Search results for "Engaging techniques" in Home Design Ideas

The Petronio Residency Center at Crow’s Nest is visionary choreographer and artistic director Stephen Petronio’s latest venture.
http://petron.io/prc/
The potager is conceived to feed and engage resident artists who are on site for creative research. The maze-like garden grows organic produce for the artists in an interactive setting that allows them to sit on the raised bed’s built-in benches to socialize, contemplate and commune with nature.
-Rustic/Industrial design to complement the residency architecture
-Centrally sited feature with access from dancer’s wing residences, dance studio and main courtyard
-24 Raised beds with sitting benches and trellises made of locally sourced Hemlock hardwood
-Completely organic materials and growing techniques
-Log Wall for mushroom cultivation

One of the joys of living in New York State is enjoying four distinct seasons. This special garden becomes an outdoor room, with walls growing out of the earth as the spring progresses to summer. At the onset of autumn, the rooms begin to morph as harvesting takes place. Winter creates a solemn composition on the land at rest.
This garden is an annual engaging and educational experience for our children. Companion planting techniques encourage an abundance of flowers and food- especially tomatoes! The garden also offers welcome respite to bees and birds.
Photos: Land Art Fine Gardening

One of the joys of living in New York State is enjoying four distinct seasons. This special garden becomes an outdoor room, with walls growing out of the earth as the spring progresses to summer. At the onset of autumn, the rooms begin to morph as harvesting takes place. Winter creates a solemn composition on the land at rest.
This garden is an annual engaging and educational experience for our children. Companion planting techniques encourage an abundance of flowers and food- especially tomatoes! The garden also offers welcome respite to bees and birds.
Photos: Land Art Fine Gardening
Find the right local pro for your project

“Designers are finding stylish new techniques to put a personalized spin on home fixtures that can often blend into the background such as faucets, ceiling fans and interior doors.” #ElevateDesign Photo credit: JELD-WEN

Located on a flat, square, corner plot in a dense neighborhood comprised of small homes, this project was a blank canvas to create a landscape that is both an opportunity for community engagement as well as a peaceful space to recreate and entertain, while also expanding the living space on the property. The client is an avid surfer does volunteer work for the Surfrider Foundation, and he was inspire to build a landscape that fulfils Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Garden program. We combined a mix of California natives with edible plants such as herbs and fruit trees. We created curvilinear beds outlined with rock and pebbles of ascending size to mimic the rock outcroppings of the local coastline. The veggie beds are made of rammed earth—a tradition natural building technique that uses, mud, sand and a small amount of cement. With fruits and flowers hanging into the sidewalk, this garden allows for friendly neighborhood interaction as well as a more-intimate area for this client to relax and entertain in. *Images captured at 1-year and 3-years after

This smaller lightweight version of the original Large Nojoqui Falls wall fountain is named after the beautiful 164 foot tall Nojoqui Falls waterfall, located in central California where the Water Wonders line was originated. These water fountains are a truly unique, engaging and an elegant addition to any indoor space. Redesigned, the Medium Nojoqui Falls fountain includes long-lasting super bright white LED lights rated for over 10,000 hours of use and an ergonomic finger slide remote control to easily dim or brighten the LED lights or turn them on and off. This water fountain glistens as water sheets over the genuine multi-color Indian Rajah Slate flowing past polished river rock creating a soothing sound and beautiful focal point for any room. This fountain is engineered with Bluworld's clog-free, splash-free design and features the Water Wonders NSI™ genuine light weight Slate. Installation is super easy with the lightweight nature of the NSI™ slate panels. Simply hang on the wall per the instructions.
This water fountain can be customized with your logo. Etched and hand-painted logos start at only $395.00. Contact our sales department for more information at 1-888-499-5433.
The Medium Nojoqui Falls fountain is the perfect size to hang on just about any wall, and it will instantly raise the level of class in any living room, foyer, office or lobby. These indoor water falls come with a choice of four finishes: Standard colors; Copper Vein and Black Onyx and premium finishes; Copper Patina,or Brushed Stainless Steel.
Water Wonders NSI™ Light Weight Slate™- Water fountains made with our NSI™ Light Weight Slate use our patent pending technology which sheers a layer of genuine Indian Raja Slate and fuses it to composite material with the same chipped edge technique as slab slate. They are indistinguishable from a thick slab of slate. All the beauty is retained and the weight is reduced by over 90% making it easier to hang a wall fountain. Once it's installed, your only concerns are setting the flow rate and turning on the accent light with your handy remote.
Please note that these units are handmade and measurements may vary slightly. Texture and color of aged rustic copper, metals and slate may also vary slightly with each fountain.

Located on a flat, square, corner plot in a dense neighborhood comprised of small homes, this project was a blank canvas to create a landscape that is both an opportunity for community engagement as well as a peaceful space to recreate and entertain, while also expanding the living space on the property. The client is an avid surfer does volunteer work for the Surfrider Foundation, and he was inspire to build a landscape that fulfils Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Garden program. We combined a mix of California natives with edible plants such as herbs and fruit trees. We created curvilinear beds outlined with rock and pebbles of ascending size to mimic the rock outcroppings of the local coastline. The veggie beds are made of rammed earth—a tradition natural building technique that uses, mud, sand and a small amount of cement. With fruits and flowers hanging into the sidewalk, this garden allows for friendly neighborhood interaction as well as a more-intimate area for this client to relax and entertain in. *Images captured at 1-year and 3-years after

Andy once said, “I never met an animal I didn’t like,” and he certainly favored dogs, owning several in his lifetime. While Warhol rendered his own pups, on canvas and film, it was his portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent’s French Bulldog Moujik we fell in love with and had to interpret in wallpaper. Warhol’s 1986 multi-color screenprint Moujik is engaging, endearing and demonstrates his signature layered off register and outlined technique to achieve a lively, three-dimensional look. For extra personality we included his shadow effect in the colorways Domino and Teddy, sprinkled in some sparkly iridescent ink for Goldie, and utilized a poppin’ silver Mylar background for Bluebelle. And, of course, we worked the pattern into a fun atypical repeat to make the design best in show!

Located in a redeveloped historic district of downtown Pensacola, "Top of the 9th" is a contemporary residence that integrates historical architectural elements. The design preserves the area’s vernacular by incorporating among other characteristics symmetrical facades, full-height windows, and single-room width volumes.
A defining feature is the "whale bone" arches, which encircle the floating main living spaces, referencing Pensacola's maritime heritage. These structural elements are both functional and sculptural, enhancing the home's modern aesthetic while grounding it in local history.
Understanding the historic preservation as the best form of sustainability, the house also Incorporates high performance insulated windows, passive solar design techniques for shading, geothermal system for heating and cooling and LED lighting.
The house respects its context while standing as an architectural statement, with the design carefully presented to the local architectural review board to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area. It also engages with the public space, offering views of the park and neighborhood. The client’s civic commitment is reflected in plans to contribute public sculptures, further embedding the residence into the community fabric.

Located on a flat, square, corner plot in a dense neighborhood comprised of small homes, this project was a blank canvas to create a landscape that is both an opportunity for community engagement as well as a peaceful space to recreate and entertain, while also expanding the living space on the property. The client is an avid surfer does volunteer work for the Surfrider Foundation, and he was inspire to build a landscape that fulfils Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Garden program. We combined a mix of California natives with edible plants such as herbs and fruit trees. We created curvilinear beds outlined with rock and pebbles of ascending size to mimic the rock outcroppings of the local coastline. The veggie beds are made of rammed earth—a tradition natural building technique that uses, mud, sand and a small amount of cement. With fruits and flowers hanging into the sidewalk, this garden allows for friendly neighborhood interaction as well as a more-intimate area for this client to relax and entertain in. *Images captured at 1-year and 3-years after

Located on a flat, square, corner plot in a dense neighborhood comprised of small homes, this project was a blank canvas to create a landscape that is both an opportunity for community engagement as well as a peaceful space to recreate and entertain, while also expanding the living space on the property. The client is an avid surfer does volunteer work for the Surfrider Foundation, and he was inspire to build a landscape that fulfils Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Garden program. We combined a mix of California natives with edible plants such as herbs and fruit trees. We created curvilinear beds outlined with rock and pebbles of ascending size to mimic the rock outcroppings of the local coastline. The veggie beds are made of rammed earth—a tradition natural building technique that uses, mud, sand and a small amount of cement. With fruits and flowers hanging into the sidewalk, this garden allows for friendly neighborhood interaction as well as a more-intimate area for this client to relax and entertain in. *Images captured at 1-year and 3-years after

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Functionality of layout
Unique design elements
Choice of materials
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property.
8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace.
Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together.
Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves.
Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops.
Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo.
Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too.
Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Sharifi-ha House
Uncertainty and flexibility lie at the heart of the design concept in Sharifi-ha House. The sensational, spatial qualities of the interiors, as well as the formal configuration of its exterior, directly respond to the displacement of turning boxes that lead the building volume to become open or closed, obtaining introverted or extroverted character. These changes may occur according to changing seasons or functional scenarios of floor plans.
Like many other urban plots, the land for this project had a noticeably narrow façade-width compared with its length. Consequently, our expertise in transforming a two-dimensional façade to a three-dimensional one became indispensable. Here, the openness /closure of the building volume is a reference to traditional Iranian houses, which would dynamically serve as seasonal modes of habitation by offering both a Zemestan-Neshin (winter living room) and Taabestan-Neshin (summer living room) to their residents. In summertime, Sharifi-ha House offers an open /transparent /perforated volume with wide, large terraces. In contrast, during Tehran’s cold, snowy winters the volume closes itself, offering minimal openings in total absence of those wide summer terraces. In this project, the challenges to the concepts of open/closed typology (introverted/extroverted character) led to an exciting spatial transformation of an ever-changing residential building.
The House is distributed over seven floors: the two basement floors are allocated to family conviviality, fitness facilities, and wellness areas, while the ground floor hosts parking and housekeeping rooms. Public activities all happen on the first and second floors, and the family’s private life takes place on the third and fourth floors.
The project consisted of four major parts; the fixed volume of the structure, the void, and the fixed volume and the mobile volume, respectively. When the turning boxes are closed, the building captures sunlight throughout the space of the central void, which also connects the two fixed volumes by suspended bridges.
The house adapts to the functional needs of its residents. For instance, depending on whether there is a guest or not, the guest room (located on the second floor) can be reconfigured for different purposes. Similarly, home office and breakfast room (turning rooms on the first and third floors) can change the formality of their appearance according to their residents’ desire. In other words, there is always the possibility of having different seasonal or lighting scenarios, some of which have been already considered in the BMS program of the project.
From the initial design steps, we noticed that three pine trees outside could be incorporated into the spaces of the interior. Now, in the open mode of the house, the trees are pleasantly captured by the window frames.
Stepping back for about three meters from the permitted construction boundary line allowed us to provide splendid daylight for the basement floors by inserting a glass fountain. The fitness and wellness areas are accommodated between this fountain and the basement pool where reflective installations reverberate the water’s radiance all over the space.
The applied manufacturing technique for the turning mechanism was in fact a simple one; the same method which is currently employed in turning theatrical scenes, turning the floor of car exhibitions, steel companies and the shipping industry in Iran. But as our client himself was into importing CNC and other similar industrial German machines, he preferred the structural system to be fabricated in Germany. In doing so, he could engage his employees in the manufacturing process and thus train them for future maintenance purposes.
Details of the handrails and air-penetration controlling methods were major issues considered in developing the design of the turning boxes. Designing foldable handrails and refining the edges of the boxes happened to be our feasible solutions.
Considering the specialties of this kind of architecture, the structural system was inevitably a customized one. After digitally modeling the structure, a series of SAP2000 analysis were undertaken to examine static/dynamic performance of the proposed system. Being partially moveable is the dominant feature of this structural assembly, which was contemplated throughout the fabrication process by the German manufacturer company. The main loads all rest on the beams of the living rooms.
Due to the various configurations the turning boxes may take, the loading calculation has been estimated based on the largest possible loading value applied to the system. Additionally, in order to prevent structural deformation controlling the probable vibrations in the turning boxes was taken into account during the design/calculations of the structure.
The house was titled Sharifi-ha House, in honor of traditional Iranian mansions.
2