a shrinking universe?

Perhaps.
We are now in Week 22.
Meaning what?

Meaning that for me, it is now 22 weeks since I was forced into a 'stay-at-home' regimen - doctor's orders, way back on February 18th. HowzThat? Well, fact is I, unfortunately, suffered a fairly serious leg injury, which became infected, which took me to Emergency 4 times in 8 days,
​which resulted in the 'stay at home' order. 

Followed by, in the first week of March, the order to the general population, to 'stay home'.

22 weeks - almost half a year - hard to believe. 
Coping, has been difficult - as we have collectively sought to shrink within ourselves, within our households - within our family units, there have been some startling discoveries. Coping mechanisms, the likes of which we, as a society, were never confronted with before, became the keys to maintaining and preserving some sense of normalcy — of a 'new normalcy' . 

ZOOM fusions - remote movie night shares — order in, take-out. Introspection, the likes of which, as a society, we've never had to deal with before. 

The overwhelming need, over time, to break free - break free of the tyranny of this pandemic. The urge to sit in a café once again — the need to see friends. The absolute need to see family — none of which was available to us. 

For myself, as I strove to find ways to keep myself distracted, busy, to set projects for myself, I spent a great deal more time reading, reviewing — seeking out and searching for novel ideas/innovations in design. Perhaps because, collectively, being locked down, locked up, locked in — within our abodes, our shelters, many of us elected to re-examine the norms of our households — things we had previously accepted and taken for granted, we now had time to question. Makes sense, yes?

Professionally, as a designer for five plus decades, it was all these things that propelled me to think back on recent projects which dealt with small spaces. Thus, in this issue, and for the reasons as stated, I am indulging your patience in taking a look at one such project. However, as it involves Before/After photographs along with floorplans, it will be posted as the last entry in this issue.

​Fusing local Oaxacan culture with modern architecture, BAAQ' has created an idyllic beach escape. The Naila House places four volumes on the rocky coastline of Mexico's Puerto Escondido. Each structure is situated on a concrete base, forming a cross-shaped courtyard with a swimming pool at their center. Their wood frames are clad in palm bone, a nod to the area's traditional beach huts while the interior's clay and earth floors and a clay stove in the kitchen fall in line with the local vernacular. Folding doors open the living spaces directly to the exterior, affording views of the Pacific Ocean to every room.

Fusing local Oaxacan culture with modern architecture, BAAQ' has created an idyllic beach escape. The Naila House (Casa Naila) places four volumes display over a surface of 740 sq. meters in Puertecito, on the rocky coastline of Mexico's Oaxaca, 20 km from Puerto Escondido.

The land is located on the highest hill of the coast, providing the house a privilege double side view of the sea. The main goal was to avoid any impact in the landscape caused by the used of the property and its context, as most of the daily activities are done outside.

The creative process of Casa Naila started with the core idea of 2 axis, in which each of the 4 structures are situated on a concrete base, forming a cross-shaped courtyard with a swimming pool at their center. These structures were key to achieve the perfect integration of architecture and its immediate surroundings.

Each structure consists of buildings of divers’ heights and inclined covers, which are a direct reference to the uneven and rocky landscape of the beach. It was important to give different orientations to the spaces to allow the best lighting and air circulation, as well as provide to each user a view of the sea.
The architectonic programme takes place indoors and outdoors looking for efficient and functional spaces, making the core of the project its connectivity between the living spaces, private areas, main courtyard, and the pool. As a result, we obtain a simple, aesthetic, and low maintenance housing able to accommodate up to 15 people.

The ground levels are made of reinforced concrete trying to frame and direct the views of the spaces to the south and west of the property. In the upper levels, the spaces are defined by structures made of wood frames and clad in palm bone, which are the predominant resources of the area and a nod to the area's traditional beach huts at the coastline of Oaxaca. The folding doors open the living spaces directly to the exterior, affording views of the Pacific Ocean to every room.

Due to the characteristics of the region’s weather, the adjustment of the palm bone and the mosquito net allows the permeability and ventilation of the spaces, beside creating an interesting mix of shadows and transparencies during day time, and a contras of lights during the night; making the house give the impression of a lighthouse from faraway.

One of the fundamental spaces of the project is the kitchen area, as this one harbors as center piece a clay stove called Lorena, which fall in line with the local vernacular. The bar and main workstation were also made of clay, as well as the covering of the floors, providing a thermal comfort to the users while giving the interiors a more natural and earthy appearance.

Named after a traditional song of the coastline, Casa Naila seeks to honour Oaxaca within every single aspect of their culture, from the selection of materials, the construction systems and techniques to its traditions and living experiences, but above all they way the cook.
 
Commentary: This is a novel, imaginative and inventive way to look at a communal property. 
The latin culture is centered on family before all else. This interpretation is consistent with the values of latin life — the articulation of spaces, the sensitive use of natural materials - the mood and the ambiance all speak together in harmony and shared community.

A very big 'thank you' to Vanessa Bertran for the english translation and wonderful editing job she did!

For the spanish speakers among us, here is the extract from Uncrate, verbatim:

Commentary: This is a novel, imaginative and inventive way to look at a communal property. 
The latin culture is centered on family before all else. This interpretation is consistent with the values of latin life — the articulation of spaces, the sensitive use of natural materials - the mood and the ambiance all speak together in harmony and shared community.

Gee! Lookee here! It's a closet, with a chair and a counter. Looks/feels familiar. Why might that be?
Oh yes! Now I remember - way back, many years ago, whether in an apartment or a house. my @home office was always in the smallest bedroom. And the way I would maximize space/efficiency was to take the doors of the closet, buy a hollow core slab door, cut it to the approrpriate length, buy 3 yards of white vinyl from Fabricville and wrap/staple the vinyl around the door. A couple of lengths of 1" x  2" strapping, screwed to the back and end walls of the closet at a height of 28 ½ inches was all I needed. With the door cut to the length of the closet interior I would then simply insert it so that it rested on the strapping strips.
Generally I would then do the same thing with two or three shelves above the desktop. This worked, by the way, with a drafting board originally and with computers, keyboards later on.

So that is why this looks familiar.
It is a cool concept - in this form, pricey though. Where this is best suited is like here:

That's pretty cool - idyllic even. Except — except it does not take into consideration that you simply require a power source if for no other reason than being able to close the door and turn on a light and a fan.....no?

Of course you could also do this. But, the same provisos apply. And of course, there are NO windows.....yuck!

From the manufacturer,  LIVIT:
LIVIT STUDYPOD
The work from home movement has left many people wishing for a dedicated workspace. Livit's Studypod is designed specifically to meet this need. Measuring roughly seven feet in each direction, it's made from a composite material, with a large glass window affording views of nature from behind the detachable desk. Oak laminate flooring, four downlights, and power socket fill out the feature list, and the simple shape lets it easily transition from office to yoga studio or even a bedroom.

Then again, if budget permits, there is this option. This is what I would do if I ever re-activated my residential interior design practise involving large-scale renovations or newbuilds.

See, this would be an ideal mobile work environment. The driver's chair and passenger's chair swivel around to face the table, which with the banquette would comfortably accommodate two others.. The mini kitchen would be great for coffee service and/or working lunches plus the rear section, with the beds removed, would provide a really nice table/desk workspace.

I would do this in a heartbeat if I were to seriously pursue private projects.
​Of course, as a mobile 'writer's cabin', it would be a most wonderful place to spend a working day.

Here's the details:​

LA STRADA NOVA EB CAMPER VAN
German camper van manufacturer La Strada has released their Nova EB built on the Mercedes Sprinter. Measuring in at 10 feet tall and seven feet wide, the La Strada designed the GRP bodyshell
for maximum interior space with clean, simple interior design to avoid any obstructions
while moving around inside. The upper cabin sleeps two in either dual twins or one
combined queen size bed, while below is a fully-equipped kitchenette, bathroom, and a
convertible dining or lounge area. Ambient lighting sets a relaxed tone and the materials
used are top-quality and highly customizable to the buyer's taste. Optional equipment like
four-wheel-drive and engine choices allow for getaways off the pavement.
Unfortunately, La Strada has no plans to bring the Nova EB to the US, like many
of the best camper vans on the market.

So, if a client or a contractor, in a fit of pique, said, 'Get the hell outta here!', their request could be comfortably accommodated. . . . . . 

This is, simply  a w e s o m e !

Why is it, as I see it, that so much creative brilliance and innovation literally erupts out of Asia?
I don't believe that this is simply my own opinion. 
Innovation, inventiveness - the ability to look at and see things through
prisms that westerners, generally, do not have the ability to do.
That is not always the case, but when one sees a project like this one
has to wonder, 'Where on earth did such a
​compelling vision come from?'

Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand

This project was showcased in ArchDaily a short while ago.

Text description provided by the architects. Little Shelter is located in Chiang Mai where its old cityscape and vernacular architecture are characterized by wood structure with shingle pitched roof. 
The hotel roof form inspired by traditional hip roofs as homage to the local architecture
has a little reinterpretation with an asymmetrical form blending naturally with the
surrounding tree top silhouette.  The west side of the roof is partially carved out to
become a roof deck for guests to enjoy the panoramic river view at sunset.
The design continues the local architectural character through the use of the predominant traditional material – the wood shingles.  The most interesting aspect of the material is in its system
that has been well developed for hundreds of years.  Small units of wood shingles are
laid out like fish scales to become a watertight architectural plane.  
On the entrance  façade, the upper portion is composed of solid wood shingles
and they trickle down to mixed with polycarbonate shingles on the lower part. 
Although working with the traditional shingle system, the uninterrupted translucency
surface is achieved by a special detail design using translucent studs and
special transparent screws.
The facade is glittering in the sun as the light touches different material grains, 
from the solid wood shingles to the different translucency levels of the polycarbonate shingles.  
The light passes through the facade and creates varying interior atmosphere
at different time with the changing light condition of the sky. 
At night with the light from the inside, the building becomes a lantern glowing
on the riverbank.  The structure seems less of a building but becomes
more like a piece of craftwork.

I suppose, if I were to drill down - way far down into the psyche - the deep sub-conscious, I might discover certain clues. One, simply would be, a fearlessness of sensitivity. 
I do not know, and would be most curious to find out, if the architect/designer might be a woman. 
The 'signature' I feel here, seems to flow from that distinct possibility.
And I'd be curious to know who among you feel the same way.

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Speaking of innovation : : check this out!  A most clever solution to the best location for a flatscreen TV.
Mount it on a frame that rolls back and forth between living room and kitchen/dining area.
What I can't quite figure out just yet is how are the necessary wires/cables are kept out of sight. Unless they are on a self-governing retractable spooling mechanism I don't see how it has been done....but, brilliant as a solution.
More to come about this in the next issue. 

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Richard Beard, Architects is a highly distinguished and much accomplished firm.
He was elevated in 2010 to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the practice of architecture.
​Their portfolio of residential projects is simply stunning. 

This one, in California (near San Francisco) is a magnificent example of gracious transitional design. 

The team that worked on this project:

Landscape Architect: Lutsko Associates
Interior Designer: Kelly Hohla Interiors
Contractor: Peninsula Custom Homes
Lighting Design: Pritchard Peck Lighting
Photographer: Paul Dyer

We will feature additional work byRichard Beard in future issues • Richard Beard Architects

And now, from the sublime to the ridiculous — ridiculous in the sense that this teensy little project deserves to be on the same page as the rest of the content. But, as noted previously, this is not so much about design, good or bad,  as it is about planning and maximizing the efficiency of a small space.

The site, a derelict and rundown tiny apartment, in a nice part of town, needed an in-depth analysis and review as to how it might be made more efficient, more attractive. The building in which it is located is a normal duplex (two apartments on the upper two floors) also contained two studio type apartments on ground level. 

   In my analysis of the vacant space my recommendation was to 'gut' the unit and re-plan it completely.
​
The previous kitchen (if one could cal it that) was an inefficient mess. The bathroom was plain nasty with turn of the century plumbing fixtures, ceramics etc. Plus in both the bathroom and the living room, two very large pipes ran across the ceiling into the adjacent apartment. The ceiling height was the legal minimum to begin with — in the area of the piping it was reduced by an additional 6 inches (see photo of previous bathroom).
​
    In all the total area of this apartment is 352 square feet — which qualifies it as a 'tiny space'.
A key suggestion to the Owner was that in doing the renovation required we semi-furnish the unit and market it as a corporate 'pied à terre' - one wherein we envisioned that a company that flew personnel in and out of Montréal on a regular basis, could realize some significant accommodation savings with an annual lease on the unit. A central requirement was that it have a kitchen with the greatest efficiency possible and incorporate the very best of appliances. Thus the microwave is also a convection oven.
And the cooktop is a recessed two-burner induction unit. There is a full-size Samsung washer/dryer.
​The refrigerator is standard height but somewhat narrower than normal. And the counter was designed to accommodate two people very comfortably with the ability to squeeze in a third if desired.

   The seating unit is an IKEA Vallentuna design which easily flips  out to become a single bed.
There are two large flatscreen TVs installed.And top it all off the rent included one indoor heated parking spot.  Although the apartment was only a 5 minute walk from a Metro station it was anticipated that a target corporation would be either providing a rental car, or the occupant may well drive back and forth between Montreal and Ottawa, or Quebec City - or Toronto. 

---

The first images are the 'before' photographs : : 

Note the piping that traverses the space

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Before : : Bedroom at front of apartment

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Plan/Layout Before Renovation

New Proposed Plan/Layout

As noted in the project description there were many challenges that had to be overcome in this undertaking. For instance, the Owner insisted that we supply and install a queen size bed in the bedroom. He also insisted that the kitchen counter be able to accommodate 3 people. Moreover a full-size washer and dryer had to be located where the previous unit was because of plumbing/drain considerations. 
And, full-size washer and dryers are extremely uncommon - had to invent a completely new support system to manage the installation. It is for that reason that a pleated accordion blind is what is the cover/mask in front of the washer/dryer. 

There you have it. Working in small, tight spaces requires focused concentration and coordination among trades. In a case such as this, the unit had to also act as the staging area — there was no other available space in which to store ceramic tiles, toilet, vanity, doors — whatever. Insofar as I acted as both the designer/planner and project coordinator I spent countless hours running back and forth in attempts to coordinate deliveries from Home Depot, Canada Appliances, Best Buy - all the various suppliers — for there was no such thing as being able to tell them, 'It's okay - just leave things at the side of the house.' 

A further complication was the simple fact that the Owner wanted the complete job to be done only by a licensed contractor. His reasons were valid, certainly - but the costs were pretty much double what they could have been — and we had scheduling issues/conflicts that were dictated by union regulations, etc.  

But the job got done - everything worked. All was good. It's a job I take professional pride in - not because it is one of great design value - but because so many intricate challenges were met and overcome. 
The space, feels, spacious — hard as that may seem, it does. And both the Owner and the Tenant, are happy. Pointe finale!

And so - once again, here we are.
You might want to be asking, 'So - what's new with DR•I?'
There are things - new directions - as I keep promising/threatening, so to speak.
Some of you have been the recipients in the past couple of weeks of an issue of DR•I  that's somewhat different in format. We are moving towards a different way to present DesignReview. 
Ultimately it will transition away from being the web-based internet site that it is now to being a standalone 'flipbook' publication. That has some interesting added attractions which we are still exploring. The extended use of incorporated video, of added soundtrack — some other features, will hopefully provide greater enjoyment to you the reader.

​So - stay tuned - and watch your mailbox. Readers are being selected at random these days to receive the new DR•I in trial form. Your feedback is always appreciated.