TRACESCAPE

TRACESCAPE is a collection of images and writing on contemporary architecture. [A design toolbox of a Philadelphia architect]

[wrists]

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Form is a mystery of which we cannot tell what it really is, but somehow it makes people feel good in a way that is completely different from what efforts at social salvation can do.

Alvar Aalto, 1955

[justthedesign]

Outside Design By Leslie and Julie Dowling architects Photography By Matthew Millman

[paris2london]

I’m packing as we speak. 

archdaily

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Connemara - Peter Legge Associates

[thehalftimecollective]

Archipelago House by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter

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Beautiful.

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Bohlin Cywinski Jackson's "parklet" is at Broad and Walnut Streets in Center City. Come out to join us!

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Sumiyoshi Row House

Tadao Ando

Sumiyoshi, Osaka, Japan, 1975-6

I am reading the Taschen book on Tadao Ando, where this is the first project described. It is also one of the most engaging. It is a narrow site in Osaka, and there is a very simple floor plan. The courtyard space, with its bridge connection, is striking.

Learn a little more here.

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Video Interview: Peter Zumthor on Serpentine Pavilion

2011, Kensington Gardens, London

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Hidden House

Standard Architects, Los Angeles

I love how the L-shaped floor plan allows the living/dining and kitchen spaces to embrace the outdoor patio. Perfect for living and entertaining.

via Dwell

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Carmel Residence

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Dirk Denison Architects

A winner of the 2012 AIA Housing Awards, this house has a beautiful palette of materials and unique, delightful spaces. Metal, wood, and glass exist together beautifully here. The circular skylight creates a soft light around the soft materials of the interior, and there is the anticipation of the view and air from the outdoor space beyond.

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Material of the Week - Ipe Siding

The project we are currently designing has Ipe wood siding on some exterior walls. I did not know much about Ipe, but after looking into it a bit, I'm digging it. It is a species of wood that can be air dryed to be durable enough for exterior use. It is quite beautiful and all natural. It can be used for decking, siding, rainscreen, and fencing, among other uses.

Below are a few images of installations from mataverdedecking.com and michellekaufmann.com.

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Hageveld Estate, urban square and landscape design by HOSPER

Heemstede, the Netherlands

HOSPER designed a nearly 8000 SF pond over subterranean parking on this historic site near Amsterdam. A rim of COR-TEN steel defines the clean geometry of the pond, and light shafts allow daylight into the parking garage below.

More details here.

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Traces of architecture for the design toolbox.