SUB ZERO - Henning Stummel

''The focus of Henning Stummel Architects is a contemplated method of combining new structures within historically sensitive sites as well as assuring that new-build construction is ecologically considerate and a positive contribution to its locality.'' http://www.henningstummelarchitects.co.uk/

This particular project appeared on Grand Designs and won the 'Grand Designs Best Conversion 2009' Award.  The brief was to convert an old Georgian warehouse into a three-bedroom apartment with separate office.  The strategy was to restore the historic fabric and to retain period features, whilst upgrading the envelope to meet today’s regulations. 

I personally love the way this space has been put together; the natural pallet of materials such as timber against the crisp, white render in combination with the exposed beams and brickwork is a winning combination in my book.  The exposed beams and brickwork demonstrates that there is a history of the building and its original use, the fact that they have not been concealed during this renovations says to me that this history is not being denied and that they developers are helping tell a story.  This is what I like to think of as 'Honest Architecture'.

SUB ZERO - Underground Skyscraper

Underground Skyscraper

Big idea, can they pull it off?  Not sure, maybe sustainable in the long run, but seems like it would take a lot of resources to get there.  Is this the future?

SUB ZERO - Tel Aviv Gallery Renovation

Tel Aviv Gallery Renovation

"Set in a former print factory this intervention within existing industrial building explores the boundaries of use and re-use as a design brief. Originally built as a single story structure in the 40's, the building went through an aggressive intervention 15 years later as a second floor added to it. As a result of the addition the building was completely altered as a new staircase was added, the space was divided by new walls and un-regulated openings were torn in the main façade as ad-hoc solutions to particular lighting and ventilation issues. 

The chosen design tactics is aimed directly to re-emphasize the uniqueness of this over-looked and seemingly 'banal' building, while refusing the romantics of 'renovation' as well as the violence of 'erasure."http://www.a-lerman.co.il/?lang=en

Old meets new , great mix of materials. The concept of keep everything (even graffiti) to show the history is awesome, as it not only serves as a functional building, but it tells a story of its past too. Even the old material have been used, but just polished up, look at the shiny concrete floor. This is my bag baby!