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

Board and batten siding is the underdog of siding systems, but we like it for the following reasons:
It has the potential to be visually clean and crisp
It has a timeless look and weathers nicely if implemented correctly
The system takes the natural expansion and contraction of materials into consideration
It’s been around for a long time, carpenters and siders are familiar with it
It’s durable

So why isn’t board and batten siding more prominent in modern architecture? A quick Google-image search suggests that most board & batten siding systems are associated with traditional architectures – country cottages and old leaning barns. The word “rustic” comes up often when researching board and batten systems. But technically the system has everything necessary to be a serious, modern strategy for siding. So the BUILD research and development team has put together a guide to board and batten siding systems. These diagrams are just departure points - coordinate with your structural engineer for unusual situations and the use of panel products.

1. Horizontal spacers can be placed behind the board & battens for better air circulation, the spacers also provide a uniform nailer backing to the system.
2. The fasteners and pattern will depend on the size of the batten.
3. A variety of products can be used in lieu of building paper including VaproShield products.
4. 1/2″ sheathing can be used if blocking is installed behind at fastener locations. We recommend just bumping up the sheathing to 3/4″.
5. The fastener pattern for panels depends entirely on the panel product used and the overall geometry.

With wood boards the fasteners should be centered on the board so that the board can expand and contract in both directions. Using fasteners at the edges will cause the boards to crack over time.

We’ve also tracked down several modern applications. Let us know of any sharp B&B applications you know of out there.

Dogtrot House in Poplarville, MS by Waggonner & Ball Architects

[photo by Kerri McCaffety, Mac Ball, Catherine Smith]

Donald Barbour House in Kentfield, CA by John Marsh Davis
The batten geometry integrates with the structural columns… nice.

[photo by Alan Weintraub]

House for an art collector in Therwill Switzerland by Herzog & de Meuron, 1986
Precast concrete panels and pine slats

[photo by Hisao Suzuki]

Wood Residence on Vashon Island, WA by James Cutler Architects
Cedar board and battens

Irby House at Sea Ranch, CA by Obie G. Bowman, 2001
Redwood board and battens

[photo by Tom Rider]

Girvin Cabin on Decatur Island, WA by Miller Hull

[photo from Miller Hull Architects of the Pacific Northwest by Sheri Olson]

City Hall on Bainbridge Island, WA by Miller Hull, 2000

[photo from Miller Hull Architects of the Pacific Northwest by Sheri Olson]

Nickerson House in Seattle, WA
Painted Hardi-board and wood battens, anybody know the architect of this one?

[photo by BUILD llc]

Shack at hinkle farm by Jeffery S. Broadhurst

[via materialicio.us]

“Barn Doors Open” in Falmouth, Maine by Kaplan Thompson Architects
The added volume uses a reverse board & batten system.

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]

BUILD llc recently completed a home on Bainbridge Island here in the northwest that uses some materials and methods that may be of interest. The home was designed and built for Dr. Marc Ferrin. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: good projects are the direct result of extraordinary homeowners willing to partake in the adventure of design and construction & trust our guidance.

[all images by BUILD llc]

1. Orchard of low-growing fruit trees on a pure geometrical grid.
2. Gravel hardscape.
3. Milgard aluminum windows with bronze finish – the dark, minimal corner mullion gives the appearance of a corner window.
4. Blomus stainless steel mailbox on custom steel plate stand with punched numbering. Mailbox sold by Pure Modern.
5. Milgard aluminum window system with bronze finish. The roof joist support beams are pulled back into the living space and exposed – this allows the window system to extend all the way to the roof joists.
6. MDO soffits painted white as a visual extension of the interior drywall lid. Exterior grade can lights installed at soffit.
7. Rainscreen siding system composed of Cembonit panels by CBF. For an explanation of rainscreen systems click here.
8. Cable rail system by Feeney Cable Rails with custom fabricated galvanized steel verticals and custom ipe top rail.
9. Clear sealed fir exterior door with tempered glass panel and weather-stripping. Reeded glass panels at entry door, clear at all others.
10. Clear T&G cedar mounted vertically and clear sealed. These particular boards span the entire height of the house.
11 Single membrane “flat” roof sloped ¼” per foot and concealed with parapet.
12. Outdoor shower (Kohler Stillness series) with winter shut off valve located inside house at conditioned area.
13. Clerestory windows add additional light to the upstairs hallway and maintain privacy.
14. Chimney capped with galvanized steel wide flange frame to conceal vent cap.
15. Standing seam metal roof with minimal vent penetrations.
16. Cedar fascia stained dark to match the window system.
17. A cantilevered bay allows for extra area inside but doesn’t change the line of the concrete foundation wall below. The change in form is reflected by using a different material at the cantilever.
18. Flush panel wood garage door by Clopay, painted dark to match soffits and blend with window package.
19. Strategically located vegetation to eventually hide the heat pump.
20. Rainscreen panel breaks strategically align with changes in plane.

[all images by BUILD llc]

21. Cold rolled custom steel handrail with blackened finish.
22. Vertically mounted aluminum return air grill – custom size by Shoemaker AFP series.
23. 1×4 flush base trim, pre-primed mdf, painted.
24. Prefabricated concrete stair treads by Diamond Concrete Products.
25. Miele DA series island hood.
26. Thin fin-wall made from 1-3/4” x 11-7/8” LVLs stacked end to end and wrapped with GWB, painted.
27. Slot window – as part of the sequence of entry a visitor gets a peak at the extraordinary view.
28. Absolute black granite countertops with slight eased edge.
29. Lutron Diva light switches with stainless steel cover plates – all devices mounted at a common datum line around the house.
30. Bamboo vertical grain flooring.
31. Custom galvanized vertical guardrails drilled to receive Feeney Cable Rail system.
32. 1×6 ipe decking
33. 5’ foot wide sliding door to pantry – the cabinets are notched to receive sliding door.
34. Maple cabinets by Canyon Creek Cabinet Company with Mockett satin chrome tab pulls.
35. The clerestory window at the shower allows natural daylight but maintains privacy.
36. Milgard aluminum floor to ceiling window system with bronze finish.
37. Kohler Stillness series shower fixtures.
38. Epco polished chrome shower curtain rod.

For more information on the Ferrin Residence check out the YouTube digital model and the YouTube time elapse construction process.

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.

Part two of our Phoenix series focuses on Frank Lloyd Wright and a couple of his most prominent works in the area. Up in the rainy northwest Uncle Frank isn’t as influential as his international popularity might suggest. The northwest is host to only a few residential projects by Wright – these projects are tucked away, privately held and rarely, if ever, open for tours. Wright’s most notable architectures were born from very different regions and climates making him a distant and elusive character to some of us soggy Seattleites. With this said, I was amazed at the impact both projects had on how we (BUILD llc) think about and do architecture. Both works have elements that are significant and applicable to a small, modern design-build practice. As part of our “on-location” blogs we’ll dive into some photo details on each project.

[photo by BUILD llc]

Taliesin West
Wright’s commonly repeated phrase “you learn by doing” typifies the philosophy of Taliesin West. Gradually constructed over years by many students the campus is a laboratory for designing and building. What is most refreshing about Taliesin West is the lack of precision. We so commonly associate Wright’s work with excessively expensive, finely crafted, precious objects, that the improvised and in some cases crude forms are refreshing.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The triangle is king at Taliesin West, three point geometries can be found in most of the built-form. The shape of the triangle, it was explained, symbolizes the sharp inhospitable surrounding environment.

[photo by BUILD llc]

It is said the Wright did not like the look of exposed light bulbs. Naked bulbs are abundant at Taliesin West, however they are always intentionally located and seem to integrate with the built-form. Even though this technique requires a bit more labor, the exposed bulb solution is as cost effective as lighting design gets.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The most pleasing aspect of Taliesin West involves the balance between massive stone and concrete walls unified with the delicate wood, steel and glass frameworks. The combination is sensible; the concrete and stone walls are so massive, so dominating that the wood/steel frameworks don’t necessarily need to align with them. A margin of error is inherently built into the construction and a level of sloppiness goes unnoticed.

[photos by BUILD llc]

Taliesin West was seen as a work in progress – glass walls could be turned opaque, entrances could be relocated, bays could be added. The concept of organic architecture, like nature, could evolve and adapt to the environment around it. There is an experimental and transitory nature about Taliesin West that would be nice to see in more modern built work.

[photos by BUILD llc]

While the bathroom in Wright’s quarters has been updated several times, its current state is quite pleasing. The Kohler fixtures obviously weren’t part of the original design however the ribbed aluminum siding was added by Wright. The contrast of materials, clean geometries and efficiency of the space make you feel like you just stepped into a bathroom at a high-end boutique hotel in New York.

[photo by BUILD llc]

The Biltmore Hotel
At the other end of the spectrum, the Biltmore exemplifies permanence, refinement and precision. The architect of record for the project is Albert Chase McArthur, a former apprentice of Wright’s. He and Wright, the consulting architect on the project, designed the 39 acre site which remains a hotel and resort today. While the project seems exclusive a simple room can be rented for around $170 – surprisingly inexpensive given the quality, service and amenities of the establishment. As an architect it’s a bit of paradise – you can roam anywhere you like on the grounds and no one seems to care how many photos you take.

[photo by BUILD llc]

Wright’s well known quote “Take care of the luxuries first, the necessities will follow” seems fitting of the Biltmore. Indulgence can be found everywhere from the overall planning down to the details. Although the extravagance of the architecture can be overwhelming, even discouraging given the challenges of doing architecture in today’s world, you can’t help but appreciate the discipline of the built-form. While there is a massive volume of usonian blocks used on the project the blocks are used judiciously and cleverly in harmony with simple plane faced concrete blocks.

[photos by BUILD llc]

The design of reproducible, textured concrete blocks lets nature do the work as the shadows throughout the day constantly change the appearance surfaces.

[photos by BUILD llc]

Light blocks are integrated into the block geometry to illuminate the spaces at night. The block lights have a glowing effect, rather than a pointed light effect, more conducive of a place for relaxation.

[photos by BUILD llc]

While the structures and nature appear to grow and evolve with one another, the army of gardeners each morning reminds us that this harmony between built-form and nature is very much contrived here.

[photos by BUILD llc]

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

Most of the projects we work on incorporate forced air heating systems. But these systems aren’t always the most effective solution for heating a home because they require a furnace and ducting. Furnaces are big and expensive, ducting requires labor and space. If the floor area is less than ~1500 square feet, forced air isn’t cost effective or space effective. We’ve been doing quite a bit of research into alternative heating systems for smaller spaces and, as always, the Europeans are several steps ahead. We’ll look at two systems in today’s post:

Electric Baseboard Heating Systems: We know what you’re thinking - but the systems we’ve tracked down aren’t the flimsy, unsightly baseboard heaters you used to have above the shag carpet in that college rental house. Modern electric baseboard heaters are effective in smaller spaces because they do not require a boiler, furnace, or ducting – just an electrical line which is typically 120 or 240 volts. A thermostat located in each room allows for more temperature variation within a home and quicker heat response time. The U.S. Department of Energy website describes the mechanics of electric baseboard heat best:

“Baseboard heaters contain electric heating elements encased in metal pipes. The pipes, surrounded by aluminum fins to aid heat transfer, run the length of the baseboard heater’s housing, or cabinet. As air within the heater is warmed, it rises into the room, and cooler air is drawn into the bottom of the heater. Baseboard heaters are usually installed underneath windows. There, the heater’s rising warm air counteracts falling cool air from the cold window glass.”

OMB & OHB by Ouellet Electric Heating

ODIA & ODBA by Ouellet Electric Heating

Thermodul Electric system by Dryzone
The perimeter heaters become the base trim in the room

Radiant Hot Water Baseboard and Wall Systems: If you’re picturing grandmas two-hundred pound cast-iron radiator, encrusted with high-relief acanthus leaves, stay tuned. These are typically closed loop systems where a plumbing supply line carries hot water from the heat source to the radiator, the water radiates the heat and the plumbing line carries the cooled water back to the heat source to be re-circulated. The heat source is typically a gas or electric powered boiler or hot water heater, circulation occurs by means of a pump or convection. The panel and tube systems come in a wide variety of sizes and are moderately flexible in terms of location - limited only by the plumbing lines. The thermostat is typically located on or near the panel itself, temperatures are typically lower and the units do not present the fire hazard of electric systems. Variations of hot water systems include towel warmers and profiles which mimic architectural base trim.

Honeycomb & Zephyr Hydronic systems by Aeon

Millennium & Octet Hydronic systems by Aeon

Xeno & Talus Hydronic systems by Aeon

Planet Hydronic system by Tubes

Square Hydronic system by Tubes

UF Series Hydronic system by Runtal

Dualis Plus Hydronic system by Zehnder

Yucca Star Hydronic system by Zehnder

Charleston Hydronic system by Zehnder

Projectclima Hydronic system
An ecological product that uses recyclable tiles which the user can arrange in any configuration. They produce a variety of colors and sizes with the option of printing your own pictures onto the tiles.

Steamview by Steam Radiators

Slimline Radiant Base Heater Hydronic system by Radtech 2000
The perimeter heaters become the base trim of the room
hey Radtech - how ’bout getting some photos up on your website that are as clean and crisp as your product.

While toasters seem like a trivial design element, the fact of the matter is that they’re usually out on the countertop and fully visible in most kitchens. A well designed toaster can be a pleasing sculptural element – while a poorly designed model can look like a steaming pile of design dog doo. So go the distance with your hot, modern kitchen and park one of these sleek toasters on the counter. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite models as well as a few concepts that caught our attention.

Some very simple toasters with minimal knobs and accessories:

Aluminum Toaster HD2618 by Philips, $137.00

Rowenta Electric Toaster Designed by Jasper Morrison, $150.00

Trabo Block Toaster Designed by Piero Russi

Trabo Toast Designed by Gae Aulenti

Toaster, designed by Naota Fukasawa
For more of Fukasawa’s work check out our post on Masters of Industrial Design

Flat Toaster TP-2006 x by Fagor, $62.00

A toaster with the bling factor of 200 Swarovski crystals:
Crystal-Encrusted Toaster, Neiman Marcus, by Russell Hobbs, $300.00

Siemens TT9110 Porsche Toaster by Porsche Design Studio
They create beautiful cars, they must create a beautiful toaster that toasts your bread to perfection.

Transparent Toaster by Inventables Concept Studio

Dyson Toaster by David Chacon

There are also a few horizontally fed toasters in the conceptual stage:

Mool Toaster Designed by Atil Kizilbayir

Glide Toaster Designed by George Watson

And of course a toaster inspired by Gehry must break away from the box:
Gehry Toaster Designed by Olivier Gregoire, Inspired by Frank Gehry