Inspired by the rolling hills of Rwanda and the thatched design of the King’s Palace at Nyanza, Bisate sits woven between the lush growths adjacent to Volcanoes National Park.
Bisate reflects the innate organic culture of Rwanda and reflects sophisticated spaces around every turn. Craftily designed the spherical rooms and public areas add bespoke and sustainable solutions to the intricate and difficult surroundings.
Operator: Wilderness safari
SANDIBE
Inspired by the endangered pangolin, Sandibe is unique in its approach and response to the site.
Timber shingle structures curve up from the Okavango floor to give private sanctuaries to guests below the canopy of trees. Completely off-grid Sandibe treads lightly on the forest floor and ecosystems. Sandibe is habitation made manifest of the Okavango Delta.
Drive concept with three
electric motors as a worldwide first in the future mass production
New quattro generation
with electric torque vectoring
370 kW of power and 973
Nm (717.6 lb-ft) of torque for high level of dynamic handling and
agility
Audi is systematically moving forward with its e-offensive: The Audi e-tron and the Audi e-tron Sportback are becoming more agile, sharper and more dynamic as S models. The three electric motors, two of which are located on the rear axle, together provide 370 kW of boost power and 973 Nm (717.6 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the two purely electrically driven models to accelerate to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds. The intelligent drive control raises vehicle safety, and dynamic handling in particular, to a new level: In addition to the electric all-wheel drive, there is the electric torque vectoring with active and fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle.
Standing still or on the move, the Audi e-tron is electrifying. Its expressive sill area, the electric tailboard and the light gray Single frame are indicators of the high-voltage technology that makes for a special driving experience. The electric SUV is powered by two powerful electric motors that are locally CO2-neutral and virtually silent. A new generation of the quattro drive, the electric all-wheel drive, ensures excellent traction and dynamics. It ensures the continuous and variable regulation of the ideal distribution of drive torques between the two axles – within a fraction of a second.
The new Audi e-tron S models will be the first electric cars worldwide with three motors in mass production. Their drive layout is based on the concept with two different asynchronous motors (ASM); the e-tron product line was designed in modular form in line with this from the start.
A key factor for the sporty character and outstanding transverse dynamics is the low and central position at which the battery system is installed. It gives the vehicle a range that is suitable for driving long distances. During far more than 90 percent of all decelerations, the Audi e-tron recovers energy solely via its electric motors. The electric SUV taps its maximum recuperation potential in combination with the integrated electrohydraulic brake control system. Audi is the world’s first carmaker to use such a system in an electrically powered series production vehicle. The cleverly designed aerodynamics also contribute significantly to its efficiency. One highlight of this concept are the optional virtual exterior mirrors – a worldwide first in a series production model. Not only do they reduce aerodynamic drag, they also take digitalization in the vehicle to a whole new level.
The Audi e-tron offers the spaciousness and comfort of one of the brand’s typical full-size models. Paired with high-quality materials and fine workmanship, it makes electric mobility a premium experience. This is also ensured by the comprehensive and reliable range of charging options with intelligent solutions for at home and on the go.
From navigation with the e-tron route planner, which displays the appropriate route with the required charging points, automated billing at the charging station and all the way to remote control via smartphone – the Audi e-tron is extremely well connected. It is equipped with the high-end media center MMI navigation plus including LTE Advanced and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard. Numerous assist systems further relieve the driver. For example, the standard efficiency assist promotes an economic driving style by displaying predictive information and performing automatic recuperation. If the customer selects the adaptive cruise assist, the system can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively.
The interior of the future e-tron S models has been kept in dark colors. A large arc connects the displays of the virtual external mirrors with the hood above the Audi virtual cockpit. The instrument panel is driver-oriented, the middle tunnel’s console rests on open side walls. The leather/Alcantara covers of the electrically adjustable sport seats and the gear selector lever feature a rhombus S embossing. The door sills and steering wheel feature S badges. On request, Audi can offer a super sport seat in leather with a rhombus pattern in black, rotor gray or Aras red, as well as an air-conditioned customized contour seat with perforated leather.
As Ottawa’s unique green builder, RND Construction provides unequalled advantages
Ottawa’s RND Construction is a trend-setting builder whose unique green homes offer unparalleled quality.
And that’s saying something these days, as the industry shift toward sustainability is stronger than ever.
“In a lot of cases, people are being greenwashed,” says Roy Nandram, President/Project Manager with award-winning RND Construction. “We make it a point to properly educateconsumers. They want to know what the real nuts and bolts of green building are, and we provide that. We are dedicated to making sure they get the truth and most up-to-date information.
“We treat every single design
or home that comes to us as unique, and then add green components. People come
to us for green homes and they’ve been relying on us since our inception years
ago.”
RND subscribes to a philosophy that promotes ‘green’ as a method of
constructing homes and buildings which utilizes environmentally-friendly
techniques while creating a sustainable and energy-efficient final product.
Nandram says the advantages are many, including long-term savings and numeroushealthbenefits
for the homeowners. Perhaps most importantly, he points out, it gives
homeowners an active role in protecting against climate changes and preserving
natural resources for future generations.
The benefits of green homes
are many, and RND fills an important niche – it offers a much-needed top-shelf
alternative to the status quo. This is essential, Nandram says, given the
current state of the climate, new environmental protection laws, and rising
costs.
The company realizes natural resources
are becoming scarce… and more expensive, squeezing already tight margins.
Despite these challenges, people continue to seek increasing levels of comfort
in their homes.
To that end, RND focuses on
incorporating design, comfort and operational efficiency into each project,
always with an eye on anet-zero possibility. The combination of all three
aspects helps to create an ideal living environment that is sustainable, as
well as stylish and cost-effective. (Note: A net-zero home produces the same
amount of energy that it consumes annually through renewable energy resources).
It is RND’s mandate to not
only build and renovate exceptional net-zero homes, but to be an educational
resource for the public in general on the overall benefits of green homes and net
zero.
RND regularly hosts free
seminars at its Design &Innovation Centre that are open to anyone who is
interested in learning more about green construction and materials. Topics
change per seminar but cover indoor air quality, HRV systems and other green
technologies.
Nandram, the president of the
Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, also helps builders and renovators find
cost-effective innovations to meet any upgrades of the building code, while
stepping up and preparing for net zero by 2030.
“Great homes hinge on great design,” Nandram says. “When you combine green
innovation, high intention, sincere effort, thoughtful direction, skillful execution
and commitment, you generate a high quality home for the future.”
With over 30 years focusing
on green building, RND has a team that is technically trained in building
science and numerous green certifications, including R2000, LEED and net-zero
affirmations.
“Part of our vision is to
exercise leadership in the critical field of sustainability,” Nandram says.
“And our mission transforms that vision into reality. It is who we are, what we
value, and where our aspirations for the future of the environment, the
community and our own operations lie.
“We operate
in a changing environment and proactively pursue creative ideas that can
improve our construction processes. Our team takes a leadership position,
embraces change and makes decisions that bring value as well as the opportunity
to learn and share with each other and with the community.
“We work alongside experts in the field and people with values similar to ours,
people who believe in the uniqueness and environmental responsibility of
sustainable communities.
“We build
living environments for our clients, and workplaces for our team, that are safe
and healthy. We always aim to reduce environmental impacts and greenhouse
gases, improve indoor air quality, and eliminate volatile organic compound
materials and finishes.
“At RND
Construction, we are redefining what a beautiful home is by shifting the focus
to meet net-zero criteria. Beautiful homes come first, but we also help people
contribute to the protection of the environment. Net-zero homes offer a unique
opportunity to do just that.”
Web / rndconstruction.ca
RND Construction is a pioneer of building green
homes. The Ottawa company has many honours to its credit, including a Canadian
Home Builder’s Association award for the Production Home (2500 to 3000 square
feet category) with their R2000-certified Meadow model in Riverpark Green. With
its experience and commitment to green construction, RND Construction is
uniquely positioned to see the path forward for net-zero homes.
This project was located in Hoian City, an ancient town in Vietnam. The house has an advantage of natural and cultural background because Hoian is famous for hundreds of years old houses along with diverse and unique flora and rivers. Therefore, we formed the idea to design this house based on the filtering and promoting the cultural and natural values of the locality. Specifically, the architectural form is transformed from the impression of native plants, and the architectural space is transformed from the native residential space. Besides that, we pay attention to the variation in the use of materials and in spatial design or morphology. All aimed at creating a unique and newness of the house, but VRA Design still adapting to the local climate, comfortable and familiar to indigenous living habits.
Because the investors of the project frequently receiving many friends and relatives, they require the house design not only to ensure daily life but also to have some breakthrough and newness, which must create a lasting impression for other users staying here. Around that requirement, we set a design goal that besides the comfortable of homeowners, the architecture must also show the characteristics of local architecture, and there is a break in the form of the house to create a good impression.
The house was located in Cam Thanh, Hoian City, that is an area with lots of coconut palm and nipa palm. Nipa palm forest tourism here is a prominent activity, so that coconut and nipa have become a symbol of this land. We take the shape of the leaves or trunk of the coconut and nipa as the starting point for special structural design. Whereupon, inclined column structure was created that purpose is to both create a visual impression and create new but familiar space, which like the under coconut space or nipa space.
In terms of the overall spatial layout, we rely on the spatial layout of the old houses in Hoian Ancient Town, that is, using some small gardens to split the long house into three short blocks, that would increase the effect of lighting and ventilation like the ancients did. With the prediction that in the future. there is a high possibility that the two sides of the house will have other adjacent houses, so such treatment is suitable for both present and future the house will always have enough light and ventilation for human life.
Structural elements are presented in rough
concrete colors, some brick walls retain the image of the material without
plastering or painting, that helping to create a sense of
roughness, closeness, and forming many visual outstanding. The interior is
designed according to a simple trend, to ensure a harmonious feel, that
abundant but not confusing. Indoor and outdoor spaces were arranged with
many trees to bring abundance in the views. Not only that, the trees
can shade the west sunlight meanwhile creating a cool living space for
homeowners.
The vision for Kondan Resort goes beyond the primary purpose of providing hospitality with modern amenities at a scenic location, and seeks to address concerns related to its social, regional and environmental context. Only half the 30 acre property has been developed, with the resort facilities being restricted to 16% of the area, 10% allotted for rainwater harvesting and power generation, and 23% reserved for reforestation. Taking clues from traditional architecture, the built-form was evolved as a series of walls that define private and public spaces, and lend their peripheries to socio-economic activities reminiscent of historic citadels.
Maval is located in the hills that separate the cities of Mumbai and Pune, and contains a series of large man-made lakes built to supply water and hydroelectricity to these urban areas. Although scenic, the region remains remote and lacks basic facilities, with the primary source of income being small-scale paddy and dairy farms. The client, originally from Maval, chose to return with a business model that would also create livelihood opportunities and stimulate the local economy. The attempt then was to provide the urban visitor an expected level of comfort housed in a built-form that respects its context and does not alienate its neighbours.
Located on a slope along the backwaters of a lake, only a fraction of the site has been developed, and where construction was undertaken, footprints were optimized to respond to topography, exiting trees and natural waterways, with portions of the natural surroundings either contained or revealed as views. Imagined on the lines of a historic citadel, the site is sub-divided into zones of increasing privacy, stepped down along the hillside and defined by eight intersecting walls, each with a unique character specific to its purpose. The resulting interweaving of enclosed, semi-open and open spaces cater to different activities.
Reception and Restaurant:
accessed through the pramukhdwar (ceremonial gateway), the reception area creates an experiential
connection from public to private zone via a gently rising, narrow and
introverted lane that eventually opens onto the restaurant’s main deck with a
stunning view of the valley to the south.
Aamrai: four multi-level suites
situated inside a mango orchard, the spaces of each being draped around one or
more courtyards. Tarangan: a series of six cottages cantilevered off an axial
spine towards a grove frequented by fireflies. Swimming Pool: spreads organically through a cluster of
trees, ending in an infinity edge towards the eastern valley. Health club and Spa: located on the
north-eastern end on the site, the spaces open onto the forest, with parts that
are open to public, such as the indoor sports facilities and gym, being
accessed directly from the public area.
The walled campus lends its periphery to various elements of traditional public spaces that facilitate interactions and transactions between visitors and the local community. The kund(stepped reservoir), focal point for such activities, is flanked by the bazaar(shopping street) with workshops and stalls for artisans, a moha(Madhucalongifolia) orchard for weekly farmers’ market, and a hall for conferences or other informal gatherings.
Much of the building material was sourced from the site itself. Stone from the excavation of water bodies and foundations has been used extensively in various interpretations of vernacular techniques ranging from dry pack to dressed masonry to composite boulder concrete. During the course of construction, objects such as stone light fittings were sourced from local craftsmen, and daily-wage labourers from nearby villages were trained in masonry or other vocational skills that would guarantee them employment as part of the resort’s maintenance staff.
In India, where multiple and diverse cultures have evolved over generations of living in a specific geographies, regional identities and traditional wisdom are losing their relevance in an increasingly uniform global culture. Ideas of progress and permanence have found common expression in the incongruous concrete boxes found across the country.
This project presented us with an opportunity to create a model
for development that is as much about cultural sustainability, and the focus
then was not merely inclusivity, but rather a celebration of the context. And
for us the greatest reward was that, after seeing the resort, someone in a
neighbouring village built a stone house for the first time in decades.
A MULTIPLE ARCHITECTURE REVEALING THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL FILIPINO HERITAGE
In the heart of East Asia, Cebu, in Cebuano Sugbo,is one of the largest islands in the Philippines. The eponymous capital of the Visayas province – Cebu City – is the oldest city in the archipelago. It was the first Spanish colony and was previously discovered by Portuguese explorer Fernando de Magellan in 1521. Cebu City is now the main maritime shipping port and the main economic business center specializing in the New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) sectors.
The project is located inside the 50 hectare Cebu Business Park at the corner of Samar Loop and Avenue Cardinal Rosales. The objective is to construct a residential building with double environmental certification (LEED + BERDE) which offers the perfect balance between mixed cultural heritage and natural heritage of unparalleled splendor.
Looking for radical solutions to reduce the global carbon footprint, Vincent Callebaut Architecture has designed a 32-story, 115-meter high tower built of solid wood, as it is theonly natural, abundant, and renewable material. This organic tower integrates the principles of passive bioclimatism and advanced renewable energies. It was named “The Rainbow Tree” because it is an ode to Eucalyptus Deglupta, also known as Rainbow Eucalyptus, an iconic and colorful tree from the Philippines.
“The Rainbow Tree” tower is adorned with the most beautiful plant essences from the neighboring
tropical forests. This luxuriant dress of more than 30,000 plants, shrubs, and tropical trees draws a
flourishing spiral in the colors of the rainbow and brings a breath of
freshness to the heart of Cebu Business Park which is mainly built of concrete
and steel.
A MODULAR MASS TIMBER TOWER INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL “BAHAY
KUBO” HOMES
The Rainbow Tree is a staggered geometric stack of 1,200 modules,
each with sides measuring 4 meters sides and a height varying between 3.2 to
4.8 meters. All these mass timber modules are prefabricated and standardized in
a factory with a very high degree of precision. They are directly inspired by
the “BahayKubo” (literally, cubic
houses, also known as “Nipa Huts”).
These indigenous nomadic houses were made of natural materials
from the forest such as wood, bamboo, and palm leaves. Before the arrival of
the Spanish colonizers with their stone-base constructions, this traditional
Filipino rural house originally rested on stilts and was anchored to the trunk
of trees near the rice fields, coconut palms, and orchards.
These bio-based “Bahay Kubo” breathe! They are in
symbiosis with nature. Their architectural identity reveals that they are based
on ventilation, large open interior spaces, and terrace networks adapted to the
tropical climate. These three
foundations are the basis of our architectural concept for building a CLT
(Cross Laminated Timber) tower.
Invented in the 1990s in Austria and Germany, this construction technique consists of superimposing perpendicularly wooden slats and connecting them together using structural, now-organic adhesives such as tannins, lignin, cellulose, or even starch.
The Cross Laminated Timber manufacturing process requires much less energy than concrete or steel, and moreover it does not generate greenhouse gases. As a reminder, producing 1 ton of concrete generates 2.42 tonsof CO2 and producing 1 ton of steel generates 0.938 ton ofCO2.
In terms of fire resistance, remember that wood burns slowly, does not release toxic fumes, and transmits heat 250 times slower than melting steel and 10 times slower than concrete which cracks under the effects of the flames.
Being built from trees cut and harvested in short circuits in
the archipelago in the heart of eco-responsible forests – where a cut tree is
equal to a replanted tree – means that the Rainbow Tree is a real carbon
sequestration well. In fact, during the growth of trees through natural
photosynthesis, the stored carbon is found “trapped” in solid wood
and is therefore not released into the atmosphere. For 1 ton of wood produced,
about 0.9 tonnes of carbon is confined.
This means we are talking about a building with a negative
carbon footprint!
MULTI-COLORED, CARBO-ABSORBING, AND DEPOLLUTING BALCONIES
The Rainbow Tree has sinusoidal balconies staggered between the even and odd floors allowing palm trees and deciduous trees to grow on a double height. The endemic plant species are listed according to the color of their flowering – pink, purple, green, yellow, orange, red – to draw 5 plant spirals wrapping around the solid wood facades.
This urban forest makes it possible to fight
against the effects of urban heat and constitutes a true island of freshness by
the evapotranspiration of plants bioclimatizing naturally the public space.
In addition, the 30,000 plants, shrubs, and trees
planted on the tower will capture 150 tons of CO2 in the atmosphere of the Cebu
City annually to transform them into oxygen through natural photosynthesis. The
tower, which is already low in intrinsic carbon thanks to its bio-based
construction materials, will also be breathable and depolluting during its
operation.
A PASSIVE CONSTRUCTION INTEGRATING URBAN AGRICULTURE AND RENEWABLE
ENERGIES
After
choosing the mass timber construction to drastically reduce the carbon
footprint of the project during its construction, the efforts have focused on
the integration of passive systems and renewable energies to reduce its carbon
footprint during its operation.
First
of all, the tower benefits from double insulation – interior and exterior – and
from natural materials such as thatch, hemp, and cellulose wadding. In
addition, the plant cover makes it possible to control the solar gains and take
advantage of the evapotranspiration of the plants to cool the temperature felt
on the balconies by 2 to 5 degrees.
To
ensure natural ventilation in each apartment, wind chimneys cross the central
core over its entire height. These chimneys draw outdoor air at an average of
29 degrees annually from the urban forest on the ground floor. This hot air
passes under the earthquake-resistant foundations where the thermal inertia of
the earth is constant all year round at 18 degrees. This naturally refreshed
22-degree air then forced into the apartments as in a termite hill.
In
addition to the vegetable tubs planted on the balconies of the apartments, an
urban aquaponic farm is spread over the last three levels of the Rainbow Tree.
Aquaponics is a technique of sustainable and virtuousagriculture that combines fish farming and plant cultivation
and allows you to experience the countryside in the city by removing social
ties.
The Sky Farm produces
25,000 kilos of fruit, vegetables, and algae and 2,500 kilos of fish per year,
or almost 2 kilos of food per week for each family residing in the tower.
These foods are grown with water saving of 90%,
without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs, but from natural
fertilizers. In fact, fish
excrement nourishes the plants with nitrates. This absorption then filters the
water. The purified water finally returns to the fish pond: the cycle can start
again. It is nothing less than a recreated natural mini-ecosystem, where the
waste of one element becomes the food of another element. A “living market”
will allow Cebuanos residents to not only buy farm products but also to eat
them on the spot in a cozy atmosphere.
The
greenhouse, which is naturally lit all year round, benefits from a low-consumption
LED light complement which reproduces the light spectrum of the sun in order to
recreate the ideal conditions for photosynthesis.
This
urban farm is covered with a solar canopy producing electricity stored in
hydrogen fuel cells and domestic hot water redistributed in a virtuous loop in
the bathrooms and kitchens of the apartments.
To
top it all off, a farm of 16 axial wind turbines with magnetic levitation also
generates electricity in situ without any noise pollution.
By 2050, 80% of the world’s
population will live in cities. It is now necessary to produce as close as
possible to the consumer-actors and consume the minimum of resources while
reducing wastes and greenhouse gas emissions. Within the framework of the new
circular economy, the Rainbow Tree is a prototype of a completely biobased
vertical forest respecting the four pillars of the ecological city of the
future, namely: energy self-sufficiency (heating, cooling, and electricity);
greening of buildings and development of urban agriculture; soft mobility
centered on pedestrians, bikes and electric co-mobility; social innovation
through spaces for sharing between residents and solidarity services.
A pedestrian-oriented, dynamic, and sustainable take on the Sunset
Strip
8850 Sunset establishes a new mixed-use development in the heart of West Hollywood, combining market-rate residences, affordable housing, retail, dining, a music venue, and luxury hotel. The building’s 15-story bridged form responds to the eclecticism of Sunset Boulevard, while prioritizing light, views, and open space connections. At the street level, a two-story podium with cafes, public spaces, and retail echoes the scale and granularity of traditional storefronts along Sunset Boulevard, while a new music venue re-envisions the storied Viper Room, adding a recording studio and updating the live music experience for the 21st century. The condo and hotel volumes are separated by a 100 ft-wide gap, avoiding a conventional large, flat building façade on Sunset to instead capture north/south views and sunlight through the property.
Between the two volumes, a rooftop garden and terrace brings a new outdoor dining and social space to the neighbourhood. At the peak of the building, a skybridge connects the two volumes and incorporates an upscale restaurant and bar with views to downtown and the ocean.
Guided by the WeHo Green Building Program Standards, the project is designed to a LEED Gold standard. Various passive and contextual strategies are used to improve the performance and energy efficiency of the design including using a landscaped surface for the residence volume, with drought-tolerant plantings that create a cooling microclimate while beautifying the neighborhood.
DESIGN THROUGH INSPIRATION Architect incorporates company philosophy when building his family home in Stouffville
It all
started with a vision for architect Joseph Campitelli.
It ended with the completion of his family home on Park Drive in Stouffville,
Ontario.
Campitelli, whose Markham-based company, JNC Architect, adheres to a philosophy
of ‘Design Through Inspiration,’ showed that he practises what he preaches,
developing a vision for his family home, and then seeing that through to
fruition.
“We design
to create a lifestyle,” says Campitelli. “I inherently wanted to do the same
for my family when we planned our own house. To realize vision, we work with a
client (my wife and kids, in this case) to develop a concept to the point where
we can eventually live within it and enjoy the space. To me, this is where the
phrase ‘Design Through Inspiration’ comes from.”
With the build of his own home – completed in May 2019 – Campitelli embraced
the opportunity to follow the JNC mantra, as well as involve family members
in the entire process; a win-win situation that paid off in spades.
“All
aspects of this home tied all my experience and exposure to processes and
building together, going back as far as I can remember,” he says. “My father
was a builder – including both childhood homes – and a manufacturer of windows
and doors.
“So I grew up in the industry, working as a labourer for most of my childhood.
I was on construction sites before the age of 16. Later, my education in architecture became
the thread that tied theory to practical work.
“I wanted my family to have a sense of the entire building process, so this
specific build, of my family home, became an effort to translate this sort of
experience for my wife and kids; to show them how and get them involved in the entire process.”
Right
from the get-go, Campitelli concentrated on sustainable methods and materials.
He stresses that local suppliers were also sought, as well as materials with a
long-term life cycle and low energy usage.
“Although
not LEED-certified, we promote safe materials and energy efficiency is always
our goal.”
Some examples of how sustainability factored into the decisions made on the
home include:
Working
with manufacturers and their specifications, respecting energy efficiencies and
requirements for installation;
Utilizing
a standing seam metal roof. (This is a lifetime product, off-gassing is
reduced, and additional labour and replacement materials are unnecessary, as
compared to typical asphalt shingle models. The roof will also run cooler);
Installing
a 200,000 BTU boiler. (This runs hydronic flooring throughout the
basement/tiled areas – bathrooms and mudroom – plus garage and pool);
Making
sure all lighting is LED technology;
Installing
windows of a heavier vinyl frame product with increased thermal and U-factor
glazing);
Using
Interior trim and casings that were all locally manufactured and building
materials that were mostly provided by a local lumber yard;
Incorporating
heat recovery systems for air and hot water efficiency. (Meet Ontario Building
Code (OBC) energy efficiency requirements).
Before bringing his family into the mix, Campitelli searched for an appropriate property. In 2015, he decided on a 60-foot by 150-foot lot in Stouffville that fit the requirements – close to family and friends, including amenities. The property had an existing bungalow wood frame dwelling that had to be torn down. Then there were other preliminaries and constructionbegan in September 2017.
Here
is a timeline highlighting some of the main junctures along the way:
Determined
variances were required to maximize building/square footage on lot;
Determined
lot was regulated within the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA),
due to a creek across rear portion of lot;
Worked
closely with local planning department and TRCA to have proposed design
supported through a committee of adjustment and TRCA regulations;
Visited
neighbours to gain local support of requested variances, including building
coverage, building setbacks;
Received a
Certificate of Approval (C of A) to prepare for building permit in March 2017;
Produced
working drawings for construction in the following months – cooperated with structural
and mechanical engineers;
Selected a
builder – Upper Canada Homes;
Submitted
for building permit June 2017;
Received
approval to build in August 2017;
Construction
commenced September 2017;
During the
term of construction, architectural details were developed and provided to the site
on a weekly basis. Finishes were listed, sourced out and purchased – ahead of
time to be ready for install;
JNC
Architect determined sources of products and provided to the contractor to
install. Each material was selected by Campitelli, along with his wife, and
children;
Millwork for
all closets, cabinets, kitchen, pantry, great room and all washrooms were
detailed along with the millwork company. Install for millwork began in October
2018;
Custom
tables (dining and kitchen) were designed by Campitelli, and brought to
fabricators and carpenters to produce and install. Each were designed
for/anticipated in the original plan layout of home. Installed March to June
2019;
Occupancy
permits cleared April 2019;
Construction
completed May 2019 – one year and eight months in total.
Web / jnc-architect.com
Joseph
N. Campitelli (JNC) Architect Inc., established in 2004, is a design firm based
in Markham, Ontario, offering a full range of architectural services. The firm offers
comprehensive design solutions in architecture, interior design, and planning
for all project types and scales. Together with a team of dedicated
professionals, JNC Architect prides itself on being committed and resourceful,
while providing the best in service and innovation. The firm is committed to
each client’s needs and the completion of their vision. Through direct
involvement and a hands-on philosophy, JNC Architect and its partners assure
commitment and reliable service that clientele have come to depend on. Client
objectives are resolved through innovative ‘good design’ principles. Commitment
to practising ‘good design’ is proven by our integrity and service, therefore
ensuring successful completions.
Welcome to the age of the electric hypercar,
and Britain’s first entrant.
With unparalleled performance and a
target power output of 2,000 PS, it sets new standards in terms of advanced EV
engineering. Quite simply, the Lotus Evija is the most powerful series
production road car ever built.
Like all Lotus cars throughout the brand’s
storied 71-year history, the Evija has been precision-engineered to deliver an
outstanding driving experience both on the road and track. It is the most
dynamically accomplished model ever built by the company, setting new standards
for Lotus driving performance. Above all else, it is ‘For The Drivers’.
As a name, Evija (pronounced ‘E-vi-ya’) means ‘the first in existence’ or ‘the living one’. It is highly appropriate; Lotus has an unquestionable reputation for its pioneering approach in both automotive and motorsport.
Exclusivity and desirability go hand
in hand in the world of hypercars, and the Evija is blessed with an abundance
of both. Production is limited to not more than 130 examples, making it among
the most exclusive cars ever launched. It’s a figure set in tribute to the
car’s project code, Type 130. Lotus road and race cars throughout the brand’s
seven decades of success have been assigned a Type number, and the Evija is no
exception.
Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said: “This
is another amazing moment in the history of our company. The Evija is a true
Lotus in every sense – it has been developed with an unwavering passion to push
boundaries, to explore new ways of thinking and to apply ground-breaking
technologies.”
A stunning piece of contemporary
automotive design, the Evija features a dramatic Venturi tunnel through each
rear quarter, giving it a truly breath-taking presence.
The Evija is the first Lotus road car
to feature a one-piece carbon fibre monocoque chassis. The cabin, from the
fully adjustable race-style seats to the multi-function steering wheel, is the
very pinnacle of motorsport-inspired road car design and technology.
At the heart of the Evija is an
ultra-advanced all-electric powertrain. It has been developed with technical
partner Williams Advanced Engineering, famed for success in motorsport, from
Formula One to electrifying the first four seasons of Formula E. The battery
pack is mid-mounted immediately behind the two seats and supplies energy directly
to four powerful e-motors. This highly efficient system is the lightest, most
energy dense, electric power package ever fitted to a road car. With a target
weight of just 1,680 kg, it will be the lightest pure electric hypercar ever to
go into series production.
Engineered for precise and sustained
performance, the Evija has five driving modes – Range, City, Tour, Sport and
Track. It can race from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in under three seconds and
accelerate to a top speed of more than 200 mph (0-320 km/h).
A
stunning exterior
The most striking element of the Lotus
Evija is its exterior. From every angle the full carbon fibre bodywork is
stretched taut, appearing shrink-wrapped over the mechanical components.
Crouching low to the ground, with a ride height of just 105 mm, the pronounced
muscular haunches envelop the teardrop cabin that sinks between them.
Taking inspiration from the aeronautics industry, the exterior is a perfectly proportioned blend of fluid formsand crisp lines. This is clearly illustrated by the gently curved but sharp leading edge of the bonnet, which is reminiscent of so many classic Lotus road and race cars.
True to Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s core belief that every component should serve multiple purposes, the exterior design is also exceptionally efficient on every level. The most obvious example of this – and unquestionably the most dramatic element of the exterior – is the Venturi tunnel which pierces each rear quarter. Inspired by Le Mans race cars, they optimise air flow by directing it through the bodyshell.
When viewed from the rear of the car,
each tunnel is edged with a red LED to create a striking ribbon-style light
signature. The result is a stunning visual effect that’s akin to the afterburners on a fighter
jet, especially when seen at night. As an extra detail, an LED hidden within
each tunnel illuminates its interior.
The directional indicators are
incorporated into the corners of the ribbon, while the reversing light is
provided by the illuminated ‘T’ of the ‘LOTUS’ wordmark above the integrated
charging flap.
Another
key feature of the Evija’s sophisticated aerodynamic system is the bi-plane
front splitter. It’s another illustration of form and function working
perfectly in tandem. Designed in three sections, the larger central area
provides air to cool the battery pack – mid-mounted behind the two seats –
while the air channelled through the two smaller outer sections cools the front
e-axle. Lotus aficionados may notice a respectful nod to the iconic Type 72
Formula 1 car, with its square front central section and two side wings.
Active aerodynamics for exceptional downforce
The
Evija is the first Lotus road car to ever feature a full carbon fibre chassis.
Moulded as a single piece for exceptional strength, rigidity and safety, the
full length of the underside is sculpted to optimise downforce. It includes an
integrated air diffuser, which extends from under
the B-pillars to the rear.
The absence of traditional door
mirrors plays a part in reducing drag. Cameras integrated into the front wings
are electronically deployed on unlock, while another camera built into the roof
provides a central view. Images are displayed on three interior screens.
Advanced
pure EV powertrain means record-breaking power
With target figures of 2,000 PS of
power and 1,700 Nm of torque, the Lotus Evija is the world’s most powerful
production road car. Key to that exceptional power output is the 2,000 kW
lithium-ion battery, supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced
Engineering (WAE) as part of a joint venture with Lotus to collaborate on
advanced propulsion technologies. WAE won a 2018 Queen’s Award for Enterprise
for translating its EV expertise from the race track to road-going vehicles.
The battery pack is mounted centrally
behind the passenger compartment, and its cover is visible through the glass
rear screen. This positioning delivers significant advantages in terms of
styling, aerodynamics, packaging, weight distribution, occupant comfort and
dynamic handling. It also supports fast and convenient servicing and
maintenance. Furthermore, the set-up has been designed so that in the future
alternative battery packs – for example, to optimise track performance – can be
easily installed.
Precision
performance guaranteed
As with every Lotus, the Evija is ‘For
The Drivers’ and its searing pace is delivered in one seamless, sustained
surge. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is completed in under three seconds,
while the top speed is in excess of 200 mph (340 km/h).
These headline statistics only tell
part of the car’s performance story. Matt Windle, Executive Director, Sports
Car Engineering, Lotus Cars, explained: “The Lotus Evija has astonishing
acceleration at higher speeds. It takes less than nine seconds to reach 300
km/h which is better than any other direct competitor.”
Further performance figures include
acceleration from 100-200 km/h in less than three seconds, and 200-300 km/h in
less than four seconds.
A
revolution in charging
Not only does the Lotus Evija feature
the world’s most powerful automotive drivetrain, it also boasts the world’s
fastest charging battery. Thanks to the partnership with Williams Advanced
Engineering, the battery has the ability to accept an 800kW charge. Although
charging units capable of delivering this are not yet commercially available,
when they are it will be possible to fully replenish the battery in just nine
minutes.
Using existing charging technology –
such as a 350kW unit, which is currently the most powerful available – the
Evija’s charge time will be 12 mins to 80% and 18 mins to 100%. The car’s range
is 250 miles (400 km) on the WLTP Combined Cycle, or 270 miles on the NEDC
Combined Cycle. Lotus is in discussions with external suppliers on a charging
solution for customers.
Motorsport-inspired
interior is a technical tour de force
The interior of the Lotus Evija is as
dramatic as the exterior. Inspired by the technical precision of race car
engineering, the dominant characteristic of the cabin is the ‘floating wing’
dashboard which can be glimpsed from outside through the windscreen. The design
also echoes the porosity of the exterior.
Access to the cabin is through the two dihedral doors. Handle-free to preserve the sculpted exterior, they’re operated via the key fob. It’s the first time Lotus has used such doors, and while they make for a moment of dramatic theatre they also provide maximum space for getting in and out.
The design of the steering wheel, similar to that found in an LMP or F1 car, further reinforces the Evija’s sporting intentions. The outer ring is finished in Alcantara as standard with leather available as an option. Buttons are grouped in an intuitive manner and govern functions including phone use, cruise control and DRS deployment.
Ahead of the steering wheel is a state-of-the-art digital display, providing the driver with key information such as mode, battery charge and remaining range. It is the car’s only screen, putting all necessary information in one place. The screen displays essential functions only, with information appearing as required when the appropriate button is pushed, then fading when no longer needed.
Climate control and a premium
infotainment system are fitted as standard. Customers can seamlessly integrate
their smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessing their own music
and navigation.
World-first
laser lighting technology
The Lotus Evija is
the first production road car in the world to feature laser lights for both
main and dipped beams. Produced by Osram, the lighting modules are very compact
and will provide an outstanding view of the road or track ahead.The strikingly
thin vertical headlamps provide the perfect balance of crystal-like beauty and
a highly technical design. Inside the lenses, unique ‘wing-like’ elements form
the daytime running lights and directional indicators.
Connected to the cloud
The
Evija is the first Lotus to provide drivers with a full suite of digital
connected infotainment, which will benefit from over-the-air software updates. A powerful on-board modem enables communication to the cloud, and
the driver can interact with that data through a Lotus smartphone app. The app
will enable drivers to monitor their Evija from anywhere in the world, for
example, to check the battery charge status and driving range. It will also
support remote use of air-con, to heat or cool the cabin ahead of the next
drive.
The
ultimate in personalization
Lotus will offer Evija customers an
unparalleled level of personalisation, enabling them to specify the car exactly
as they wish. This will include the opportunity to select unique paint
finishes, interior trims and detailing.
Marquetry-style badging will provide further bespoke opportunities. Lotus has developed the ability to inlay metal elements directly into the carbon fibre bodyshell, so that the badge sits completely flush with the bodywork. Currently the Evija carries a partial Union Flag badge on the C-pillar, signifying its status as a British-built hypercar. However, this could be another flag, a family crest or personal logo.
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