Cargotecture is a creative reuse of a plentiful global resource

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On view in Dussedorf at NRW-Forum is an exhibit of “cargotecture“. While many of these designs exist only on the page there is a real-life built example in Providence, Rhode Island.

The Box Office is sited next to the train tracks and developed as permanent office space with eye-catching colors. If you can’t visit either you can go there virtually via NPR.

Another variation on the theme is the Mobile Dwelling Unit which has pop-out sections which are deployed when the container is sited and lock back in place for shipping. Endless variety for convenient relocation in our modern global economy.

Front Entry Porch renovation

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Images for a Porch renovation soon to be under construction. The objectives were to reduce the “tower effect” of the porch on the facade and create a space where the owners could enjoy a cup of tea and interact with neighbors passing by.

Several variations of enclosure and roof line were explored. The final decision was to eliminate full enclosure in favor of low walls and supporting columns to allow better light penetration and a spot to sit under cover while still outdoors.

Be an Urban Planner for your own ‘hood at Somerville Walkshop this weekend

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This Saturday, June 25, Architecture and Planning firm Goody Clancy and the City of Somerville will host this exploration, documentation, and discussion. The conversation focuses on the Inner Belt and Brickbottom area which is targeted for major redevelopment along with the Green Line Extension.

There have been some lively, informative, and well-attended public debates about the changing landscape of Somerville and this is another opportunity for residents and interested citizens to get involved and have your voice heard.

Deck bench inspired by the elegant simplicity of a folding chair

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Some sketches and source images for architectural detail consultation for a project designed by Robert Gilmore Landscape Design.

The overall scope includes extensive site work integrated with hardscape elements around an existing home.

Deck and screen porch enhance outdoor living for a gracious Victorian

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Unless you are blessed to live somewhere without a seasonal invasion of flying, buzzing, or biting insects the advantages of a screen porch are obvious. Between year-round recreation and running a gardening business this family spends as much time as possible outdoors. In order to truly enjoy the summer months they wanted to update their home with a spacious porch which could serve as an outdoor room. We explored various configurations of deck vs. screened porch drawing on modern and traditional interpretations.

Opening pathways for light and circulation improves Kitchen function and aesthetics

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One of the projects currently in progress is a Kitchen-centric renovation to a small co-op unit for a young couple who like to entertain friends in their home. After living in and improving their apartment over the course of several years, the limitations of the Kitchen finally reached a critical level. In addition to limited counter space, less than ideal cabinet storage, and antiquated electrical systems; a washing machine was taking up significant square footage and creating a bottle-neck at the entry. The Kitchen abuts a 4-season porch which gets lovely evening light but that light wasn’t making it into the Kitchen or the Dining and Living spaces beyond.

By relocating the stove and moving the entry from the Dining Room, we were able to improve the flow and connection through the apartment. The glass door and windows separating the Kitchen and Porch will be removed and a seating area developed for taking small meals or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. The washer will be relocated into the Porch adjacent to the Dryer for increased efficiency and convenience.

In order to best communicate the impact of these changes a partial model was built in SketchUp and the images assembled as a walk-through.

Cape Cod Modern House Trust weekend open house for Kugel/Gips

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If you find yourself near Wellfleet, MA this weekend consider visiting the newly renovated Kugel/Gips house

. There is a free and public open house June 5 from 11am-3pm. The Cape Cod Modern House Trust is doing great work preserving the architectural history embedded in these unique buildings on The Cape and this house is a particularly wonderful example.