An Ugly Building ... Or Two!

Most Architects would give their fanciest filter pen to be nominated for "Architect of the Year" or "The designer and mastermind behind the most Beautiful Building in the world"... but what do you say or do when the nominate your design or building as The Ugliest Building in the World?

According to the Telegraph Newspaper there are a few building around the world that does not comply with the judge's aesthetic eye!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertypicturegalleries/9126031/Are-these-the-ugliest-buildings-in-the-world.html?frame=2159733

From a bubble diagram to a sketch and to the real deal. Describing every detail to the finest and making sure that what they are busy constructing reveals not only the master's idea, but the thought after every line that was drawn on a microfilm paper sheet with an ink filled filter pen that could last for an amount only the designer would know.

I have no idea how I would feel if I would be in the shoes of those designers. Maybe if the theme was the worst building or even the cheapest, then I could understand. See the buildings below and judge for yourself!

 The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture and observation tower at the London 2012 Olympic Park

Aldar headquarters building in Abu Dhabi. Designed by MZ Architects and opened in 2010. This coin-shaped building is the world's first circular skyscrape

Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. Designed by Lab Architecture Studio and Bates Smart. Opened in 2002

The Tours Aillaud (also known as Tours Nuages) in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, France. Designed by Emile Aillaud and built in 1977

The National Library in Pristina, Kosovo. Designed by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjakovic and opened in 1982

The 105-storey Ryugyong hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. Designed by Baikdoosan Architects & Engineers. Construction began in 1987 and stopped between 1992 and 2008. Exterior work is now complete, but it is not known if it will ever open.

So all these building above was rated as ugly. It what sense do you rate a building as ugly. Is it the wrong angle, the external material and finishes or is it simply just the design. 

Each and everyone to me is unique with a sense of style and personality. If I should describe the Ryugong Hotel above I would simply give it the characterization of:

• strength
• rigidness
• diagonal lines
• stability
• movement in a sense that it leads the eye to an upward angle
• smooth - finishes of metal and smooth surface
• color is conservative and cold
• a sense of uniqueness and standing on its own above the rest

All these points adds to the buildings character and to me they are everything but ugly. More like standing on their own, with their own personality and look. a Reason for living - a statement that should be made by their existence.

Simply Amazing...!

What makes your building unique?...

Ultimate Tree House

The first time I was aware of people living in the trees other than monkeys it was way too early for me to live in the trees. Living in a tree house has neither been a dream nor a reality but if I look at the top 10 tree houses in the world or even the ultimate adult tree house I will discussing I seem to miss the joy and adventure everyone experiences among the wind and our tall friends… the trees.

Since I’ve seen the twilight movie and those vampires swinging from the trees and jumping from branch to branch I wondered more than once how it would be to live in a forest. To be surrounded by the whisper of the wind, be blinded by the early morning fog among the mountain tops or simply to just experience living in a home, built among the trees. Am I just dreaming or is there a person out there really doing this…

Then I found these articles. They seem so free, that is the people among the trees! 

This was a touching story as I read through the article. The fact that the tree meant so much to this couple that they actually designed a loving home around and through it.

The interior was inspired by friends and the DIY shops. They made up interior parts out of flour bags. Everyday things we discard they used to make up a home with character and personality.

 For a dad to hang a rope swing on a tree that he thought best would be the strength of a family became the strength of a loving home and a tree house of dreams. a Really amazing home indeed! http://twistedsifter.com/2013/05/adult-tree-house-camp-wandawega-lake-resort-wisconsin/                         

An evening view of this amazing family home that came true not only for a media magazine but for a family that could treasure the dream of a father that is looking down on them. 

The Walkie Talkie Building

From the start a real amazing looking building but what no one knew is when the sun would rise on the day of completion, what would really be the biggest challenge of all?

If I look at a building like this I would think wind loads might be a challenge, even glazing as a whole! Now we come across a building acting as a sundial. So when does too much sun become a problem..?

“The developers of the “Walkie Talkie” tower in the City today said had been aware of the risk of the curved glass building acting as “a giant magnifying glass” - but had concluded there would not be a problem.”

Now it is completed and 2 hours during the day acts as a danger not just to human but to cars and all other surrounding elements.

When analyzing such an amazing looking structure there are so many components to take in consideration that it is almost unnatural to say that something so small could have such a huge effect. 

During Summer we are all aware of the sun, its UV rays and that we should wear SPF + sunscreens but what happens when the sunlight that gives us vitamin D3 gets reflected onto a mirror glazed area and creates a magnifying area that cannot be used.

Read more about The Walkie Scorchie Building or Fryscraper as it is called now by the public and media.

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2410972/Walkie-Talkie-building-Walkie-Scorchie-skyscraper-firm-scaffolding-protect-nearby-shops.html

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-09-05/london-s-walkie-talkie-fryscraper-draws-crowds-on-hottest-day

Want to know what the outcome was and what the developers came up with to fix a problem no one expected... "Walkie Talkie developers build screen to stop 'death ray" - http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/sep/04/walkie-talkie-screen-death-ray

a gallery of pictures are also available at: 
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2013/sep/04/london-walkie-talkie-building-pictures#/?picture=416525494&index=0

New Building Product - Kwiklin Longspan beams

Kwiklin - Similar product to Slimlin but this is another addition to the 'Algoa Concrete' family...

Installation & construction Notes

1. Longspan Lintels supply Kwiklin beams in matched pairs in standard lengths of 5,4m, 6,45m, 7,5m or 8,55m cut into lengths as required.

2. The supporting columns must be constructed (Use min quality 7 MPa bricks and blocks) as directed by engineer. Structure must be well cured, sound and level before placing beams. (Non shrink grout can be used to level up and bond top brickwork if necessary).

3. Set up secure scaffold and heavy duty boards to accommodate required lifting crew for placing manually. Longer beams may require a crane or lifting tackle which can be provided.

4. Beams must be lifted with two slings on a spreader bar when using a crane or tackle.

5. Set up and line up the two Kwiklin beams
Tap the required number of laminating galvanised steel bushes.
Using locating saddles clipped onto the bushes, set reinforcing in place as required by engineer.
Caulk the gap between the beams or tie up a shutter board when creating a wider beam (260/280mm wall applications)
Set-up single prop in centre of beam assembly.
Cast 40 MPa concrete into beam (16 litres required per running meter)

6. Steel imbedded in supporting column brickwork should be secured through the joint in the Kwiklins and tied in by the concrete infill in the bearer beam to create a connected structure.

7. Where practical, it is advisable to place the first course of brickwork immediately above the Kwiklin assembly as a header course.

8. Subsequent course to be laid with galvanised brickforce in the mortar joints.

9. Alternatively, the strength of the beam can be further increased by integrating reinforcing up through the upper brickwork constructed as a cavity wall so as to admit further reinforced concrete infill between the leaves.

10. Hoop iron can also be wrapped around reinforcing bar and passed up through the brickwork to secure the roof rafters, before casting concrete beam infill.

Laminated Bearer Beam - Engineering Data

Notes

1. The tables satisfy SABS 0100 - Latest revision

2. Calculations for table prepared by MR. Colin Dunn - Endecon PE Trust (Eng. Reg.)

3. Kwiklins can be further reinforced by intergrating reinforcing to the upper brickwork constructed so as to admit concrete infill between leaves.

4. Kwiklins spanning 6m clear with concrete infill and steel reinforcing, will carry 10 courses of brickwork without sagging. It is advisable to fit a temporary prop under the centre of the Kwiklin assemble during construction when time does not permit for infill concrete or brickwork to set.

5. Kwiklins must be applied under supervision and specifications of a professional engineer.

6. Kwiklins sets are produced in standard lengths of 5.4m, 6.45m, 7.5m and 8.55m and can be cut to special order lengths.

7. Mass 51kg per meter per single beam.

Other Lintels in the Longspan Range

• Slimlin for double garage door openings of 4.8m
• Winlin 250 for 6m openings
• Winlin 200 for up to 5m openings (aligns with 200mm block courses)
• Winlin 170 for applications up to 4m openings

http://www.algoacement.co.za/

All notes and pictures provided by Algoa Cement Industries PE

New Building Product - Slimlin beam

Slimlins - What are they and what do they do?

Since I've been out to site I've seen a couple of building problems when it comes to lintel spans over openings. Like this example above: The lintel used to span the opening of the garage door. It seems that the lintel is bending under the pressure and now a prop is needed to keep it in place...

Ideal = I don't think so but what is the alternative?

We have been approach by a well known company in town namely 'Algoa Cement' http://www.algoacement.co.za/  

This company has come to the conclusion that 'normal lintels' do not make the additional span to overlap and carry the weight of brickwork. In the following example they are making use of 'concrete beams'...

1. Longspan lintels supply Slimlins in sets of 3 bems (2 x A and 1 x B) in standard lengths of 5400mm to suit door apertures of 4800mm. (Beams can be supplied cut to shorter lengths)
2. The supporting columns or wing walls must be constructed  with minimum 7 MPA bricks and blocks and must be well cured (3 – 5 days) (start construction of this side of garage first so you won’t be held up)
3. Set up secure scaffold and heavy duty boards to accommodate required lifting crew for placing manually .Longer beams may require a crane or lifting tackle which can be provided.
4. Beams must be lifted with two slings on a spreader bar when using a crane or tackle.
5. Set up and line up two SLIMLIN (A) Beams taper up to the outside and one (B) Beam taper down in centre, as per cross section.

• Tie together with binding wire either and secure on wing walls.
• Tap in three laminating galvanised steel bushes to three centre holes.

1. Place first course of brickwork over SLIMLINS as a header course.
2. Place brickforce in mortar joint above and in every 4^th mortar joint thereafter. 

This is a new product I look forward to see out on site. Definitely more affordable than the normal 'Engineered beam' and also more user friendly.

Feel free to contact 'Algoa Cement' on this latest product...

Slog blog 2

Okay here I am... I know it's slow but this last few months was a great challenge!

I managed to learn more about energy efficiency in it's greatest form.

Maybe I should share and you all will understand where I disappeared to... ;)

As the year goes on and moving towards the end we have the usual amount of plans as they pass through the system. Slowly everybody is adapting to the new rules and regulations and I'm happy to say:

"WELCOME TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY everyone!"

Hope from now on it can only go better...

So exciting to see the next chapter on "Water"... SANS XB!

Cant wait to share it all...

Hold onto your chairs cause lots more is on its way!

Today I was blessed to see how they make solar power frames with the panels.

Mass production and it looks awesome...

Maybe this is the way to go.

The Lord gave us a daily source of energy even on it's cloudiest day it's still there so ... LETS USE IT PEOPLE!

Will update blog soon...!

New Building - Seacliff House

Seacliff House by Chris Elliott Architects

What makes this such a particularly AWESOME house, the fact that they created this beautiful structure with such passion! The house itself situated in Sydney, Australia has been created with curved openings in the walls that looks like gills.

These openings, previously called gills makes out the windows to bathrooms as well as bedrooms allocated in that specific area of the three-level house.

The Seacliff House is situated in the seaside suburb of Bronte overlooking the most amazing views of the ocean. The house also have a swimming pool on 2 of the floors.

The house has been dug into the site material namely limestone which makes out the exposed cave-like basement walls.

They have created a study on the roof and opens out onto a terrace, while the remaining rooftops are covered with plants and photovoltaic panels. 

Yet again an amazing thought becoming reality... something so simple can make a difference.

Love the idea and can do with some in my own home.

http://www.dezeen.com/2012/06/26/seacliff-house-by-chris-elliott-architects/

http://www.homedsgn.com/2012/07/25/seacliff-house-by-chris-elliott-architects/