Belzberg Architects designed the Skyline Residence, which is perched atop a ridgeline in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California.

Belzberg Architects designed the Skyline Residence, which is perched atop a ridgeline in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California.

Visit the Belzberg Architects website – here.

Detailed description after the photos…

SKYLINE RESIDENCE

The project site exists along a steep ridgeline. Beyond the physical constraints typically associated with ridgeline projects, an opportunity presented itself by realizing viewing angles in comparison to solar angles.  Each had the capacity to compliment each other in order to maximize natural lighting and views without increasing future cooling demands. On the interior, a single-loaded corridor was created to act as a heat buffer between the glazing and the bedrooms.  In addition to deep shadowing eaves, a solar screen was created made of Extira, a low-formaldehyde emitting composite lumber.

Winds are created through the valleys on either side of the house and move linearly along the length of the house.  Oversized, hinged double-doors open on either side of the living room invite the prevailing winds to flow uninterrupted through the interior space. The corridor leading to the bedrooms open at either end, facilitating airflow past each room and openings from each room to the rear yard draw on the cool moving air from the corridor through the length of the house.

There was also a constant interest in reducing emissions resulting from the transportation and importation of materials, specifically those materials which are commonly used in bulk at construction sites.  While choosing eco-friendly furniture, fixtures and equipment is an obvious avenue to reducing energy consumption, the hidden elements of construction and structure were considered in this design as well.  Re-using the earth eliminated shipments of excavated earth out of the site and reduced the shipments of other decomposed materials into the site.  Local-manufactured low-e glazing, steel, CMU blocks, and indigenous aggregates support this initiative as well.  The remains of wood framing and flooring acquired from a nearby construction project were put to use in this project, and the landscape is comprised of low water consumption flora from a residence to be demolished in the area.

Both the main house and the guest house are enclosed by a single folded surface with infill glazing and screened walls.   The objective of such a strategy is to capitalize on framing extrinsic conditions and using the solid walls of the fold itself to affect the adjacent spaces.  The absence of one solid wall in each room also reveals the fold as a framing device.  The strategy for removing the guest house from the main house and including an auto court in between stems from the idea that complimenting forms which spatially could be perceived as once being united allow the interstitial space between a sense of connection, if only visual.  In this design, the faces resulting from a separation in form created areas for videos and films to be viewed.  The deck above the garage is now a gathering space for social events and a viewing platform for projections onto the Southern face of the guest house.  This interaction between the main house and the guest house utilizes a normally singular and stagnant space in the auto court and activates the solid surface of the fold through an engagement with the surrounding space.

Detailed description after the photos…

SKYLINE RESIDENCE

The project site exists along a steep ridgeline. Beyond the physical constraints typically associated with ridgeline projects, an opportunity presented itself by realizing viewing angles in comparison to solar angles. Each had the capacity to compliment each other in order to maximize natural lighting and views without increasing future cooling demands. On the interior, a single-loaded corridor was created to act as a heat buffer between the glazing and the bedrooms. In addition to deep shadowing eaves, a solar screen was created made of Extira, a low-formaldehyde emitting composite lumber.

Winds are created through the valleys on either side of the house and move linearly along the length of the house. Oversized, hinged double-doors open on either side of the living room invite the prevailing winds to flow uninterrupted through the interior space. The corridor leading to the bedrooms open at either end, facilitating airflow past each room and openings from each room to the rear yard draw on the cool moving air from the corridor through the length of the house.

There was also a constant interest in reducing emissions resulting from the transportation and importation of materials, specifically those materials which are commonly used in bulk at construction sites. While choosing eco-friendly furniture, fixtures and equipment is an obvious avenue to reducing energy consumption, the hidden elements of construction and structure were considered in this design as well. Re-using the earth eliminated shipments of excavated earth out of the site and reduced the shipments of other decomposed materials into the site. Local-manufactured low-e glazing, steel, CMU blocks, and indigenous aggregates support this initiative as well. The remains of wood framing and flooring acquired from a nearby construction project were put to use in this project, and the landscape is comprised of low water consumption flora from a residence to be demolished in the area.

Both the main house and the guest house are enclosed by a single folded surface with infill glazing and screened walls. The objective of such a strategy is to capitalize on framing extrinsic conditions and using the solid walls of the fold itself to affect the adjacent spaces. The absence of one solid wall in each room also reveals the fold as a framing device. The strategy for removing the guest house from the main house and including an auto court in between stems from the idea that complimenting forms which spatially could be perceived as once being united allow the interstitial space between a sense of connection, if only visual. In this design, the faces resulting from a separation in form created areas for videos and films to be viewed. The deck above the garage is now a gathering space for social events and a viewing platform for projections onto the Southern face of the guest house. This interaction between the main house and the guest house utilizes a normally singular and stagnant space in the auto court and activates the solid surface of the fold through an engagement with the surrounding space.

Italian furniture manufacturer Casamania has sent us preview images of the new pieces they will formally introduce at the 2009 Salone del Mobile show in April. The new collection includes seating by Karim Rashid, StokkeAustad, and Luca Nichetto, coffee tables by GamplusFratesi, a cabinet by Wis Design, and modular shelves by Claudio Bellini.

Visit Casamania’s website – here.

Kouch & Ouch by Karim Rashid:

I have taken a great interest in organic form for the last 20 years. I feel a desirous need to soften the commodity landscape as our lives become more casual and relaxed. I want to be enveloped by my Kouch – Ouch! This Kasualism of shape, form, material and behavior are definitely a movement. The technology that affords us to morph, undulate, twist, torque, and blend our world is so ever inspiring to me. KOUCH and OUCH are my voluptuous organic and ergonomic blobs to continue my pursuit for this New ‘Soft World’ language.

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Nuance Chair by Luca Nichetto:

Nuance is a new concept in upholstered seating. Nuance is available in two versions: one designed to be used with a table, and a ‘lounge’ version- lower, wider and more welcoming. The upholstery of Nuance incorporates a subtle range of colours thanks to the careful workmanship involved in utilising fabric off-cuts. Nuance combines a strong ergonomic approach with visual appeal and the hand-made tradition of the master craftsman, giving extra value to the product as well as minimising waste.

Lobby Chair by StokkeAustad:

The Lobby Chair was conceived from an idea of creating a product that creates a space for itself. The extruded armrests delineate an area into which the user enters when he sits down. The same armrests also offer comfort and an inviting space whilst adding a distinctive character to the chair. The form of the chair is clear and decisive with a strong profile and clean lines while the inside is softer and moulded to accomodate the user.

Meduse Coffee Tables by GamplusFratesi:

Meduse are a series of coffee tables inspired by the iconic shape of the jellyfish. The typical soft and smooth body encloses an internal structure, from which the tentacles are suspended. The tables are entirely made of metal; a steel structure with a top crafted from pressed sheet metal. Finishes: polished steel or powder coated in a range of various colours.

Patch Cabinet by Wis Design:

The Patch Cabinet is an example of WIS Design’s love for transforming odd materials into shapes that fit modern spaces. In this case, WIS Design was inspired by perforated sheets metal, a material mostly principally in industrial construction. The perforated sheets transform into ornaments on the surface of the cabinet and bring to mind a myriad of beautiful patterns. In this context the perforated metal assumes the appearance of treasured patchwork or beautiful quilted blanket.
The perforated metal sheeting allows for signals from remote controls to reach the television dvd player, or stereo system concealed inside even when the doors are closed. The construction permits air circulation within the cabinet reducing the risk of overheating. The dimensions of the drawers and shelves have been specifically designed to accomodate DVDs and DVD players. The back of the cabinet is also equipped with openings to allow cables to pass through.

Urban Shelving Unit by Claudio Bellini:

The Urban shelving unit was born from a simple concept: a single module capable of functioning as a bookshelf with the added possibility of adding extra modules to create unique compositions. The ‘L’ shaped module measuring 140x 35cm can be used in any position. A system without hooks or joins allows the user to create walls, screens, horizontal and vertical elements; angles, benches, entertainment systems – anything at all. The niches carved out of the piece underline the monolithic and solid nature of the Urban shelving unit. A modern piece which stands above the whims of fashion.
The infinite possibilities of composition and the a vast choice of colours allow the user to create surprising landscapes and furnish their spaces in a dynamic and bright manner.
The apparent simplicity of the Urban shelving unit contrasts with the technical difficulties encountered in the rotational moulding of a plastic object with large flat surfaces.