BUILD Blog

Doing research for our previous Google-Earth themed posts (Dwelling-Scapes and Building-Scapes) we began noticing some interesting deviations in the urban fabric of cities. Where there is density and grid, inevitably, there is also the divergence from both. We’ve tracked down a number of examples that document the anomaly of the dense, urban grid. These pattern changes become the open spaces, the parks, plazas and public realms. The images have all been taken at 3,000 feet above the Earth’s surface and have been cropped to show a square of 1,700 feet horizontally and vertically for comparison purposes. Let us know about your favs out there…

Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain

Dam Square, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Soccer Field, Maputo, Mozamique

Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), Copenhagen, Denmark

Parking Lot, Tetouan, Morocco

Cuzco Plaza, Cuzco, Peru

Broadway, New York City, USA

Townhall Center, Hamburg, Germany

Park, Seoul, South Korea

Open space, Nairobi, Kenya

Piazza Dante, Naples, Italy

Neighborhood, Mexico City, Mexico (Not really and opening but it appears to be a previous lake re-appropriated as housing and subsequently establishing it’s own exception to the gird around it.)

Allee Paul Riquet, Beziers, France

City Center, Viacha, Bolivia

Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy

Cathedral Basilica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Parque de la Pera, Lima, Peru

The U-District and Ravenna are surprising neighborhoods. They are closer to downtown than you might think in both proximity and character, and while they don’t have an abundance of hot, modern design, they’ve got the stuff that makes for great neighborhoods. The U-District in particular has done an excellent job of adapting and evolving over time. Rather than tearing down older structures, the character of the area is retained as gas stations become breakfast joints, houses become kayak rental shops and high-tech restaurants are taken over by the UW architecture department.

The public transportation in both neighborhoods is excellent; metro delivers its passengers to downtown Seattle in 12 to 16 minutes, direct connection access to the Microsoft campus has been established, and the light rail line is planned to extend up through the area. The Burke-Gilman bike trail passes through the U-District and Ravenna maintains a number of great running/biking trails - in addition to being neighbors with Greenlake. The U-District and Ravenna seem to share the city amenities but retain the peace and quiet of its many parks. Here are some places you should know about:

The Henry Art Gallery gets a constant flow of good design related shows, also check out the James Turrell Skyspace.

University Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. This is the real deal - farmers only, no bead stands, antiques or tarot card readings.

Tenpachi Salon and Store at 5611 University Way NE -clean, modern cuts. Go to the full Tenpachi post here

[Photo by Aaron Leitz]

Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club at 1303 NE Boat St -Good Mexican food and kayak rentals on lake Union

Originally built as the “Man Bites Dog Restaurant” at University Way & 40th and designed by the Barnett Schorr Miller Company in 1978. The structure was deemed 1970’s high-tech design and expected to last no more than a decade. 30 years later it’s still there and has served a wide range of functions including a video arcade. Currently it’s owned by the UW school of architecture.

American Apparel at 4345 University Way NE -glass walls, clean lines and scantily clad models

The Deca Hotel and University Lounge at 4507 Brooklyn Ave by R.C. Reamer, 1931

The simple, rickety fruit stand at University Way NE & 65th actually has a modern look and feel of pure function -old school fruit and veggies is the new modern.

Stainless steel clad building at 6211 Roosevelt -home of TCA architects.

Corrugated steel clad building at Roosevelt Way NE & 63rd Str.

U-Bookstore at 4326 University Way NE

The Urban Outfitters shop 4518 University Way is a recent conversion of the old Tower Records space with cool corner windows.

The Whole Foods Roosevelt isn’t modern in aesthetics but the concept is forward thinking and it’s the hub the neighborhood - it’s where you see your neighbors. They offer a packed calendar of cooking classes as well.

3rd Place books and Honey Bear Bakery - books, pastries and coffee with that mom-&-pop shop feel

Pizza Brava at 4222 University Way NE, real neighborhoods have good pizza joints.

The U-District has been called a film goers paradise as the 6 theaters cover the range from blockbusters to independent films and everything in between.

Dwell Roosevelt modern condos at 1026 NE 65th

Nordheim Court modern apartments at 5000 25th Ave NE

The Park Modern at 5611 University Way NE -clean, modern city living, 2 flats left.  Read more about the Park modern here and here.

[Photo by Art Grice]

Herkimer Coffee Shop at 5611 University Way NE - good beans and a modern shop.

University Village

Apple Store at U-Village -ahh the beacon of modern design…

Blue C Sushi at U-Village

Crate & Barrel at U-Village -we’re not typically fans of big box chain stores but the building has some interesting massing and pleasing materials.

15th Ave Art Deco Bridge over Ravenna Park

Running trail through the lush forest of Ravenna Park.

Cowen Park provides wide open space for volley ball and baseball.

The University of Washington campus is filled with impressive pieces of architecture like the William H. Foege Building.

Physics Building by Cesar Pelli, 1994 - Check out the sundial and Foulcault Pendulum

Hidden in the trees along Rainier Vista on the UW campus is Winkenwerder Hall, a mid-century modern gem.

Paul Allen Computer Science Building

Faculty Center by Steinbrueck and Kirk, 1960 - one of the purist mid-century modern examples in Seattle.

McMahon Hall by Kirk, Wallace & McKinley, 1965

Photo of Tenpachi Salon by by Aaron Leitz, Photo of Park Modern by Art Grice
All other photos by BUILD llc

Living, working and blogging in Seattle, it was only a matter of time before we felt obligated to post on floating houses. In doing our homework we spoke with Dan Wittenberg, president of International Floatation Systems Inc. (IMF), who was gracious enough to give us a bit of his time and expertise. In addition to designing and building floating homes all over the world, Dan previously lived in a floating home for 11 years. Here’s a bit of our conversation:

Are there any common misunderstanding that architects have about floating homes?
Many architects think that we build hulls or vessels, but that’s not true, we build floating platforms. These platforms are solid construction made with a concrete shell and a Styrofoam core. The platform has positive flotation and will not sink under any conditions, whereas a hollow vessel can fill with water and sink. The technology is comparable to a cork in that it won’t sink regardless of how many holes you poke in it.
What are the material options with a floating platform?
The floating platforms are only built with concrete and Styrofoam; this is a common construction method that insures they won’t sink. It is possible to build a shell which offers interior space (like a basement) but since it’s possible for a shell to sink, insurance companies look at the situation differently. It is still an engineered product but has a different risk factor.
Is there maintenance necessary for the platform floats?
There is no maintenance necessary below the water line.
Are the hulls made in Canada and brought down by tug boat?
For a floating house in Seattle, yes – we build them in Vancouver B.C. and bring them down by tugboat.
Are the houses always installed on the platforms after shipment?
Actually 90% of our residential projects are built on the platform prior to shipping. Some of these homes are finished all the way down to the furniture being installed. We have literally handed owners a key to a move-in ready home at the dock upon arrival.
Does IMF typically build the house as well as the platform?
We certainly can, we are also a general contractor for the homes on top of the floating platforms.
What are the maximum sizes?
For a two story structure the minimum width and length is typically 20’. For a three story structure the minimum width and length is typically 25’.
There is no maximum size limit as the platforms can be constructed piece by piece or poured on site.
The largest floating platform we have constructed is in Holland and is 90,000 square feet. We have also completed a platform on Lake Powell in Arizona which is a one piece construction of 27,000 square feet.
So the platforms can be shipped in 2 or more pieces and connected on site?
Yes, it’s common. We are currently doing a project in Richland which involves 8 separate pieces to be connected together.
What is a common depth?
Five feet is the common depth of the platform, although they only require 3’ of water to float. The platforms are designed to float with 3’ of draft in the water and 2’ of freeboard above the waterline. The 2’ above the water line is the reserve buoyancy. These platforms are designed for a live load of 100lbs per square foot plus the effect of wind on the platform and house.
How far can you ship the platform?
We typically only ship them by water as far as Seattle. Further than that, other means are more cost-effective. We recently delivered a floating platform in several pieces to New York via truck. We also build many of the floating platforms in place. We have built floating platforms as far away as Holland.
Is the means of transportation ever taken into consideration for the design of the floating platform? For instance a triangle would have less drag in shipping and would save on fuel charges.
The amount of fuel it would save wouldn’t add up to much given the overall costs of a floating platform. We have built a triangle platform but for other reasons.
Is there a rule of thumb for pricing?
The base pricing ranges between $50 - $60 per square foot. This does not include plumbing, rails or what we call the ‘jewelry’. This pricing only relates to the floating platform itself.
What is the market telling you about floating house design?
That maximum square footage is more important than privacy. Years ago floating homes were designed with porches and covered outdoor spaces, now the footprint is always maximized for interior space.
The mortgage and insurance industries have changed for the better regarding floating homes. It used to be that neither group recognized floating homes as real-estate. Mortgage companies now see the surface of water as real-estate and insurance companies will now cover floating homes because of the advances in floating platforms.
What are common mistakes made by architects in designing floating homes?
When the floating platform is complete, it is just as functional as a slab on grade. The slab can be clear sealed and used as the finished floor or the finished floor can be installed directly on top of the slab. Architects commonly design the house to use joists at the ground level which is unnecessary.
Radiant heat can also be installed in the platforms we build. It actually makes a lot of sense because there is 5’ of insulation below, making it a very efficient heat system.
Often architects do not take into consideration that all 4 sides of a houseboat have the potential for great views and light. Most of the time we see typical house designs simply plunked down on the floating platform.
All too often architects don’t take into consideration the reflected light from the water. The light on the ceiling of a floating home is much more dramatic than typical residential design.
How can architects best prepare for designing a floating home?
In most cases it is wise to bring the floating platform designer on board early.
Are there design options you would like to see further explored with floating homes?
I would like to see round platforms explored. This would allow rotation of the platform for better views and maximum sunlight throughout the day. It also has applications for solar panels and rotating the panels to best align with the suns rays during the day.
Are there other challenges involved with floating houses?
Securing moorage is difficult as there are only about 500 spots in a place like Seattle. But typically the home owners have found moorage by the time they select their architect and begin working with us.

For more information about floating platforms visit IMF’s website. A huge thanks goes out to IMF, when we land that houseboat project we know who to call.

The following photos show a range of floating houses in a variety of locations by different architects and engineers.

Scandinavian Archipelago Villa in Villa Helmi by Marina Housing

Floating house in Seattle by Vandeventer + Carlander

[Photo by John Granen]

Floating Boathouse and Sleeping Cottage on an island in Lake Huron by MOS Office
Photos from Materialicio.us, which has a phenomenal spread on the house

Floating house in Seattle, does anyone know the architect of this one?

Floating house in Denmark

Modern Marine Homes in Sweden by Strindberg Arkitekter

SeaSauna, Originally by Ari Leinonon now prefabricated by Modernliving.se in Sweden

Floating house in Australia by Drew Heath

Office by Aero11 Design

B-Type floating home by Floatinghomes in Germany

[Photo by Klaus Frahm]

Part three of our Phoenix series focuses on the public library. As this is our last in the series we are also including The Modern List Arizona and New Mexico, a two-page list of things hot and modern from hotels to restaurants to landscapes. Download the 14KB PDF here: TML-AZ&NM. As always the list isn’t comprehensive or complete, just a bunch of our favorite modern places.

Phoenix Public Library
As luck would have it, our visit to the Phoenix Public Library coincided with the summer solstice. The structure was designed with strategically placed apertures for natural daylight and subsequently the solstice is an extraordinary occasion – even the architect, Will Bruder, spoke at the event. Another important figure present at the solstice was photographer Roger E. Cohen who was gracious enough to send us a copy of the extremely cool panorama below. For more information about his photography, Roger can be contacted at recohen@earthlink.net.

[photo by Roger E. Cohen]

The library is most celebrated for its geometric fabric sun-screens at the entrance façade, and don’t get us wrong – they’re gorgeous, but the entire library inside and out is just as innovative and well designed as the method of screening.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The other sides of the building are also of interest as they each face very different environments and subsequently have drastically different interfaces.

[photos by BUILD llc]

Inside, a light space-frame of tension cables hold up the roof structure. The feeling on the top floor is airy and spacious and the detailing above the columns is fascinating. The angle of the sun creates subtle changes to the light reflected on the column tops. With the additional light reveals at the walls, the roof achieves a floating appearance.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The use of tension cables is also used at the stair core for lateral stability.

[photo by BUILD llc]

Despite using so many different materials the building still maintains an architectural discipline. The cor-ten steel, stainless steel, concrete, aluminum and glass all seem to work nicely together.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The range of different patterns and textures among such a wide range of materials also surprised us. In theory it sounds like too much going on, but looking at the building the composition reads coherently. Perhaps it’s the shear size of such an object that allows for more variety among material and texture.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The building seems to have varying degrees of success in terms of weathering. While the concrete and cor-ten steel seem to benefit from the process of weathering, stainless steel is a material that typical looks best new and shiny.

[photos by BUILD llc]

Overall - a masterwork that should definitely be on your to-do list for that next trip to Phoenix.

The BUILD research team is currently in sunny Phoenix Arizona and we thought we’d do a blog or two while we’re on the road. While Phoenix is mastering the art of sprawling beige suburbs, it does have its architectural gems. The beauty of actually being here and taking the shots is that we can get up close and personal with these buildings – so for today’s post we’ll be looking at some hot, modern details.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Few museums explore such masterful architecture while maintaining an intimate and personal scale. With a design dream-team of Will Bruder, James Carpenter and James Turrell, SMoCA is an exceptional place.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The original stucco box by architect Bennie Gonzales in 1975 is painted a dark eggplant; the new glass and steel addition become the focus.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The envelope is a simple but serendipitous skin of galvanized metal panels and stainless steel panels. The organization and geometry of the panels seems rational and poetic.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The “lantern” designed by James Carpenter includes angled etch-matte glass sheets with joinery of dichroic glass spacers. The assembly creates colorful light shards on the ground and leads visitors to the entry.

[photo by BUILD llc]

It is nearly impossible to be in a James Turell skyspace space with a camera and not take a disgusting amount of photos. Our advise - leave the camera in the car and just enjoy the space.

[photo by BUILD llc]

Phoenix Art Museum
The museum interiors and sequence of spaces are pleasing; however it is the building corners that produce that extraordinary element of surprise.

[photo by BUILD llc]

At most of the structure’s corners, behind discrete fin walls (which protect the art from the natural daylight) there are light filled glass apertures of varying sizes. Most of these quiet, light filled spaces contain chairs or a sitting bench for rest and observation. The museums outdoor gardens and courtyards can be viewed from these glass perches.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The Hotel Valley Ho
The original architect, Edward L. Varney, used a clever design of pre-cast concrete panels for the guardrails. These modules establish an ornamental repetition around the perimeter of the hotel and cast shadows that become important to the façade.

[photos by BUILD llc]

It’s a clever method in that it consumes the viewers attention – you don’t really notice that the actual envelope of the building is just painted brick and cmu block.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The concrete panels are attached with tube steel – this tube steel also creates a uniform guardrail height to meet the building code.

[photo by BUILD llc]

Pre-cast concrete panels also wrap some of the more prominent columns at the interior and exterior.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The rooms have been updated with clean, playful mid-century modern interiors. The stainless steel Seiho vent plays a role in the design aesthetic as does the etch-matte corner window around the bathtub.

[photo by BUILD llc]

More info about these projects can be found on our earlier post: Modern Tour: Arizona + New Mexico