* Architecture: Walden Studios by Jensen Architects / Jensen & Macy Architects

Architecture: Walden Studios by Jensen Architects / Jensen & Macy Architects: “..This concrete barn in scenic Sonoma County is completely transformed by inserting a new building inside its heavy walls. The new structure uses frameless glass walls to create light-filled interior spaces, while large cuts in the existing walls frame views of the surrounding vineyards..The mixed-use building accommodates work/live units, arts-related offices and other leased spaces. A new plinth, raised above the floodplain of the Russian River, grounds the building and provides panoramic views over the landscape. Outdoor gardens on the arms of this plinth extend like piers into a sea of vineyards..”  Truly extensive glazing, natural light, views; interesting juxtaposition of styles and materiality, interesting interior volumes..

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image: © Richard Barnes; article: “Walden Studios / Jensen Architects/Jensen & Macy Architects” 13 Apr 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/121320&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Cais da Fontinha Residence by Alexandre Burmester Arquitectos Associados

Residential Architecture: Cais da Fontinha Residence by Alexandre Burmester Arquitectos Associados: “..the buildings were highly dilapidated and only the walls and structures have been renovated. The renovation project for the buildings entailed their reconstruction and maintenance as a way of preserving the quality of the construction and merging them into their surroundings. The main goal of the plan was to take advantage of the buildings, by reinventing their forms and making the most of their location..the buildings were highly dilapidated and only the walls and structures have been renovated. The renovation project for the buildings entailed their reconstruction and maintenance as a way of preserving the quality of the construction and merging them into their surroundings. The main goal of the plan was to take advantage of the buildings, by reinventing their forms and making the most of their location..”  Very interesting renovation, refurbishment, repurposing,  and elaboration for this mixed-use residential project; respect for traditional materials, form and fenestration, with the integration, and addition,  of contemporary purpose, practicality, aesthetics and sensibility; extensive glazing, natural light and views, marked materials sensibility..

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image: Courtesy of Alexandre Burmester Arquitectos Associados; article: King , Victoria . “Cais da Fontinha / Alexandre Burmester Arquitectos Associados” 13 Jun 2012. ArchDaily.<http://www.archdaily.com/243197&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Kurt Brunner House by Bergmeister Wolf Architekten

Residential Architecture: Kurt Brunner House by Bergmeister Wolf Architekten: “..Out of a farmhouse with an old oven (made of stone) which were both fit for demolition a new holiday residence ..We worked with the found, the discovered – the landscape as well as the remains of the old farmhouse like the stone wall and the traditional materials as for example the shingles from the chapel. The starting point was the old stone wall of the farmhouse for us. After a long search we finally found workers (stone artists) who were able to rebuild it according to old architecture without mortar..We worked with the found, the discovered – the landscape as well as the remains of the old farmhouse like the stone wall and the traditional materials as for example the shingles from the chapel. The starting point was the old stone wall of the farmhouse for us. After a long search we finally found workers (stone artists) who were able to rebuild it according to old architecture without mortar..”  Extensive glazing, natural  light and views, interesting repurposing, materiality and volumes, contextual and indoor/outdoor sensibility..

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image: © Günter Richard Wett; article: King , Victoria . “Kurt Brunner / Bergmeister Wolf Architekten” 03 Jun 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/237165&gt;

* Residential Architecture: The Mill by Rural Design

Residential Architecture: The Mill by Rural Design: “..Incorporating the few remaining freestanding walls of a former mill building, the project engages with the buildings past, without replication of its traditional forms..The starting point for the Mill project was the few freestanding walls that remained on the site. The existing walls created a series of courtyards, some of which has begun to be re-inhabited by nature..Some elements are clearly defined as freestanding objects, the Garden Room, Gym and Garage building slide alongside the existing walls, the new raised upper story is overlaid, with a folded larch roof and wall floating over the castle-like structure of the existing walls..”  Inspired, creative reworking and additions to the remains of an old structure, engaging materiality and forms, warm, contemporary interior, natural light..

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image: © Andrew Lee; article: Ross , Kritiana . “The Mill / Rural Design” 10 May 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/233338&gt;