Architecture and Home Design

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Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue by Ross Barney Architects, in Evanston, United States Posted: 13 Jul 2013 09:43 PM PDT This Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Synagogue is designed by Ross Barney Architects, located in Evanston, United States. Evanston's zoning ordinance limited the building area to less than the original 42,000 sq. ft. program. Space demand was evaluated hour by hour to find the most flexible balance. JRC's offices, early childhood program, and chapel occupy the first floor; the religious school and library are on the second floor; and the sanctuary, social hall and kitchen are on the third floor, a strategy that allowed cost effective construction of high volume space for the sanctuary. JRC's commitment to Tikkun Olam – Hebrew for "repairing the world" – is manifest in the design while demonstrating the benefits of sustainable design. The solution, a precious wooden box, is a visual testament to these values. The wood cladding is recycled cypress harvested from demolished barns. A Jerusalem stone wall anchors the box creating a baseline for all other activities. The processional stair outside the wall provides a meaningful and eventful transition between spaces. JRC's highly involved, multigenerational congregation is reflected in the informal, non hierarchical community and worship spaces, especially the sanctuary. Achieving Platinum LEED required careful consideration of sustainable strategies, and a comprehensive, holistic approach to the building design. To make a sustainable transition from old to new, the design incorporates the existing foundations and used demolition spoils for engineered fill. Trees that could not be preserved were harvested for use within the building. Construction waste was placed in gabions and used to create site features. 40% of materials are regionally manufactured the deliberate exception is the Jerusalem Stone. Included for its spiritual connection to Judaism and Israel, it represents less that 1.5% of the total construction costs. The building was constructed for a modest budget- $230/sf. The new 31,600 sq. ft. Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) synagogue replaces their smaller synagogue, situated in a mature suburban neighbourhood, across from a city park and adjacent to a commuter train. The design balances the limitations of its small site with an ambitious program promoting JRC's worship, educational, and community goals. It is the first house of worship to achieve a LEED platinum certification.

11-19 Monument Street by Make Archtects in London Posted: 13 Jul 2013 09:43 AM PDT Designed by Make Archtects, located in London, United Kingdom. The nine-storey building offers 9,000m² of efficient, open-plan office space and incorporates retail and cafe facilities at ground level. The distinctive asymmetrical plan is determined by the constraints of the site, with the southern elevation curving gently to address the Monument and define an enlarged and newly activated public square at ground level. This elevation is clad in a faceted glazed facade which reflects the Monument to provide a spectacular backdrop to the new public square. The facade also lifts up at ground level to create entrances to the building and to the retail units on the ground floor.The roof is landscaped as a green terrace to create a striking fifth elevation which is overlooked from the top of the Monument, with the pillar structure's shadow acting as the gnomon for a sundial set into the roof. [ Hose by Make Architects ]

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