"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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 GovernorRitter's efforts in attracting alternative/clean energy companies to Colorado.
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.
"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.
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 7th 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 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. 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?
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).
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.
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.
"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." 
architecture denver
green denver