architecture
Modo Yoga Studio DXA Studio - 2016
W 81st Residence DXA Studio - 2016
17 Leonard St Townhouse DXA Studio - 2016
Hilal Tower AS+GG - 2012
Retail Conceptual Study Bohlin Cywinski Jackson - 2011
Masters Thesis
University of Cincinnati - 2014
furniture
Maple Set 2015
Steam-bent Bench 2013
Modo Yoga Studio Brooklyn, New York
employer Status type size/program responsibilities
DXA Studio Completed 2016 Commercial, Adaptive Re-Use 9,600 SF Construction Documents and Bidding Drafted plans/elevations/sections Worked closely with MEP team to minimize and conceal building systems without obscuring historical content Coordinated with contractor on constuction details Consulted millworkers on custom built-ins and furniture detailing Worked closely with landscape architect on detailing and value engineering of the green wall feature piece. Due to the Fast-track nature of the project, CDs were produced concurrent with phased construction. As such, there was a constant dialogue between all members of the project
Photography by Florian Holzherr
Photography by Florian Holzherr
vestibule
yoga studio 2
retail front desk
building section
storage retail
men’s locker rm staff shower
front desk
mat wash & dry
yoga studio 1
vestibule
yoga studio 2
entry/ shoe storage
women’s locker rm laundry/boh
ground floor plan
Design Logic What was once an abandoned, nineteenth-century coach house has been adapted for use as a state-of-the-art yoga facility. The challenge of converting such a structure revolved around maintaining the historic character while also updating the building to allow precise calibration of heat and humidity within the yoga studios. A custom-fabricated, weathered-steel storefront - which can be completely open in warmer months - creates an inviting street presence. Within, aspects of the building’s light manufacturing character, such as exposed brickwork, tall ceilings, and column free spans are celebrated. The interior design balances rustic and refined through a series of intimately scaled spaces wrapped with reclaimed wood and a green living wall, as well as cleanly designed, diffuse-lit expansive studios, to provide a serene setting for yoga.
W 81st St Residence Manhatten, New York
employer Status type size/program responsibilities
DXA Studio In progress - Design Development Multi-family Residential, Adaptive Re-Use 27,000 SF One of a two person team dedicated to redesigning interior layouts to meet the requirements of a new developer while progressing the design of a previously approved exterior Coordinated closely with MEP and structural consultants due to unique conditions of the existing building Communicated directly with Landmark Preservation Committe members to maintain approval for previously proposed alterations Assembled presentation materials Primary 2D Renderer for all client submissions and presentations to the Landmark Preservation Committee Assistant 3D Renderer for proposed project renderings
render provided by dxa studio
axon: existing front
axon: proposed front
axon: existing rear
axon: proposed rear
Design Logic The original Romanesque Revival Church dates back to 1891. Since 1975, it has been home to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Congregation, however with a dwindling congregration in recent years, the space had fallen into disrepair. In an effort to downsize without relocating, the congregation partnered with local developers to overhaul the existing building into a mixed-use, multi-family residential and community space. The introduction of residential units will subsidize the restoration of the historic facade, the creation of a new sanctuary, multipurpose room, and facilities for the church.
The proposed design aims to juxtapose a clean, modern, glass and steel addition with the detail-rich masonry and unique geometry of the church facade. The upper levels will be clad with a simple, terra cotta louvre system spaced such that the louvres provide privacy from the street, but still allow light in and views out for the users. Due to the building’s Historic Landmark status, any proposed design changes which are visible from the street must be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). This involves a series of rigorous community and LPC reviews, and the proposed design was approved unanimously on its first public hearing.
render provided by dxa studio
pwdr rm
res. bike storage
resident storage mep
church multi-purpose rm trash
trash
church sanctuary
residential lobby resident gym
office m
church gallery mens
waiting coat rm
mep
womens
pantry kitchen
basement: mixed-use
entry
w
gallery
ground floor: mixed-use
powder rm
bath 1
powder rm
bath 1
bath 1
bath 1
bedrm 1
bedrm 2
bedrm 1
terrace below
kitchen
dining rm master
study
m bath
terrace below
unit 2 below
living rm
dining rm
bedrm 2
master
study
m bath
walk-in
bath 3
kitchen
walk-in
bath 3
fourth floor: residential unit 3
third floor: residential unit 2 powder rm
bath 1
bath 1
powder rm unit 4 below
bedrm 2
bedrm 1 living rm
terrace below
terrace below kitchen
kitchen
library
dining rm
dining rm bedrm
cl. bedrm 3
master m bath
terrace
cl. living rm
bath
cl.
cl.
bath 3
sixth floor: residential unit 5 (lower level)
fifth floor: residential unit 4
bedrm 2 open to below
m bath
Terrace below
terrace below Terrace below
bath 2 bath 3
master mep
bedrm 3
seventh floor: residential unit 5 (Upper level)
roof plan
bath 1
powder rm
bath 2
bedrm 1
bedrm 2
bedrm 3 bath 3 terrace living rm
family rm
dining rm
kitchen
study
master bath 4
m bath walk-in
second floor: Residential unit 1
Layout Strategy The ground floor has two main entrances, one for residential users and the other for the congregation. The rear of the ground floor is entirely devoted to a new sanctuary culminating in a stage naturally lit from a skylight above. The basement level contains a gym and storage space for the residents, as well as a series of community facilities for the congregation. Everything above the ground level is designated as residential with one unit per level. While each unit is slightly different due to the unique conditions of the existing building, the overall layout strategy is similar. The elevator opens on each level adacent to the centralized core of common areas. This open-plan center accomodates a formal living and/or dining space which blends into a generous kitchen and family room. Radiating off these common areas are bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a master suite complete with walk-in closet and luxury bathroom, a home office/study (which could be converted to another bedroom as needed), as well as spaces for storage, laundry, and trash facilities. The sixth and seventh floor comprise one penthouse unit. The lower level (sixth floor) is composed of the public and common areas as well as a home office. The upper level (seventh floor) is devoted to the bedrooms and master suite. Building section
17 Leonard Townhouse Manhatten, New York
employer Status type size/program responsibilities
DXA Studio In progress - Bidding phase Residential, Adaptive Re-Use 11,200 SF One of a two person team present from the initial competition for the commission up to the CD phase Primary drafter during all project phases Coordinated closely with MEP and Structural consultants due to unique conditions of the existing building Communicated directly with Landmark Preservation Committe members to gain approval for all alterations to the existing building Primary 2D Renderer for all client submissions and presenations to the Landmark Preservation Committee Assistant 3D Renderer for proposed project renderings Assembled all presentation materials Managed student intern temporarily assigned to the project
render provided by dxa studio
ex is ti ng bu ild in
tax photo 1940
building section
Design Logic Originally dating to 1855, this three-story masonry loft building will be converted into a six level townhouse. The proposed design is required to maintain existing floor levels at the front of the building, however in the mid and rear each floor steps in section to create a more dynamic distribution of spaces on the long, narrow lot. Nestled between two much taller neighbors, the townhouse’s design focuses on maximizing the permeation of natural light to spaces throughout the building. A glazed atrium-like opening runs from the roof to the lower stories, illuminating the central stairs and surrounding rooms. As a historically landmarked building, the facade and a portion of the existing walls must be restored. Due to the damaged condition of the existing building, these masonry elements cannot be relied on structurally. The proposed design calls for its own concrete structure which reinforces the existing facade.
building section
g ou tl in e
render provided by dxa studio
renders provided by dxa studio
pool room
master bath
shower bedrm 1
terrace
master terrace
sauna bedrm 2
spa
master bedrm
bath 1 pool equip.
pool
mep
terrace below
service kitchen
bath 2
master bath
boiler powder rm
laundry
walk-in 1
wine display
vestibule walk-in 2 gym hall
Atrium open to above
hall
Atrium open to above
Atrium open to above/ below
bathrm
bathrm
mep
basement
garage
ground floor
entry vestibule
media rm study
mezzanine
second floor
Layout Strategy As the result of a long, narrow lot, the proposed design divides each plan into a series of segmented spaces. The basement level is divided between MEP spaces and an earthy, intimate health center complete with small gym, lap pool, sauna, and steam room. The ground floor boasts a generous entry hall with access to a media room mezzanine, and houses facilities for service staff in the rear. The second floor is devoted to a master suite, and the third floor contains four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a play area. The fourth floor is an open-plan living room/family room/kitchen flanked by floorto-ceiling sliding-glass doors and terraces. Finally, the fifth floor is designed for formal dining and entertaining with access to a front, rear, and rooftop terraces. kitchen
master terrace below
terrace below
master terrace below
terrace below
kitchen terrace
kitchen bedrm 3
master terrace below
terrace below
master terrace below
kitchen terrace below
terrace below
kitchen terrace below
dining terrace
dining terrace below
bedrm 4
bath 4 powder rm
bath 3
powder rm
family rm
hall/play area Atrium open to above/ below
bath 4
Atrium open to above/ below
living rm Atrium open to above/ below
terrace
formal dining
terrace
bedrm 5
bedrm 6 terrace
third floor
terrace below
fourth floor
terrace below
fifth floor
terrace below
Roof
Atrium open to above/ below
Hilal Tower Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
AS+GG
employer Status type size/program
responsibilities
Under Construction Mixed-Use: Retail, Office, Residential Retail Office Residential
6,800 m2 17,000 m2 12,800 m2
Construction Administration phase for a two-story Visual Mock-Up (VMU) Reviewed shop drawings of VMU facade Coordinated detailing of stone panel with subcontractors Assembled truncated CD for VMU construction Updated CD plans, sections, elevations, and details
VMU facade type 1 plan
VMU facade detail: stone to glass
VMU Facade Type 1 The faceted nature of the cladding is categorized into several types, each adjusting to a different environmental condition. Type 1A protrudes from the building mass. The angle of the protrusion directs the user’s gaze to specific views of the surrounding area. Type 1B withdraws into the building mass and is shaded by the stone panels above during the most intense sunlight hours. Due to the complex geometry of the design, a full scale, two-story visual mock-up (VMU) was assembled as a trial run prior to beginning construction.
VMU facade type 1 elevation
VMU facade type 1 A Section
VMU facade type 1 B Section
VMU facade type 2 elevation
VMU Facade Type 2 Facade type 2 surrounds a large portion of MEP housed on the roof of the building. The geometries are in keeping with the rest of the facade, however instead of glazing, a series of louvres obscure the unsightly equipment while allowing the flow of air.
VMU facade type 2 plan
VMU facade type 2 section
Retail Conceptual Study
employer Status type responsibilities
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Conceptual Design Retail Hand modeling Digital modeling Digital rendering Volumetric studies Elevator and circulation studies
perspective rendering
Design Logic Initially, the client was offered retail space in an airport nearing completetion. The space offered was on either side of a bank of escalators and flanked by large openings to the level below. The client was interested in the space, but felt that something more innovative could be done in such a dynamic area.
Purely a conceptual exercise, this design explored bridging the two retail areas with a sleek, minimal form clad only in glass and steel. While the bridge would be open at either end, the store would also be accessible to customers from the level below via glass, cylindrical elevators.
Conceptual elevator sketch
Upper level
lower level
elevation
There is a prevailing mindset in which built and natural environments are not only separate, but opposites. However, the Sutro Baths in Land’s End Park, San Francisco is a site where the two fuse - the original construction integrates natural phenomena with infrastructure, and today the architectural remains are intrinsic to the local environment. The result is a dramatic landscape in which built form represents its natural context and vice versa. Using the flow of water as a metaphor for the circulation of people, this thesis is a phenomenological analysis of the site which curates movement through the landscape. The design proposes an experiential system of circulation through the Sutro Bath remains, which resonates with its cultural history as well as the cyclical natural processes and, most importantly, the ways in which each re-presents the other.
Final Presentation WIthin the site, there are three areas which correspond to significant moments in the experience of the historic bath house: the grand promenade, the pools, and an exploratory path. Each region has since been shaped by a formative, natural process reacting to a constructed condition of the remains - the hydrological cycle, new growth, and the tides. The design is a process-based exploration of the literal and metaphorical journey through the site. Each of the three areas propose a built element which will emphasize the natural processes at play. Mapping is the sole medium for both generating and communicating the design project. As a result, the graphics rely on large, visually dense panels to communicate the multilayered, complex relationship between process, design, and place.
Fabrication The client requested a desk surface, coffee table surface, and wheeled printer caddy. She wanted each piece to read as a thin slab with an emphasis on the natural beauty of the maple. To achieve her desired dimensions, we laminated three planks of maple for each piece of the set. The desk and coffee table surfaces have chamfered edges to make them appear thinner and more elegant. All three pieces have the most dramatic grain framed in the center plank, and the grain on the printer caddy wraps around the piece.
Design Logic “Our primary interests are in the unexpected....� True to Professor Boling’s stated design intent, the final product was a result of adapting to the unexpected. The materials ordered for the bench were low quality ash lumber of assorted widths and lengths and were riddled with knots. The material created a new set of limitations which drove a frantic redesign of the bench slabs. What was intended to be a continuous surface became several units stitched together. Each slat was cut into pieces to chop out knots. By shortening the slats, the leverage available during bending was also reduced, therefore each slat was tapered to more easily facilitate the undulations. The slats were steamed in batches and bent with a jig of clamps and spaces. Finally the slats were stitched together into slabs and mounted.
I look forward to discussing these projects and others with you in more detail. Please feel free to call (206-280-3473) or email (trish.kahler@gmail.com) if you require any additional information. Best regards,
TRISH KAHLER