green elevations

Green Elevations Returns!

2009-03-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while since anything was posted here on Green Elevations, those that have noticed, thanks for sticking with me and being patient. Last fall I bought a house in the Regis neighborhood of Denver and things in my life underwent a change, I'll call it "overwhelmed with home ownership for the first time". I found myself busy with many projects around the house and less time on the computer, good and bad for me. I was also developing a new strategy to cope with the economic crisis that was crashing in on the world and personally I had to refocus my efforts a little. One of the things I've started to pursue during the break was the field of home energy rating and since it fits with the ideals of green architecture, readers to the blog will find more articles related to home energy efficiency and building performance. I have a backlog of articles that I need to write up and those will be appearing postdated on the blog over the next several weeks hopefully with important new information as well.

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 7/21/08 - EVstudio

2008-07-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I sat down with Sean O'Hara, principle architect in the Denver office of EVstudio and we discussed his firm and it's commitment to sustainable design. I was also very interested in the EVstudio Blog that Sean started back in May. It has extensive information about the process of architecture and it is growing into an invaluable resource for architects and clients that are interested in hiring an architect. I highly recommend a visit and look forward to seeing the future progress of EVstudio. The following is a summary of the firm supplied by Sean O'Hara.

EVstudio is an architecture and planning firm with offices in Evergreen and Denver, Colorado. EVstudio was recognized with the People's Choice Award at the 2008 AIA Colorado Young Architect's Awards Gala. The firm was established in 2006 and has quickly grown to seven staff with a variety of backgrounds and interests. In that time the firm's work includes custom residential, multi family, commercial office buildings, master planning, mixed use, retail, educational and hospitality. EVstudio's projects are designed with sustainability in mind whether or not they are pursuing a green rating. The firm plans to continue to grow as a collection of offices so that it can provide a future for ambitious architects and allow both clients and staff to minimize their driving distances.

The image above is Evergreen Terraces, a project that we anticipate will be LEED Silver. It is an office building that combines a mountain vernacular with an urban sensibility. It bring under building parking and elevator service to the first Class A office building in downtown Evergreen. On of the most interesting things is that the building was not originally planned with LEED in mind. The owner decided that a LEED rating could be a selling point for the tenants and asked about it after the building was already dried in. Thanks to EVstudio's general philosophy of designing sustainable buildings they were able to make a few minor tweaks and have the points necessary for an anticipated LEED Silver rating.

In addition to great architecture, EVstudio works to give back to the community. EVstudio's staff has organized the EverGreenDrinks events and the Natural Talent Design Competition in Colorado. The firm has donated time to the Montessori School of Evergreen and Mercy Housing Colorado. Staff members are also active in the American Institute of Architects, The Congress for the New Urbanism, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, the Stapleton Citizen's Advisory Board and have participated in many juries at the University of Colorado.

New Poll - What Industry Are You In?

2008-07-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

To get a better idea of our readership, I've added a poll to the right. What kind of industry do you work for? Suggest other industries in the comments to this post please. Thanks for visiting Green Elevations.

Pecha Kucha Vol. 2 in Denver Next Monday

2008-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Pecha Kucha Night 20x20 returns to the Buntport Theater next Monday, July 14th.

See photos from Pecha Kucha Vol.1 via theartofwhere. designklub posts a flyer with a list of presenters.

Denver Architect Receives Gold LEED Certification for Fitness Center

2008-07-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Denver-based Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative has received gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its design of the Washtenaw Community College Health & Fitness Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The fitness center, which opened in September, includes:
• Lights that turn on only when there’s not enough daylight.
• Non-toxic and renewable materials for the floors and carpet.
• A reflective white roof to reduce heat and cooling requirements.
• Pavement in the parking lot that allows rainwater to soak back naturally into the soil.
• Landscaping with plants that require little or no irrigation.
• Interior pool water that recycles with the aid of appropriate filtering systems.
• Recaptured heat with a central boiler unit.
• Temperature control with room-monitoring sensors for automatic adjustments.

Previous blog entry on OLC

via Margaret Jackson's The Real Deal Blog

AIAS FORUM 2008 in Denver

2008-07-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

FORUM is the annual meeting of the AIAS and the global gathering of the architecture and design students. The event provides students with the opportunity to learn about important issues facing architectural education and the profession, to meet students, educators, and professionals with common interests, and to interact with some of today's leading architects through keynote addresses, tours, workshops and seminars.

This year's theme is energy, imagine that. Denver green architecture for students, I like it. More information to come - also, this video may cause seizures.

FORUM 2008 will be held in Denver, CO on December 29, 2008-January 1, 2009.

AIAS FORUM DENVER 2008

Boettcher Concert Hall Architect Selected

2008-07-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Boettcher Concert Hall Architect Selection Committee chose Toronto based, Diamond and Schmitt Architects and their local partner, Oz Architecture, to lead the design of the symphony hall renovation and expansion project. Plans call for essentially gutting the building's interior and building a new concert hall inside and adding a 35,000-square-foot expansion on the Speer Boulevard side of the building.

via Cherry Creek News

Architecture Study Ranks Denver 8th

2008-07-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Denver ranked No. 8 on a list of top 10 U.S. cities for architecture and design based on citizen polls, according to a study by the RMJM Hillier architecture firm released Thursday, June 26th.

The winning markets, in order, were: Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Metro Denver's architectural highlights in recent years include the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, architect Daniel Liebeskind's addition to the Denver Art Museum, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's LEED Gold regional headquarters in downtown Denver, and one of Colorado's first LEED Platinum buildings, the Signature Centre office building in Golden.

via Denver Business Journal

Unique Bell Tower Proposed to Stradle Cherry Creek at Larimer

2008-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Fentress Architects, designers of DIA and the Convention Center in Denver, has unveiled new designs for an architecturally significant and prominent addition to the lower Denver skyline. Kudos to the large open space proportioning of the site, almost %65 private and public open space + %23 creek = 12.2% building footprint. I like the idea presented here with the contrasting building styles, a traditional small office commercial building against the jutting balconies on the residential tower which will be sure to bring out some love and hate. The plaza layout is especially appealing to me with it's creek access and creek-side patio, it's another bright spot to add to the Cherry Creek bike trail downtown.

via Rocky Mountain News and see the slideshow of illustrations

Denver Earthworks Expo This Weekend

2008-06-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

EarthWorks Expo is Saturday and Sunday at the Merchandise Mart with some good workshops.

A Public Farm Grows in Queens

2008-06-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

PS1's summer Warm Up Series sprouts this Saturday, June 21st with an installation by young architecture firm Work Architecture Company.

"PF1 (Public Farm One) is an urban farm concept that evokes the look of a flying carpet landing in the P.S.1 courtyard. Constructed from large cardboard tubes, its top surface will be a working farm, blooming with a variety of vegetables and plants. The structure will create a textured, colorful, and constantly changing surface in contrast with P.S.1’s angular concrete and gravel courtyard. PF1 will work as an interactive bridge between outside and inside, creating multiple zones of activity including swings, fans, sound effects, innovative seating areas, and a refreshing pool at its center. The installation will be a living structure made from inexpensive and sustainable materials recyclable after its use at P.S.1."

Public Farm 1
Check out My Ninja, Please
and Treehugger has opening night reviews

LaN-IN-FLIGHT Will Depart from Denver July 11th

2008-06-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

Book now, deadline is 6/11. Anyone wanna sponsor me?

Boulder locals Monika Wittig and Luis E. Fraguada with James Coleman and Shane Salisbury recently won the DIA/DOCA Emerging Artist Program competition with their entry [Wind]ow Seat. As a result of the commission, the group is setting up a traveling seminar called LaN-IN-FLIGHT which will depart from Denver to LA, then to NYC, Boston then back to Denver from July 9th-18th. The seminar will focus on digital fabrication and the output will be published and presented in August at the LaN's [Wind]ow Seat exhibition. 10 days of traveling to cutting edge design firms and industry leaders including Ball-Nogues Studio, Contour Crafting, SCI-ARC, Commonwealth, REX, and others, looks like a lot of Rhino sessions in airport lounges.

This is a great concept and I'm sure will help inform the final exhibition, but why no seminars or visits in Denver itself?

From their site - "A Live Architecture Network is under the direction of 4 designers who landed in Barcelona to pursue postgraduate studies in Digital Tectonics at IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia) and following have taken-off on the path of DIGITAL FABRICATION as a means to forwarding composite processes /collaborations driving architectural development. LaN recognizes the power of digital fabrication, not merely as a toolset of of a high technical caliber, but as the driver of particular groupings of resources–an organization of human, economic, and material assets–varying widely based on project circumstances. LaN’s mode of operation is parametric in nature, and seeks to with re-associate architecture with a flexible, non-authoritative, temporal, & data-rich practice of spatial design."

Photo Credit from LaB ,the Live Architecture Network's Blogsite.

Three Upcoming Sustainable Communities in Denver

2008-06-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

All have yet to officially break ground but should be completed in the next 2-4 years. It will be interesting to compare the 3 very different sized projects to see to what degree of sustainability has been achieved.

Geos - Arvada: 25 acres, 300 homes
Opening of Pre-sale Release June 2, 2008.
Geos - Colorado's First GeoSolar Neighborhood : Green Elevations
"Over 300 sunny Colorado days per year and a constant temperature of the Earth at five to seven feet below ground level are the power sources of Geos, the first fossil fuel free community in the United States."

Horizon Uptown (City Centre) - Aurora: 503 acres, 3,800 homes , 1.3 million sq ft retail (1/3 small format, 2/3 large) and 4 million sq ft office (16,000 people)
Lend Lease Project
Green Development Planned for Aurora : Denver Post
"All commercial buildings in the project must meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold standard. Homes will be built to either Colorado Built Green standards or those established by the U.S. Green Building Council."

Lowry Range - Lowry: 4,000 acres, 13,000 homes, 260 acres commercial and 750 acres open space
Lend Lease Project
Solar Power may come to Lowry Range : Rebchook's Blog
"The Lowry Range, the largest mixed-use development on the drawing board in the Denver area, could become the first, large-scale Colorado community to use solar as a power source."

16th Street Mall - Keep the Granite and the Trees, lose the Teletubbies

2008-05-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

"Where else in the United States does this exist?" asked Paul Chapel, a principal with BOKA Powell Architects, in Dallas. "A mile of granite carpet woven by hand. It's a work of art."

"Those beautiful granite pavers, set so that they look like the back of a rattlesnake, are inspired, a hallmark of a mixed transit and pedestrian mall designed by Henry Cobb, a partner of I.M. Pei, whose name was dropped liberally during the presentation."

"Honor the original design and its civic significance to Denver," ...that includes uncluttering the sidewalks; old pictures of the mall show understated planters and other accessories. "Those Teletubby planters and wastebaskets have to go," said Brown of the numerous newly (and brightly) painted planters and wastebaskets.

Lots of discussion of the recent Mall meetings at the DenverInfill Blog: The Future of the 16th Street Mall

via Rocky Mountain News

Photo Credit :: denver.gov

Stumbling on the Web

2008-05-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, after reading several blog articles about social bookmarking, I was looking at my Sitemeter referral stats and noticed a StumbleUpon entry, I had seen and read about StumbleUpon but hadn't subscribed to the service, I added one of my pages of recent importance as a favorite and now I've seen an increase in traffic to my blog. I've also been updating elements and the design of this blog and hope to add more social bookmarking links to my posts. So now I just need to recover from my Memorial Day weekend camping/birthday/engagement trip :) and start the posts flowing again.

I've also recently been added to the blogrolls at Best Green Blogs (Editor's Choice), DenverInfill.com, I Can't Keep Up, Everything We Know About Denver, and The Egotist.

Thanks for the support and feedback!

Aurora Plans Sustainable Community With Electric Cars?

2008-05-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

"Lend Lease, a development company with its U.S. headquarters in Denver, got zoning approval for the project last week. The company anticipates its conceptual plans for Horizon Uptown will be approved in the next three months.

All commercial buildings in the project must meet the LEED Gold standard. Homes will be built to either Colorado Built Green standards or those established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Home-management systems will measure consumption of water and energy. A website, also known as a community portal, will allow residents to check consumption, said Greg Ochis, Horizon's project manager.

Lend Lease also has been talking with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory about the possibility of equipping each home at Horizon, as well as its development at the former Lowry Bombing Range, with electric cars."

via Denver Post
previously from Rebchook's Blog

LEED 2009 Open for Public Comment

2008-05-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

The version 3.0 release of LEED standards is being released for public comment over the next month, lots of good articles covering the updates at the locations below. Also check out the webinar on Wednesday May 21st.

Real Life LEED
Jetson Green
Green Building Elements
greenbuildingsNYC
Press Release EMediaWire
USGBC's website's LEED 2009 Info

Film and Design Series at Starz FilmCenter

2008-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 21 - 7:00pm - Starz Filmcenter
Film and Design Series : Not the Usual Suspects
Featuring the films Kochuu and Louis I Kahn: An Offering To Architecture
Sponsored by AIA Denver

Colorado Architects Recognized for Green Building at AIA Convention

2008-05-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized green building projects by Architecture West, LLC, and RB+B Architects, Inc., both of Fort Colllins, as among 46 architecture projects nationwide to achieve Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR, the government’s mark of superior energy efficiency in building design. The awards were presentation today at the American Institute of Architects Convention (AIA) in Boston. Designs for a Fort Collins office building, and a Loveland bicycle shop were among 46 award-winning projects nationwide."

via EPA Region 8

Denver Justice Center Awarded LEED Silver

2008-05-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Post Office/Parking Garage located in the new Denver Justice Center complex has received a final SILVER LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"Denver Public Works and our partners, AR7 Architects and Haselden Construction LLC, prioritized environmental stewardship as an integral part of the design and construction process of the Justice Center Post Office/Parking Garage," said City Engineer Lesley Thomas. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all three of the structures on the Justice Center campus are appealing, engaging, functional and sustainable."

via Government Technology
Photo credit: Denver Justice Center

How Do You Best Design for a Tornado?

2008-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Art by Chuck Carlton

With the 1 year anniversary of Greensburg, Kansas being leveled by a EF5 tornado and the recent string of deaths and destruction due to tornadoes, I though I would ask the question "How do you best design for a tornado"? Better yet, how do you rebuild a community in the best sustainable way to survive a tornado and not have to rebuild, thus saving materials and energy.

In the Midwest plains, one of the main reasons that tornadoes form and continue a path of destruction, is the lack of natural features dispersing the wind forces. One idea that was raised in a recent Discovery channel program "Blown Away : Greensburg, Kansas" was to plant a forest ring of trees around the town. This was shown in models to mitigate the overall power of the tornado and as long as the correct trees and spacing are used this seems to be a good plan, however, how long until the groves of trees are tornado-protecting size?

To rebuild the homes that are more tornado resistant, what design techniques and materials should be employed? Let's start from the bottom; the foundation is an important aspect of many homes and unfortunately the trailer homes and others that rest on blocks or a concrete slab are the most at risk of destruction. In the Midwest, many new homes don't have basements anymore and storm cellars are becoming rare. So why not build a strong foundation that will act as an secure anchoring system for the house and give it's inhabitant's safe shelter? The reasons I found were flooding due to high water table, stresses and stains due to freezing in the winter, and a solid bedrock under site surface. Fair enough, if these factors are the case, then one must think about building a strong lower level that attaches firmly to the ground slab.

The latest material I am beginning to see in pre-fab construction and in the rebuilding efforts of the city of Greensburg is ECO-Block. ECO-Block is simpler and easier to install than wood-frame methods — and, even other ICF systems. It's faster, taking less time with fewer people. And it’s more sustainable, because ECO-Block buildings are vastly more energy-efficient. Stronger. Quieter. Resistant to fire, moisture, mold and the elements. Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their property during tornadoes and hurricanes. Recent laboratory testing at Texas Tech University (see video below) compared the impact resistance of residential concrete wall construction to conventionally framed walls. Only concrete wall systems, such as ICFs and concrete masonry, successfully demonstrated the strength and mass to resist the impact of wind-driven debris. The wood-frame walls failed to stop the penetration of airborne hazards. These insulated concrete forms can be filled with recycled fly-ash concrete to make the wall even "greener". Another advantage to ICFs is that they can be cut into radius rounded walls for greater aerodynamics if wanted.

After the walls are up, impact-resistant window systems, when properly installed, have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm. Alternatively, impact-resistant shutters that close over window openings prevent flying debris from breaking windowpanes. Strengthen door frames, hinges, latches, and dead-bolt locks should be strong enough to resist high wind pressures. Double doors such as French doors need special attention because of the stress on the center latch. Door frames must be securely anchored to house frames. Another idea is to reduce the design of adornments on the exterior that could become damaging projectiles.

Hip roofs without gables and with minimal eaves have proven to be the best roof design to combat high winds in hurricane and tornadic areas especially if the slope of the roof from horizontal is 35 degrees or greater (to reduce/eliminate the airfoil effect of extreme high winds that blow over the roof). Also, steep angled roofs seem to handle winds better than a standard gabled roof. Most importantly, the roof must be securely tied into the wall structure with metal roof tie fastener systems and the soffit and eave area should have reinforced connections. A home has to be well-connected in order to distribute the forces caused by wind pressure, which reduces the chance it will come apart or collapse.

Last year a post was started on the Alternative Building Architecture Usenet Group as a result of the Greensburg disaster. They suggest an aerodynamic cylindrical structure, maybe the Monolithic Dome?
If you can't build your entire house to be tornado resistant you can always just build a tornado safe room or shelter.

Some other good links:
The Institute for Business & Home Safety - Disaster Safety - Tornado

I'd love some feedback on this topic if you have further information to add, please comment below.

4240 Architecture Names Six Associate Principals

2008-05-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

On the eve of its fifth anniversary, 4240 Architecture, Inc., an award-winning architecture, interior and urban planning firm with studios in Chicago and Denver, has promoted six Senior Associates to Associate Principals.

"This is the next generation of leadership for our fast-growing firm, which does site-specific design work on a global scale," explained Peter H. Dominick, Jr., FAIA and 4240 Architecture President. "While each individual is a star in his or her own right, the promotions are not about individuals, but about creating a great team that will dovetail with our marketing and business strategies -- each member contributing the right mix of innovation, creativity, and leadership as we move into the future."

via PRWEB

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 5/14/08 4240 Architecture

2008-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Image from 4240 Architecture Website : Riverfront Park

4240 Architecture Inc. is an award-winning national design firm doing site-specific work on a global scale. Based in Denver and Chicago, we offer services in architecture, planning and design, renovation and adaptive re-use, interior and landscape design. We are committed to a collaborative design process that intimately involves our clients, and that involves deep research on each project to help us understand its needs and goals. We are known for our leadership, innovation and creativity, technical expertise, and our management process.
· A proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and on budget, facilitating a smooth and timely process when multiple approval parties are involved;
· The ability to integrate the cultural, environmental, and lifestyle character of the locale;
· Coordination of the smallest details for staging, phasing and meeting design and community guidelines needs;
· A strong portfolio of preservation and urban re-use and infill;
· The ability to reveal new possibilities, and be strong players in developing project marketability through better design;
· And a familiarity and working knowledge of unique environmental requirements such as seasonal construction microclimate constraints, and the natural forces of sun, sea, snow and wind.

4240 Architecture, Inc., is an industry leader in the design of buildings that exceed expectations in terms of economics, social equity, and environmental sustainability. We excel at identifying strategies that work together in a whole-building approach to achieve more than any one system alone – the building struggles less to perform better. The firm is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, and has nine LEED™ Accredited Professionals on staff. LEED™ Accredited Professionals go through rigorous training to reach an advanced understanding of design strategies that enhance performance in every phase of a project, from initial site selection and orientation to programming, massing, systems design, materials selection, construction, close-out and follow-up.

Info via 4240 Architecture Inc. website

Denver Union Station Project Meeting on Thursday

2008-05-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Union Station Advocates are hosting an update on the Union Station Project in Denver this Thursday, all interested citizens are invited. Some of the agenda items include a overall project update, a video project with Havey Productions, CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning studio wrap up, a planning/branding exercise and discussion, and a post meeting happy hour.

Thursday, May 15th 4 - 5:30pm at the Oxford Hotel, Theatre Room, $10 at the door, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served with a cash bar for the post meeting happy hour in the Cruise Room. See this link for agenda and RSVP info.

Vestas To Build Largest Wind Turbine Tower Factory in Colorado

2008-05-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Back in early March, Danish wind energy leader, Vestas Wind Systems quietly opened their first US based wind-blade manufacturing facility in Windsor, Colorado. According to their 2008 first quarter financial report, they plan on locating another facility in Colorado, this time it will be the largest wind turbine tower assembly plant. The $245 million (USD) facility, which is to be fully operational in mid-2010, will be able to produce 900 towers annually. The location has yet to be determined, but Windsor, Loveland and Pueblo are the three locations in the running. A very positive job development for Coloradoans, thanks to Governor Ritter's efforts in attracting alternative/clean energy companies to Colorado.

Thanks to A View of the Rockies for bringing this to my attention. Also a recent article at TreeHugger , the Denver Post, and The Coloradoan. Photo credit: Vestas Website

Arcspace Article on the Clyfford Still Museum

2008-05-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

Arcspace article here, with previously unseen plans and site plans, looks a lot closer to the DAM HAM than I thought it would be, I think I'm going to like the stark juxtaposition.

Past posts on the CSM here, here, and here.

And if you are in Portland tonight check out the Cloepfil-Gragg interview where the architect Brad Cloepfil may discuss the project.

Photovoltaics, Wind Turbines and Art Infuse Colorado Development at Belmar

2008-05-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

From the AIArchitect This Week newsletter this past week, an article about the recent Belmar development project":

"Developer Continuum Partners decided instead to reduce their impact by recycling most of the content of the former Villa Italia Mall on the site and incorporating an array of sustainable strategies, including a 1.7 Mw solar array and a small-scale urban wind farm." On the parking lot lampposts! great idea. "To reduce the ecological strain that results from the development’s annual energy use, Belmar is currently in the process of installing an array of 8,370 photovoltaic panels. The panels will be installed on three parking garages, including the natural foods store, and will measure 125,000 square feet total."

Also, check out the Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar, "part museum, part public forum". They will reopen on May 22 for a new exhibit called "Silent Films and Bedroom Paintings". Lakewood is getting hot! Another great video from Charles Carpenter below.

The LAB, belmar from Charles R. Carpenter on Vimeo

Things to do in Denver & Boulder this Weekend

2008-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Washington Park Home Tour: Give your mother, aunt, grandma and YOU a Mother's Day weekend to remember by attending the Washington Park Home Tour on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 10 am- 4 pm. All funds benefit Steele Elementary School.

Northwest Denver Old House Expo - 9am-4pm. The free event will offer information and workshops from a range of experts on everything you need to know, including how to heat and cool your old house with energy efficiency; utilizing or expanding space; remodeling; caring for older windows and masonry; water efficiency; building and zoning permits; and choosing the right colors for your home. Stop by the Highlands Masonic Temple Center, 3550 Federal Boulevard.

Tour the CU Solar House in Boulder: 1pm-5pm in the field adjacent to Innovation Drive in the CU Research Park. University of Colorado teams won both Solar Decathlon competitions in 2002 and 2005, and placed 7^th overall in 2007. Lead by the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the 2007 CU Solar Decathlon team returned to the National Mall with a compelling new design that responds to the changing energy needs of the American West.

Pangea Day: 12noon-4pm MST. Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future. In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that — to help people see themselves in others — through the power of film. Sites in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro will be linked live to produce a program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music. Denver Open Media Pangea Day- Denver's Public Access TV station will be hosting a special community screening of the Pangea Day films. Attendance is limited to 100 individuals. 700 Kalamath St. or watch online.

Architecture for Humanity Burma/Myanmar Rebuilding Appeal

2008-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Architecture for Humanity is raising funds to support reconstruction efforts in Burma/Myanmar. Their work will focus on rebuilding sustainable clinics, schools, community centers and other critical infrastructure as well as housing. Please help them rebuild communities and lives. Support sustainable reconstruction. Make a donation today. I've also added a Architecture for Humanity donation link to the right sidebar. If you'd like to donate to Unicef or Direct Relief International you can do so by clicking on this link.

1800 Larimer is Pre-Certified LEED CS Platinum

2008-05-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

1800 Larimer is pre-certified LEED CS Platinum. Designed by architecture firm RNL Design, this 22 story, 500,000 sqft office building will be the new headquarters of Xcel Energy when it opens in the summer of 2010. Westfield Development Company, who is developing the project, will also house it's offices here and the building is already about 75% leased. This will be the first high rise building in the central business district of Denver to be built in the last 20 years, so it appears that progress is moving quickly in Denver! The building's location in the heart of Lower Downtown Denver is an ideal sustainable site with it's easy access to mass transit via the downtown circulator.

According to their website, some of their LEED highlights include restoring 77% of their non-footprint site to native or adaptive vegetation. A 17,000 sqft landscaped terrace will attach the side of the building off of the second floor lobby. Waterless urinals and other water saving features will adorn the fancy bathrooms and I'm sure the water wall feature in the main lobby will recycle it's water as well.
An innovative under floor ventilation system will provide more fresh air and better energy efficiency. It's relationship with Xcel Energy will be strong and green with a four year contract for 35% of core and shell power to come from from WindSource®. It's materials will comprise of 20% recycled content in core and shell materials, 20% locally obtained materials, and FSC Certified wood doors. I'm interested to know what the outer shell window design configuration is based on, Tetris?

1800 Larimer Website Also, check out their sales movie

Fontius Building Facelift is Looking Up

2008-05-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Fontius Building Detail Photo by Ken at Infill Blog

Back in January, developer Evan Makovsky received an important approval for new, energy efficient windows on the north and east side of the Fontius Building at the corner of the 16th Street Mall and Welton Street. In late April, workers began hanging large windows that will pivot just as the original ones did. Makovsky had to get permission from the Landmark Preservation Commission to replace the originals. Without the $1 million energy-efficient windows, the project would not have moved forward.

The terra-cotta exterior has also been restored on the upper floors, which from the 16th Street Mall reveals a handsome building that had been hidden for decades under dirt and disrepair. An artist has been hired to mold 9 tons of clay by hand the way craftsmen did in the 1920s to restore the terra-cotta exterior of the bottom floors for the Renaissance Revival-style building design by Merrill Hoyt, brother of famous architect Burnham Hoyt. The current restoration is being undertaken by architect Brian Klipp and the construction company Milender White Construction Co.

The exterior work is expected to be complete in time for the Democratic National Convention in August when a "Mega Tent" will soar 50 feet high behind the building. The tent, called "The Peak" is in the process of being erected and when completed (by June 1st), will lend 20,000 feet of space to host concerts, banquets, and trade shows. Should be quite a sight (site).

Rocky Mountain News - Ugly Duckling

Denver Biz Journal - Mega Tent

DenverInfill Blog: Block 162 Update

Building Buildings at Denvergence

2008-05-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

Check out this Denver vlog I found recently, it has a number of artistically created videos all based around Denver.

building buildings from Charles R. Carpenter on Vimeo. Denvergence

Greensburg - One Year Later

2008-05-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

Photo by Greg Henshall
On May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas was leveled by an EF5 tornado, one of the strongest in American history. In that storm, 11 people lost their lives as the tornado tore through the town of about 1500. Within days of the disaster, the people of Greensburg decided not only to rebuild their town, but to rebuild it "green". Today marks the 1 year anniversary of this event.

Treehugger has several different perspectives from the townspeople of Greensburg with interviews from the Mayor, a Resident, the Principle and a Student from Greensburg, KS High School. Green ArchiTEXT picks up on an Architectural Record article stating that the master planning for the town is aiming to be LEED Certified Platinum.

There are also many current and upcoming Web and TV shows devoted to the town and it's plan to become "green". Including "The Good Fight" on the Sundance Channel.com, which you can watch now on their website. The Discovery Channel had a show called "Blown Away : Greensburg, Kansas" which you can view in the video segment below. Also, be on the lookout for the Discovery Channel's Planet Green network, starting on June 4th, who will host a 13 part documentary series called "Greensburg" which "follows the rebirth of a rural town in Middle America into a model for the future. With more than 1,500 people displaced by the tornado and waiting to return to their homes, Greensburg documents the story of a community coming together and facing the enormous task of greening a small city. From climate impact to architecture, building and design, to the personal stories of those affected by the disaster, Greensburg is an inspiring look into the human spirit."

Several relief organizations such as the Greensburg Future Fund and the Greensburg GreenTown are out there to collect money for the rebuilding, so go out and support them in this noble cause if you can.

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 5/1/08 OZ Architecture

2008-05-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Pictured : Welton Place : OZ Architecture

OZ Architecture is the largest architecture firm in Colorado and among the 50 largest in the US . It was honored as recently as 2005 as the AIA Northern Colorado Firm of the Year. From their website- "OZ Architecture was created in 1989 through a partnership between two long-established Colorado firms. This unique concept brought together staff with varied expertise and client bases, creating a firm with the talent, people-power and experience in a broad range of project types, to set a new standard in design excellence and commitment to service. Currently, with a full time staff of over 200 employees representing nearly twenty different nationalities, OZ Architecture brings a dynamic synergy of capability and capacity to your project, proving that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of the parts."

The image above is an example of a LEED certified project that OZ Architecture has designed. "Located at the edge of Denver's Welton Historic District, Welton Place is a mixed-use urban infill project close to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library that OZ Architecture also designed. The building design pays homage to the heritage of the neighborhood through its use of masonry at the street level and echoes the vibrancy of the area's inhabitants with a contemporary residential tower rising above. Welton Place is a pioneering sustainable/LEED designed mixed-use project. Sustainable building features include storm water management, lightrail access and high performance glass and roof materials." From their website.

OZ Architecture is selected for a major urban planning project in Rawanda.

OZ Architecture

Green Material From the UK : Hemcrete®

2008-04-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

American Lime Technology is pleased to announce its inaugural project, The Hopewell Project, which represents the first use of the highly sustainable Hemcrete® building system in the United States. This “green” project will be comprised of a chapel and a pottery studio that are being commissioned by Caribe Properties in Montgomery, Texas. An open house is scheduled for May 18-20.

Hemcrete® is a blend of a special lime based binder (Tradical® HB) and specially prepared hemp shiv (Tradical® HF). Together these form a sustainable bio-composite construction material that combats climate change by capturing carbon and delivering high performance airtight, insulating walls. The carbon capture environmental benefits of Tradical® Hemcrete offer an immediate way to combat climate change.

Hemcrete® is being used in several high profile projects in the United Kingdom, including the recently completed, award-winning Adnams Brewery Distribution Center in Southwold, Suffolk, UK and the Haverhill Houses, a public housing project. American Lime Technology (AMT) is a joint venture of UK-based Lime Technology Limited and U.S. Heritage Group, Inc., which is located in Chicago, Illinois.

Also see the TreeHugger article Hemp Houses for Australia. They note that this technology is not new but is gaining steam, especially in areas where growing hemp isn't a crime.

The Hopewell Project

Geos - Colorado's First GeoSolar Neighborhood

2008-04-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

"Geos is an innovative master planned community that emphasizes the importance of neighborhood and utilizes technologies that are right for our time. It is Colorado’s first sustainable, integrated community where energy from the Earth and the Sun replaces all fossil fuels." ( from their website) In Arvada, Colorado, close to Golden and Denver, the location is next to the West Woods Golf Club and borders on the Ralston Creek Trail which is part of the Denver Regional Bike Trail System. The development is going to be arranged in four sections and will provide different housing options, as well as access to common areas, parks, plazas, businesses and playgrounds , the four Geos neighborhoods will connect a diversity of people and lifestyles.

Eco Features - Solar and Geothermal from their website: "Over 300 sunny Colorado days per year and a constant temperature of the Earth at five to seven feet below ground level are the power sources of Geos, the first fossil fuel free community in the United States. Homes that incorporate passive solar, super insulated building shells, high thermal mass and mobile window insulation provide for optimal solar energy gain and retention. A heat recovery ventilation system provides clean and filtered fresh air and conserves internally generated heat. On hot summer days, an Earth tube chills incoming air to 60°F to cool the home. A district ground source heat pump, which also serves as a back-up heat source for extended cold spells, provides domestic hot water.

The entire climate conditioning system and all household electrical equipment are powered by a photovoltaic system tied to the utility grid for net metering. Excess power generation, particularly on hot summer days, is delivered to the grid for storage and to compensate for nights or cloudy daytime needs when electricity is drawn from the grid. Space conditions are thermostat controlled and an energy monitoring system keeps Geos homeowners informed of their specific energy uses. This technology has been used in Europe for many years and is proven, simple and low maintenance. Be part of the first community in Colorado to live a life free of fossil fuels." Also see the Denver Post's Geothermal article for more information about this technology.

The project was developed by Norbert Klebl and Zen Development and the architecture was designed by Michael Tavel Architects and David Kahn Studio.

The master plan has been approved and in May of 2008 the infrastructure construction will begin, which will include the roads, sewers, and utilities. The public opening of the pre-sale release occurred last week on Earth Day, April 22, and the those who sign up will have access to the June 2 pre-sale release.

The crew from Yert.com visited with some of the key members of this project last November and this video gives good insight to the current nature of sustainable design in Colorado.

Also a recent article from the Boulder County Business Report.

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 4/24/08 Michael Tavel Architects

2008-04-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

Image Credit:Mark Sink Project: Solar Village Prospect

From their website: Michael Tavel is a fourth generation Coloradoan. He studied fine arts and structural engineering as an undergraduate and interned as an architect in New York City before receiving a masters degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley in 1989. He won the top prizes in architectural design at Berkeley including a one-year traveling fellowship. Michael also worked for three internationally known architects: Mark Mack in San Francisco, Christopher Alexander in Berkeley, and Heinz Tesar in Vienna before returning to Colorado in 1991 to teach in the graduate school of the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado. He has lectured locally, nationally and in Europe and South America on architecture, landscape, and town planning.

While teaching at CU, Michael co-founded and directed a summer study abroad town-planning program in Prague, Czech Republic that worked with city officials on challenging urban projects from 1993 to 2000. In Colorado, Michael simultaneously worked for Hoover Berg Desmond Architects from 1993 to 1996 and was a Senior Associate at Wolff Lyon Architects from 1997 to 2002 gaining extensive professional experience in traditional mixed-use neighborhood development. After one year with Van Meter Williams Pollack Architects in Denver, Michael was offered the Solar Village mixed-use project in Longmont, and with this he founded Tavel Weise Architecture and Urban Design in collaboration with Jack Weise. Jack’s specialization is construction documents. He now works as a subcontractor to the practice recently renamed Michael Tavel Architects.

"Michael’s work with other firms has won numerous national and regional awards including ones from Progressive Architecture, AIA and HUD. Michael Tavel Architects has recently won seven awards for their first two major projects: Solar Village Prospect (with Solar Village LLC) and Geos Neighborhood (in collaboration with David Kahn Studio). More about these projects from the AIA Denver Chapter Awards website.

Solar Village Prospect Awards:
2005/2006 Architects' Choice Award from the Rocky Mountain News and AIA Denver
2006 Sustainability Award from AIA Denver
2006 Design Award from the Colorado Renewable Energy Society
2007 AIA Denver Citation Award

Geos Neighborhood Awards:
2006 Colorado AIA Citation Award
2006 Denver AIA Honor Award
2006 Denver AIA Sustainability Award

Michael Tavel Architects

Green Drinks Denver Thursday April 24th

2008-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Every month people who work in or who are interested in the green design industry meet at informal sessions called Green Drinks which will be this Thursday, April 24th at 6pm at Marios' Double Daughter's Salotto, 1632 Market St. in Lodo Denver.

This month the featured guests will be Colorado Green Properties and C² Sustainable Development Consulting.

Colorado Green Properties is a multimedia website all about building, buying, selling and investing in green real estate from Denver to Durango. Colorado's largest selection of green homes and commercial properties for sale, as well as a growing collection of green real estate news and video, and many links to local sources of green building materials, experience and expertise.

C² Sustainable Development Consulting can assist you with all of your green building objectives. Whether you're planning a LEED Platinum office building, a LEED-ND resort or simply considering remodeling your home with today's healthiest, most energy-efficient products, they are here to guide you every step of the way.

Happy Earth Day! AIA Announces the2008 COTE Top Ten Green Projects

2008-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by Nic Lehoux
The building pictured above is the Pocono Environmental Education & Visitor Center, designed by architecture firm, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and one of the ten winners of the COTE 2008 Green Project.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Unfortunately no Colorado buildings this year...

AIA Top Ten Green Projects 2008

...And the Platinum goes to Canada

2008-04-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

North America’s first LEED platinum certification for multi-family residential awarded in Calgary. The Vento, designed by Busby Perkins and Will in conjunction with green developers, Windmill Development Group, is a three-storey inner-city development comprised of 20 two-storey town houses atop several ground level retail outlets.

via World Architecture News

A Floating World

2008-04-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

"A set of zero-carbon floating buildings has been chosen by RIBA as the winning design for the visitor center at the new Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve in Preston, northern England. Nicknamed ‘A Floating World’ and chosen over five other shortlisted entries, this design from Adam Khan Architects uses buildings made of low embodied energy materials such as thatch, willow and timber, drawing on the heritage of wetland dwellings and embodying a sustainable agenda."

via Inhabitat

Deconstruct, Reuse, Repeat

2008-04-15T15:54:00.001-07:00

I've been reading a lot of articles recently as well as seeing the PBS e2design program "Grey to Green" on reusing construction and demolition materials to use in new buildings. The idea of reusing discarded building materials also caught my eye last week in my entry about BioSIPs. My interest in Deconstructivism back in my school days as an architectural style has evolved into more support of an idea about current green construction practices such as actual building deconstruction and adaptive reuse.

Colorado has some companies that deconstruct and supply others with these materials, such as Colorado Demolition, Haul Away Recycling Inc., ReSource Yards in Boulder and Fort Collins, the ReUse People, and the national Freecycle network. Recent articles include a Plenty Magazine article about an ebay-like material reuse site called PlanetReuse started by a Kansas City architect. And Treehugger's Deconstruct, Don't Demolish article is about a community oriented group in Western New York called Buffalo ReUse.

According to the U.S. EPA, construction and demolition debris is generated when new structures (residential and non-residential) are built and when existing structures are renovated or demolished. Components typically include concrete, asphalt, wood, metal, gypsum wallboard, glass, plastics, and roofing. Public works projects, such as streets and highways, bridges, piers, and dams, are also included. Many state definitions of construction & demolition debris also include trees, stumps, earth, and rock from the clearing of construction sites. Building demolitions account for 48% of the waste stream, or 65 million tons per year; renovations account for 44%, or 60 million tons per year; and 8%, or 11 million tons per year, is generated at construction sites.

Will the building materials of the future be the building materials of the past?

Using Solar Panels as a Material Design Element Pugh + Scarpa - Colorado Court

2008-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

From a few years back, found this video about the first Gold LEED Certified Multi Family Residence. More info at Pugh + Scarpa.

Studio H:T and In Situ Design Win Young Architecture Firm of the Year

2008-04-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Last night at the Denver Chapter AIA, Young Architects Award Gala, Studio H:T in Boulder and in situ Design in Denver won Best Young Architecture Firms of the year.

Young Architect's References

2008-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I found a new website blog that has several good articles that relate to getting a job in architecture and the trials of the early years of practice based on his own personal experiences. YoungArchitect.net and sub link to articles about The Profession.

I also recently met with an architect who is involved in submitting and editing a new AIA website that is a great set of online resources for aspiring and established architects. It is called AIA Soloso.

The best forum for architects that I have found and have followed for years. Archinect Discussions. So if you have questions, these sites may have the answers. If you know of other sites that are similarly helpful please comment below.

Tonight is the Colorado AIA's Young Architects Awards Gala, the kick off event to Colorado Architecture Week and one of the most exciting events of the year. Celebrate the achievements of Colorado's passionate young architects, interns and students on Friday, April 11, at the Exdo Event Center (1399 35th St., Denver, 80205.

Birambye International Benefit at Cervantes Tonight

2008-04-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

From the Birambye International website: "Birambye International is a non-profit charitable organization comprised of engineers, architects, planners, and other professionals from the greater Denver area. We are committed to participating with communities in need and developing sustainable environments that restore the health and wellbeing of community life. The Birambye team implements innovative solutions by combining our skills and knowledge in green design and construction."

Their current project is called the Birambye Lodge, in Rwanda.

L'Esperance Aid Rwanda operates the Children's Village Kigarama, an orphanage in Western Rwanda with 105 children. Once these children reach the age of 18, they are asked to leave the orphanage. Numerous problems have risen in helping these children become successful adults. Many of them have little to no education or financial means of supporting themselves once they leave. Victor Monroy, Director of Children's Village Kigarama, holds a vision of a sustainable society and a brighter future for the children that leave the orphanage. After visiting the orphanage and meeting Victor, Birambye Internation President, Mark Reiner agreed to kickstart this project. Birambye International will help plan and develop a lodge with the Children's Village Kigarama Orphanage can operate and manage. The project will provide the economic self-sufficiency that will nurture the intellectual, spiritual, social and physical growth of the children, while supporting the harmonic stewardship of the environment.

Benefit PDF Link $8 Thursday April 10th at 8pm Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom - 26th and Welton, Denver

Bands performing are U.S. Pipe, Apex Vibe, S.T.O.I.C., Kollage, Isolated Generation, AddVerse

Birambye International

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 4/9/08 Faleide Architects

2008-04-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

Image Credit: Tectograph / Leonard-Congello Residence, Morrison, Colorado

From their website profile:

Based in Denver, Colorado, Faleide Architects has established a reputation for creating designs that enhance clients’ quality of life where they work and live. In addition to being highly respected by his clients, Ron Faleide has also been regularly acknowledged by his profession. Most recently, he received two awards from the AIA’s Colorado chapter.

The firm’s clients include corporations, schools, churches, restaurants, banks, the U.S. government, and owners of fine homes and affordable housing. Faleide Architects creates enduring spaces that blend tradition and progress, reflecting rigorous education in architectural history and theory and nearly 30 years of wide-ranging office and field experience. Because Ron first began practicing in Colorado in 1979, clients also benefit from his thorough understanding of the local construction industry.

Founded in 1995, Faleide Architects works in collaboration with Carsten Roth Architekt (Hamburg, Germany). The partnership grew out of a long-standing personal and professional relationship between Ron Faleide and Carsten Roth, also an award-winning architect. Together, they are committed to fulfilling the potential of design to create transformative experiences. The two offices bring a depth of experience and a broad range of skills to every client, including extensive experience in carpentry, electrical systems, plumbing and finish work, computer graphics, environmental and sustainable design.

Born in 1952 in Fargo, North Dakota, Ron holds a degree in Architecture from North Dakota State University and has masters degrees from Harvard University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Balancing his knowledge of architectural history and theory, Ron has nearly 30 years of design experience, including experience in these area: site analysis, schematic design, design development, environmental and sustainable design, construction document services, bidding and negotiation, construction contract administration, and architectural photography.

Doors Open Denver This Weekend

2008-04-08T13:29:00.001-07:00

Doors Open Denver
"150 Years of Denver Architecture"
Saturday & Sunday, April 12th & 13th 10am-4pm

2008 is the 150th anniversary of the founding of Denver. Doors Open Denver will celebrate by opening doors representing “150 Years of Denver Architecture” in a FREE two-day event that allows you to go behind the scenes of the city’s significant architectural gems and lesser-known treasures. Spend the day on a self-guided tour of both historic and modern buildings, register for an Expert Tour or embark on an Urban Adventure, a self-guided tour based on a theme.

via DenverInfill Blog

Here are some Expert Tours of interest:

An Emerald Gem in Lower Downtown – US EPA Building: EPA’s new regional headquarters is an excellent example of ‘green building’, and how the built environment can reduce its environmental footprint. Come learn about this state of the art building, and the strategies used to reduce impacts to the natural environmental, better conserve energy, use less natural resources, reduce waste and create a healthier workplace environment.

Alliance Center – Green Multi-Tenant Nonprofit Building: The Alliance Center demonstrates a hub for a state-based sustainability movement with thirty non-profit tenants. Tenants, partners and community members use the building as a tool for collaboration, education and social advocacy. It is one of two buildings in the world to receive two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications from the US Green Building Council – LEED Gold for Existing Buildings and LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors. The Center received Energy Star Leader certification. Over 50 signs and displays highlight the collaborative, green and historic features throughout the Alliance Center. This tour will explore the Alliance Center’s “green” ingenuity, design and unique characteristics

Discover How Easy It Is To Be Green…Creatively: Architect/ Developer Cheryl Spector & Associates will lead a tour of this LEED Registered, award winning green facility – Nine10Arts. Learn how being green is affordable. Following the tour you can visit with over 18 different artists who have their studios here, drink a cup of coffee, eat lunch in Studio 6 Coffee House or hang out in the Gallery and courtyard.

Denver Architect Firms Merge to Form Eight Track Architecture LLC

2008-04-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Three University of Colorado at Denver instructors have merged their own architecture firms to form a new company called Eight Track Architecture LLC. The new company, located at 910 16th St. in Denver, combines the existing architecture practices of Charles McBride, Matthew Shea's Void company and Ken Renaud of Box. McBride is a senior instructor at CU Denver, and Shea and Renaud are lecturers there. Eight Track's practice ranges from construction technique to "the idiosyncrasies ... of the city street," according to the firm. "The architect's responsibility to the city is not only to understand and work within its own particular constraints, but to simultaneously challenge its structure, its preconceptions," McBride said in a statement. The principals' past design work ranges from single-family homes and restaurants to master-planned projects. Those projects were worked in Boulder County, Colorado Springs and Southern California.

via Denver Business Journal

Denver Designated A New Solar American City

2008-04-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

array in Denver via Sunflower Solar

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 12 new Solar America Cities, bringing the number from 13 to 25 in total, and moving along the $2.4 million initiative to provide up to $200,000 per city to build solid solar infrastructures. The announcement came at the New Frontiers in Energy Summit 2008 in Denver, Colorado, which is among the 2008 Solar America Initiative (SAI) cities. The overall program goals are to facilitate adoption of solar technology by individuals and businesses and to make solar electricity from photovoltaics a cost-competitive energy choice by 2015.

via Inhabitat

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 4/3/08 Humphries Poli Architects

2008-04-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Image Credit: Frank Ooms/Ooms Design 553 House

Profile from website:
"Longtime colleagues and collaborators Dennis Humphries and Joseph Poli founded Humphries Poli Architects, P.C. in 1994. Named 2005 Firm of the Year by the Denver Chapter of the AIA, HPA has garnered nineteen design awards, plus other publications and recognition, in its 11 years. This 29-person firm offers architecture, interior design, urban design, historic preservation and landscape architecture services. The firm specializes in multi-family housing, urban design, civic architecture, libraries and preservation projects. HPA brings a layered and rich approach to every project, resulting in thoughtful solutions that reach beyond the project's physical boundaries. Every project is an opportunity to make our city a better place to live, work, and relax. The HPA studio is still located in Denver's Golden Triangle neighborhood in its third storefront office at 1215 Elati St. For more information visit HPA’s Web site at http://www.hparch.com/.

Recent Awards:
In addition to the AIA Colorado 2006 Firm of the Year Award, HPA has received several other distinguishing honors, including AIA Denver 2005 Firm of the Year. Also, Dennis Humphries was honored as the 2003 Colorado Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association Architect of the Year as well as AIA Denver 2006 Architect of the Year and AIA Colorado 2005 Architect of the Year. In all, the firm and its projects have received more than 30 awards in the last 12 years. Recent award winning projects include the Granby Library (Granby, Colo.), 553 House (Denver), Blake Street Flats (Denver), the Brownstones at Riverfront Park (Denver) and Ten Winkle Towers (Denver).

Current Projects:
Rangeview Library District - Brighton Library
East Village Master Plan - Park Avenue Redevelopment, Denver

Trash = BioSIPs

2008-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Picture Credit: Julie Herdt

Great ideas coming from CU Boulder. One man's trash is another man's treasure... future speak - "Just another day down at the garbage mines!"

"We see waste stream as the new resource for industry," said Julee Herdt, CU Professor of Architecture and leader of a university-supported project to convert paper, cardboard, and wooden waste products into structural insulated panels (SIPs) that provide a fast, energy efficient basis for housing construction. "Instead of cutting down trees and mining the earth, there are very valuable waste stream products that can be used to create new materials. That's what we're doing here at CU, is saying these mountains of waste are new natural resources."

via Colorado Daily News

BioSIPs via Treehugger 2005

Also regarding environmental materials from the CU Solar 2005 Project

Architect for Hire Website

2008-04-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

I just relaunched my personal architecture website a few days ago and I wanted to share the link in case you wanted to see some of the projects I have been working on. I'm actively looking for an architecture position in Denver, Colorado if you have any feedback or leads I would very much appreciate if you shared them with me, you can contact me at the email link on my website.

Architect for Hire.com

Jean Nouvel Wins 2008 Pritzker Prize

2008-03-31T02:17:00.000-07:00

Jean Nouvel wins the 2008 Pritzker Prize.

Pictured is Torre Agbar built in 2003 and open in 2005 in Barcelona, Spain. "A unique feature of the building is its nocturnal illumination. It has 4,500 LED luminous devices that allow generation of luminous images in the facade. In addition, it has temperature sensors in the outside of the tower that regulate the opening and closing of the glass blinds of the facade of the building, reducing the consumption of energy for air conditioning."

Denver Architectural Firm Recognized as Best in Recreational Design

2008-03-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

Denver-based Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative, an architectural leader in recreation, fitness and aquatics, has won a pair of 2008 Innovative Architecture & Design Awards from Recreation Management Magazine.

The Health and Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College was designed to deliver the latest breakthroughs in sustainable design. OLC architects wanted to establish a functional facility that promotes healthy living for both the students on campus and the local residents who will be members. Some unique characteristics of the facility include lights that go on automatically when daylight falls below a certain level; floors and carpets made of non-toxic renewable materials; and a reflective white roof that reduces heating and cooling requirements. The WCC building is positioned to become the first gold-certified LEED™ building for health-and-fitness west of the Mid-Atlantic U.S.

via eMediaWire

Denver Architecture Firm of the Week 3/26/08 - Sean Garrett Architecture

2008-03-26T12:20:00.001-07:00

I've decided to showcase Denver's local architecture firms in a weekly blog post. In my recent search for an architecture position (email me), I've been researching many great firms in the Denver area and I'd like to highlight the recent work and philosophies of some of these companies.

This week I've chosen an architect whose office is located very close to my home and that drew my attention a while back with his Green House competition win in Chicago (pictured on the left).

Sean Garrett Architecture

From SGA's website;

"The Qualities we value…Each new building is but a single contribution to the larger built and natural environments that we inhabit, and each individual design and construction project either reveals and reinforces the qualities we value or conceals and degrades our sense of place. Whether cityscape or landscape, SGA strives to identify the critical components and characteristics of each place and design architecture that responds appropriately to the individual, community, culture, and environment. The incorporation of green, sustainable, and energy-efficient building technologies is part and parcel to SGA’s design process."

Current projects include the Charlie's on Colfax redesign with a new front facade. From SGA's website; "SGA’s proposed addition and renovation to Charlie’s Bar responds in part to a loss of patronage resulting from Colorado’s Clean Indoor Air Act. The over-height, sloping, exterior screen wall secures a new outdoor patio that isolates smokers from other patrons while preserving a visual connection to the nightclub interior. The tall, colorful wall takes its cues from the nearby mid-century modern architecture and doubles as a new building façade that masks the existing structure. "

Sean Garrett Architecture

Future City Designs

2008-03-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

These are great ideas and future buildings for city centers.

Evolo Skyscraper Winners 2008
Clean Technology Tower in Chicago by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill
Sustainable Towers in Malaysia by Studio Nicoletti Associati
Highline 23 in NYC by Neil M. Denari Architects
Anti-Smog in Paris by Vincent Cllebaut Architecte
What will the future be in 2008? We are almost there...
or are we? Back to Future!

Design Unveiled for Clyfford Still Museum

2008-03-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

via Denver Post via Archinect via Artdaily.org

Lots of discussion about the design on Denver Infill Blog

Brio54 - Modern Green Living

2008-02-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

brio54 Modern Green Living

Introduces beautiful new designs for sustainable living. Check out these designs and the buzz surrounding them.

PREFAB Links from 2007

2008-01-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

SOLAR DECATHLON 2007

2007-10-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

2007 Solar Decathlon Teams

Technische Universität Darmstadt - Winner
Cincinnati
LeafHouse
University of Colorado

New Museum of Contemporary Art Denver opens this week

2007-10-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

This week begins the inugural kick-off with tours and galas and a public opening on Sunday October 28.

via The Daily Camera

Floating Houses and Mass Cultural Like-Mindedness

2007-09-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

Over the last week I've been thinking about New Orleans and Katrina, the Weather Channel had an overview of what happened and it got me thinking about an idea for a house that rests on a raised hollow solid foundation but can detach with a floating floor level that could rise with rushing floods. This seems like a sensible approach to areas that are prone to general rising sea rate, river delta flooding, hurricanes, and tsunamis. In a brief overview of some of my frequented sites I find several posts that show this idea in varying degrees, all within this last week, interesting coincidence, I find it interesting how anniversaries of events can focus peoples efforts and thoughts toward future solutions. I'll add to the collective with my overview of these floating structures and how they could pose a solution to these disaster-prone areas. Next step is to make them affordable and sustainable.

Inhabitat DuraVermeer and Waterstudio
Inhabitat Katrina Anniversary
BLDGBLOG Single Hauz
Archidose Floating in Illinois
Treehugger Steel Floating Tower
Seattle Times LSU professor suggests back in April

Eco-Infill and Studio H:T design the first-ever factory-built and LEED-certified home in the US

2007-08-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Press Release

The architects that brought you the HGTV show "Dream House" which chronicled the construction of an architects mountain-side dream home, now bring you some urban infill. According to the press release the home is scheduled to be placed on August 16th, 2007 in the Highlands. I'll have to hunt it down to try an get some photos, I'm really interested to see how it fits in with the neighborhood and maybe get some neighbor reactions. I applaud the effort at hoping to attain the LEED Silver certification, an am curious as to whether this truly is the first factory built LEED certified home int he US. I'm also curious on what the cost is per square foot compared to other Denver infill homes. Looking for some more press on this project...

Studio H:T
Eco-Infill

via Worldchanging

Hugh Brown, 71, reaches milestone: 50 years of design

2007-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Local Denver Architect still uses a drafting board (shouldn't we all). Architect as artist, i like it. He helped design the Ritchie Center at DU with recently deceased Cab Childress, interesting because it's where I currently work. I wonder if the common thick black glasses and bowtie will continue with future architect generations?

picture and article via Rocky Mountain News

CU-Boulder Architecture Defends Solar Prize

2007-08-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Roof-integrated photovoltaic panels were installed Aug. 2 by University of Colorado at Boulder students on the school's latest Solar Decathlon entry as part of a project update for the fall competition, the third of three competitions to date that CU-Boulder won previously in 2002 and 2005.

Special features of this year's CU-Boulder home include building-integrated photovoltaic panels, which will provide a waterproof roofing shell while collecting all of the energy needed to power the home; a ductless heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system with architecturally integrated heat exchangers; and a mechanical spine in which the plumbing and HVAC system are centralized in a completely modular, prefabricated, structural core.

via YourHub and CU-Boulder Solar Decathlon

Colorado, Redirect to Green Resources

2007-08-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Denver Infill Blog who notes "One of the many reasons why urban infill is so important to our community is that it's a very sustainable form of development. Urban infill is anti-sprawl. Instead of constructing new travelways, utilities, and buildings in undeveloped greenfield areas, urban infill projects take advantage of existing infrastructure and increase the utility of land in already established areas. Urban places like Downtown Denver also are home to many environmentally sound and healthy practices like LEED-certified buildings, public transit, pedestrianism, etc."

Like a "Green" Yellow Pages for Colorado.

Redirect Guide

Buona Notte Antonioni

2007-08-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Photo by Guido Harari

In my opinion, the greatest filmmaker of all time passed away on Monday at age 94. I'll never forget watching his films in Hancock Hall between studio time in architecture school, and retrospectively the impact he and Fellini had on my design sensibility. Resto nella pace, Michelangelo Antonioni, vivrete per sempre nei miei occhi.

Earthworks Expo in Denver this Weekend

2007-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Some Greenbuilding Workshops that look good.

Earthworks Expo

More on Brad Cloepfil

2007-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The architect slated to design the new Clyfford Still Museum in Denver gets the Metropolis treatment.

“I think it is changing. The cultural shift of the last ten years that has elevated architecture so high is now becoming more diverse. The culture is becoming more confident about architecture, and demanding more. And I think the next ten years will be really interesting.” - Cloepfil

via Metropolis

MCAD Updated Construction

2007-07-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver - latest construction photo.

Via Denver Infill Blog

Canadian Architects well on the Green Path

2007-07-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

This ambitious plan, developed by architect Edward Mazria, advocates three major points: 1) that all new buildings and developments be designed to use half the fossil fuel energy they would typically consume; 2) that at a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area be renovated annually to use half the amount of fossil fuel energy currently being consumed; and 3) that the fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings be increased to 60% in 2010, 70% in 2015, 80% in 2020, 90% in 2025 and carbon- neutral by 2030. When we discuss the term "carbon-neutral," we are referring to buildings that do not use fossil fuel greenhouse gas-emitting energy to operate.

via Canadian Architect

Is it really "Green Home Building" or not?

2007-07-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

When Building Green ain't so green. via ZNet
Comments on Treeghugger.

Clyfford Still Museum - Art Preview in Denver

2007-07-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

"I can't get too specific, but it's starting to come together," said architect Brad Cloepfil, who in November 2006 won the commission to design a home for Still's work on Bannock Street next to Daniel Libeskind's Frederic C. Hamilton Building.

"It's the most exciting building I've ever worked on," Cloepfil, of Allied Works Architecture, said recently from his office in New York. "It's a big dynamic time. We haven't pinned down materials, but we're getting ahold of the quality of space the work will inhabit."

Clyfford Still Unveiled: Selections from the Estate opens on Saturday with a gallery talk at 11am by Dean Sobel, Director, Clyfford Still Museum at the DAM HAM Building and will showcase some of Still's work. Denver residents enjoy free admission to the museum this Saturday and Sunday!

The new Still Museum will open in 2010 right next to Dozen's for breakfast or grab a drink across the street from Pint's Pub .

via Rocky Mountain News and earlier article by the Denver Post

David Adjaye, future "Starchitect"

2007-06-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

"this will be the year - thanks to a quartet of high-profile commissions coming to completion by this autumn - when we find out if Adjaye can really translate promise into achievement and begin to compete with the global "starchitects"."

"...the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Denver, Colorado, the job that will attract the most attention and whose success is key for Adjaye's push into America, where he will be opening a New York office by the end of 2007."

"The £7.5 million MCA in Denver, which opens in October, is a new four-storey building coated in etched grey, milky glass with interior walls of a special textured, translucent plastic enveloping five core galleries - each a distinct chamber accessed by an internal pathway. There will also be three education spaces, offices and a bookshop, plus a rooftop garden that will help to insulate the museum, a "green" building with high sustainability targets. There will be no permanent collection; the gallery rooms will be handed over to individual artists."

article via The Telegraph also BBC Radio 3 Broadcast Interview

UPDATE: 7/18 - maybe Don't Call him a Starchitect?

How does the DAM HAM stack up?

2007-06-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

Not too bad, really.

Tallest Tower of Timber to be Built

2007-06-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

London architects Waugh Thistleton have designed a timber residential tower they say will be the tallest wooden housing block in the world at nine stories, and will save 125 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to a concrete structure. It will be built of prefabrcated panels made by KLH of Austria and and it's surface will be made up of 70% waste timber panels by Marley Eternit.

via Treehugger and dezeen

OFFSITE2007

2007-06-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

At OFFSITE 2007 the Big Build progressed over 5 days last week. What do they have to show for it? 7 homes built as close to the highest levels of the new sustainability code in the UK. See the pictures of the buildings some impressive examples and combination of techonolgies going on here. The Code, launched in April 2007, has been developed by Communities and Local Government (CLG) based on BRE's EcoHomes method to enable a step change in sustainable building practice for new homes. It provides a means of assessing the sustainablity credentials of new homes for energy, water, materials, waste, pollution and other issues.

Integrated Environmental Solutions, with REVIT!

2007-06-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

IES Virtual Environment
"There is now a direct link between the 3D modelling platform Revit and the IES . Jointly developed between IES and Autodesk, it represents a revolutionary change for design teams working from a common model. Not only does IES software calculate heating & cooling loads within Revit MEP, but the suite can be launched in order to carry out the full range of sustainable design analyses"... Looks like I should learn Revit.

via Treehugger

"I think Colorado is the most beautiful state in the U.S."

2007-06-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Some interesting remarks from Daniel Libeskind.

His condo project in Edwards seems to be causing a fuss with some locals (CBS4 Video), but I like this statement:

" I do not think there should be anything controversial about it. It uses stone and materials from the area. It is a very green building; a very high-performance, sustainable building. It has a very gentle and very curvilinear shape. It brings a lot of energy and 24-hour kind of density to the site. It has a very small footprint for its building, which is very good for the environment."

via Rocky Mountain News

Denver Green Urbanism

2007-06-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Denver city planners have gathered to once again write the future of the downtown area. The new Downtown Denver Area Plan (which is different than, but complementary to, the Greenprint Denver initiative) still focuses on zoning, transit, and building regulations, but now includes an element completely lacking from the plan adopted twenty years ago - a deeper consideration of the impact of development on the environment.

via WorldChanging blogger Nathan Acks

Almost Time for a Summer Warm-up?

2007-06-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

PS1 Gallery at the Museum of Modern Art in New York . Liquid Sky by BALL-NOGUES to be unveiled June, 21, 2007 in P.S.1's courtyard. Warm-up looks pretty cool this year, again. One of the these days Derek and Lesley...

MCAD | Denver Announces Two Permanent Art and Landscape Commissions

2007-06-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver), The city’s first institution devoted entirely to contemporary art, will inaugurate its new environmentally sustainable facility designed by David Adjaye, with two permanent commissions and an inaugural exhibition entitled Star Power: Museum as Body Electric. The two permanent commissioned works, both by Colorado-based artists, include a collaborative design for The Gates Rooftop Garden by artist Kim Dickey and landscape architect Karla Dakin and an exterior site-specific work by artist Clark Richert ." Opening October 28, 2007 . . . more to come.

via Artdaily and Cherry Creek News

Rome Reborn 1.0, Life 2.0?

2007-06-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

At the University of Virginia they are rebuilding Ancient Rome, a daunting task, only ten years in the making. Once complete and fully accessible, will this virtual city really become the eternal city reborn? Mankind has always tried to capture the past and present in maps, models, and restoring the physicality of our cultural landmarks. Will we even be able to preserve these copies or will we continuously re-create them with virtual history itself?

This latest incarnation seems to be a growing part of our collaborative virtual "Second Life" culture which includes real life views via Geotagging, Google's Earth and Street View (when do I get my VR Google Goggles?). One day, will all major civilizations be mapped and rebuilt virtually and will we be able to visit them or maybe actually live in a Life 2.0? or would that be Life 3.0 or Death 1.0?

Can we even save our modern and ancient monuments? In places like Machu Picchu (or Europe for that matter), increased tourist popularity could end in severe degradation of the experience, not to mention how future global changes will very likely, drastically alter or submerge some sites even cities. How many of these are worth saving, what is their individual and collective worth, and for how long should they be physically preserved or restored? Do we build civilization around or on top of this past?

How well will this second version of life imitate art and will this art be our version 2.0?

Architecture dash Cyberspacial Wanderings

2007-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

This blog is meant to share my findings in the cyberspacial world of architecture. It will focus on current trends in design, materials, sustainability, permanence, and other important aspects related to architecture. I will also include local Denver Colorado architectural news and meatspacial wanderings.