We’ve been cranking away on some cool projects lately at the BUILD World Headquarters and it’s a good time to get it out to the blogosphere. It’s also time to light a fire on the beach and get the attention of any yachts that might be passing by the economic desert island of architecture and construction.
The Innis Arden remodel, just north of Seattle, is coming down the backstretch. It’s been a text-book example for updating a classic mid-century modern home. The bones of the 1950’s house were in good shape and the remodel focuses on improved energy efficiency, interior/ exterior surfaces, a new kitchen and bathrooms, as well as getting more daylight and view into the home. And as long as we’re there, the clients wanted to add a sauna as well as fully update the exterior hardscapes- beautiful additions indeed.
A second project we’d like to show off a bit is the media lab + internet TV studio currently in construction -although the work is hush-hush we can show you a few process images. The space will allow for filming, broadcasting and a wide range of creative production. Design-wise, the space gets people’s imagination rolling and we’re looking at street-smart (read, budget conscious) methods of bringing grit and flavor to the space. The interiors include large rolling doors clad in a variety of recycled materials like wood pallets, plywood, sheet steel and fruit shipping crates. This is going to be an important cultural space in Seattle and we’ll keep you posted when things go public.
We’ve taken on the pro-bono design of a learning center in Guinea, West Africa. You heard that correctly -BUILD is reaching across the Atlantic and going international. When Seattle based One World Dance & Drum approached us about designing a multi-cultural learning center in Guinea, we were immediately inspired and totally engaged. Housing 40 guests and 20 staff, the learning center outside of Conakry is a small village within the gorgeous Guinean wilderness. We’ll have a full post on this project when it’s more fully developed, but here’s a teaser.
We’re also honored to have been featured on Mike Welton’s excellent blog, Architects + Artisans. Mike’s a passionate voice for architecture and craft, and an all-around great guy. We had a chance to visit with Mike, along with a fun group of designer/ blog folks recently in NYC courtesy of our friends at Brizo (more to follow on this in a future post). Check out Mike’s blog and our write-up here.
Most of our current projects are nearly complete and the pipeline of work in the future is, how shall we say… scarce. The architecture and construction industries here in the Pacific Northwest have been left out at sea in the new economy, and we’re excellent swimmers and all but, you know, is anyone out there… anyone… hello!?. We’ve been doing a good job of keeping our heads above water so far but now we need your help. Team BUILD is looking for new (or repeat) clients at which to point our industrious spirits. Consider this our official S.O.S. If there are projects out there that team BUILD would be a good fit for, please float us a note in a bottle, or simply pick-up the phone and call.
Cheers and thanks from team BUILD