JULY 29TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
Whenever we travel we like to design up a TEXTURES series post – they’re just quick snapshots of the color, texture and grit that make places unique and special. They’ve been a ton of fun because it’s easy to grab a few photos with a smart phone and it makes us think a bit differently about our surroundings. We haven’t done one on Seattle yet and we’re opening up the ‘Urban TEXTURES Seattle’ to BUILDblog fans. So here’s the deal:
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JUNE 26TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
BUILD LLC just wrapped up a sharp, modern residence in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and it’s a perfect time to share some materials, methods and design ideas. We decided years ago that the BUILDblog would be dedicated to transparency and getting useful information out there in the world about design and architecture. This project, in particular, is an excellent means to do so as the owner, Mike Davidson, has kept the most thorough journal/blog we’ve ever seen on a residential project. A HOUSE BY THE PARK documents everything from talking to realtors about buying the land, through the design and construction process, all the way down to the punch list. It’s an objective, accurate look at home construction and you should check it out. Give the owner some kudos for the achievement and supporting architecture!
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JUNE 2ND, 2010
By BUILD LLC
It happens in all cities; bizarre little situations where the circumstances allow for something strangely beautiful to happen. Maybe it’s a blind spot in the control of our built-environment, maybe it’s someone applying their creative vision to an abandoned pocket of the urban realm, or maybe it’s the overlapping of disparate intentions. Whatever the case, we love the freak accidents that occur between the cracks of planning and design. Today’s post calls out a couple of our favorites in Seattle. Hit that comments button and share your favorites where you live.
The Wells Fargo Bank at the corner of NE 45th and University Way in Seattle’s U-District re-appropriates the previous grand entry with the modern day interface of banking; the cash machine. Flanked by corinthian columns and it’s own marble clock, this must be the most architecturally celebrated ATM machine in town.
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MAY 6TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
Recently, we got a hot tip about an art exhibit currently installed in an abandoned, and soon to be demolished, building in south Seattle. Having just watched Banksy’s new film Exit Through The Gift Shop we were as fascinated as ever to experience some midnight street art and The Strangers article on Tomb only wet our appetites. There are three known authors behind the show; Dan Hawkins, an artist who goes by the name NKO and another referred to as No Touching Ground. Apparently the artists worked late at night, moving materials down the street and up to the second floor of the building, a previous condiment factory.
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MARCH 18TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
When we opened up the morning paper and studied up on the plans to construct a new exhibit hall for Dale Chihuly in Seattle our hearts sank. The proposed site resides in the outdated and depressing 74-acre Seattle Center, and while this area of town certainly needs help, another Chihuly exhibit is the last thing Seattle needs.
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FEBRUARY 15TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
It’s a good time to update the blog with a few projects on the front burner here at the BUILD world headquarters. Also keep your eyes peeled for a few publications coming out soon.
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FEBRUARY 1ST, 2010
By BUILD LLC
It was a frequently used phrase by one of our professors back in school. What he meant by it was this; as architects and designers we’ll always be liable for everything except aesthetics. City planners will evaluate a project’s zoning and height restrictions. Building officials will scrutinize the structural and life-safety design. Inspectors will analyze the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Health inspectors will scour over the food service requirements. From the sidewalk curb down to the energy efficiency of each and every window, there are codes to meet and agencies to satisfy. As a professional, you can be held liable for a daunting number of issues. How the building looks, however, is not one of them.
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JANUARY 18TH, 2010
By BUILD LLC
We love it when design minded people choose to create community. So when we recently heard about several mid-century modern design communities around the country we were all over it. Today’s post highlights 5 neighborhoods in the United States that share a common aesthetic, create an intentional environment and establish a sense of place. These communities also serve as catalysts to evolve the way we think and behave. They are extraordinary situations – most of them have their own community websites and some even have their own books on the architecture. Being the design geeks that we are, we could hardly stay in our seats when we learned that a couple of these communities organize annual home tours – sign us up! These are communities where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and we’ve got a lot to learn from them.
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JULY 7TH, 2009
By BUILD LLC
[Photo by BUILD LLC]
A downtown Seattle condominium project of ours was recently completed and today’s post will cover the materials, methods and trades of the project. You’ve heard us say it before and you’ll hear it again: the primary ingredient of a successful project is extraordinary clients and this project has an extra dose of it. The owners brought a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic to the table in addition to dozens of creative design ideas. The completed space achieves that warm-modern quality that is sleek, spacious and unadorned, at the same time comfortable and livable. The owners understood the importance of discipline in design and it paid off with an effective use of space, rich materials and smart systems.
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JANUARY 16TH, 2009
By BUILD LLC
BUILD LLC recently completed the design and remodel of a mid-century modern home in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and has some valuable information to share. As with many of Seattle’s mid-century residences, this home was overdue for considerable updates. The “bones” of these structures are typically very solid; the concrete and framing can be surgically retained and, oftentimes, featured for their richness and texture. Efforts and funds can be directed toward reorganization of the space planning as well as the kitchen, bathrooms, cabinet package, surfaces and systems (heating, plumbing, electrical).
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