DD 41 September_2017

4

ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS

Anagram Architects, a firm based in Digest Magazine’s prestigious list of
New Delhi, was established in 2001 by the 50 most influential South Asian
Vaibhav Dimri and Madhav Raman, both designers for 2014, 2015 and 2016.
graduates from the School of Planning Its work has been premiated at the
and Architecture. The firm’s practice Architectural Review’s World Emerging
is diverse and encompasses public Architecture Awards 2007, the Cityscape
infrastructure planning, urban design, Architectural Awards 2008, 2010 &
architecture, furniture design and 2016, the Wienerberger Brick Awards
interior design. 2010, the SAIE Bologna 2010, 2011 and
Anagram Architects recognised 2012, the Holcim Award for Sustainable
internationally for its commitment Construction 2011, Asia Pacific Design
towards delivering deeply contextual Awards 2012 and the International
designs that encourage sustainable Design and Architecture Awards 2013.
lifestyles has garnered much critical
acclaim, including a nomination for the Aga Khan Award in 2010 and Anagram Architects has also featured in the International Architecture
inclusion in the Wallpaper* Magazine’s “Architects Directory 2009”. For Biennale 2010 in Rotterdam and Biennial of Design (BIO23) 2012 held
three years running, they have been included in AD50, the Architectural in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

September 2017 | Design Detail 51

5 5) The facade
6 uniquely
identifies with
52 Design Detail | September 2017 the organisation’s
corporate expertise
both visually and
aesthetically

6) The red
aluminium
perforated screen
with the stamped out
discs gives a distinct
character to the
building

The front of the site confronts a noisy
road as well as huge solar heat gain. The
glimmering and visually exciting layered
face was created to mitigate both. The
glazing on this facade is protected by a red
aluminium perforated screen. The pattern
of the logo is articulated by reattaching the
stamped-out discs through a pivot detail.
The resultant facade shimmers in the breeze
projecting the organisation’s corporate
identity and domain, all the while standing
out from amongst its neighbours through
its form. The language of the perforated
screen is carried through in the partitions
between the main circulation spine and the
workstations in the office.

The popularity and the significance of the
project owes to the intelligent realisation
of the client’s requirement through an eye
striking architectural expression which
honours the function of the space in a
newer and refreshing design perspective.

dd

September 2017 | Design Detail 53

ADOPT ADAPT

THE
ESSENTIAL

RETREAT

54 Design Detail | September 2017

Text : Team Design Detail / Photos: Coulson

With the starry sky
above and the luscious
locks of the boreal
forest swept beside, a
longing for a profound
connection with the surroundings is
created by the design team of COULSON
through their project the ‘Disappear
Retreat’.

Scattered amongst the boreal forest
near Minnesota, the Disappear Retreat
is carved into its essential for a mindful
experience of responsive and responsible
architectural design. The project credits
itself to be a zero–wastage zone in terms
of materials, energy and water usage. The
prototype buildings will form a Retreat
Center offering a non-profit residency
programme to artistic and scientific
professionals. The compact, prefabricated,
off-grid dwelling offers a remarkable
example of a minimalist lifestyle approach
strongly rooted on optimal use of resources,
intelligent cost considerations and effective
design strategies.

September 2017 | Design Detail 55

1 With a peak heating load of just 100
2 watts (1 light bulb) the 8 sq.m. building
requires no active heating or cooling
56 Design Detail | September 2017 systems and even in the extreme cold of
northern Minnesota. It performs similarly
well in North American cold climates
from Seattle to Boston and Chicago to
Calgary. The groundbreaking design by
the architecture firm COULSON strives
for a paradigm shift, inspiring the public
and AEC (the Architecture, Engineering
and Construction) industry that low-tech,
sustainable building is now attainable
without sacrificing aesthetics.

Using a passive design approach of super-
insulation, air tightness, thermal bridge-
free details, compact form, winter passive
solar, and summer shading the heating load
is reduced by 95 percent, eliminating the
need for mechanical heating and cooling
systems, and the energy demand is reduced
by 86 percent before any renewable
energy is applied. This allows a tiny
mosaic-pattern of thin-film photo voltaics
seamlessly integrated into the south glass
wall to achieve positive-energy.

3

The dwelling is quiet in scale and materials,
4 reflecting the identity of the site in its

mirrored glass (transparent ultraviolet
color prevents animal collision) and the
grey weathered wood blending with
rock and trees. It has a neutral palette of
only three finish materials, creating a zen
atmosphere that emphasizes the exterior
views and increases the perceived sense of
space as the materials flow seamlessly from
interior to exterior and from floor to wall to
roof.

Quarter inch thick insulated fabric shades
at the roof and windows modulate heat
gain, glare, acoustics, privacy, and mood.
These join with a fabric upholstered wall,

1) Basic model used surroundings for a
as a music studio quiet and surreal
2) Bed+Bath model sense of place
in summer 4) Basic model
3) Disappear provides a
Retreat blends into contemplative
the landscape like space for
a chameleon. Its meditation and
photovoltaic spots yoga, melting into
and reflective glass the landscape with
merge with the every breath

September 2017 | Design Detail 57

58 Design Detail | September 2017

FACT FILE COULSON

PROJECT : DISAPPEAR RETREAT COULSON is an AIA 2030
LOCATION : GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA, USA Signatory Firm bringing
DESIGN TEAM : CARLY COULSON, AIA, LEED AP about innovative projects
CLIENT : COULSON R+D that are in accordance with
AREA : 8 sq.m the international Passive
YEAR House Standard, considered
the most rigorous benchmark
PROTOTYPES : 2017 in the world. The successful
PRODUCTION : 2018 completion of the projects
is achieved meticulously
adding a softness and sense of comfort without sacrificing the
to the interior. The crisp glass details are budget, aesthetic creativity,
balanced with the tactile warmth of the or transparency, even in the
reclaimed grey weathered wood which most challenging climates.
blends with the surrounding rocks and Their profound expertise in
trees. using simple low-tech components and passive strategies
with innovation by the support of advanced energy modeling
Three RETREAT models devised have and integrated design has helped in creating remarkable
identical enclosures and alternative projects.
interiors. BED+BATH has built-in sofa/ Architect Carly Coulson is the design principal and founder
bed with storage, toilet, sink, shower, of the architecture firm COULSON. She holds a Bachelor of
refrigerator, and induction cooktop. Architecture degree and is a Crown Scholar from the Illinois
BASIC model is a flexible open plan for art, Institute of Technology in Chicago. Ar. Coulson has worked
music, meditation, office, and living space. on highly innovative, sustainable solutions since she first
SAUNA model has built-in benches and started practicing as an architect at Foster + Partners.
sauna heater. The mobile design fits on Ar. Coulson has received numerous awards for design
a standard trailer, has minimal impact excellence, including national and regional.
on the land, and is adaptable to changes Ar. Coulson was recognized with an AIA COTE Top Ten
in climate, ownership, function, and Green Building Award for the Bagley Classroom — the first
economics. LEED Platinum Certified and passive house building at the
University of Minnesota. She was recently awarded two
An integrated plumbing system in the Green Good Design Awards from the Chicago Athenaeum.
BED+BATH model consists of grey,
black, and potable water tanks, similar
to common recreational vehicle systems.

September 2017 | Design Detail 59

5 5) Disappear building amongst
6 Retreat dissolves the forest, and grey
into the landscape. weathered wood
60 Design Detail | September 2017 Mirrored glass blends with the
takes on the rocks and trees
identity of the 6) Basic model
site, a pattern used as an artist
of thin-film PV studio
camouflages the

The SHED houses composting and
rainwater treatment systems to handle
waste and water from multiple RETREAT
structures on-site and has a photovoltaic
system for electric vehicle charging.

The high-performance is nearly invisible,
without impact on the poetry of place.
It is accomplished with simple low-tech
components and passive strategies, with
innovation in advanced energy modeling
and integrated design.

The Disappear Retreat evokes and engages

the minds in an insightful manner by the

execution of sensible architecture laid

across a sensitive site in a sensational

manner. dd

September 2017 | Design Detail 61

CITY COMFORTS

62 Design Detail | September 2017

UNFOLDING Text : Team Design Detail / Photos : Prem, Rajan Gero
SPATIAL
DRAMA Situated in the largely residential
neighbourhood of Besant nagar, Chennai
and within close proximity to the sea is a
lawyer’s office, which enjoys the tender
breeze and lush vegetation that envelops
the building.

As the client handles real estate litigation and
documentation, the project demanded unique
spatial needs for work, meeting, documentation

2

1 1) The office seamlessly 2) The wooden louver facade
integrates into the forming a visual experience
abundant greenery for the passersby

September 2017 | Design Detail 63

3 and storage, and other supporting activities
4 within a compact plot. To integrate such
complex needs, the architects had to
64 Design Detail | September 2017 accentuate the spaces within the office
building spread across two and a half floors
by envisioning a strong dialogue between
the built and its immediate context.

Located on a horizontally spread urban
fabric, the office grows out of the existing
skyline defined by the thick vegetation.
It easily integrates into the abundant
greenery that envelops the building, acting
as a second skin. There are long vertical
wooden louvers spread across the front
façade that provides a visual experience for
the passersby.

The building is raised above the ground
to allow an easy transition from a semi-
public walkway. The extended walkway

3) The terrace 5) The central
offers a panoramic glass box provides
view of the fluidity of space
coastline within the office
4) The exposed 6) The concrete
concrete bands bands run around
along the the office and
terrace provide a integrates with the
social space for surrounding thick
interaction vegetation

along the edge of the site opens into a
confined atrium, creating opportunities
for social interaction. The design further
leads to the terrace through the vertically
driven circulation and allows the visitors to
perceive the scenic views offered along the
coastline.

The structure holds consciously carved
out punctures on the built mass that
allows adequate light and air to flow into
the interiors. Taking advantage of the sea
breeze across the site, the office opens out
to its southern and eastern sides allowing
ample ventilation and lighting. Provision
for large storage is provided by using
concrete storage bands along the western
façade, which act as a buffer from the
harsh afternoon sunlight and enhance the
comfort within the interiors.

5 A sense of community is strengthened
within the office through social spaces

6

September 2017 | Design Detail 65

66 Design Detail | September 2017

FACT FILE 7 7) The concrete
bands along the
PROJECT : LAW OFFICE western facade
LOCATION : BESANT NAGAR, CHENNAI, INDIA becomes a storage
DESIGN PRACTICE : ARCHITECTURE RED space for the office
DESIGN TEAM : BIJU KURIAKOSE, KISHORE PANIKKAR
YASIR AZAMI, KANI PANDIAN, architectureRED
SIVAGAMI PERIANNAN
STRUCTURAL ThisexpansiveprojectistakenupbyarchitectureRED
ENGINEERS : SOMADEV NAGESH CONSULTANTS (aRED) and REaD. aRED is an award winning
CLIENT : SESHADRI & CO. architectural,planning and urban design firm,based
BUILT YEAR : 2013 out of Chennai,India,and focuses on creative design
BUILT-UP AREA : 4200 sq.ft. solutions for a variety of project programs,including
commercial, residential, institutional, hospitality and
urban design.REaD acts as the counterpart to aRED’s
architectural practice.It’s a research studio operating
in aspects beyond the traditional boundaries of
architecture and works on policy making, product
development, media, politics, sociology, technology,
curating,publishing and graphicdesign.
aRED believes in creating designs that define a
healthy environment that is utilitarian and gives
birth to progressive growth around it. They stick to
rationalisingdesign,capitalisingontheopportunities
and untangling the constraints from the context
and the program, to weave these with the exciting
design fabric so that a built form evolved from this
strategycaptures the essence of a project.

September 2017 | Design Detail 67

8 8) Aesthetically
9 carved stairs
leading to the
68 Design Detail | September 2017 terrace
9) A confined
atrium space
providing
opportunity for
social interaction

carved out from the densely packed
functional programs. A confined atrium
that weaves the workspaces together
enhances the transition and interaction
across levels. A central glass box is
juxtaposed through the floor plate to
provide an easy transition within the office.

There are exposed concrete bands that
embrace the office with thick vegetation in
its immediate context, blending seamlessly
within a green fabric. It performs various
roles at various levels such as providing
functional storage area along the western
edge, an interactive space at the terrace
level and filtering light and air into the
work environment.

The choice of materials used in the office

elevates the overall spatial experience.

A wooden louvered façade along the

southern edge creates a dramatic spatial

demarcation along the exterior. The

play of light and shade forms a dynamic

experience internally that varies

throughout the day. dd

September 2017 | Design Detail 69

REDEFINED

70 Design Detail | September 2017

SCHOOL-FULLY
INDIAN
Text : Team Design Detail / Photos : Ar. Ashok Kumar Jangir

Benjamin Franklin once and protected by its surroundings
famously said, “Tell me and nature. An institution should
and I forget. Teach me be able to nourish the enthusiastic,
and I remember. Involve curious and high spirited young
me I learn.” Great minds minds with knowledge and wisdom
have always emphasized on being in a subtle and effective manner.
‘involved’ to pave the way for the There is a profound exchange of ideas
process of understanding and this between the educator and the pupil
holds most true for a place like an and therefore it’s a necessity that the
institution. The growth of a young architectural design of such a space
mind can be compared to that of a should be a meaningful expression of
seedling, sprouting into a plant in the values upheld by the institution.
its own beautiful way, nourished

September 2017 | Design Detail 71

1 The design team was approached to work
2 with an existing functioning school building,
and to renovate and upgrade it to a soothing
72 Design Detail | September 2017 and engaging learning environment for a
preschool. The brief was to transform a
decades old primary school premises from
prevailing standards to something that
would be more upmarket and exclusive.
There was also a necessity of design of
spaces that would support the modern
teaching methods that focused less on book
learning and more on practice based skills
development.

While the client’s desire to modernize the
school facilities was based on ideas from
the West, the design approach was inspired
by contemporary Indian culture, practice
and lifestyle. The design philosophy was to
create an environment that not only reflects
the Indian context and but also is a fun
filled learning space which is dynamic and
invigorating. The aesthetics were designed
such that it constantly engages with the
students through narratives and motifs.
Along with an overall aesthetic concept,
spatial concepts for activities through
learning were also skilfully idealised. For
the same, the design team made sure that

typical “kirana” shop as well as more modern 3
supermarket layout were understood and
thematically recreated. The mock shops, the
art lab and the mock kitchen are examples of
such spaces.

For the design team, the remodelling of the
existing structures to develop spaces for
the design concepts proved to be a bigger
challenge than anticipated. The inaccuracy
of the existing drawings was a major concern.
The bricked up windows and varying beam
proportions and heights which were only
discovered during the start of the civil
work was resolved through arduous design
revisions. Earthen and muted green tones
were extensively used to create a tranquil
environment.

The passages and corridors were seen as an
interesting site for prop vehicles. The prop
vehicles were used to simulate a feeling of the
streets as a compliment to the lively corridors
of the school. The props of rickshaws,
scooters, buses set against graphics depicting
elements of Indian city life lend a mindful
experience of the outside from inside. All the
interactive learning spaces were designed
with a flexible furniture layout which can
quickly adapt to festival celebrations of
Uttrayan, Diwali, and others.

By undertaking a series of design exercises,
the design team has successfully brought

4 1) A comical mural
in the shopping lab
illustrates a scene of
an Indian bazaar
2) The playful wall
illustrations avoid the
monotony associated
with a typical
classroom
3) The furniture
layout and design
facilitates the
function of the space
4) The spacious art
room is well served
with abundant
natural light and air

September 2017 | Design Detail 73

INTERIOR ELEVATIONS - KITCHEN LAB

INTERIOR ELEVATIONS - PASSAGE LAB
74 Design Detail | September 2017

FACT FILE

PROJECT : H.B. KAPADIA NEW HIGH SCHOOL
LOCATION : AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT
ARCHITECT : AR. ASHOK KUMAR JANGIR
DESIGN TEAM

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER : CANNA PATEL
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT : MILI AMIN
ASSOCIATE MANAGER : AVDHESH VISHWAKARMA
INTERN ARCHITECT : PALAASH ROY
SR. ASSOCIATE - ART & ACCESSORIES : SONAL PATEL
CLIENT : MR. H.B KAPADIA
TOTAL CARPET AREA : 22,229 sq.ft
SERVICES : INTERIOR DONE BY HCPIA
BUILT YEAR : JUNE 2016

PLAN

INTERIOR ELEVATIONS - SHOPPING LAB

September 2017 | Design Detail 75

HCP INTERIOR DESIGN PVT. LTD

HCP Interior Design Pvt. Ltd. (HCPID)
established in May 2006,is an Interior &
Architecture firm based in Ahmadabad.
With over 28 years of professional
experience and over 300 projects to
her credit, HCPID is headed by Ar. Canna
Patel.

5 Having completed her Bachelors in
6 Architecture at CEPT, Ahmedabad
she did her Masters at University of
76 Design Detail | September 2017 California Berkeley, US. Canna has
been a recipient of several awards in
recognition of her work and dedication
to the profession, which includes
Women Architects and Designers of
India) May 2016, Women Achievers
Awards from JSAF in 2013, awarded
from Gujarat Chamber of Commerce
and Industry in 2009, IIID MK Award
in 2007 to name a few. She takes an
active interest in training and education
of designers and contributes by way of
delivering lectures

HCPID’s nationwide reputation and
renowned signature style of designed
interiors, seamlessly blends the
architectural forms and spaces with a
sensitivity towards Indian climate,social
norms, cultural values and aspirations
reflecting the contemporary India . The
firm offers services in interior design,
architecture design, space planning and
project management.

Completed Projects include residential,

corporate, commercial, institutional,

architectural, healthcare and

government to name a few. A large

number of these projects have been

published and recognized in magazines

and journals from India and abroad.

7

5) Kitchen lab for
kindergartens to
8 discover the joy of

cooking

6) The interactive
installations in
school corridors
narrate the Indian
culture

7) Modes of
transportation made
out of plywood with
graphics that add
humour to it

8) Kids-friendly
installations for
them to create their
own stories

about a culturally and economically
responsive architectural design of the
existing space, creating a modern school
environment that very well supports the
interactive learning activities and also
serves its purpose as a facilitator of fruitful
exchange of ideas.

The overall ambiance remains attuned to

Indian culture and lifestyle and purposefully

avoids being monotonously global while

emphasising the need for educational spaces

that are soulfully Indian. dd

September 2017 | Design Detail 77

LITTLE BIG DETAILS

78 Design Detail | September 2017

MAKING OF
A FAÇADE

Text : Team Design Detail / Photos: Apical Reform Design Studio

The Apical Reform Design Studio in Ahmedabad
has been built to adhere to the design
sensibilities of the firm and accommodate
the growing spatial needs of the organisation.
The building is spread across two floors with
an aesthetically and structurally innovative façade that
allows a seamless blending of the two floors.
The highlight of the project is its façade that performs
various roles at various levels. On one side it helps to
derive maximum light and fresh air within the interiors
through the slits provided within the structure, whereas

September 2017 | Design Detail 79

1. Foyer for upper studio
2. Drop Off
3. Foyer
4. Director’s Cabin
5. Lounge
6. Reception Area
7. Saiting Area
8. Server Area
9. Play Area
10. Store

1. Reception Area
2. Corridor
3. Dining Terrace
4. Pantry
5. Conference Room
6. Staff Lounge
7. Waiting Area
8. Laser Room & Workshop
9. Workspace
10. Director’s Area

80 Design Detail | September 2017

APICAL REFORM FACT FILE

A young design practice that has been evolving since PROJECT : APICAL REFORM DESIGN STUDIO
its inception in 2011, Apical Reform is a collaboration of
creative passion. It has a diverse portfolio that encompasses LOCATION : AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT
architectural design, interior design, functional art and
customisation. A knack for involving technology and ARCHITECT : AMRISH PATEL (PRINCIPAL/DESIGNER)
innovation in design through the people who relentlessly DARSHAN SONI (DIRECTOR/ARCHITECT)
work to bring these designs to life, constitute the team’s
core strength. A passionate team willing to push creative DESIGN PRACTICE : APICAL REFORM
boundaries infusing atypical ideas with functionality have
proved to be their biggest asset. The team is led by designer YEAR : 2016
and Principal, Amrish Patel and Director, Darshan Soni, an
architect from CEPT, Ahmedabad (India). MATERIALS
Amrish’s visionary outlook and experience, complimented by
Darshan’s creative zeal drives the design team that comprises l M35O CONCRETE FOR STRUCTURE
of CG artist - Manoj Gundaniya, industrial designer - Ishan
Upadhyay, photographer - Anil Patel and architect - Maharshi l EXPOSE CONCRETE FINISH FOR COLUMNS AND SLABS
Bhattacharya. Together they form a collective of shared
creative fervour and a pursuit of excellence in design. l TORFENSTER ALUMINIUM WINDOWS
They believe that a good design is born from a thorough
understanding of material, environment, and purpose l MAGNESIUM OXIDE BOARD 18 MM FOR FAÇADE
amalgamated with sound aesthetic sensibilities. Continuous
innovation of the process and honest inquiry into how it could l ALUMINIUM BOX SECTIONS FOR FAÇADE
be developed further, accentuates the evolution of the firm.
l POST TENSION STRUCTURAL SYSTEM TO
ACHIEVE BEAMLESS SLAB

on the other it filters sunlight from directly
hitting the face. Through this dual function
the façade helps to minimise the use of
artificial lights and air conditioners within
the interiors thereby reducing energy
consumption.

The façade has been manufactured out
of Magnesium Oxide Board and is similar
to cement sheet boards but with better
fracture strength. This material is best
suited for the climate of Ahmedabad.
These Magnesium Oxide boards were cut
using Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
machines. Approximately 1,500 pieces
of varying shapes have been used in the
façade with each piece numbered and
placed on its specific location to achieve
smoothness and fluidity.

September 2017 | Design Detail 81

1 1) View from
2 the north
garden
82 Design Detail | September 2017 2) The split
aesthetics of
the façade

The entire structure has been constructed
using post tensioning system, which is
a technique for reinforcing concrete.
Post-tensioning tendons, which are pre-
stressing steel cables inside plastic ducts or
sleeves, are positioned in the forms before
the concrete is placed. Afterwards, once
the concrete has gained strength but before
the service loads are applied, the cables are
pulled tight, or tensioned, and anchored
against the outer edges of the concrete.
This technique helps to avoid shrinkage
cracking and avoids the need for joints.

The louver-like skin of the façade has

been well arranged with varying angles

to provide a fine perception of the outside

spaces from the interiors. These varying

shapes of the louvers also enhance the

aesthetic experience of the viewers as they

approach the building along the pathway

apart from visually connecting the inside

and outside spaces. dd

September 2017 | Design Detail 83

OFF THE MAP

INSIDE
OUTSIDE

84 Design Detail | September 2017

Text : Team Design Detail well preserved historic centre and a wild 1) A living space with 1
countryside nestled between the rocky sweeping curves, this
With a design concept well cliffs located to the south of Mexico city. project sets itself to
rooted to the cultural become a central
legacy of Tepoztlan, Located in this culturally rich context communal space for
Mexico, the design team and surrounded by a serene landscape, leisure in nature
at Cadaval and Sola the Tepoztlan Lounge is the first building
have seamlessly stitched the aspirations of completed of a larger project that also
the inside to the outside in a contemporary includes a series of bungalows of different
fashion. sizes and designs, which can be rented for
years, months or days. Set out to be a central
Having pinned itself on the world map communal space for leisure amidst the
as a weekend retreat for writers, poets pristine naturesque location and located in the
and musicians from around the world,
Tepoztlan is a vibrant metropolis with a

September 2017 | Design Detail 85

3

2

86 Design Detail | September 2017

2) Visitors are FACT FILE perimeter of an incredible lawn, the prowess
immersed within of the project can be understood by the
the landscape of PROJECT : TEPOZTLÁN LOUNGE way it enables the visitor to experience the
garden vegetation carefully manicured lawn while promoting
LOCATION : TEPOZTLÁN, MORELOS, MÉXICO the experience of the wild nature existing in
and also enjoy the boundaries of the central space.
the scenery from ARCHITECTS : EDUARDO CADAVAL &
CLARA SOLÀ-MORALES The design distinctly establishes three
a circular pool separate living quarters with each of them
3) While COLLABORATORS : EUGENIO ERAÑA LAGOS, being a set space defined by its use. The
TOMAS CLARA, MANUEL TOJAL first is an open bar with a kitchenette,
framing views together with a couple of restrooms and
of the distant ESTNRGUINCETUERRIANLG : RICARDO CAMACHO DE LA FUENTE dressing rooms; the second is a play area for
mountains, the children that can also be used as a reading
concrete ceiling AREA : 250 sq.m. room when temperatures drop at night;
also frames two and the third one is the living area, an
mature trees BUILT YEAR : 2012 enclosed, tempered and comfortable space
with their trunks for conversation, and watching TV.
passing through PHOTOS : DIEGO BERRUECOS
circular openings SANDRA PEREZNIETO
within the roof CADAVAL & SOLÀ-MORALES

September 2017 | Design Detail 87

88 Design Detail | September 2017

September 2017 | Design Detail 89

CADAVAL & SOLÀ-MORALES

Cadaval & Solà-Morales founded in New York City in
2003 has a presence in Barcelona & Mexico City. The
studio operates like a laboratory in which research and
development are seen as an important element of the
design process.

The studio has won numerous awards, including the
prestigious Bauwelt Prize (Munich 2009), the Young
Architects Prize from the Catalan Institute of Architects
(Barcelona 2008) amongst various others.

Cadaval & Solà-Morales have completed built projects
in the United States, Spain and Mexico and their work
has been selected for multiple exhibitions in Europe and
abroad, including among others. The studio’s work has
been published extensively worldwide in some of the
most prestigious publications in more than 30 countries.

The founders—Eduardo Cadaval and Clara Solà-Morales
have taught and lectured at several top academic
institutions in Europe and North America. They are both
associate professors of Architecture and Urban design
at Barcelona and Tarragona schools of Architecture
respectively and visiting professors of the Barcelona
program of Calgary University. They have acted as critics
at universities like Harvard, Yale and The University of
Pennsylvania.

4

4 & 5) The 5
circulation is
uninhibited

across the
central space,

connecting
the functional

rooms: a
kitchenette,
reading room
and living area

with a TV
6 & 7) The
building acts
as a continuous
space having
full contact with

nature

90 Design Detail | September 2017

6

The three distinct spaces give continuity
7 to the central space by means of their use

and the adjacent patios qualify it, while
providing diversity and a unique identity to
the open space. The design of the swimming
pool characterizes the spaces, resonating
the layout of the lounge.

The building is located as a plinth to take
advantage of the views of the mountains.
The existing landscape is carefully
regarded and incorporated within the
layout of the lounge, as if they were part
of the programme itself. The structural
simplicity of the building is expressed
through the use of concrete. The extensive
use of concrete can be attributed to the facts
— concrete being the most inexpensive
material available in Mexico and the need
to minimize the cost for maintenance.

Tepoztlan Lounge expresses architectural

simplicity and appreciation to nature in its

under toned and modest design concept,
dd
function and aesthetics.

September 2017 | Design Detail 91

COLLOQUIUM

The article is third in a series on an
investigation done by Design Detail about
the possibilities of open source software
Part III

ALTERNATIVES FOR POPULAR
PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE BUNDLES –
IMAGE EDITING, VECTOR GRAPHICS,
DESKTOP PUBLISHING & OFFICE SUITE

Text & Photos : Ar. Nipun George GRAPHICS & IMAGE-EDITING

Apart from drawings and 3D After getting the rendered image, it still needs
Models, an architect invests tweaks and retouches to have maximum
quality time in presentations as impact. Other related ventures like posters,
well as in producing captivating brochures, photo editing etc. will require
imagery. Although not a powerful graphics engine that has a set
essential for design, it is how you present it of features built for image tweaking. GIMP
that often determine the outcome of a project is geared up for not just these, but many
presentation whether in office or academia. intensive tasks as well.
Graphics, as well as other office applications
like Text Editing and Spreadsheet, do take up GIMP
space in an architect’s arsenal. This article Alternative for : Adobe Photoshop
explores some applications in this regard.

GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program
is the perfect open-source application for
1 editing or tweaking images. Although the
interface, as well as the working methods,
are different from than that of Photoshop,
GIMP has most of the popular features of
Photoshop and a few unique tricks of its
own. The interface is customizable and plug-
ins are aplenty for an effective workflow. It
supports pressure and tilt sensitive tablets
and comes with options to read a wide range
of file types. It reads Photoshop (.PSD) files
natively and RAW file editing is achieved
with the help of third party application. One
limitation with GIMP would be that it does
not support CMYK publishing out of the box
and at present only RGB is supported.

FACT FILE

SOFTWARE : GIMP
LICENCE TYPE : FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE
CURRENT VERSION : 2.8.22
PLATFORM : WINDOWS, LINUX, MAC
DOWNLOAD SIZE : 85MB
OTHER ALTERNATIVES : KRITA

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2

3 VECTOR GRAPHICS

1) GIMP 2) Inkscape 3) The various FACT FILE Architects are including diagrams and
supports layer is fast lines, text and graphics more in their workflow in a bid to
management, growing to vector based objects SOFTWARE : INKSCAPE convince the client. Although GIMP satisfies
brushes and be a tool exported from a CAD LICENCE TYPE : FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE most of these requirements, a vector graphics
many other for digital application can be CURRENT VERSION : 0.92.1 software is better when it comes to scaling
popular features artist and edited in Inkscape for PLATFORM : WINDOWS, LINUX, MAC and dealing with drawings. Diagrams,
of Photoshop illustrators presentation DOWNLOAD SIZE : 58MB signage and analysis are better executed in
OTHER ALTERNATIVES : SVG-EDIT (ONLINE EDITOR) a vector environment than in a raster image
application (e.g. GIMP). Illustrator and Corel
Draw are the most preferred in the regard.
Yet, Inkscape, a lighter alternative tick all the
right boxes in replacing them.

INKSCAPE
Alternative for : Adobe Illustrator, Corel
Draw

Inkscape can read Illustrator files as well as
Corel Draw files. The export options include
.dxf or .eps file type which comes in handy
to develop a pattern/ script or a logo as part
of the design. The PDF format is supported
and editing certain pages or the content in
PDF file is easy. The layout and interface
of Inkscape are similar to Illustrator and so
transitioning will be comparably easy. Some
of the tasks take more time on Inkscape
than on Illustrator. Yet, the good amount of
filters, as well as lighter footprint, makes it an
essential tool.

PUBLISHING & PAGE LAYOUT

While GIMP and Inkscape are software
designed to make individual graphics and
images, the desktop publishing software is
where all these along with text and other

September 2017 | Design Detail 93

FACT FILE

SOFTWARE : LIBREOFFICE
LICENCE TYPE : FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE
CURRENT VERSION : VERSION 5.3
PLATFORM : WINDOWS, LINUX, MAC
DOWNLOAD SIZE : 233MB
OTHER ALTERNATIVES : WPS OFFICE SUITE
(AD-SUPPORTED)

4 FACT FILE LibreBase is the Microsoft Access alternative
where as LibreDraw lets you draw a
content come together. Scribus, a relatively SOFTWARE : SCRIBUS vector based drawing and LibreMath does
unknown publishing software is gently LICENCE TYPE : FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE calculations. Sadly LibreOffice lacks a proper
making major strides in this direction. CURRENT VERSION : 1.4.6 (STABLE), note taking app like Microsoft Onenote and
1.5.3 (DEVELOPMENT CANDIDATE) misses out on mobile versions although a
SCRIBUS PLATFORM : WINDOWS, LINUX, MAC document viewer is available for Android in
Alternative for: Adobe Indesign, Quark DOWNLOAD SIZE : 92MB Google Play Store. Still, LibreOffice remains
Express one of the best developed free Office suite
5 and its continuous upgrades also ensure that
Scribus offers a good set of tools for layout better features are incorporated.
and page setting. From designing brochures, LIBREOFFICE
manuals, posters, this humble software is Alternative for: Microsoft Office The transition from a commercial application
capable of designing proper magazines and LibreOffice is backed by The Document to an open-source application does take time
even books. It can open pdf files, edit them Foundation and the closest alternative and patience and it is natural to feel left out
and export it to PDF with a various quality would be the ad-driven WPS documents. on some of the more ‘premium’ features. But
setting. Scribus provides basic templates for LibreOffice is ad-free and has a higher the bloat-free, convenient and affordable
various documents like a business card to capability to manage the Microsoft office experience of open-source software makes
get started. An impressive set of vector tools files. It can directly save as Microsoft Office them a compelling case to try them out.
and export/ import options are also available file types, although they suggest using the Open-source software does not trump
that may rival that of Inkscape. One can add open document format or ODF. The suite commercial application in all regards, but
tables and the snap feature allows for precise has LibreOffice Writer (Word), LibreOffice it holds the upper hand in one or more key
aligning of objects in the page. Scribus comes Calc (Excel), LibreOffice Impress (PowerPoint) areas. The more users flock to open-source
in two versions - the stable version and set of software. Apart from it also has software, more interest and thereby more
development version. The former lacks a lot the LibreBase, LibreMath, or LibreDraw.
of features and often can be frustrating to development will happen in the field. dd
use. The development candidates have better
and useful features but tends to crash under
heavy document load.

OFFICE SUITE

The most popular open-source alternative
for Microsoft Office was Open-Office.org
suite released in 2002. It was plagued with
performance issues, incompatibility with
the Microsoft Office’s file types and often
lead to improper text formatting. However,
LibreOffice, which itself is a fork from the
OpenOffice.org offers a reliable and robust
alternative and has continuously improved
over the years.

4) Scribus offers
guides, snaps and

a good number
of options for text

editing

5) The LibreOffice
Calc does not

skimp on any of the
popular features
offered in Excel

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FREEZE FRAMES

PARIS
THROUGH
VIEWFINDER

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Text : Ar. Prasanth Mohan

France has long been a global centre
for art, science, and philosophy.
It hosts Europe’s fourth-largest
number of cultural UNESCO World
Heritage Sites and receives around

83 million foreign tourists annually, the most

of any country in the world. France, especially

Paris, has some of the world’s largest and

renowned museums, including the Louvre,

the most visited art museum in the world,

the Musée d’Orsay, and Beaubourg. The

Gothic architecture, originally named Opus

Francigenum meaning “French work”, was

born in Île-de-France and was the first French

style of architecture to be copied in all Europe.

Northern France is home to some of the most

important Gothic cathedrals and basilicas, the

first of these being the Saint Denis Basilica

(used as the royal necropolis). Other important

French Gothic cathedrals are Notre-Dame de

Chartres and Notre-Dame d’Amiens. dd

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