Human Interest

Inspired by the form of a snake, Architects Rebelo de Andrade Studio has designed two Tree Snake Houses where each structure glides sinuously amongst the trees in Portugal’s Pedras Salgadas Park.

Taking their inspiration from the long and tapered proportions of a snake, Lisbon-based architects Luís Rebelo de Andrade & Tiago Rebelo de Andrade of Rebelo de Andrade Studio, have designed two concurrent Tree Snake Houses. Rather than build a treehouse in the branches of a tree, the distinctive snake-like houses, with their slate and wood facades, appear to glide sinuously amongst the trees. The structures become elevated and are raised on stilts as the ground dips downwards. Enjoying a close physical association with the one-hundred year old Pedras Salgadas Park, their aspect is one that is congruous with the park’s natural surroundings. Close attention was paid to making sure that they neither dominated nor vied for attention (despite their eye-catching appearance)...

Via Lauren Moss, association concert urbain, Mike Busarello's Digital Storybooks

Australian practice Room 11 has completed the Melbourne headquarters of Royal Wolf – a specialist in the hire, sale and modification of new and refurbished shipping containers. 

Appropriately, the workplace is built entirely from the steel units, utilizing the fabrication and construction methods employed by the organization.

20ft and 40ft containers are positioned to create four courtyards, forming a complete rectangle. The ends of each unit are replaced with full height glazing, while ceilings are also left exposed, covered with rigid insulation and a membrane roof. Two are set vertically, placed on end to create a narrow void with a skylight naturally illuminating the building’s interior.

The scheme repurposes the enclosed volumes as a series of connected light-filled rooms interspersed with areas of plantation. Offices and reception areas articulated around a central courtyard, while the meeting room, kitchen and principal offices are linked to further external enclosures.

More images at the link.

Via Lauren Moss

International studio Urban Think Tank are currently exhibiting the ‘empower shack‘ in zurich. The project is developed as an adapting response to urban informality, offering not only improved housing but a strategy that allows the citizens of self-built urban communities to dynamically structure their urban environment as an instant response to their needs.

An economical protoype two story metal-clad modular structure can be self-built. Each home is allotted a determined amount of space that allows the structure to expand as the inhabitants need it, still fitting within a more organized framework. Transsolar has also made it possible to incorporate solar energy on every rooftop.

The ongoing project is intended to alleviate the housing crisis in informal settlements during a time when the government has begun incrementally improving the housing situation.

Via Lauren Moss

Design collective Penda has developed a concept for a flexible, portable hotel made from rods of bamboo, designed to bring guests closer to nature.

One With the Birds was developed by Penda – based in Vienna and Beijing – for the AIM Legend of the Tent competition in China, which challenged architects to develop low-impact tent-themed hotels offering a closer connection with the outdoors.

Penda came up with a concept for a flexible bamboo structure that can be easily expanded horizontally and vertically. Find more details at the article.

Via Lauren Moss

With a little bit of imagination (and a lot work), some talented architects have succeeded in designing dwellings made of shipping containers, ranging from off-the-grid guest homes to full time single family homes.

Shipping Container homes have their pros and cons: they are durable and eco-friendly, usually more cost-effective to build than conventional construction, and pre-fab modules can be easily transported by truck. But they also must be well insulated and sealed, as the steel conducts heat and can easily rust.

Here are 22 of the best modern shipping container houses built around the world to consider...

Via Lauren Moss