The Hoppe-Thiex House is a single family residence on a rural site in eastern South Dakota. Designed for a professional couple and their three sons, the home balances contemporary living with the demands of being on a farm. For example, combining a crisp, refined aesthetic with the need for an ample mud room!
The L shaped composition is made up of the single level garage/workshop leg and that of the the two level main house. Within the home, the spaces are generally organized linearly with service functions along the northeast wall separated from public/private spaces by circulation and an articulated storage spine. The public space is fluid but provides locations (stove, stair landing, den, office), often with built-in seating, for individuals to be on their own while still in touch with others.
The exterior palette combines cedar lap siding with blue-grey fiber cement panels and standing seam metal roofing. The overall dimensions and proportions define units for an organizational system. The windows are located within the guidance of this system while being tuned for their specific orientation and relation to the interior spaces. This allows for a consistent logic to blend with a functional variability.
The entire exterior envelope is being constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), creating a highly insulated and airtight enclosure. When combined with efficient active systems, the home will use relatively little energy to maintain comfortable interior conditions.
J @ Jack London Gateway integrates many active and passive strategies for building design on the way to net zero energy while being guided by three primary ideas:
Dynamic Modularity: By using variably arrangeable residential units and sub-units, the composition of the buildings can leverage the efficiencies and rationality of modular construction while creating expressive building facades that also facilitate some self-shading. The scheme could be suited for fully on-site or partial pre-fab construction.
Natural Ventilation: Keeping the residential building widths narrow (one unit) and utilizing exterior passageways allows for cross ventilation in every residential unit. This configuration takes advantage of natural breezes and the general mild local climate to facilitate indoor comfort. Addressing this challenge for multi-family design also allows for daylighting contributions from multiple directions.
Site Geometry: The unique site constraints of the two parcels encouraged several features. Narrow perimeter apartment bands frame private elevated gardens for the residents. Elevating all of the housing provides for new plazas for accessing the clinic, grocery, and expanded parking at ground level. This arrangement facilitates minimizing exposure to the adjacent freeway by presenting small blank end facades.
Building on this framework, additional elements are introduced. Apartments are wrapped in a robust, highly insulated envelope. Mechanical and electrical systems are bolstered by renewable photovoltaic and geothermal systems. Functional and engaging public spaces serve both residents and visitors.
Low energy building, high energy living: J @ Jack London Gateway
Driven by exploring the expressed use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels as a structural system, scanBox focuses on the development of a robust wall section that also incorporates continuous insulation and a brick rainscreen. This envelope wraps varied residential spaces (public, semi-public, private) along a circulation path that spirals around a service core. Further, it supports inboard and outboard fenestration positions that are applied based on orientation and to use the self shading afforded by the wall thickness. These elements combine on a site that lies on a busy street at the transition between commercial and residential uses in Brookings, SD to create a compelling and efficient residence.
Para-Soleil is a design research project that combines the sun shading logic of traditional brise-soleil structures with the capabilities of parametric modeling in order to evolve dynamically textured building façades.
The physical components of this system are selected from a set of shade structure geometries for which each member can be considered a gene. Any of the façade compositions, or phenotypes, are derived from a plan profile geometry (floor edge, envelope boundary, etc.) which is faceted based on the adjustable dimensions of the shade gene set. For each facet, a gene, or null set, is assigned. The probability that a specific gene will be assigned to a facet varies and is algorithmically determined based on the compass orientation of the facet. For example, while it is possible for any gene, or a null set, to be assigned to a west facing facet, it will most likely have a vertical louver phenotype.
Through the use of parametric modeling software, in this case Rhino/Grasshopper, this system can easily adapt through the use of additional gene sets and to varied plans with both linear and curved geometries. A final phenotype selection could be made not solely based on aesthetics, but by considering performance optimization as well. The realization of the system would be well suited to architectural metalwork. While there is a modular framework to the system, the custom nature of the outcomes are ideal for applying a digital fabrication strategy.
eLement House was our entry into the Chain of EcoHomes competition for Greensburg, KS. We were pleased to receive an Honorable Mention.
The form of this house finds its origins in the nature of the Amvic ICF system. Being both modular and monolithic, the system is used to create a series of regular, L-shaped walls that embrace the enclosed dwelling space, while also engaging the surrounding landscape. The walls are topped by a bent, overhanging roof plane of Structural Insulated Panels that encourages shading, daylighting, and drainage. The envelope is completed by an infill of siding, windows, and doors. On the interior, the space is further defined by partitions that create storage and service areas. Whenever possible, surfaces are constructed of materials that are expressed, needing minimal additional finishing. Further efficiencies are found by encouraging natural ventilation, employing low-impact systems and fixtures, and using standard window/door components. The resulting composition is current, while connected to its context and comfortably secure, while encouraging interaction with its surroundings.
This is a design research project that explores translating information sourced from a complex system. In this case, a field is derived from a cellular automata time series. Starting with a random string of binary (on/off) values, a pattern is developed following rule 110 for one-dimensional cellular automata. This rule set determines the value of a position in the sequence at the next time step based on its current value and that of its immediate neighbors. Through a series of steps, a two dimensional image is developed. As a system that could be run multiple times with different starting values to achieve unique outcomes, it offers the possibility for diverse and varied applications.
These products of the system could be applied in a simple fashion to decorative tile patterns, adding a dynamic character to a space. However, this information can also be used as the foundation for generating complex, three-dimensional geometries. As a sculpted relief, the resulting surface could be used as a plain feature wall accent within the experience of a larger architectural composition. More dramatically, the surface can be wrapped around simple starting geometries and develop fluid massing possibilities. In the example shown here the initial geometry is a triangular prism. The nature of the resulting forms provides excellent content for digital fabrication techniques such as CNC milling and additive manufacturing. Elements in any given project could be given additional character from this type of generative method.
This weekend home for an empty nest couple has a flexible floor plan and incorporates various sustainable strategies. Sited next to a high desert lake in Northern New Mexico, the spaces connect to the landscape. The linear plan follows a public-to-private progression as one moves from east to west: Living/dining/kitchen, studio, library, master suite. The spaces are distinct, but connected. Circulation is accommodated next to a thickened storage wall and service areas are provided between the primary spaces. Modularity within the plan provides the flexibility for different residents to tailor the space to their needs. Looking from near the entrance down the length of the retreat and out the window wall of the main living space, the open, fluid nature of the space is apparent. Elevations respond to orientation: The south is open, connected to the outdoors via light and views, yet shaded to optimize sun exposure. Both east and west facades are more concealed, while still permitting access. The north face is the most closed, but punctuated by three windows for light and ventilation. Walls are either corrugated weathered steel, natural stucco, or fiber cement panels. The solid form of the angle is clear when looking from the northwest. It engages the elements: directing rain water, screening harsh winds, and building its natural finish over time. This section, cut through the studio, shows both inherent and optional design elements. The shading of the southern facade is crafted so that it protects from the harsh summer sun but allows the sun deep into the space in the winter. Operable windows are placed to provide natural cooling and ventilation. The exposed concrete slab is ideal for taking full advantage of a radiant heating and cooling system. Furthermore, the flat roof could become a green roof or serve as a platform for PV panels in the future. The master bedroom epitomizes the calm, contemplative spaces of the design. Simple rooms such as this are defined by surfaces such as the burl-like agri-fiber board of the angle's inner skin. The exploded axonometric illustrates the assembly scheme: The series of blade walls are embraced by the primary shade/shelter gesture of the angle. The enclosure is completed by transparent and opaque infill panels. The composition demonstrates a rigorous approach to geometry and spatial assembly. Ideas of both rhythm and proportionality are evoked.
shadeLidke is a freestanding shade structure in an Albuquerque, NM backyard. The structure is carefully designed and oriented so that a single formal gesture provides shading under a variety of solar conditions. Composite lumber, containing recycled plastic grocery bags, is the primary material.
The HEAVYlight house takes its name from its two types of enclosure walls: thick, 'heavy' masonry clad to the north and west, 'light' fiber cement panel clad to the south and east. Openings through and spaces between these two wall elements connect the enclosed spaces to the outside. The house's basic arrangement is simple: public spaces on the ground level, private spaces above. Some unique areas include: 1) window seat 2) office/media room 3) laundry/utility 4) computer station. Circulation paths are energized by the adjacent built-in storage walls. Primary organizational and logistical components are brought together to form a cohesive composition. The wet core and storage guide the internal arrangement and are wrapped by the heavy and light wall forms. Though uncomplicated, the design offers a diversity of engaging spaces as represented in these sections. The spatial connectivity also allows for cross ventilation and stack effect cooling. The form and orientation of the house create variable shading conditions that support passive conditioning through out the year. Shown here on a typical 60' x 140' urban infill lot, the house is restrained in the amount of ground it occupies. The roof can be planted, support PV panels, and be arranged to harvest rainwater. Material efficiency is targeted by using a consistent dimensioning scheme based on a 4' x 8' unit. This enhances the benefits that come from using components such as Structural Insulated Panels, wallboard sheets, fiber cement panels, and stock sizes of high efficiency windows. The strong, 'heavy' walls embrace the living spaces within a comforting shield while still allowing meaningful connection to the surroundings. Interior appointments follow a theme of sustainable materials: recycled glass tile mosaic, paper composite counter tops, bamboo plywood casework, low VOC paint, etc. The combined composition provides engaging, comfortable living space.
These graphics projects represent not only traditional work such as logo design and supporting images for architectural projects, but also work stemming from interdisciplinary discussions with scientists. In some projects, both elements are present. The scientific visualizations serve not only to communicate an idea, but also to support the development of new hypotheses and approaches. For citations of published work, please see the attached.
Starting with academic assignments and progressing to professional projects, physical models serve an important developmental and representational role. Through careful assembly, models can provide valuable insight into even conceptual designs.
This traditional Japanese waiting bench was the product of a workshop at Washington University in St. Louis. A small group of students designed and constructed the bench under the guidance of master carpenter Tomatsu Edo and Professor Mira Locher.
The Anasazi is a high-rise, mixed-use building in downtown Albuquerque, NM. It supplements local street level commercial space while adding a new type of residential density. As a team member with slagleHERR Architects, responsibilities included elevation/section coordination and consultant coordination from Design Development through Construction Documents.
El Centro de los Ninos, was a project for an addition to a child day care center in Tierra Amarilla, NM. To support their mission of serving a low-income rural community, the center wished to add space, while incorporating significant sustainable design features. The budget constraints promoted unique design solutions such as developing a trombe wall constructed entirely from standard, off-the-shelf building products. Taken from design development through construction documents while with slagleHERR, formerly JLS Architects.
The Westin Riverfront is a condo/hotel development at the base of the Beaver Creek Ski Area in Avon, CO. It ranks among the best resort destinations in North America. As a team member with OZ Architecture, responsibilities included floor plan coordination, LEED certification support, and interior design coordination from Design Development through Construction Documents.
The Village at Northstar is a dense, mixed-use resort community at the base of a ski mountain in Truckee, CA. The needs for residential, commercial, public, and resort service uses were integrated into a complex yet compelling community. As a team member with OZ Architecture, responsibilities included floor plan coordination, LEED certification support, and interior design coordination from Design Development through Construction Documents.
The University of Denver required additional office space in one of its primary academic buildings, Sturm Hall. An exterior porch was enclosed, adding the space, while complementing the design of the original building. Taken from Construction Documents through Construction Administration while with Odell Architects, P.C.
