Vancouver and in Toronto,” says Burgener. “We’ve almost worked in every province in Canada and did a couple of hotels in the States.” An early key project that put the firm at the forefront was the Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre. When completed in 1985, it was the first retail building in Canada to have a metal roof. “It was the first retail project I had worked on,” recalls Burgener. “It totally changed the face of retail design in Canada. Glenmore Landing was a very seminal project for the firm.” Other significant projects include the award winning Destination Africa, the largest facility ever built at the Calgary Zoo which features North America’s first indoor hippo pool with underwater viewing; and Arriva, a groundbreaking mixed use development comprised of three high rise residential towers (the highest in the city) in Victoria Park. “I was very involved with the design of the Arriva towers which I happen to live in as well,” says Burgener. “We’ve done a lot of the high rise condo towers in the city — Princeton Hall, Union Square and Montana.” Being selected to design the new $100 million Cantos National Music Centre is the firm’s latest accomplishment. In collaboration with Allied Work Architecture in Portland, BKDI will design the music centre at the King Eddy site in Calgary’s East Village. The project is an opportunity to create a new kind of institution; the first of
Lois Hole Librar y Alzheimer Centre
ey e All n i l o Gas rk ge Pa a t i r He
Ker n i Resi ck denc e
Barr Ryder
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Tomas O’Scolai
Alpine Design
Alberta Wood WORKS! would like to pay tribute to the 2009 wood advocates for their support and use of wood products in these award winning designs!
Recognizing excellence in Wood Architecture
www.woodworks.org/alberta 780-489-5900 Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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its kind in Canada. The team’s innovative concept was selected after an eight month global design search and competition. “We’re absolutely delighted. It’s a great project,” says Burgener. Collaboration and excellent project delivery have been hallmarks of the firm’s success. Meeting the client’s objectives and the needs of end users are fundamentally important, he notes. BKDI’s commitment to environmental stewardship has also been longstanding. Within the next year every single person in the firm including Burgener will be LEED accredited. The firm’s first LEED building was Home Depot in Calgary. “It was a struggle to get Home Depot to do it. I pushed it. It was the right thing to do,” recalls Burgener. “We’ve been early proponents of it [sustainability]. I believe that was the third LEED building in Alberta.” While Burgener believes sustainable design is valuable, he is wary of how it’s become a “buzz word.” “Sustainable design in reality has been around forever,” he says. “The difference now is it’s become branded and quantified and an industry.” Burgener has worked on many diverse projects over the years, but one he’s always wanted to design is a monastery. “A monastery to me represents a microcosm of the city. It’s a whole society, complete and of itself with private and public spaces,” says Burgener, who enjoys working with cities and the myriad of interrelated urban design issues. His expertise in urban design, planning and architecture is well recognized and sought after. Most recently he was appointed to the National Capital Commission board of directors. He has served as a member of the Calgary Planning Commission and the development 8
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
Top: Cantos National Music Centre; Left: Destination Africa; Right: Glenmore Landing
Appeal Board. He is a past president of the Alberta Association of Architects and is a fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Burgener has also been actively involved in the community, having served as a governor of the University of Toronto, senator of the University of Calgary, vice-chair of the Calgary District Hospital board and as president of various community associations. “I do believe working and participating in the community is fundamental,” says Burgener. “Because I’ve been very fortunate in my life — wonderful family and lots of opportunities.” Indeed, the father of four enjoys a very rich life outside of work. In addition to his interests in horses and sailing (his new 47 foot sailboat arrived from Germany in September), he can be found riding one of his three motorcycles or capturing images of life on film and canvas. “I recently bought a grand piano because I want to learn how to play piano,” states Burgener, who has played guitar since his youth. His son Matt Masters is a country singer, who recently won a Mayor’s Award for Business and Art. “I’m very proud. I have terrific kids,” says Burgener, who is engaged and a “happy guy:” After 33 years of marriage, Burgener says he’s very lucky to find someone new to share his life with. He met his finance Shannon on a polo field in California three years ago. Although he has more time to do personal things, Burgener has no plans to retire anytime soon. “At the young age of 59, I’ll be around for another 20 years or so,” he says. “I love what I do. I like the environment and the opportunity to make things happen. I plan to be here for a long while.” DQ
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world class retail Holt Renfrew’s new Calgary flagship store offers stunning architecture and sleek interior design. By Cheryl Mah
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W
ith exclusive brand names and in-store boutiques such as Hermes, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton, Holt Renfrew’s new Calgary flagship store is redefining luxury shopping in the city. Opened in October, the new 151,000 square foot store is a showcase of precise details and sumptuous materials: fine wood veneers, leathers, marbles, lacquers and glass. A perfect setting for the many high end designer labels the store carries. Designed by renown New York firm Janson Goldstein, a dramatic 40’ tall façade of marble, glass and steel marks the grand entrance to Holt Renfrew at The Core shopping centre downtown. Holt Renfrew is a part of the massive multi-million dollar redevelopment of The Core (Calgary Eaton Centre-TD Square). The store anchors the mall which sits in the heart of the city’s commercial core between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue S.W. (Stephen Avenue) and between 2nd Street and 4th Street S.W. In creating the look and feel of the new store, Janson Goldstein principal Mark Janson says the design is meant to be on par or beyond any retail being designed in the world. “It’s a dramatic and sculptural space. I think the people in Calgary will be really pleasantly surprised and amazed by the interior of the store. It’s like nothing that’s been in Calgary before,” he says. The new $45 million store, re-located to the space previously occupied by Sears, more than triples its previous size spread over three floors. “It’s a major square footage increase from their existing store,” says Janson. “And it’s in a much larger building and the complicated thing was each floor plate was a different shape with different areas overlapping.” The atrium is a key design element and not just for the architecture but also wayfinding, says Janson, explaining the atrium acts as the “critical vertical connection” for the overlapping spaces and multiple mall entry ways. “Just like we did in Vancouver because we had so many entry points, we had to make a simple intuitive path through the store to make the shopping experience easy and enjoyable,” he says. After the success of Holt Renfrew’s new Vancouver store which opened in 2007, Janson Goldstein was tapped to design a new Calgary location in a similar aesthetic. Signature materials ranging from exotic woods and stones to metal and glass distinguish each department. Unique furnishings, area rugs and carpets have also been carefully selected to complement the various spaces. For example, on the second level the women’s clothing features a floor of Giada Greek marble, inlaid with different woods and stones for each of the various types of clothing departments (designer or contemporary). On the +30 level is Holt’s men’s shoes, furnishings and clothing areas. The space features a floor of Greek Nestos marble and walls of richly stained zebra wood. “We used two stones both from Greece. One is Nestos that is warm grey and white veined marble and the other is called Giada that is a cooler grey and white. Those are the two principal base materials that are used throughout the store,” says Janson. The men’s floor is housed within a light filled double height space topped by a skylight. Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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“The top floor men area has a very dramatic sculptural façade inside the mall itself. The entire space is covered with a skylight,” describes Janson. “Like in Vancouver, daylight was very important to us. The new skylight that’s being put on the mall provides daylight into the Holt Renfrew store all the way down to the first level.” The mall will feature the world’s largest point-supported structural glass skylight (90 foot wide by 750 foot long) spanning three city blocks from Holt Renfrew to a Harry Rosen anchor store. Daylight is filtered through the internal atrium, a sculpted angular space connecting all three levels, where escalators carry customers between floors. Light also plays an important role on the exterior of the building. “Another challenge was creating an identity on the outside of the store,” says Janson. “We created what we call two sculptural lanterns at the two principal corners which announce the entry ways.” The street level of the store features two main entrances, one on the Seventh Avenue side and one on the Eight Avenue side of 4th Street SW. Each entry is marked by a soaring sculputural “lantern” which rises 70’ to the top of the building. The lanterns are composed of hundreds of sculpted steel panels and are internally illuminated. According to Janson, the light is designed to filter through the panels, creating a soft glow and an iconic architectural statement. Metal halide lighting is used for the interior and exterior “which is the most output for the least amount of energy,” he adds. To make the lanterns a reality was the responsibility of general contractor EllisDon. EllisDon, who is the general for the mall redevelopment, performed the work for Holt’s exterior fit out of the building and some internal structural work for new elevators and escalators. Project manager Cara Locchead cites the lantern corners were definitely the most complex part of their $6.5 million contract. “It’s a very unique installation. It’s the first I’ve ever seen of it,” she says. “And the structural steel that had to go in in order to actually attach all the paneling and lighting was something else — Of course, working in downtown Calgary posed the largest challenge with lack of lay down space and coordination of deliveries. EllisDon started work on the core and shell last July with manpower peaking at around 30. 12
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Above: The new store is more than three and a half times the size of the old one. Inset: The men’s sartorial space in Holt Renfrew.
The arcade that surrounds the building on the street level was also completely redesigned with new lighting, materials and new storefront glazing. The open air galleria (connecting the two main entrances and a third entrance located at the Transit Station) features a Nestos Greek marble wall and 10’ tall display windows with views directly into the store. “What we wanted to do was revitalize this much older building and give it a prominence,” says Anita Leonoff, IBI Group project architect. “We wanted to create a much brighter and more vibrant ground floor with lighter and newer materials. We wanted to open it up and create street presence to the store.” Adds Janson, “We’re very pleased with the storefront designs. It’s like a series of floating stone plains with display windows inserted into them.” The result is a stunning innovative design that reflects Holt Renfrew’s international luxury brand identity. “It’s going to be a real dynamic store and it’s going to really help revitalize downtown Calgary,” says Leonoff. DQ
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bathtub innovations By Jason Kuss
Kohler VibrAcoustic Bath.
S
ince the early inception of public bathing pools during the Roman Empire, the concept of maintaining daily personal hygiene and bathing have greatly influenced the innovation of the modern bathtub. The bathtub has virtually become an escape pod of well being, appealing to all of our major senses whether it be the touch of effervescent bubbles relaxing your muscles, the aromatic smell of essential oils or the ambient mood of candle light and music playing in the back ground. Or take it all in while enjoying a robust glass of vino. Consumers now not only have of a variety of sizes, styles and colours to choose from, but a multitude of options from basic to luxurious. The Kohler Co. has recently introduced VibrAcoustic™ — “The Science of Water and Sound”. Complex manufactured panels are constructed into the bathtub that “broadcast sound waves that travel through the water and resound in your body” the company claims. The concept is designed to ease your mind while synchronizing your heart rate and breathing. Combine this with a DTV
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Bath Interface control system and be able to listen to your favourite music playlist as well. Chromatherapy, the use of colour and light to promote well being through healing energies, is another therapeutic option for your bath which continues to gain market interest. Through the use of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted on the inside of the bath, the user creates a room of ambiance by selecting one of the fundamental colours of the spectrum or cycling through them all. Chromatherapy has become increasingly available on many bathtub models through leading manufacturers such as Kohler and Bain Ultra. Bain Ultra, the innovator of the original ThermoMasseur air jet bath, is a Canadian owned and manufactured company that has dedicated the past three decades to the development of personalized therapies and the well being of its consumers. From essential oils, chromatherapy and Euphonia (a pair of wireless waterproof headphones with programmable music selection), to the Vedana therapy shower panel combining five therapies in one, Bain Ultra pampers you with the ultimate in home spa products.
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Top: The Bain Ultra Vedana therapeutic shower panel and Sanos freestanding bathtub. Inset: The Amalfi bath by Victoria + Albert.
These companies are not only committed to the health and well being of the people who purchase their products, but also to the world we live in. Continuous efforts are made in research and development to improve efficiencies in manufacturing and energy consumption in order to minimize the impact on the planet. For the environmentally conscious bather who prefers a more simplistic approach to deep soaking relaxation, Victoria + Albert present Englishcast™ volcanic limestone freestanding baths. These baths use natural properties to create a product with greater sustainability benefits than their counterparts manufactured of cast iron. Victoria + Albert bathtubs provide you with a solid one piece construction bath that is lighter than cast iron, more durable than acrylic and a greener solution for the world we live in. Englishcast blends finely ground volcanic limestone with high performance resins to produce a durable, hard wearing surface containing special insulating properties which maintain a steady water temperature for a prolonged period of time. Traditional cast iron tubs must first absorb heat before it can be contained and are also much heavier. As well, Englishcast bathtubs consume a fraction of the energy required in the manufacturing process in comparison to cast iron. Where extreme temperatures must be created to produce molten metal, Victoria & Albert bathtubs are cast and cured at ambient temperatures. The modern bathtub has been transformed from its initial incarnation thousands of years ago to include all the creature comforts one would expect to find at a quality health spa. For the relief of all of life’s stresses, one must now only need to lock the bathroom door behind them to find their own private retreat. DQ
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Jason Kuss is the branch manager of Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre — Vancouver. All products are available at Robinson Lighting & Bath Centres (www.rlrbc.com) across Western Canada.
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
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trendsetting kitchen design by Florence Thompson
Lotus White
R
egardless of the space available, people are spending more time at home, especially in the most popular room of the house — the kitchen. The possibilities for exemplary kitchens are endless. Despite the economic downturn, affordable luxury is alive and well. Chris Salas, president, NKBA prairie province chapter, and a certified kitchen designer, says, “Kitchen designers need design inspiration for both functional and aesthetic aspects. They strive to specify cutting edge products, but usually fall back on the tried and tested and true.” For the latest trends and products, Salas recommends attending KBIS, the annual kitchen and bath industry show. “For example, in 2008 a motorized system for opening and closing drawers was introduced. The show in 2009 re-introduced a favourite, solid wood drawer construction with full extension glides,” says Salas. If the kitchen truly is the central living space for different lifestyles, we must find individualized solutions for our clients.
cabinetry A new standard for kitchens was unveiled in Lohne, Germany in September at the Siematic Forum (a.k.a. HausFair). SieMatic Mobelwerke, an international leader in high-end kitchens, introduced the new SieMatic S2 kitchen. Its clean lines and sophisticated, streamlined design are a result of the elimination of exterior embellishment, including knobs and handles. A modern mix of materials is seen in the Lotus White SieMatic 2 LM handle free kitchen. Matte lacquer, white glass, Maljat light limestone, and wood unite to create an exciting sleek design statement. The SieMatic 2 L kitchen was developed in unobtrusive tone 18
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
SieMatic Kitchen
on tone colours with strong accents. Truffle Grey was combined with the new natural stone Maljat Brown Limestone creating an elegant soft atmosphere. Some of the functional elements of the SieMatic 2 are multimedia elements, the recessed vertical grip and the interior system. Three varying depths of cabinets are available. The SF10 functionally advanced drawer and pullout system allows drawers, pullouts and doors to open simultaneously without interference. Indeed, these kitchens have been very well thought out, right down to the smallest detail. New colours introduced in 2009 cabinetry were white, beige, green, and grey tones. These were combined with wood finishes. Lacquer colours included warm matte tones of light brown, light green, light yellow and light blue complemented by delicate tones of brown, natural green and ochre hues. Mary Beth Duehr of SieMatic in California says, “In terms of current colour used in European kitchen cabinetry, it is the more interesting subtle tones such as flannel grey that are resonating, as well as the sleek glossy look of white and black!” The dark woods so popular in Canada are also in vogue.
hardware For those clients who are not ready for the handle free kitchen, there are a number of exciting offerings for high quality decorative hardware. Topex offers their precision cut Swarovski Crystal “All that Glitters” collection which can add that important bit of sparkle to any room. Knobs come in large diamond-like shapes enhanced by an elegant chrome finish.
van gogh full page
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Truffle Grey SieMatic Kitchen
Richelieu Hardware showcases a delightful collection of crystal knobs and pulls in a premium brass finish. Grohe has also followed the lead with their Kensington faucets sporting Swarovski crystal handles. Aquabrass has an exciting multi-coloured lavatory series of faucets which will be released shortly. Modern collections like “Love Me”, “Martini” and “Hey Joe” will appear in black and white, coral red, sky blue and green.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
Frequently there just isn’t adequate lighting specified in kitchens for cooking, never mind atmosphere and mood. Commonly used halogens that shine down over countertops and over cabinet fronts create a lot of heat. If misdirected, they can create glare. And, poorly positioned lights create shadows. New trends in kitchen lighting highlight function and design. These applications are more indirect and unobtrusive. Aesthetic light sources such as wall sconces, lighting found in wall cabinets, niches or in the ceiling can distribute light wherever it is needed, including over the prime work areas. An exciting manufacturer of lighting, Europa Lighting, has introduced cable mounted bean pendants with large organic shaped ceramic shades, 4213-UFQ. You can hang one bean or group several together. Each one will have a slightly unique character. A favourite fixture is the “Big Spin” 4236B-WH which uses concentric parabolic diffusers to create sublime indirect lighting. To source modern fluorescent and LED products check out Wow Lighting in Calgary. For versatility and style, you will find products from Eureka Lighting, Lithonia Lighting, MP Lighting, and Visa Lighting, to name only a few. You will be wowed! DQ Florence Thompson, RID IDA is a freelance writer on interior design topics. She is an award-winning interior designer, the past-president of the Interior Designers of Alberta and is a principal of Romanetz Design Studio Ltd. Contact her at 403.253.2743.
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faucetry: today’s bathroom jewellery by Peter Schor
Electric Mirror Triple Fusion Back Lit Mirror with wall mount faucets
H
otel guests and homeowners have high expectations when it comes to bathroom faucets — “the jewels of the bathroom.” Faucetry has changed dramatically in designs and styles over the last decade. More modern or contemporary designs and styles are dominating the market and, of course, they are available in a wide variety of sturdy metal finishes. Traditional styles have become less popular with the bath fixture industry trending towards a more modern look. With the wide selection of today’s faucets and their variances, some considerations are: the depth of the countertop; the exact selection of the bowl size; and the thickness of the countertops. The most important detail is the measurement distances from the centre of the spout connection hole to the center of the end of the spout flow (aerator). Handle clearance to backsplash is also a normal consideration. With the emergence of “vessel” type countertop lavatories that use wall mount and deck mount faucets, the importance of the faucet length (wall mount) and the height of deck mount applications are imperative. The water splash must be checked closely. Many times the hot and cold volume at the controls below the countertop on deck mounts can be adjusted to avoid splash. Higher spout faucets are highly preferred by guests providing that the spout reach hits toward the centre of the lavatory bowl. Almost all of today’s faucets offer ¼” turn washerless ceramic disc valves with lifetime guarantees. Most professional designers know to select faucetry made of brass rather than die cast, zinc, and other materials that do not show wear over the long term. Finish selections made with the exception of polished chrome must have a “physical vapor deposition (PVD)” applied to the finish to make it impervious to discoloration. Just ask, does this faucet have a PVD plating?” All lavatory faucets today, have matching shower, tub, and bidet fittings, along with bath accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, paper holders, robe hooks, shelves, lighting, and cabinet hardware. All of these companion pieces are made in a wide variety of metal finishes to complement any décor. Pay special attention to the shower hardware as today’s clients want “their showers turned into a spa 22
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
and vessel lavatories.
retreat”. Features such as multiple shower heads, rainheads, raindomes, rain bars, body sprays, hand showers and much more are popular today. A world leader in faucet design and construction is La Torre Rubineteria of Italy which is distributed in more than 40 countries around the world. The La Torre Brand is exquisitely designed, impeccably engineered, and has not only green features but is also produced in Italy’s first ISO environmentally certified factory. The products meet North American standards and have received all code approvals for the USA and Canada. USA. The La Torre factory is both an “Environmental Management System Certified (ISO 140001-1994.)” and a “Quality Management System Certified (ISO 9001:2000)” certified factory, which is very rare for faucet companies. Cascade Faucets has been the exclusive North American distributor for the LaTorre Brand of faucets since 1999. The LaTorre brand features single-control eco-cartridge faucets. The eco-cartridge operates like the concept of a dual flush system in toilet technology. This unique cartridge has a tiered step, which when you first lift up on the handle, it has a “bump” or stop about half way up, limiting the amount of water flow by 20-40 per cent (depending on the water pressure). With an additional lift of the handle, it will go to the full flow of water when needed. With a 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute) aerator, the middle position will be around 1.5 GPM, but when you add a 1.5 GPM aerator, which is within the LEED acceptable limits, your water consumption becomes 1.05 GPM in the middle position. An additional feature and benefit of this function is to not have the water splash when you turn the faucet on. As professional designers, architects, builders/developers, you know there are more than 50 faucet manufacturers to select from. Style, design, function, mechanical reliability, and price points are all valuable considerations when making a faucet selection. DQ Peter Schor is a residential and hotel industry bath educator, speaker, author, columnist, writer, and consultant to manufacturers — globally. His industry career spans 35 years young. Contact him at pschor@dynamicresultsinc.com.
Kate Holland Landscape Accessories Ltd. A complete variety of commercial and residential garden accessories as well as site furnishings for the design professional. 1 (877) 531-8574 www.khla.com
Frances Andrew Site Furnishings Ltd. Offering a huge selection of commercial site furnishings including benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, tables bollards and more! 1 (800) 565-6579 www.francesandrew.com
::::::: flooring :::::::
versatile and sustainable Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile and affordable floor coverings available today, offering a variety of styles and designs from authentic patterns of exotic woods to stone and ceramic. By Cheryl Oud
L
aminate flooring has become a very desired flooring solution for not only being an economical floor for a wood looking surface but also for the ease of maintenance and
durability. With the continued improvements in design and technology and a growing assortment of products and designs, laminate has become a product ideally suited for clients who want the look of natural flooring without the high cost. Laminate flooring is fast becoming the preferred floor covering for new home construction, renovations and commercial space alike. While affordability is key to the rise in popularity of laminates, it is the versatility and durability of this type of floor covering that is most appreciated. The look and feel of hardwood and stone flooring for a bathroom or kitchen has been favored by designers for years. Laminate flooring offers the same look, but without the expense and required maintenance. Laminate flooring provides a much cleaner and healthier living environment when compared to other flooring options such as carpet. Although laminate is easy to maintain, it needs to be kept clean, as dust, dirt and sand particles may scratch the decorative surface. Laminate flooring is made of layers of material bonded (laminated) together for strength. Several materials such as resins, wood fibre and kraft paper (materials vary by manufacturer) are compacted under pressure to create the final product. The product is made into planks. The surface of a laminate plank is actually an image printed from film onto a thin decorative layer, which is then treated with a wearlayer. The high resolution of the film allows an extremely authentic appearance. There are two different ways the laminate can be manufactured. There is the Direct Press Laminate (DPL) and the Hard Press Laminate (HPL). Direct Press Laminate are individual layers, that make up the individual tiles or planks, will first be arranged in their required position and then pressed and bonded together at the same time. With Hard Pressed Laminate (HPL) the individual layers of planks or tiles are fixed together in separate stages. This technique uses a combination of both pressure and heat. Result is usually a wear layer that is
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
thicker and harder wearing than laminates made by Direct Press. While HPL is harder wearing, DPL provides design flexibility and easily allows manufacturers to produce realistic patterns and therefore are more visually appealing. The final product is similar in feel to a kitchen countertop. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of finishes and designs. They range from exotic wood looks to tile stone and concrete. New technology is making laminated wood flooring a rival for real hardwood in aesthetics. Thicknesses range from 7mm to 12 mm thick and 4� beveled and 7 ½� wide plank. Many high gloss collections from Armstrong and the new Luminiere product from Shaw are giving a more sophisticated look with their smooth glossy finishes. Formica has just introduced three new tile looks and Pergo (the inventor of laminate in 1977) has come up with a black and grey slate. With the ever evolving trends and environmental issues, laminate flooring manu-
Top: Armstrong Commercial Laminate: Premium Lustre Collection summer tan fruitwood. Inset: Armstrong Commercial Laminate: Premium Collection tree branch walnut.
facturers will be constantly changing their designs and manufacturing procedures over the years. We can still expect many exciting changes to come. DQ Cheryl Oud is flooring consultant at Wingren Floors in Nanaimo. Visit www. wingrenfloors.com.
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::::::: flooring :::::::
green innovation in flooring by Karen Deel
H
ow does one specify from literally thousands of flooring choices, many of which are marketed as environmentally responsible? It is a difficult and often daunting task. At Surfaces 2009, the flooring industry’s largest trade show, green innovation was very present. There is no doubt that some flooring companies will try to weather this economic storm by putting product development on hold until the signs of this recession are over, but there are companies that are forging ahead and have launched some exciting new green products. Here are some environmentally responsible flooring choices, all of which contribute to LEED credits.
a floor made from 100% recycled leather Stunning looking engineered leather floors are available that have clear environmental benefits that also create a spectacular 26
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
design statement. Leather floors have been available in the commercial and high-end residential market for years, but they have traditionally been used in glue-down applications only. These new engineered leather floors are different. The leather used in the manufacturing process is made from 100 per cent recycled leather — leftover leather in the manufacture of jackets, upholstery, belts and shoes, material that would otherwise find its way into the local landfill. Recycled leather is applied to a durable high-density wood core and is backed by a layer of recycled cork. The cork provides acoustic properties so there is no need for an underlay. The floor is quiet and warm — a wonderful benefit particularly for condo owners. They meet the E1 (European Union) and California (Public School 01350) indoor air quality standards and are CARB 1 compliant. There is no formaldehyde added to these floors.
::::::: flooring :::::::
A simply natural floor from a renewable resource, TORLYS creates cork floors in a large selection of styles in both planks and tiles.
colours and patterns and offer micro-beveled edges for a sophisticated look. Apart from the distinctive style and warmth of cork floors, the environmental benefits of this selection create the real story. Cork comes from an entirely renewable resource. Cork bark is carefully harvested once every nine years in a time-honoured tradition using hand tools — without destroying a single tree. Many centuryold cork trees are still thriving and productive today in the beautiful forests of Portugal and Spain. Cork floors are made from the recycled materials used in the manufacture of wine stoppers, which in itself makes for a wonderful environmental benefit. Many cork floors are available in an engineered floor format, so they can be moved without nails and you won’t have to worry about glue-down applications.
fsc certified flooring
demand increases for cork floors
Floors carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure specifiers and end-users that flooring comes from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. This certification mark provides instant credibility. Flooring companies strive to produce more sustainable options. At the Surfaces flooring trade show, a new generation of wood flooring was showcased that will be available this year that is FSC certified and offers a harder surface than traditional hardwood. It is a wonderfully durable floor and makes a great choice particularly for high traffic areas. This floor is a patented, all-wood product, made from recycled wood from every part of the tree, including bark and branches. This floor is formaldehyde free (no formaldehyde is added) and is also created to preserve indoor air quality at levels that are well within the E1 (European Union) and California (Public School 01350) Indoor Air Quality standards. Take heart that even in this recession there are floors that will answer the call for sustainable interiors: recycled leather, renewable cork or even FSC certified wood. It’s just a matter of choice. DQ
While there has long been a preference for natural wood floors, why not consider one of the most environmentally responsible floors — cork. Designers and architects have long specified cork for its natural beauty, but more and more consumers want cork floors for their homes. Cork floors are now available in a wide variety of pre-finished
Karen Deel is brand manager for TORLYS Inc. and has worked in the flooring industry for more than 14 years, with experience in both the hard and soft surface segments. She can be reached at karend@torlys.com.
TORLYS, a Canadian company, creates eco-engineered floors made of 100 per cent recycled leather and a recycled cork backing so there’s no need for an underlay.
The floor is very durable and it comes with a 25 year residential wear warranty and a five-year commercial wear warranty. Best of all, these leather floors can be moved from room to room or home to cottage/cabin/second property, up to three times under warranty. Extending the life cycle of a floor is the ultimate in sustainable practices. When the floor has ended its useful life with its original owner, it can be donated to a Habitat for Humanity Restore extending its life once again.
Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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hot 2010 flooring trends by Inez Braz
F
looring trends for the residential market in 2010 will continue to be focused on sustainability and health. Styling will be Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern inspired. Art deco influences will be seen in the use of glossy and opulent materials (a kitchen floor with tiles made to look like huge slabs of iridescent marble). Mid-century modern influences will be seen in the use of strong texture (a living room oak floor in a herringbone pattern, topped with a wirey round shag rug). Whether your clients are undertaking a new project or simply looking to update their home’s design, below are some insights into different flooring material choices and what will be popular in 2010.
bamboo Strand woven bamboo, such as “Bamboo Fusion” by Dansk, will be a strong trend for 2010. In its natural form, bamboo is harder than oak; but when split, shredded and fused under a cold press, it becomes harder still. Strand woven bamboo will be increasingly popular because of its sustainability, smooth, glossy surface, and durability. Also, it works extremely well in minimalist and Asian-inspired interiors. Colour trends for this flooring will be coffee, tiger and gunstock.
carpet Triexta is the hottest trend in carpet fibres. It is durable enough for a staircase, yet soft enough for a bedroom. Triexta has engineered-in stain resistance that will never wear off or wash off. Stubborn stains such as wine, coffee and mustard can be easily removed with water and a mild detergent. A portion of triexta’s petroleum-based material has been replaced with a more enviro-friendly corn-based polymer. Its production requires 30 per cent less energy than an equal amount of nylon, and greenhouse gas emissions are 63 per cent less with the production of triexta than with nylon. Triexta is marketed under the brand name “SmartStrand with Dupont Sorona”, and is made by Mohawk Industries. Styling trends will continue to be in the cut-and-loop patterns and highly textured friezes. Broadloom carpet will remain mostly in the neutral tones, but with a greying of the palette.
ceramic and porcelain Large format rectified floor tiles, in such sizes as 18” x 36” and 24” x 24” will become increasingly popular, often with small mosaic accents in contrasting textures and colours. Tiles that simulate hardwood, natural stone, textiles, leather and concrete, will continue to be in demand, as will high gloss tiles that resemble polished travertine and marble. Textured tiles with metallic finishes in charcoal and copper will also be strong. The trend will lean more towards urbane, smooth, polished and square-edged styling, rather than old world, rough, tumbled and rustic.
cork Cork tiles that are glued down and finished on site will gain in popularity. They offer greater water resistance and more creative design possibilities than floating cork planks. Cork tiles come in a wide range of sizes and patterns, which can be intermixed and custom coloured. Eraco’s Solida Cork, for example, offers more than 100 custom colours to choose from. Colour trends will be mainly in such neutrals as tobacco, antiquity, nebula and opalescent, or for a metallic punch there’s copper, molten bronze and excalibur. Cork will continue to grow in popularity because of its strong environmental story, 28
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
and because it is a warm and resilient alternative for kitchens and bathrooms. Cork also provides a cohesive transition when adjoined to hardwood floors.
hardwood With hardwood, the recent trend toward the very dark ‘espresso’ and ‘ebony’ tones will change in 2010. Hardwood stains will be more mid-toned, leaning towards caramels and greys. The red-based exotics will be less popular and yellow based oak and hickory will become more so. Texture will be big, with wire brushed, handscraped and distressed looks continuing to be in demand. Herringbone and parquet patterns will make a come-back, used mainly with heavily grained woods such as oak and ash.
linoleum Natural linoleum will continue to be popular because of its sustainability, durability and beautiful range of colours. The fact that linoleum now comes with a protective no-wax topcoat, is making it even more appealing to the average homeowner. Aside from sheet goods, Forbo has a line of linoleum tiles available in 30 colours, in 13” x 13” and 20” x 20” sizes. The most sought after colours will be those that simulate buttery leathers and worn concrete, with accents in cerise, aqua, saffron or black.
sheet vinyl Vinyl sheet flooring will continue to gain in popularity because of technological advancements in imagery and improvements in durability. Vinyl sheet flooring offers warmth and bounce-back. Cushioned vinyls, particularly those which can be loose-laid, such as Armstrong’s “Stratamax” and Tarkett’s “Fiberfloor” are gaining in popularity, and are extremely gouge and tear resistant. Often, they are strong enough to be used in commercial applications. Digitally enhanced imagery has rendered some of the patterns strikingly similar to those of real stone, ceramic tile, hardwood, concrete and cork. DQ Inez Braz is a flooring and design consultant at Surdel Flooring and Design Centre in Delta. Contact her at 604.591.6361 or visit www.flooring-concepts-by-inez.com.
Wide Plank Hardwood Ltd.
Eukula Hardwax Oil
Natural oils and hardwax oils for impregnation, oiling and coating, or oiling and waxing in just one step. Time-tested in the restoration of wooden inlays and on wood floors subjected to heavy wear, these oilbased stains make the wood come alive and give it a warm and beautiful sheen. Please call Wide Plank for further details on how Eukula can finish your flooring project.
EUKULA DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Eukula Strato
Proven performance world-wide to be the very best hardwood water based finish, now available here in Canada. Eukula Strato water based finishes are available in either one or two component systems, with a variety of sheens to select from. Quick drying times, non-yellowing, easy roll-on application, excellent results! Wide Plank Hardwood is pleased to introduce this eco-friendly, extremely durable floor finish into Canada. Please call Wide Plank for further details on how Eukula can finish your flooring project.
Wide Plank Flooring
Long length, random width flooring achieves a natural appearance and closely mirrors the look of earlier traditional floors. Authentic Reclaimed Douglas Fir available
Locally manufactured solid wood flooring
Reclaimed Fir
This 3/4”, solid wood, kiln dried product is available in a variety of species to fit your interior design specifications. All floors are offered either unfinished or pre-finished with environmentally friendly, non toxic, spot repairable Eukula Hardwax Oil from Germany.
Locally manufactured engineered flooring Specifications: 1/2” Baltic Birch Plywood & 1/4” solid wear layer. Options: antiqued, distressed, & handscraped. Unfinished or pre-finished with stain and/or hardwax oil. Widths: 5”+ wider. For information contact sales associate.
Hickory
Please visit Builtgreen.ca to see how Wide Plank Hardwood & Eukula Products can assist in your Build Green project.
By buying products with the FSC label you are supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide
SW-COC-002496 © 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.
Office and Showroom: 8444-A Aitken Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 3W8
www.hardwaxoil.com info@hardwaxoil.com
Office: (604) 795-2237 Showroom: (604) 795-9962 Toll-Free: (877) 795-2236 Fax: (604) 795-2260
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Western Maple
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::::::: furniture :::::::
office furniture evolution by Carol Jones
T
he evolution of office furniture over the last 30 years has been driven by the three principal factors of technology; employee health, safety and welfare; and changing work practices. In the 1980s, workplace design was largely status and hierarchy centered, which resulted in a high proportion of closed, private offices rather than open and collaborative spaces. Writing surfaces were the primary focus of the workstation since computers were used only as a reference and considered an accessory to the workstation. Peripheral equipment, such as printers and fax machines, were remotely located and documents were primarily stored in hard copy form, creating demand for storage cabinets. In the next decade organizational structures began flattening and teams and technology moved to the forefront of importance in workplace design. Increasingly functional planning caused a complete shift in the workplace with fewer private offices and increasingly open work spaces. Computers proliferated and became the primary focus of every desk/workstation; all other surfaces became secondary. Constantly changing organizations demanded greater flexibility in office and workstation arrangements but held on to the need to store hard copy documents. With technology costs dropping and an increasing demand for printers, scanners, and other peripherals, users suddenly found themselves pressed for desktop space but also feeling the effects of continuous computer usage. As a result, the demand for ergonomic furnishings flourished. Since the arrival of millennium, technology has dominated the workplace with furnishings viewed as accessories to support computers and ancillary equipment. However, although technology has become increasingly pervasive, it has also become more recessive through flat screens, smaller hardware, and laptops. Greater mobility can now be seen in the workplace and users are demanding furnishings that they can reconfigure themselves. There is also greater trust in computerized document files, which has resulted in fewer filing and storage cabinets. The last 30 years has witnessed an increased emphasis on attraction and retention of the best possible workforce. This mandate, together with a surge in sustainable design, has placed increased awareness around the health, safety, and welfare aspects of workplace design. Furnishings products are now selected for their ecological value, with increasing emphasis placed on the sustainable practices in the shipping and manufacturing of products. Fortunately, the office product manufacturing industry has led the way by offering a wide range of ‘green’ furnishings. The demand for ergonomic furnishings has created the greatest variety of user-friendly office furnishings ever seen including seating with adjustable arms, seat height and depth, and back flex. Workstation surfaces can now be manually or electronically adjusted, allowing employees to sit or stand at their desk. For the first time in history, our workforce is composed of at least three generations, producing the need to satisfy differing ergonomic requirements and work styles. Access to natural light has become a universal design goal, leading to lower panel heights between workstations and the use of more transparent materials. In addition, not only have panels become lower but they are also rising up off the floor, allowing better air flow. Seismic and accessibility concerns, along with panel height reduction, are leading to the demise of overhead bins in favor of personal storage ‘towers’.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
The Vancouver office’s staff area is a light-filled staff refuge, open kitchen concept, “family” style table to encourage interaction, multi purpose use of area – lunch and breaks, team meetings, product education.
Workplace design used to be based on two assumptions that no longer apply: first, that people are at their desks all day and secondly, that the workday starts at 9 and ends at 5. Studies have shown that technical and professional employees spend more than 50 per cent of their time away from their desk, with a higher percentage for managerial positions. The personal workstation is rapidly becoming a “home room”, where the day starts and ends, with a series of formal and informal meetings in between. This change in workplace behavior combined with the fact that computer equipment is smaller and monitors are often above the desk surface, has allowed workstations to shrink in size. This means that more office real estate is dedicated to meeting and project rooms, as well as collaborative and touch down areas. Today many of the drivers behind decisions about furnishings have more to do with changing business climates than supporting hierarchy. Furnishings are assigned based on functional requirements rather than status. Employers are concerned with encouraging collaboration and team work and look for furnishings that are mobile and easily reconfigured. Manufacturing leaders are typically ahead of the curve in anticipating changing furnishing and workplace trends and invest significantly in research and development. This positions them to support design professionals and offer products that are appropriate to the constantly changing workplace. Ultimately it is the combined goal of corporate employers, the manufacturing community, and the design profession to create high performance workplaces that nourish and stimulate the people who work in them. DQ Carol Jones, RID, CFM, FIDC, FIIDA, FIDIBC, LEED®AP, is a principal at Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
::::::: furniture :::::::
creative originals
Judson Beaumont, founder of Straight Line Designs Inc. in Vancouver, creates one of a kind whimsical furniture pieces and commissions. Judson was most recently recognized for his creative excellence with a 2009 BC Achievement Awards for Applied Arts and Design.
DQ spoke with Judson about designing children’s furniture. Q: How do you approach designing children’s furniture? Each client is as unique as the furniture that is built for them. The staff at Straight Line Designs likes to include the clients as much as possible from the initial sketch and colour selection to the installation. Both verbal and visual communications are very important because it keeps the clients updated to ensure there are no unwanted surprises.
Straight Line Designs also work very closely with other companies, designers and institutions to create custom features and environments. Q: Do you have a design philosophy? I’ve always strived to make furniture and environments interesting, whimsical and fun! Childlike, cartoon imagery and design has been a great influence by kids and their liberal acceptance of the bizarre to appeal to both kids and adults. Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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::::::: furniture ::::::: My rule is: if you can draw and design it, you can build it. I love it when someone tells me that, “You cannot build that” or “No one would want that.” These words only encourage me more. Q: How do you come up with design ideas? The challenge is to design pieces that are new and inspiring. The most important part of a design idea is to take furniture away from a lifeless object, give it a personality, a name, and bring it to life while always maintaining its functionality. I think the problem with children’s furniture today is too many people try to take grownup furniture and make it small. I always begin my designs by asking myself what would a child like. Kids are always drawn to bright colours and off angles, it brings in a sense of the surreal. The best part about being a kid is being able to separate reality, and create a world where anything can happen. I try to make that ideal a possibility. Q: What are some trends you’re seeing? Most of the furniture trends for kids that I have seen recently involve more natural products and finishes, environmentally friendly with very clean lines. Q: What are some challenges with designing children’s furniture? The hardest part about designing children’s furniture is that you need to find a way to make it timeless. People that want to buy a unique and signature piece for their child want it to last and possibly hand it down to future generations. You need to be sure that your designs can grow with the child and stay relevant to the design era. I hope that my furniture will help inspire and innovate the minds of the young and the old to try a different approach towards their ideas and make them come true. DQ WS54HalfPageAdNW:WSHalfPageAdNW 29/04/09 8:32 AM Page 1
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
TOWN & COUNTRY FIREPLACES
www.townandcountryfireplaces.net
::::::: ida :::::::
fireplace or feature? by Alykhan Velji
W
ith the economy being what it is, clients are renovating more than they are building, looking to modernize their space without having the hassle and expense of moving. Pair that with the new Home Renovation Tax Credit and there has never been a better time to invest in one’s home. Especially in Calgary, I find that a lot of clients want to incorporate fireplaces in to their homes. It is a wonderful feature to have as it provides a great focal point and warmth to a space. However, with a fireplace also comes the hassle of installing, venting, gas line hook ups, mantles, etc. When most clients, especially those that are renovating and have a tight budget, find out about the cost of such a feature, they tend to shy away from it. A recent new product out on the market called The Bioflame, just introduced in Calgary a few months ago, is making a huge splash in the interior design world. More of a fire ‘feature’ than a fire ‘place’ they make a huge impact in any space and provide a gorgeous focal point. It is form and function at its best, one of the main design rules to live by. The eco-friendly aspect is what caught my attention of these fire features. Because they burn ethanol and not gas, they have no byproduct and no smell. Ethanol is a clean-burning, high octane, renewable fuel additive made from grain or other biomass sources. It has recently been highlighted in the green community as a great renewable fuel and is being used quite frequently. I love the idea of using this fuel as a source of heat, warmth and beauty. With more designers “going green”, the addition of this feature will give you that sustainable quality while remaining stylish and modern. We all know time is money in design and installation of these units is a snap. Taking only a few screws to install, they are really hasslefree. Requiring no extra gas line and no venting the installation costs
are extremely minimal, almost to the point that you can build around it and get the homeowners to do the install. This means that the costs of these are limited to the fireplace itself. When it comes to cost, it is very minimal. With what it would cost to purchase a gas fireplace you can get two Bioflame fire features. The clean and modern aesthetic of these features is also a big draw. Taking minimalism to heart, they embody a simple, clean, and almost natural look. They are available in wall mount, inset, or freestanding versions with glass and stainless steel or black surrounds. This also lends them to be incorporated in any home, modern or not. The Bio Flame can also be custom made to fit any space, ordering time is nothing less than awaiting the perfect sofa or chandelier. Currently 12 models are available with many more designs to come. There are also models that are appropriate for outdoor use, as they are made with powder coated steel bases and frames. With the focus being on outdoor spaces recently and how to bring your indoors out, this is the perfect solution to add some warmth to your outside space. As designers, we are constantly inundated with new products and designs out on the market. Most are on trend and will fade in a few years time. This product is here to stay. With the big push for ecofriendly design and to still keep spaces looking modern and fresh, the Bioflame really does it all. It’s a win-win-win situation for the client, designer and the environment. DQ Alykhan Velji has been involved in the design industry for six years specializing in both residential and commercial design. His work has been featured in several national publications noting him as “one of Calgary’s hottest interior decorators.” Visit www.alyveljidesigns.com. Fall 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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::::::: architects in bc :::::::
solar shading By Stuart Lyons
on the amount of shading required, Zoning By-law allowances for projections, and structural support limitations. At the village, these louver systems are either exterior wall mounted or window mounted. Wall mounted louvers require a support structure within the wall capable of supporting the louver plus additional loading. This can lead to significant steel back up and dropped bulkheads above the windows within the suites. These louvers have been used at the village typically where the window openings are ‘punched’. Most window manufacturers will not permit solar shades to be mounted through the window system itself. Window mounted louvers are, however, currently available on a limited basis and primarily as a component of curtain wall systems. When providing exterior horizontal window shading, consideration must be given to conflicts with window washing systems.
vertical aluminum louver shades
S
olar building shading has become an increasing consideration of exterior building design as interest has grown in conserving energy and improving building comfort levels. At the 2010 Olympic Athletes Village in Vancouver, 16 new buildings are emerging, all with highly sustainable mandates, and all deploying an array of solar screening devises. Solar screening is designed to account primarily for summer sun angles as they subtend into the building through windows placed in the exterior envelope. This shading is appropriately integrated into south and west facing building facades where the mid and late day sun is most impactful. To effectively deflect the sun’s heat, screens must be located on the outside of the building envelope, interrupting the sun’s rays before they can enter the building. This is a review of the primary types of solar shading used at the Olympic Athletes Village. These applications are particularly relevant to residential buildings.
exterior roller blinds Exterior roller blinds at the village are power operated from within the suite. This is essential for several reasons including convenience of use, potential inaccessibility outside the building, and automatic blind recall in windy conditions. The blinds travel smoothly and securely on vertical wire guides. Blinds are attached to the underside of the building structure either up against the exterior window frame or at the outside edge of the balcony. The advantage of locating the blinds at the outside edge of the balcony is that in this location they greatly enhance the utility of the balcony, creating a ‘lanai’ effect and a more private outdoor realm. Exterior roller blinds have been used extensively on the west building facades where their vertical orientation is most appropriate to intercepting the lower afternoon sun angle. A broad range of colour and density available in blinds promotes personalization of suites, opportunities to enliven the façade, and the ability to adjust transparency.
horizontal aluminum louver shades These shades can be custom designed or selected from manufactured systems. Their extension from the exterior wall is entirely dependent 36
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
These shades work well where they can be located away from the face of the building and where the floor height is high enough that the vertical louvers do not obstruct views in or out of the windows. At the village, these shades have been utilized on the exterior of the higher commercial frontages, set beyond the face of the building and suspended from the canopy extension above. In this way, the west or south facing commercial frontage, which must often have extensive glass, is protected from direct sunlight and the associated heating and discomfort issues.
‘bullet’ shades These shades take their name from the cross sectional shape of the aluminum extrusion. They have been used at the village to intercept highly angled solar heat. The advantage of the solid extrusion over the louver is that it works either horizontally or vertically. It can wrap continuously around the window perimeter in response to solar incidence. Thus, south facing windows are protected from afternoon sun otherwise penetrating into the building from the west side.
window mullion extensions Extruded aluminum extensions of up to 8 or 10 inches fastened to the outside of aluminum window frames provide interior shading from high sun angles. This method of solar shading has been used at the village in conjunction with closely spaced horizontal window framing.
extended floor slabs Simply extending the floor slabs from the building façade also provides sun screening although a significant projection is generally required implying a balcony or walkway above. At the Olympic Village exterior corridor circulation has been located on the south and west side of several buildings, providing overhangs up to eight feet from the window façade. Although this is an effective way to eliminate direct summer sun from the windows, consideration must be given to the thermal bridging which occurs between the interior floor slabs and the building exterior. This can be overcome by insulating the top and bottom of the exterior slab, a method selected for one of the buildings. DQ Stuart Lyon, MAIBC RAIC, is a principal in GBL Architects Inc. and has practiced architecture in B.C. for 30 years. His firm is currently completing work on the Vancouver Olympic Athletes Village and is engaged in numerous other sustainable projects around the province.
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::::::: design headlines ::::::: Ledingham Gold
Team North Competition
Ledingham Design Consultants earned gold in the Hospitality category at the Seattle Design Centre’s 2009 Northwest Design Awards for creating a vibrant new restaurant called Aura at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria. The restaurant has shown a 55 per cent increase in revenue over the former café in the same space in its first five months of operation in 2009. The dynamic design has played a key role in driving new business. The transformation included installation of a glass curtain wall as well as electrical and mechanical alterations. Finishes and furniture were designed to transition well from daytime to evening. The LED-illuminated glass columns and underlit onyx bar add mood and drama to the space.
Team North, comprised of students and faculty from the University of Waterloo, Ryerson University and Simon Fraser University, along with industry partners, is one of only two Canadian finalist entries selected to participate in the prestigious 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory,.the competition is to develop a prefabricated solar home. The solar decathlon will be held from Oct. 9 to 18 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featuring 20 university-based teams from around the world and their prototype solar homes. The teams must each erect full-scale houses within seven days, then compete across 10 categories measuring design quality, energy efficiency and operational performance. Team North has developed North House — a marketable solar-powered home for people with active lifestyles. The team has combined green building, solar and interactive technologies with advanced manufacturing techniques in order to reduce energy demand, foster a conservation ethic and boost the quality of life for Canadians. Unlike most other competitors, Team North will continue for several years after the competition. Team members will conduct longterm monitoring and testing on the house prototype. They will implement the new technologies and research the designs with industry partners in Canada, aiming to bring a solar house to market in the near future.
Recreational Excellence Garyali Architect was honoured with a 2009 British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association provincial award. The firm’s winning project was the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. The BCRPA awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for their achievements in, and commitment to, the fields of parks, recreation, culture, and health promo tion. The Burnside Gorge project was chosen in the category of Facility Excellence. This award honours excellence in facility concept, design development, maintenance, or operations, including outstanding innovation with significant impact in the recreation and parks
Inaugural Design Walk Fisher Park is Calgary’s hottest new design district and it’s fast becoming a premier source for the local design community. In October, Calgary’s first annual fall design walk was held in Fisher Park. The event included five participating vendors, and a featured design specialist. Vendors included home furnishings, home automation and audio, kitchens and appliances, fitness equipment and design services. It was a great opportunity to meet business owners, suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives and local artists in a fun social setting.
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BC Hydro
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Buildex
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Coast Wholesale Appliances
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Delta Glass
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Frances Andrew/Kate Holland Landscape 23 Hari Stones
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Kohler
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Van Goh Designs
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Wide Plank Hardwood/Baer
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Wood Works Alberta
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Designers of the Year Western Living announced its 2009 Designers of the Year awards. Judged by a panel of experts including head judge Karim Rashid, five design firms were recognized with a breakthrough year in creating architecture, interiors, gardens, furniture and fashions that define Western Canadian. McFarlane Green Biggar was named Architects of the Year; Mitchell Freedland for Interior Designer of the Year and Senga Landscape Architecture for Landscape Designer of the Year.
Oval wins International Award Fast + Epp Structural Engineers of Vancouver received the Award for Sports or Leisure Structures for the firm’s work on the Richmond Olympic Oval Roof. The award, from the Institution of Structural Engineers in London, England, acknowledges achievement in structural design. Designed by Cannon Design, this is the first major international award for the Oval. Fast + Epp also received commendation for the Richmond Olympic Oval Roof by the Institution of Structural Engineers for the David Alsop Sustainability Award for achievement in structural design, where outstanding commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment has been demonstrated.
Innovative Showcase The 2009 Interior Design Show West (IDSwest) drew record attendance this year, luring trade professionals and the public alike to come visit the more than 200 exhibitors for inspirational ideas and design forward thinking products. Internationally respected featured speakers also help to make this year bigger and better. Feature exhibits at this year’s show reflected the creative talent of the design community. Six designer firms were challenged to design cutting edge space in shipping containers, appropriately called Designing Inside the Box. Participants included Alison Brandt and Rachel Clarida, McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture + Design, False Creek Design Group, MCM Interiors, Penner & Associates and Omicron. Another exhibit was Off the Hook where creative teams recycled a used telephone booth to create something new, fun and functional. Next year’s show is scheduled for October 14 to 17, 2010.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Fall 2009
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