reflective metal facade wraps another side funeral home’s elevated volume in san francisco

For decades, architects and government officials have recognized the importance of energy-efficient buildings, especially since the 1970s energy crisis. Buildings, including their construction, materials, and associated infrastructure, contribute up to 40 percent of global carbon emissions, making energy efficiency a critical concern. This understanding is foundational in North American architecture schools and has been emphasized by European institutions for even longer. The "Passive House Design" approach, pioneered by German architects, considers a building's entire interconnected system, focusing on its integration with the site, climate, and social support. This philosophy extends beyond residential structures to all building types. A more recent evolution, the "Net Zero Design" approach, also led by German designers, takes this further by requiring buildings to be highly efficient, use minimal energy, and replace all the energy they consume, potentially even contributing excess energy back to the local power grid. Europe, with its advanced energy design and construction history, has developed numerous innovative building cladding systems that contribute to energy efficiency. These systems often incorporate specialty fabrics in intelligent ways, such as vertical shade systems, retractable awnings, and entire building wraps. Industry experts, including Steve Fredrickson from Serge Ferrari North America, note that Europe is significantly ahead of North America in this area due to a lack of air conditioning standardization in European homes and retail, creating a greater need for heat barrier solutions. Additionally, European building codes are more adaptable to new energy-reducing products and developments. In contrast, existing North American building codes and the time required for their amendment make widespread adoption of fabric shade systems more challenging. Architect Samuel Armijos observes that while European markets showcase many examples of vertical fabric systems, such projects are scarce in the U.S. This lack of visible examples hinders broader acceptance and design incorporation. Architect Nicholas Goldsmith, however, notes a growing recognition among North American designers that exterior shading, particularly in specific regional climates, offers advantages over other cladding systems, such as being lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective. Mike Squizzato of Stobag North America Corp. highlights that Europeans prioritize shade for cooling due to higher electricity costs, whereas North Americans typically rely on air conditioning. He believes that as electricity costs rise and climate concerns grow, North American markets will rapidly adopt shading solutions, with awnings and vertical shading providing natural air-conditioned environments and potentially saving over 50 percent on electricity bills. Paul Snustead, director of facades at Structurflex, acknowledges Europe's lead but points to Structurflex's efforts to advance fabric facade architecture in the U.S. Tensile facades, also known as textile, fabric, or flexible facades, offer an innovative, long-lasting, and cost-effective alternative to traditional metal mesh screens, often costing about 50 percent less. These systems act as a 'second skin' for buildings, providing screening and shading, which can contribute to reduced energy consumption and LEED certification. Despite the clear benefits, the adoption of fabric-based shading systems in North America faces challenges. Traditional cladding materials remain strong competitors. Armijos notes a decline in leads for shade jobs, with parking garages being the primary market, but even there, fabric competes with pre-fabricated concrete and metal mesh systems. He suggests a major global event might be needed to spur a push toward textile facades. Andrew Trowbridge of Ronstan International observes a shift away from stainless steel cables in fabric structures towards greening systems and perforated aluminum panels for shade and facade coverage. Conversely, Fredrickson sees growth in both static and retractable vertical shading options across North America. Snustead describes an exponential expansion in the fabric facade architecture market, particularly for tensile fabric meshes, membranes, and foils, initially driven by parking garage screening requirements. Structurflex has seen an 800 percent increase in facade projects annually, with fabric facades becoming a significant part of their operations. Squizzato predicts that as temperatures rise, North Americans will increasingly seek cost-effective cooling solutions beyond air conditioning, leading to buildings with more colorful awnings and widespread vertical shading, eventually mirroring European practices within 15 years. For companies looking to enter or expand in this market, experts emphasize the need for knowledge, education, and accessibility of information. The ideal company size varies by region and market, but success hinges on having the right products and expertise. Fredrickson warns against using cheap, unproven products, which can harm the market's reputation. Snustead highlights the versatility of tensile facades, which can span large distances with less structural support and use materials that are often 100% recyclable with long lifespans. Squizzato points out that many existing businesses, from awning companies to landscape architects, can leverage sun shade protection to expand their services, provided they have appropriate insurance, training, and competent staff. The overall outlook for vertical fabric shading remains positive, with continued growth anticipated, especially as architects and contractors become more familiar with the medium's innovation and economic advantages. #BuildingFacades #VerticalShading #EnergyEfficiency #FabricArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalTextiles #NetZeroDesign #ClimateControl #ConstructionInnovation

The Dri-Design Shadow Series metal panels offer an innovative solution for exterior and interior architectural cladding, designed to add depth and visual interest to facades. This product allows individual panels to extend at varying depths, creating a textured or dynamically patterned surface while maintaining a consistent substrate and weather barrier plane. The Shadow Series is suitable for a wide range of applications, including commercial, cultural, public, industrial, and hospitality projects. It is characterized by its dry joint pressure equalized system, which eliminates the need for sealants or gaskets, thereby reducing maintenance and preventing unsightly streaks. Constructed from materials such as Aluminum, VMZinc®, and Stainless Steel, these panels boast a lower carbon footprint compared to composite or foam alternatives. They are made with recycled metal and are 100% recyclable, aligning with sustainable building practices. The manufacturing process allows for an unlimited color palette, providing designers with extensive aesthetic flexibility. Installation is straightforward, as the panels attach to various substrates without the need for additional clips or extrusions. Compatible substrates include plywood with a weather barrier, concrete or CMU block, steel girts, furring or flat strap (with or without insulation), continuous insulation systems, and insulated metal panel systems. Available in a Shadow Depth ranging from 1 ¼” to 4”, the panels come in recommended maximum sizes of 24” width by 120” height, 40” width by 40” height, and 72” width by 24” height, with options for larger custom sizes upon request. The product has undergone rigorous testing and holds certifications for air, water, structural integrity, hurricane resistance, and the latest AAMA508-07 standards. These certifications ensure high performance and durability in various environmental conditions. The Shadow Series is applicable for use on walls, facades, and both exterior and interior surfaces. Its material options include stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc/aluzinc, catering to diverse design specifications and performance requirements. The emphasis on recycled materials further underscores its environmental benefits. Technical product files, including detailed specifications, CAD drawings for various joints (90º inside and outside corners, horizontal and vertical joints), fascia-soffit details, jamb details, panel head and sill details, and parapet coping details, are available for download to assist architects and builders in integration and planning. A notable project featuring these panels is the Regent Park Aquatic Centre by MJMA, showcasing the product's versatility and aesthetic potential in contemporary architecture. #MetalPanels #ArchitecturalCladding #FacadeDesign #SustainableMaterials #BuildingMaterials #DryJointSystem #ExteriorDesign #InteriorDesign

Film director Will Gluck's Los Angeles home, designed by his father Peter Gluck of GLUCK+, is a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Case Study Houses from the post-World War II era. While retaining the clean lines and midcentury aesthetic characterized by glass, wood, and steel, the new residence incorporates significant advancements in sustainability and comfort. The original Case Study Houses, though groundbreaking for their time, were often compact and lacked sustainable features, built primarily to meet the high demand for housing after the war. Peter Gluck's design addresses these past limitations by integrating modern sustainable practices. The lower level of the home is built into the hillside, utilizing the earth-sheltered concept for natural insulation. Nine inches of soil on top of this level, combined with a foot-thick concrete wall, significantly reduce air leakage and stabilize interior temperatures, contributing to substantial natural heating and cooling. This strategic construction minimizes energy consumption, making the home more environmentally friendly and comfortable year-round. The upper level of the house features a distinctive "floating roof" design. This rectangular roof appears to hover above the glass facades, an illusion created by lowered cabinets and interior walls. The roof is subtly rotated and gently tilted upwards at the edges, reminiscent of an origami bird. This angular differentiation is not merely aesthetic; it strategically creates shaded areas throughout the day, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoor environment in various conditions. Furthermore, the roof discreetly houses a comprehensive array of solar panels, which generate enough electricity to power the entire house and charge three electric vehicles, highlighting a strong commitment to energy independence and sustainability. Peter Gluck's design philosophy is evident in the clear distinction between public and private spaces, while always adapting to the surrounding environment. The lower level is dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms, bathrooms, a family reading area, and an enclosed home theater. Despite its subterranean nature, floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer expansive, uninterrupted views of the valley and allow ample California sunshine to penetrate the interior. The upper level, in contrast, serves as an open, public domain encompassing the kitchen, dining, and living areas, which boast even more sweeping panoramic views. The Gluck family values the open and comfortable interiors for quality family time, frequently congregating in the kitchen and enjoying both indoor and outdoor spaces. Will Gluck expresses a deep appreciation for the home, viewing it as a realization of his father's vision. He particularly cherishes a rug in the downstairs hall, originally intended for the floor but now functioning as an interactive art piece. The project represents a successful fusion of homage to midcentury design with innovative sustainable building practices, creating a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible. The collaborative process between father and son, and the involvement of GLUCK+ in the construction, fostered a positive and memorable experience for the family. Key design and construction teams involved in the project include GLUCK+ as both Architect of Record and General Contractor, with structural and civil engineering by PECK, and landscape architecture by Hoerr Schaudt. Lux Populi provided lighting design, while Insight Environmental Design by Anne Kaplan handled interior design. Cabinetry was designed by GLUCK+ and installed by Funtime Cabinet Factory. Paul Vu and Brandon Shigeta were the photographers for the project, and IBC Engineering Services, Inc. along with CES Engineering contributed to mechanical engineering. #MidcenturyModern #SustainableArchitecture #LosAngelesHomes #FloatingRoofDesign #GLUCKArchitecture #CaseStudyHouses #GreenBuilding #ArchitecturalDesign #FamilyHome

This article details the process of installing and flashing a window in an above-grade Nudura® Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) wall, utilizing the Prebuck™ engineered framing system and compatible Tremco™ sealants and flashings. Aron Jones of Big Dog Construction visits the Tremco Building Science Laboratory to gain hands-on experience and insights into achieving a weathertight, durable, and long-lasting window installation. The tour begins with an overview of Tremco's Building Science Laboratory, highlighting its testing capabilities for Nudura products. Jones observes a test assembly of an aluminum curtain wall, noting the use of Proglaze ETA, a translucent gasket designed for visual inspection of sealant application, ensuring a 100% sealed system. Subsequently, a Prebuck system assembled in a wall is subjected to a spray rack test, evaluating both water and air infiltration at 6.24 psf for two hours. This test underscores the critical relationship between air and water leakage, confirming that air leaks often indicate water penetration. The discussion then shifts to the Prebuck bucking material itself. Randy White explains the process of sealing the edges between the buck and the foam prior to concrete placement. This step is crucial for preventing concrete infiltration and providing additional security during concrete pours. The article distinguishes between flangeless and flanged Prebuck systems, with Marcy Tyler and Randy White guiding Jones through Nudura’s integrated flashing system. Key steps include preparing the surface by rasping it to ensure uniformity, applying Dymonic 100 sealant to prevent water infiltration into the concrete, particularly in internal corners prone to issues with peel-and-stick applications, and properly installing ExoAir flashing. Butyl-based peel-and-stick tape is preferred for its versatility, weather resistance, flexibility, and strong bonding properties with various materials. After the tape installation, a smear seal using Dymonic 100 is applied around all tape edges to enhance sealing. The final stage involves the window installation. Although the mock-up omits shims and leveling, the typical inverted U bead of Dymonic 100 is applied along the sides and top of the window opening before the window is screwed into place. This comprehensive approach, combining the Prebuck system with integrated sealants and flashing tapes, creates an air and watertight flashing system for windows in above-grade ICF walls. The benefits of using Nudura above grade are emphasized, including airtightness, structural strength, reduced concrete consumption, sound attenuation, and superior thermal performance. The Prebuck system is praised for its simplicity, pre-manufactured nature, and integrated compatibility, which saves time on research and ensures a reliable installation for doors, windows, or any penetrations in the system. #ICFConstruction #WindowFlashing #BuildingScience #Nudura #Tremco #PrebuckSystem #WeathertightInstallation #Dymonic100 #ExoAirFlashing

This article details the four-year-long renovation and design project of a San Francisco Victorian home, led by designer Julia Miller of Yond Interiors, in collaboration with architect Killian O’Sullivan and Larkspur Builders. The project aimed to blend the home's historic Victorian charm with a contemporary aesthetic, creating an airy and calming space for a busy family of five. The design team faced the challenge of respecting the original Victorian architecture while incorporating modern elements and addressing the clients' preference for clean lines. The front half of the house saw a meticulous restoration or recreation of original trim profiles, while the back half was reimagined with contemporary features such as a steel office door, carbonated water dispenser, and built-in wardrobes. A significant focus was placed on the kitchen, which underwent a complete overhaul to optimize layout and storage. Full-height pantries were integrated next to the fridge and freezer, and the design avoided upper cabinets near the stove to enhance the sense of space. A wall of cabinetry was added in the adjacent dining area, and a nine-foot-long island was incorporated. The office space was a highlight, designed as a greenhouse-like room off the kitchen. This innovative solution allowed the wife to have a private workspace while remaining connected to the family, cleverly situated under the stairs to maximize the home's footprint. Storage solutions were a key aspect of the renovation. A built-in bench with storage in the entryway serves as a mudroom, providing a designated space for coats and backpacks, which was crucial given the direct entry into the living room. Upstairs, a unique feature introduced by the architect was the floor skylights in the hallway connecting the kids' bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry area. These skylights were designed to bring much-needed natural light into the main level, compensating for the close proximity of neighboring houses. The bookshelves in this hallway also received special attention, designed with custom 'teeth' brackets for adjustable shelves that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The children's bedrooms were designed to meet the girls' preference for individual beds, which were unified by a single headboard and a shared large nightstand, alongside integrated storage under each mattress. The primary bathroom was envisioned as a grown-up sanctuary, featuring Tadelakt plaster walls, marble floors, a soaking tub, and a large shower, all complemented by white oak accents, creating a calm and quiet environment. Throughout the house, Mohair fabric was used extensively for its texture, color, and family-friendly durability. The guest room also received custom built-in cabinetry to provide ample storage without encroaching on the small room's space. The primary wall color throughout the house, Benjamin Moore's Seapearl, was chosen for its nuanced white shade, adding depth without creating a stark white box. This detailed renovation exemplifies a successful balance between historical preservation and modern design. #VictorianRenovation #SanFranciscoHome #YondInteriors #HomeDesign #ModernVictorian #KitchenDesign #Skylights #StorageSolutions #InteriorArchitecture

The "Aluminum Scarf" apartment in Montreal, designed by Canadian architect Jean-Maxime Labrecque, redefines interior spaces through the innovative use of industrial aluminum grates. This renovation project transforms a multi-level dwelling, incorporating elements typically found in subway ventilation ducts to create distinctive walls, railings, and storage solutions. The apartment spans three levels, comprising a kitchen and living area on the ground floor, complemented by two mezzanine levels above. The central design motif is the continuous flow of white aluminum grates, which serve a multitude of functions throughout the property, including balustrades, partitioning walls, and integrated closets. This pervasive use of metallic grating inspired the apartment's name, signifying a metaphorical 'scarf' that envelops the interior. A key intervention in the renovation was the replacement of a previous black spiral staircase and its associated railings with a new white stairway. The new staircase features tall white grates that form its railings, seamlessly integrating with the overall design theme. Labrecque describes how this "scarf" intelligently guides movement, first covering the initial staircase to the first mezzanine, then extending to the second, before descending to encase a large luminaire-bookshelf. This bookshelf, illuminated and covered in aluminum, spans the entire length of one of the apartment’s longitudinal walls, becoming a significant feature of the space. On the ground floor, built-in bookshelves with grate doors continue this design, reaching up to the floor above. These metal frames, functioning as hinged doors, cleverly conceal storage areas equipped with shelves and additional aluminum ladders. Despite these extensive modern interventions, Labrecque meticulously preserved the apartment's original structural elements. The white pillars and exposed wood ceiling beams were retained, emphasizing the impressive 25-foot (7.6-meter) high ceilings. Existing glass blocks that enclose a bathroom on the first floor were also maintained, contributing to the apartment's layered history. The dark wood floors underwent a refinishing process, being sanded down and lightened to draw attention upwards towards the historical timber framework on the ceiling, creating a dialogue between the old and new elements. The color palette predominantly features white finishes throughout the apartment, which are harmoniously contrasted with the natural wood used for kitchen cabinets and counters. A black grand piano serves as a bold accent, adding a touch of classic elegance to the contemporary space. This project stands as an example of repurposing industrial materials for residential design, demonstrating how functional elements can be elevated into aesthetic features. The "Aluminum Scarf" apartment showcases a design philosophy that balances stark industrial aesthetics with the warmth of natural materials and historical architectural details, creating a unique and coherent living environment in Montreal. The renovation illustrates a thoughtful approach to interior architecture, where every element, from a staircase to a storage unit, contributes to a unified artistic vision. #ApartmentRenovation #MontrealDesign #IndustrialInterior #AluminumGrates #JeanMaximeLabrecque #InteriorArchitecture #ModernLiving #MaterialRepurposing #ResidentialDesign

This article highlights the construction of the Haas residence in Almaden Valley, San Jose, California, a project that blends innovative design with the challenging natural landscape. Landowners Brian and Mary Haas, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural principles, collaborated with architect Amy Davis, interior designer Heidi Smith, and builder Tony Yaconelli of Pacific Builders to create a Prairie Craftsman home. The 6-acre property, offering panoramic views, necessitated a design that integrated with the undulating hills and diverse flora, while also accommodating a desire for expansive views. Key design elements influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright include strong horizontal lines, dramatic eaves, and cantilevered roofs. Brian Haas's personal involvement led to the incorporation of clerestory windows, designed to give the roof a floating appearance and maximize natural light from various angles throughout the day. This feature, however, presented a significant structural challenge, requiring the house to be built with a steel skeleton to ensure shear strength and earthquake resistance. This steel infrastructure also contributed to the open floor plan, supporting the unique window installations. The complexity of the window designs was a central aspect of the project. The initial manufacturer deemed the task too difficult, leading Yaconelli to engage Kolbe Windows & Doors. Kolbe's expertise was crucial in realizing the intricate window plans, which included state-of-the-art corner windows providing expansive views of Almaden Valley in the living room, and 10-foot-tall folding doors that open to an outdoor deck. The master bedroom features inverted corner windows framing a large oak tree, complemented by Japanese shoji screens for privacy. A custom redwood barrel vault entryway, crafted by Kolbe, creates a personalized transition from outdoor to indoor space. The construction involved working with robust materials such as concrete and steel, demanding extreme precision in execution. The custom windows, often asymmetrical or curved, required exact alignment of sashes, mullions, and trim, with all components precisely detailed and fabricated. Kolbe Windows & Doors offered significant versatility, allowing the Haas couple to select red aluminum exteriors for low maintenance and visual contrast against the dry-stacked stone walls, while fir wood interiors created a warm atmosphere. The material palette, including stone, cedar siding, wood trim, and steel railings, extends from the exterior to the interior, reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. The house, built across seven levels, harmonizes with the site's contours, with the red windows providing a striking definition to the structure, showcasing a meticulous integration of architectural vision, engineering, and craftsmanship. #ArchitecturalDesign #PrairieCraftsman #FrankLloydWright #CustomWindows #SiliconValley #IndoorOutdoorLiving #StructuralEngineering #KolbeWindowsDoors #ResidentialArchitecture

The article discusses the architectural installation "Spirit of the City" by London-based United Visual Artists (UVA) at A/D/O in New York, presented during New York Design Week. This installation is a collaboration with Mini, hosted in their innovative creative space, A/D/O. The primary goal of the installation is to offer a reflective experience within the dynamic urban environment, metaphorically and physically mirroring its surroundings and New York City at large. The installation consists of 9-foot-high modular columns that revolve, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The rotation patterns are not arbitrary; they are based on extensive research into human activity within the city. This research allowed UVA to develop a 24-hour algorithm that dictates the movement of the columns, transitioning from tranquil rhythms to more urgent, dynamic movements. As visitors navigate the space around these colossal totems, they can observe subtle shadows cast onto the ground, forming intricate, poetic patterns that respond to the kinetic energy of the columns. The surface of the columns themselves presents varying perspectives, shifting from serene sky blues to the grittier, industrial aesthetics of A/D/O's creative hub. This visual transformation further emphasizes the interplay between the installation and its urban backdrop. UVA, founded in 2003, is known for its art practice that integrates technology to create experiences that often extend beyond conventional physical boundaries. Their previous works have been showcased globally in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and YCAM in Japan. Matt Clark, founder of UVA, poses a fundamental question through "Spirit of the City": do human activities shape urban landscapes, or do urban landscapes, in turn, define human activities? This philosophical inquiry underpins the interactive and reflective nature of the installation. A/D/O itself, located in a converted warehouse in Brooklyn, opened the previous year, featuring a diverse array of design-focused retail, bars, and restaurants, aligning with Mini's broader design agenda. Mini's head of brand strategy and business innovation, Esther Bahne, states that Mini believes in design's capacity to foster a more humane world. A/D/O initially launched with Design Academy, a three-day festival for professional designers to explore cultural themes. "Spirit of the City" marks the space's first major showcase for NYCxDesign since its opening and was on display until 2 September. The installation, through its thoughtful design and interactive elements, invites contemplation on the symbiotic relationship between people and their urban surroundings. #NewYorkDesignWeek #ArchitecturalInstallation #UnitedVisualArtists #UrbanEnvironment #AdoSpace #MiniCollaboration #KineticArt #PublicArt

The article details the revitalization of Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, a historic area once populated by German immigrants and a hub for breweries, which experienced a period of decline before its recent resurgence as an entertainment zone. The revitalization efforts include a new mixed-use housing and retail development, the Rennen & Beecher Flats, which combines new construction with an existing historic structure. This project is part of a 15-year initiative to rejuvenate the once-dilapidated area, led by the local nonprofit Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC). The Rennen & Beecher Flats project comprises 18 condominiums and three ground-level retail spaces, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture while introducing contemporary elements. Architect Andreas Lange, AIA, senior associate with Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (PWWG), explains that the design aimed for a modern, mixed-use building that complements the traditional setting. The project's naming convention, which gives personality to the buildings rather than referring to specific individuals, also reflects an effort to be a "good neighbor" within the historic district. A key design feature is the use of metal wall panels, which provide a modern interpretation of the traditional bay windows found on many Italianate buildings in the area. Lange notes that the large metal boxes were inspired by these traditional bay fronts. On the Rennen building, this window form is offset and wraps around the corner, while on the Beecher building, a more traditional bay window interpretation is used on the south and north faces, with glass and metal wrapping the corner. The architects specified 1,700 square feet of Petersen’s .040-gauge Flush and Reveal aluminum panels in a Slate Gray finish, alongside 600 square feet of flat sheet material in the same gauge and finish. The decision to use metal for the cantilevered bays was driven by structural requirements for lightness and the desire to maintain a contemporary aesthetic. Lange emphasizes that the contrast between the metal bays and the traditional brick walls contributes to the project's "rhythm and character." A critical aspect of the design was the precise execution of the corner details of these metal panels, which according to Lange, were essential for achieving the intended contemporary look. Blake Ross, director of construction for Deuss Enterprises, the installers, described the challenge of fabricating these corners on-site using Petersen's flat sheet material, noting that pre-fabrication would have been cost-prohibitive. Ross also highlighted the crucial support from Rick Carpenter, Petersen’s local architectural representative, throughout the installation process. The project has been well-received, with both residential and retail units quickly occupied. PWWG has also received a local Cincinnati AIA award for the project. Deuss Enterprises has since used Petersen's products on additional projects, indicating a successful new relationship formed during the Rennen & Beecher Flats construction. The PAC-CLAD finishes used are available in 46 standard colors, made with Fluropon® 70% PVDF coatings, backed by a 30-year warranty, and meet LEED, Energy Star, and Cool Roof Rating Council certification requirements. Petersen, founded in 1965, manufactures PAC-CLAD metal cladding products in various gauges of steel and aluminum, including standing-seam roof panels, wall panels, and other related systems. #ArchitecturalMetal #MixedUseDevelopment #HistoricPreservation #UrbanRevitalization #MetalWallPanels #ContemporaryDesign #CincinnatiArchitecture #PACCLAD #SustainableBuilding