All posts by Giulio

Architecture, Building Envelope, HVAC, Ideas, Style, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

The Forest – Sanjay Puri Architects

Sanjay Puri Architects presents The Forest, a high density development project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to prevailing rules governing built-up areas, this project required a vertical tower since the ratio of built-up area permissible is 9 times the plot area.

The vertical circulation core is planned on the southern side to mitigate heat gain and simultaneously provide privacy to the existing residential 15 storey buildings on the southern side. The offices are all oriented towards the north and north-west, with the best views of the Congo River, while also reducing heat gain by allowing natural indirect light into the office spaces.

Situated in the pretext of the Congo River, the building shape provides peripheral glazing surfaces orienting towards the river. Capturing maximum river views at the shortest distance, the balconies are aligned and projected radially from the offices.

The concept thread is drawn from the African forest, creating a structure that replicates a dense tree via parabolic balconies that embark upon the building façade. The angled balconies overlap at subsequent floors, providing double and single height balcony spaces for every office. The building shape, with its projecting decks, allows integration of open spaces with enclosed ones. The form generated by the blend of building shape and balconies creates a parametric envelope of repetitive cascading elements to develop a unique identity.

Photos credit: SANJAY PURI ARCHITECTS
Blog, Electric cars, Green Energy, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven: progressive interpretation of a 70s brand icon

Design and technology pioneer in the tradition of legendary C 111 experimental vehicles

Exterior: sporty interpretation of One-Bow design with high-tech references

Interior: fuses lounge-like feel with super sportscar minimalism

YASA axial-flux motor signals the future of performance electric drive

Battery with high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells

Mercedes-Benz presents a new sports car study. The Vision One-Eleven combines a highly dynamic design language with innovative all-electric powertrain technology. The supercar silhouette is characterised by skilful execution of the signature Mercedes-Benz One-Bow design that is a marker of its 21st‑century style. The development of this design underscores the positioning of the Mercedes-Benz brand, which stands for ICONIC LUXURY. Its technical highlights include the extremely powerful and highly efficient axial-flux motor developed by electric motor specialist YASA. The British company has been a 100-percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG since July 2021.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is inspired by the tradition of the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s, which were used to test revolutionary Wankel and turbodiesel engines. They were also prototypes for testing polymer-based bodyshells. The extremely (aero)dynamic mid-engine sports cars are considered design icons of their era, not least due to their distinctive gullwing doors and eye-catching orange-and-black paintwork.

 

The exterior – One-Bow design in its most athletic form

 

The body of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven centres on skilful execution of the One-Bow design. From the low-slung front end to the muscular hind quarters, it runs in a smooth bow that endows the just 1,170 mm-high vehicle silhouette with an extremely sculptural feel. This harmonises perfectly with the copper-orange alubeam paintwork. It provides an unmistakeable reference to the distinctive colour of the C 111 without adopting it one-to-one. The colour of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is considerably more powerful than that of the C 111 and also changes with the light. It conveys not only a sense of quality but also a certain extravagance.

 

The front-end design – iconic high-tech look with historical reference

 

From the frontal aspect, too, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is powerfully evocative of the C 111. In detail, however, there are striking differences: One stand-out example is the distinctive front end, which on both vehicles consists of a low-lying rectangular element with rounded ends left and right. On the C 111, this is a closed plastic element with a honeycomb structure, fitted with round foglamps. The corresponding part on the Vision One-Eleven appears very similar at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as a high-tech feature. The panel is a flexible external display with a 3D pixelated look. It interprets the C 111’s characteristic round lights in digitised form and can also convey messages to other road users.

 

The rear-end design – aerodynamic features and digital elements

 

The rear-end of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is likewise dominated by a powerfully profiled diffuser. Spanning the breadth above it is a display that echoes the shape of its counterpart at the front end and features the same pixelated structure in the red taillights. Similar to the blade profiles along the sides, blue lighting effects are also visible at the rear. The inner face of the wheels is fitted with circular lighting elements.

 

Futuristic and luxurious ambience with contrasting colours

 

The interior design of the Vision One-Eleven reflects future luxury based on a progressive colour concept and extraordinary material combinations. The richly contrasting colours and materials attract attention at first glance: Large surfaces such as the dashboard are upholstered in white fabric displaying a tech-look honeycomb structure. The material is made from 100-percent recycled polyester.

 

Other elements such as the armrests on the sills and centre console, as well as the rear parcel shelf beneath the expansive rear windscreen, are clad in bright orange leather. This creates a smooth transition from interior to luggage compartment. The sustainably processed leather was tanned using coffee bean husks. Polished aluminium in the steering-wheel spokes and inlaid as straps across the armrests underscore the tech look and feel. The same applies to the brake and accelerator pedals, both of which are made from polished aluminium and floor mounted.

 

Innovative electric powertrain – high-performance axial-flux motor and all-new battery technology

 

Technology highlights include a new battery concept featuring high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with a novel cell chemistry. Once more, the extensive knowledge of the motorsport experts from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain in Brixworth found its way into this promising concept for future performance-oriented batteries. Aside from that, the Vision One-Eleven features two exceptionally powerful and advanced axial-flux motors from YASA. Mercedes-Benz is developing this technology together with YASA to large scale production maturity for its next-generation electric drives. YASA is a British electric-motor specialist based in Oxford and has been a 100-percent subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG since July 2021. The company has thus secured access to a unique future technology that has the potential to take electric mobility to a new level of performance.

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

World Building of the Year revealed at 2023 World Architecture Festival

 

Huizhen High School by Approach Design Studio/Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group in China has been declared the World Building of the Year at the 2023 World Architecture Festival (WAF).

 

World Building of the Year supported by GROHE was awarded to Huizhen High School by Approach Design Studio/Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group in China. The project was initially shortlisted in the Completed Building School category.

Located in Jiangbei District, Ningbo City, Huizhen is a bold exploration of ‘efficiency-first’ campus design where time can be ‘wasted’ seriously. The boarding school campus is a ‘floating forest’ with classrooms hung in each corner of the forest and joined by meandering paths. Scattered tree houses provide students with temporary escapes from the burden of school. A ramp leads up to a gentle sloping roof, which doubles as an open-air lecture hall and a rooftop park with sporting facilities, usable by the public at the weekend – creating a new typology of architectural promenade.

Di Ma, Director at Approach Design Studio/Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group commented: “We always try to explore the boundaries of architecture while making something that’s fun. Our focus was not just about designing a school, or working with new forms, spaces, materials and facades, but about designing new school life and bringing the power of nature into the building. The building gives students a space to relax and relieve their stresses between their lessons.”

Paul Finch, Programme Director of the World Architecture Festival commented: “We loved this building as it is unexpected, and delightful. The architects have managed to create a school which is very different to the usual model where students are boxed in and put under teaching and architectural pressure. By contrast, this design encourages, walking, fresh air and the possibility of reflection away from academic intensity. As the architects note, you are at your most relaxed when you are wasting time, but not wasting; instead enjoying walking to classrooms through a ‘floating forest’ with plug-in buildings and amenities, all with views of nature. Simple materials are deployed for a combination of the innovative and the everyday. There are elements in this project that could be used for schools anywhere.”

The winner was selected by a super jury of luminaries of the global architecture industry – comprising Sir Peter Cook, Cook Belacevic Haffner; Guallart, Guallart Architects; Richard Hassell, WOHA and Albert Williamson-Taylor, AKT II.

Architecture, Net Zero, Passive House, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories

Central District Lagoon City: Forty Management brings Maldives to Bucharest

 

 

Forty Management is the first Romanian developer to scale this project in three other capital cities in the region: Budapest, Prague and Warsaw.

Central District Lagoon City has a gross development value ranging from EUR 396 to 488 million, depending on the city in which it is implemented.

Lagoon City is the first 100% self-sustainable, mixed urban redevelopment project in Central and Eastern Europe.

Forty Management has started work on the development of Central District Lagoon City Bucharest, the most innovative, self-sustainable, mixed-use urban reconversion project, unique in Central and Eastern Europe. The value of the investment in Romania exceeds €120 million, while the projects scaled up in Budapest, Prague and Warsaw will have investment values between €140 and €190 million each, depending on the mix and the needs identified on these markets.

What makes the Bucharest project unique is that fact that it will implement for the first time in Central Eastern Europe the patented Crystal Lagoons® technology, which allows the construction and maintenance of cost and energy efficient artificial turquoise water lagoons of unlimited size. It will cover an area of over 10,000 sqm, have a maximum depth of 2 meters, two large beaches of more than 3,200 sqm and numerous other facilities. The lagoon, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will be used for swimming and water sports in summer and partly as an ice rink in winter.

Lagoon City brings around this artificial lagoon a 5 star hotel with 323 rooms affiliated to an international brand, 401 apartments for rent, 9,200 sqm of commercial and service spaces, a class A, 8,500 sqm office building, as well as countless other facilities, practically a mini city with all the necessary destinations for urban living. Located in central Bucharest (at No.18, Coralilor Street), Central District Lagoon City is the first mixed urban redevelopment project that will produce all its utilities in-house, thus capitalizing on Forty Management’s know-how and experience in sustainability.

The amenities of Central District Lagoon City will include a heliport, concierge services for all apartments, 3 restaurants, 2 beach bars, a 430 sqm bistro that will also serve the beach area, a sky bar, cafes, a private cinema, kindergarten, 2 spa centres, a beauty clinic and electric car co-sharing services.

To develop the Lagoon City concept, Forty Management has acquired the Crystal Lagoons® franchise, the most innovative American technology company for the development and implementation of sustainable lagoons and artificial beaches, with more than 1 100 projects completed or in various stages of execution in over 60 countries. Forty Management has obtained the rights to implement the Crystal Lagoons® in Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Romania.

“

We are delighted to partner with Forty Management to bring the revolutionary Crystal Lagoons® concept and technology to Bucharest, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw. As a market leader in innovation and technology, we strive to bring idyllic beach life closer to people’s homes and transform city life all over the world. Our real estate and Public Access Lagoons™ projects provide attractive meeting places adapted to each market’s demands. We are proud that our patented technology, unique in the world, can contribute to improving the quality of life of people in Central and Eastern Europe and bring sustainability to the entire region,” said Francisco Matte, Crystal Lagoons® Regional Director.

“With this extraordinary project we aim to redefine the notions of lifestyle and entertainment, bringing all these high-end amenities right into the city centre and transforming Bucharest into a holiday destination with turquoise waters and idyllic beaches. Moreover, Lagoon City implements the highest standard of sustainable development, as it is the first mixed green real estate project in Central Europe, self-sustainable, where all utilities are produced in-house,” said Lucian Azoiței, Forty Management’s CEO.

Sustainability

Forty Management places Sustainability at the core of its way of working, as an important value they build their business upon. Each of our developments is brought to life having in mind the future wellbeing of both individuals and community.

25% of the total global gas emissions producing significant climate changes are caused by construction operations; we aim at decreasing this percentage by preserving the natural habitat, using technical solutions and materials with low carbon impact and ensuring operational sustainability for the entire lifespan of our developments. To certify strong sustainability targets are constantly maintained, we work closely with reliable professionals, specializing in environmental analysis.

Carbon impact:

According to the latest analysis of Climate Action Tracker (CAT), our planet’s atmospheric temperature is in danger to increase by +2,4˚C till the end of this century. This is an important topic to us, therefore we work with a sustainability team to develop a comprehensive assessment of both embodied and operational carbon. Part of this process, we measure emissions during the construction phase and the subsequent building in-use over several years. The results are analysed and compared for all our current developments.

Environmental approach:
The ecological impact of our projects is steadily assessed by our environmental engineering team to mitigate the impact of climate change. We request our design partners to be compliant with circular economy strategies, future-proof solutions that ensure efficient use of natural resources, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. Committed to accelerate climate action, we developed an analytical framework focused on major themes of sustainability such as: wellbeing, community impact, land and ecology, energy and carbon, social equity, planning for change.

About Forty Management:

Forty Management is a Romanian developer of premium green mixed-use urban reconversion under Central District brand. Founded in 2015 by real estate entrepreneur Lucian Azoitei, Forty Management distinguishes on the market through the innovation and sustainability approaches of their concepts.

Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of all their developments. All the buildings developed under the Central District brand have superior certifications in this respect and Forty Management has received multiple awards numerous competitions and conferences in the field, both internationally and locally. The company is a member of the Romanian Green Building Council (RoGBC), an organisation that promotes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. All Central District’s residential developments are certified “Green Homes”.

The scale up of the Lagoon City green urban reconversion concept will be implemented in Budapest, Warsaw and Prague through the company’s Swiss-based subsidiary Forty Management AG.

More details about the Central District and Lagoon City projects can be found here: https://centraldistrict.ro/, https://lagooncity.ro/.

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Briarwood Homes offers ‘suburbia-in-the country’ lifestyle

 

With Canada’s population growing by leaps and bounds, Briarwood Homes is keen on providing developments that offer the charm of the countryside with the convenience of urban amenities.

A case in point is the Trilogy site in Sutton, Ontario, with community neighbourhoods perfect for raising a family or retirement.

 

“We love Sutton because it represents everything a community in York Region has to offer but has the added benefits of a more relaxed living experience,” says Enzo Di Giovanni, owner and President of Briarwood Homes. “In Trilogy, you get a modern urban house with all the bells and whistles but in a place that’s ideal for the modern homeowner’s wish list.

 

“We strive to build these family-oriented, car-friendly neighbourhoods close to schools, with parks and in safe locations conducive to raising children.”

Trilogy in Sutton checks the boxes on all counts, including these key points:

 

  • Located a few minutes east of Georgina and Keswick;
  • Close to larger municipalities, including Newmarket, East Gwillimbury and Aurora;
  • Just minutes away from Lake Simcoe, and conveniently close to Highway 404.
  • Suburbia in the country;
  • City of Barrie is accessible from Sutton;
  • Having everything a York Region community offers;
  • Perfect for raising a family and accommodating an aging community – homes are tailored to the upcoming families or retirees looking for a new home;
  • The community is at the start of the Sutton-Zephyr Rail Trail, a 13.4-kilometre hiking track.

With single-family detached homes in this picturesque subdivision still available, the area provides a small-town lifestyle that’s worth celebrating, says Di Giovanni.

“So much of the joy of living depends on finding the right home for your family,” Di Giovanni says. “And Trilogy does that in a beautiful, natural spot.”

 

Nestled among the forest, fields and close to Lake Simcoe, Trilogy and Sutton offers a place where life unfolds at a different pace.

 

There’s time to savour the simple things in life, from a walk in the woods amidst the colours of autumn, to skipping stones across the glassy surface of the lake. At Trilogy, it’s a dream locale for families, while surrounded by Mother Nature in all her finest.

 

All of which meshes seamlessly with the raison d’etre of Briarwood Homes.

Now in its 28th year in Canada, the company has showcased its expertise and innovation throughout Southern Ontario. Its communities extend from Kingston in the east, to Muskoka in the north, Fort Erie to the southwest … and points in between. Besides Sutton, there are high, low and mid-rise communities in Newmarket, Brampton, Milton, Angus and Prince Edward County.

 

Briarwood Homes employs a forward-thinking philosophy that continues to find its name at the top rung of the building industry ladder, succeeding in the development of more sustainable communities that are also environment-friendly.

 

Di Giovanni says green roofs are being incorporated on top of its high-rise buildings, and rough-ins are included in garages to accommodate electric vehicles.

 

“It is all about anticipating what our homebuyers are looking for today and need for generations to come,” he says.

Homebuyers appreciate the hands-on attention and unparalleled customer service from Briarwood Homes. Di Giovanni says only the highest quality materials are sourced, and a wide selection of options are hand-picked.

 

Di Giovanni says there’s a synergy at Briarwood Homes, with a finely-tuned team, including skilled trades associates, that is all about developing and building all-encompassing communities, such as Trilogy, with a full range of amenities and retail services.

Leaving nothing to chance, Briarwood Homes always has a top-notch designer available to assist new-home buyers with the selection of finishes and upgrades to best represent their personal style. The company values quality, whether it’s designing new homes, models or a new condo lobby.

 

“I am very proud of our new projects currently in production, such as Trilogy,” says Di Giovanni.

“As a working CEO, my command central can be from our head office in Richmond Hills or, more likely, in my car travelling to new-home sites or appraising new possibilities,” he says. “I am completely hands on, ensuring my personal involvement in all aspects of Briarwood Homes, delivering my total commitment to quality – it is in my DNA.”

 

Web / briarwoodhomes.ca

 

Briarwood Homes has established itself as one of the foremost names in the new home industry, leading the way in creating and building distinctive landmark residential properties. Residences offer certified architectural designs and open concept interiors with features that maximize innovative ideas and thinking. The company’s mandate is to inspire today’s sophisticated new homebuyer, fulfilling a desire for liveable and sustainable environments. Briarwood Homes will diligently search for superior locations with elements that embrace, articulate and preserve nature’s design.  An important focus is to creatively introduce attributes such as parks and public spaces that are all interwoven into thoughtfully planned beautiful streetscapes. Ease of access to everyday amenities and being well-connected is also an important ingredient. All this attention influences and culminates into extraordinary communities matched with perfect lifestyles.

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Strong promotional push provides Centreville Homes with enhanced visibility

They say timing is everything and Centreville Homes continues to adhere to that principle.

Established in 2006 by founder and president Cesare Bauco, Centreville Homes has been making its mark in the construction industry ever since and is now ramping things up with a more aggressive marketing push.

“We have been a company that liked to stay under the radar,” says Bauco, “but now, with our recent growth and our online presence, we are adjusting our approach.”

Centreville Homes is an experienced urban infill builder that incorporates a hands-on approach to every facet of construction of its new homes. Its knowledge and experience allows for design and project creation that will not only enhance and add value to existing communities but make them landmarks.

As a Tarion/HRCA (Home Construction Regulatory Authority) registered builder, Centreville Homes brings clients a happy living experience created by dedicated professionals with decades of expertise in building homes and land development.

“We have the knowledge and experienced team of consultants to undertake the development process from start to approval,” says Bauco. “In In the last few years, for example, we have acquired lands yielding approximately 908 residential units in various phases of development with an estimated acquisition value of just over $100 million dollars (CAD).”

The company’s success spreads right across the Greater Toronto area from the municipalities of North York, Mississauga, Scarborough, Pickering, Woodbridge, Maple, Barrie, Shelburne and to Blue Mountains near Thornbury, Ontario.

“We understand the details in homebuilding that make the difference between good and exceptional. And we insist that those details are celebrated in all our homes,” says Bauco.

Bauco has been in the residential development industry for over 20 years and oversees the day-to-day operations of the company along with review of new development opportunities and acquisitions.

Part of Centreville Homes’ plan involves looking to acquire development opportunities and expand building operations into the United States, which has involved discussions with property owners in Florida, California, Nashville and Texas.

Centreville Homes takes pride in building landmark homes across the GTA, helping to bring lasting value to communities – wherever they may be.

Look no further than the Essa Towns urban townhome development in Barrie, Ontario.

 

Essa Towns has everything clients want in a home. It’s a focal point of the neighbourhood, features Barrie’s only residential rooftop patio homes, with a multi-colour brick veneer exterior design, modern architecture, smart-home features and unique floor plans. Some call it the definition of urban living in modern luxury.

 

Essa Towns is literally located at the centre of everything in the area. Alongside everyday amenities, Barrie is rich with over 300 hectares of scenic parks, over 88 kilometres of public trails and a beautiful waterfront at the heart of the city.

Emulating European styles with attention to both design and function, Essa Towns offers the finest new living space in Barrie. Consideration was given to space for storage, cooking and entertainment.

 

“Essa Towns also demonstrates how we are working with pre-manufactured panels for construction that will reduce waste, which is better for the environment, and energy-efficient building,” says Bauco. “It also speeds up construction time and provides a better quality of construction.

“We believe that Essa Towns is an example of a stepping stone for the next projects to come our way. We are looking to grow and move our company to the pinnacle of the industry by our commitment to best-in-class home product innovation and service offerings.”

Web / centrevillehomes.ca

 

Centreville Homes is an experienced urban infill builder incorporating a hands-on approach to every facet of new-home construction. The company’s knowledge and experience allows it to design and create projects that will not only enhance and add value to existing communities but make them landmarks.

Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Huron Creek Developments tackling the need for affordable housing

 

Staying one step ahead of the competition is a business strategy that has served Huron Creek Developments well over the years.

Nearly a decade ago, that meant undergoing a major brand change that motivated a new look. Today, that means having a commitment to the critical need for affordable housing.

It’s about being cutting edge, in touch with what’s happening in the world around them … then responding.

“We are always looking for opportunities to build better and be better,” says Rick Martins, Vice-President at Huron Creek Developments.

“Our approach to affordable housing is an example. Our most recent project, La Loma, in Kitchener, Ontario, consists of 144 modern, stack townhouses that will be offered as affordable rentals towards the end of 2023.

“This is an important contribution to the community, as we were seeing a lack of affordable housing across the board.”

Taking their approach one step further, Huron Creek is making the affordable units ENERGY STAR® rated and net-zero ready, with dual fuel systems for added energy efficiency and savings.

“Searching for ways to increase the energy efficiency of a new home is imperative for us, and we can pass down the energy savings of an efficient home to our homeowners.,” Martins stressed. An Energy Star certified home is on average 20 per cent more energy-efficient than a typical new home.”

The industry has taken notice.

At the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Canada awards, Huron Creek was named Builder of the Year – Mid-size. The selection committee said that Huron Creek Developments is a leader in innovation of new home construction and community development. All of Huron Creek’s homes are Energy Star certified and they actively promote their Energy Star certified homes through a wide range of diversified marketing activities, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and other platforms. They take pride in communicating the benefits of an Energy Star certified home to current and future homeowners.”

The selection committee said key 2021 accomplishments by Huron Creek include:

• Attained ENERGY STAR® certification for all homes built;
• Recognized by Building Knowledge Canada for building practices and consistent airtightness levels;
• Created an interactive virtual self-guided tour of their Energy Star homes, highlighting the standard Energy Star features available.

“The 2022 ENERGY STAR® award is a significant accomplishment that we will continue to honour through our commitment to advocate affordability in all the homes we build.” says Martins.

Besides the ardent Energy Star application and support, Huron Creek has made a slew of advances towards more sustainable building practices, including:

• Improved waste and water management;
• Energy management technologies;
• AeroBarrier premium air tightness technology;
• Increased insulation: Below grade under slab insulation, two-inch foam board against concrete exterior walls, minimum R-60 Insulated exterior;
• Construction waste sorted onsite for appropriate recycling and disposal;
• Rigid foam insulation allows for less lumber to be used;
• Recycled building materials;
• Solar-ready roof requirements;
• High-efficiency appliances;
• Low flow toilets.

In 2021, Huron Creek completed its first net-zero ready model home for the Westwood Village Preserve community in Cambridge, Ontario, an option subsequently made available for other homeowners.

“Sustainability and affordability continue to be a priority for us,” says Martins. “There has been a big push from the government in recent years to provide net-zero certified homes and we are constantly evolving and assessing different ways to meet that goal at an affordable level for homeowners.

“None of this would be possible without our dedicated employees and trade partners who help us to grow and push the boundaries of what is possible. They are the driving force of Huron Creek Developments and the inspiration to do more and be better.”

Recently, the principals of Huron Creek expanded to the U.S., with Catana Construction actively building a presence in the new home building market of southwest Florida. The spectrum of these homes range from luxury custom-built homes, to short-term vacation rentals and affordable housing.

“We are committed to help to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings and infrastructure to build better and more with less,” says Martins. “It’s the only way we can build progress for people and the planet together.
“Huron Creek Developments is accelerating the transition to a net-zero future through net-zero construction. We are continually rethinking and improving the basic principles of design and construction and have adopted many environmentally-conscious practices as a standard process in all of the homes we build.”
Web / huroncreek.com

Huron Creek Developments has over 80 years of collective new home construction experience. The company strives to create a better building experience for all its new homeowners. The Huron Creek team has been consistently recognized for its ongoing commitment to innovation in both technology and building processes – making affordable home ownership a reality for everyone.

Architecture, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, LEED, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories

Hidden House in Lagos, Portugal

 

House on a cliff by Kerimov Architects in Portugal

The 800 sq. m house is located on a cliff, near the ocean, in a natural environment. The project had to take into account the main requirement of the local municipality: the house should be practically invisible, minimally change the local landscape and not stand out in the environment, since the cliff in which it is located is clearly visible from the downtown.

 

The house is perfectly integrated into the landscape: from the side of the road, the building seems to be one-story, but from the side of the ocean and the downtown it is almost invisible. Thanks to the smart arrangement of the volumes, following the topography of the site, we were able to achieve the effect of a natural elevation difference: the terraces become a continuation of the landscape. It’s worth noticing that each level (zero and -1) has a view of the natural surrounding and natural sunlight.

The atrium structure is at the heart of the design. Each functional volume of the house is an independent architectural unit. The laconic-formed volumes made it possible to optimize the building area and achieve an architectural appearance that does not argue with the natural context. The color scheme of the house, built of architectural concrete and metal, is inspired by the color of the area: the sandy shade of the facade correlates with the color of the rocks, so the house, like a chameleon, mimics the rocky landscape without standing out.

There are two pools in the project. One is a consoled swimming path with glass sides and a bottom; it is facing the ocean and is located at the level of the upper living room. The second is a large swimming pool at -1 level facing the cliff.

The staff building, which separates the entrance group from the living area, has an exploitable roof with a roof garden where one can relax in nature and enjoy the view.

A bridge leads to the entrance group of the house, on the ground floor. The inner courtyard, on the lower level, can be reached by going down the stairs along the wall with a waterfall.

Strictly following the requirements for insolation, we oriented the house to the cardinal points and maximized all the windows at the main viewpoints. It allows the inhabitants to feel comfortable at home even in the hottest time of the year.

The project uses the sun as an additional source of energy: solar panels are installed on the roofs, which collect both solar and thermal energy. Thermal energy is used to heat the pool and to heat the house on rare cool days. The insolation of the house is also regulated by swivel lamellas installed on the windows.

Since the rocky terrain is problematic for laying communications, we installed water collection tanks and funnels.

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Top Stories, Trends

Fusioncorp embraces innovation and new technologies in sustainable construction policies

Nick Ainis is a progressive thinker who leads by example when it comes to the construction industry.

 

As founder and CEO of Fusioncorp Developments Inc., Ainis spearheads one interesting project after another – all of which contribute to his vision of building a greener future.

 

“The industry has been volatile since the pandemic,” says Ainis. “We have been dealing with supply chain issues, record inflation, and lack of manpower and quality trades.

“On the economic side, this has resulted in a downturn and more uncertainty in the residential condo industry. Interest rates have risen, plus there is a war in the world with political change rampant.

 

“So, you name it, we have it. While all this is happening, there’s also a movement towards combating climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion.”

 

He says housing affordability is at the forefront of the situation, with a push to increase the number of units brought into the marketplace.

“But who is going to build it?” Ainis asks. “That is changing right now with the way the industry builds and constructs in the future.  As I see it, the biggest problem in our industry is that it’s slow to innovate.”

 

Fusioncorp is working to change that.

 

Ainis points to a number of projects his company has been involved with that encompass criteria he mentioned – climate, equity, diversity and inclusion.

 

“We have built a number of affordable housing projects for York Region housing (Lakeside Residences in Keswick and for New Frontiers Aboriginal Residential Corporation (Amik II  and Amik III),” he says. “In particular, Lakeside Residences achieved LEED silver certification (close to gold) and it was a brownfield site, constructed of insulated concrete forms, making the building extremely energy-efficient.  Along with Amik II and III, these projects were built for people with a low income and the aboriginal community, so we are quite proud that we contributed to helping those in need.“

On yet another level, Ainis started his own non-profit company to give back and support the housing issue that he believes is at the forefront in the market right now.

 

“Oikeo Non Profit Housing Inc. was established to tackle the affordability of housing,” Ainis explains, “… not only by providing homes for those in need but also through innovation in the housing industry.  I personally believe that we can solve our housing affordability issue through innovation – at least partially so.”

 

Even the most skeptical non-believer, Ainis says, can no longer ignore the inevitable consequences of climate change.

“We all know what we can do on a personal level to reduce our carbon footprint, but what about an industry that is responsible for the housing of our rapidly growing population?” asks Ainis. “How can developers and construction companies reduce their carbon footprint, as well as build more sustainable living environments that not only save new homebuyers money, but also our planet?”

 

To put those values into perspective, Fusioncorp has even compiled a list of seven steps to building a green future.

The variety and thoroughness of its approach speaks volumes about Fusioncorp’s attention to detail, with a full description available on the company website.

 

Basically, the seven steps are:

 

1) Use non-toxic building materials;

2) Refine demolition and repurpose reusable materials;

3) Use locally-sourced materials;

4) Water conservation and recycling;
5) Harness the power of sun and wind
6) Build green and multi-use spaces;
7) And empower homeowners to live green.

 

Ainis would be the first to admit that building iconic new developments is not easy. There is a high level of planning, preparation, analysis and management that goes into each project, no more so than when Fusioncorp tackles an adaptive re-use challenge.

 

“Converting and restoring historic properties is challenging but also very rewarding,” says Ainis, citing Garment Factory Lofts, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, King George School Lofts and The Harbour Club, as examples.

 

From century old schoolhouses converted into condos to abandoned factories resurrected into iconic lofts and residences, Fusioncorp’s experience with such projects is industry-renowned and second to none.

 

“Through the art of constructing conversions and historic preservation, we are inevitably protecting the environment though adaptive re-use,” he says. “We also preserving the story behind these older buildings filled with stories from the past.  I love history and learning about the past from these older buildings, which makes these projects even more rewarding to work on.”

 

Web / fusioncorp.ca