Kodachrome Nights

February 1, 2007

Patagonia LEED Certified Warehouse

More thoughts on the enviro-house. This is a video from Patagonia's LEED-certified warehouse operation. Some points to take home: light colored paving tiles, light colored roof. They also talk about runoff control and separation tanks that remove oil from the water. My house will probably be up on pilotis, and won't be big enough for this to be much of a problem, but I would like to have a cistern of some sort collecting water for re-use around the property.

Patagonia, with founder Yvon Chouinard at the helm, has consistently pushed the environmental agenda over the last few decades. Chouinard helped build much-needed economies of scale for things like Organic Cotton and started an organization focused on giving 1% of revenues back to the environment.

Posted by Mark C McKnight at 5:40 PM

January 29, 2007

House Book

I ran into a sweet deal at McKay's this weekend. The House Book, from Phaidon, one of my favorite architecture books that I've never owned. $5. Can't beat it. The lady at checkout told me that architecture was her section and they had about 10 of them originally. There was still one left if you live in the Chattanooga area.

Here's what Amazon says about it:

The House Book presents a vibrant and fresh view of architects and designers responsible for some of the most diverse international houses of all time. From Hadrian's Villa to Palladio's Villa Rotunda and Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye through to the contemporary houses of Richard Rogers and Frank Gehry, it features the widest range of both architect-designed and traditional dwellings.

Stoked. I'll have to post some of the ideas I pull out of there. Some of the classics I saw in there were the Case Study house Charles and Ray Eames built and lived in until their death, of course the Farnsworth House that I've mentioned before, and one other house I love that's like Farnsworth and is catilevered over a stream but I can't remember what it's called- I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Posted by Mark C McKnight at 5:46 PM

January 24, 2007

Preliminary Design Brief for the New House

I've been thinking a lot lately about building a new house, and I'm (finally) getting close to the point where I might actually be able to afford something. I'm currently paying almost nothing for rent, which gives me the luxury of waiting out a long custom construction project that wouldn't otherwise be feasible.

So, I'm working now on a design brief for the architect, and I've created a new category here ("Designs for My New House." Pretty catchy title, eh?) where I will keep track of the progress and record my sources of inspiration and any relevant research.

The basic idea will be something like Phillip Johnson's Glass House in an urban setting, not so much like the condos going in in Manhattan, nor the club in Pomona, but more like an upright version of the Farnsworth House (go look it up yourself, I'm tired... and tired of linking).

So far, my basic requirements/design challenges are:

Privacy: How do you make a glass house private and appropriate to a city?

Efficiency: How to push the envelope on sustainable design and green building practices while remaining on budget? Haven't found a very good way yet, but am very interested in research grants, tax credits, or just whoring the house out to the press... whatever it takes. Input here would be great.

Modular Design: Can the house start small, with additions planned for future uses, as the need arises and money becomes available? Also, how do you maximize the flexibility of the space, so walls and furniture can be moved around to make room for a party or for new, unanticipated uses?

Visual Impact: I haven't located a lot yet, but I'd like to be on the top of a hill in North Chattanooga, so how do I build in such a way that maximizes the view, engages with whatever natural features there may be (trees, rock formations, etc.) and yet does not stick out like a sore thumb. This will probably be primarily dependent on sensitive color and materials. I like the idea of engaging with the history of a place through materials, but applying a modern sensibility by using those materials in an unexpected way. For example, the Rural Studio's incredible re-use of junk materials like car windshields, carpet tiles, road signs, tires, etc. "One man's junk..." cliche fits here. See how they used cardboard in Newbern, AL.

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

Posted by Mark C McKnight at 7:43 AM