How good would it be to have our buildings clean the environment rather than destroy it? | michael banak architect
The ideas generated from this Student Design competition run by CTBUH are highly commendable. In Particular I liked the “Clean Air Tower” by Alec Balchin which responds to issues of air quality. His design for Tianjin uses industrial air-cleaning technology together with a stack effect air circulation system to clean 8.5 million cubic meters of air per year. How good would it be to have our buildings clean the environment rather than destroy it?
Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label architecture. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Monday, 2 March 2015
what’s so special about the 20 martin place facade? | michael banak architect
what’s so special about the 20 martin place facade? | michael banak architect
Well for starters, its a shingle roof style curtain wall system. A dichroic glass sill is used at the base of the “shingle” allowing the facade to change colour as the outside light conditions are altered. A dynamic facade that constantly changes throughout the course of the day. Crone worked closely with AECOM facade engineers, GJames facade manufacturers and BUILT to transform the Concept into reality.
Well for starters, its a shingle roof style curtain wall system. A dichroic glass sill is used at the base of the “shingle” allowing the facade to change colour as the outside light conditions are altered. A dynamic facade that constantly changes throughout the course of the day. Crone worked closely with AECOM facade engineers, GJames facade manufacturers and BUILT to transform the Concept into reality.
Monday, 12 January 2015
how do you put a super-graphic on the facade of a 34 level tower? | michael banak architect
how do you put a super-graphic on the facade of a 34 level tower? | michael banak architect
So you've come up with this great idea to superimpose an image of the Brisbane River on the facade of a 34 level tower. Now.....how the hell do you do it?
Not that easily actually. During Design Development, we decided we would use a ceramic frit pattern on the glass to create the image. The frit pattern would give a solid appearance to the glass panels, these combined over the face of the building to form a large pixelated image of the river. To further emphasize the image we changed the colour of the glass to be clear, contrasting with the green DGU (Double Glazed Unit) panels adjacent to it. The final touch was to remove our horizontal sunshading devices where the graphic was to appear, to let the river pattern flow across the facade.
Now the tricky bit. A Double Glazed Facade Unit is made up of 2 sheets of glass with an air gap. The numbering of surfaces goes from 1 to 4. 1 being the outside surface (exterior of the building) and 4 the inside surface (Interior of the building) . Typically the Ceramic Frit pattern is applied to surface 2 or 3. The problem with this, is the pattern gets lost behind the glass, it becomes green in appearance due to the natural colour of glass. What we ended up doing is something a lot more sophisticated and expensive. It's called a Triple Glazed Unit. Two sheets of glass make up a laminated panel using low iron glass, there is an air gap and then a 4th sheet of glass. Confused yet? I would be too if I was reading this. I'm hoping my crude little sketch will explain things better. Low iron glass is an ultra clear glass and because of this the pattern appears clear on the facade. We will see over the next few months if our assumptions are correct, but what we have reviewed of mock-up panels and the panels on site, everything is looking good!
So you've come up with this great idea to superimpose an image of the Brisbane River on the facade of a 34 level tower. Now.....how the hell do you do it?
Not that easily actually. During Design Development, we decided we would use a ceramic frit pattern on the glass to create the image. The frit pattern would give a solid appearance to the glass panels, these combined over the face of the building to form a large pixelated image of the river. To further emphasize the image we changed the colour of the glass to be clear, contrasting with the green DGU (Double Glazed Unit) panels adjacent to it. The final touch was to remove our horizontal sunshading devices where the graphic was to appear, to let the river pattern flow across the facade.
Now the tricky bit. A Double Glazed Facade Unit is made up of 2 sheets of glass with an air gap. The numbering of surfaces goes from 1 to 4. 1 being the outside surface (exterior of the building) and 4 the inside surface (Interior of the building) . Typically the Ceramic Frit pattern is applied to surface 2 or 3. The problem with this, is the pattern gets lost behind the glass, it becomes green in appearance due to the natural colour of glass. What we ended up doing is something a lot more sophisticated and expensive. It's called a Triple Glazed Unit. Two sheets of glass make up a laminated panel using low iron glass, there is an air gap and then a 4th sheet of glass. Confused yet? I would be too if I was reading this. I'm hoping my crude little sketch will explain things better. Low iron glass is an ultra clear glass and because of this the pattern appears clear on the facade. We will see over the next few months if our assumptions are correct, but what we have reviewed of mock-up panels and the panels on site, everything is looking good!
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
128 nivel hills to launch soon | michael banak architect
128 nivel hills to launch soon | michael banak architect
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to visit our very lovely clients, from Diamond Hiland Inc. and had a look at our site for 128 Nivel Hills in Cebu, Philippines. 128 Nivel Hills is a high end, Premier Grade Residential Project introducing a new “Cebu Modern” architecture to the region. We are very excited the marketing campaign is due to launch in December this year.
You can visit 128 Nivel Hills website below, to get an idea of the grandeur of the spaces;
One of the unique attributes of the design, is the expansive and opulent amenity spaces. The luxurious landscaped areas and quality amenities creates a tranquil, “sense of place” offering, unique to residents of Cebu. 128 Nivel Hills is a quiet respite from the busy and congested Central Business District located only 15 minutes away by car.
The Site photos below give you an idea of the size and scale of this amazing project.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Monday, 1 September 2014
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Living High | michael banak architect
Living High | michael banak architect
Living High
August 11, 2014 | 0 comment
AT least three things will tell you that 128 Nivel Hills is unlike anything that Cebu has ever seen in the history of its real estate industry.
AT least three things will tell you that 128 Nivel Hills is unlike anything that Cebu has ever seen in the history of its real estate industry.
First, its unmatched design and form. It’s the type of structure that strikes awe and admiration at first look. Deriving inspiration from the natural landscape of Cebu’s sweeping coastlines, the shape of its towers – seemingly displacing strata of oval floor plates – has both aesthetic and practical functions. This design promotes 360-degree breathtaking views of Mactan Channel and the surrounding cityscape that its residents can enjoy on a daily basis. Soaring 150 meters above sea level, the buildings will be unmistakable even from a great distance as they stand clear-cut from a backdrop of sky and rolling terrain. Structure-wise, the pure, continuous spherical form of the towers gives good natural rigidity to their makeup. Together with additional shear walls, the resulting frameworks are stronger and able to withstand more wear and tear.
In the afternoon when the sun is at its peak, passive solar control design will take center stage. Extended balconies that project at the surrounding edges of the towers “will act as an important environmental sunshade that reduces heat loads in each building,” says Design Consultant Michael Banak.
128 Nivel Hills is designed to strategically channel high-altitude breezes to allow for natural ventilation throughout every building. This further permits the maximum use of natural lighting, in effect helping to minimize consumption of electricity and reduce carbon footprint. The rounded shape of the towers, along with their general orientation, further protects the buildings from harsh monsoonal winds and rains.
The exclusive development is designed by Crone Partners, an Australia-based architectural firm known the world over for their cutting-edge projects including the “Good House” in Melbourne, Australia; the Jumeirah Beach Residences in Dubai; and the upcoming Dubai Festival City, to name a few. With a celebrated architect at the helm of the project, 128 Nivel Hills is poised to become a sterling addition to some of the world’s notable modern architecture.
“The density of high-rise structures in Cebu is seen to dramatically increase in 10 to 15 years, but we see no other structure that will have the same form and siting as 128 Nivel Hills,” says Crone Partners’ Michael Banak, the project’s principal architect.
Second, its location. The address speaks for itself. 128 Nivel Hills is set to rise on the former site of Casino Filipino on Veterans Drive in Lahug. Tucked away in a quiet and well-elevated corner of the city, it remains within just the right distance from the buzz of the city. It is the flagship project of Diamond Hiland, Inc., a joint-venture firm by Cebu-based conglomerates owned by the Lhuilliers and the Yeungs. By way of its homegrown developers and location, it refuses to be just another addition to the growing list of high-end residential condominiums in Cebu.
Third but not the last, its features and amenities. In partnership with renowned architect-interior designer Manny Samson whose portfolio includes the St. Regis Bali Resort, the upcoming Shangri-La Resort Hotel at The Fort, and several of the Four Seasons Hotel, 128 Nivel Hills will deliver a carefully curated lifestyle to its residents.
In every sense of the word, 128 Nivel Hills is a tour de force teeming with countless reasons that make it the ultimate private paradise. Envisioned to become a true architectural masterpiece, it exemplifies an innovation that its creators believe Cebu is ready for. Beyond doubt, to be part of this 128 Nivel Hills is to see the world in a new perspective and to truly live large and live high.
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Modern Living TV: Episode 4 (Segment 4)
Innovative design by Crone Partners Architects, Sydney in collaboration with the very talented AYALA Land team. Great interview Manny!
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
the butterfly scheme won in the end | michael banak architect
During our Concept Master Plan Design Phase, we presented a multitude of Design Options to our friends at Filinvest Land Inc. including; Central Park, The Cross, The Spine, Pinwheel, Blades, Fingers, Butterfly, Wiggles, Cut Sandwich, The Great Wall and Rotunda. Though everyone was amused by the name "Cut Sandwich", down deep, we new this wouldn't fly. My favourite schemes were Fingers and Butterfly. In the end there was unanimous support for the "Butterfly" scheme.
Megablock is a commercial office development located in the Northgate precinct of Filinvest City, Alabang, Philippines. It targets a LEED Silver environmental rating, illustrating the collaborative Design Team's commitment to Sustainable Design. The “Butterfly” arrangement of buildings, consists of 4 commercial office towers, 25 levels in height, with a total GFA of over 180,000m2. It was designed for our client Filinvest Land Inc., to cater for the BPO market which works both day and night/ "graveyard" shifts.
In-between the butterfly wings is a luscious green landscaped park and retail centre. These spaces can be used for seasonal events or simply to relax in the pleasant garden surrounds.The public Park is an amenity to be shared by the Northgate Community and gently ramps up above the retail spaces creating a natural amphitheater. Bridge links connecting the towers at high level act as break-out spaces and informal meeting rooms promoting interaction.
the butterfly scheme won in the end | michael banak architect
Megablock is a commercial office development located in the Northgate precinct of Filinvest City, Alabang, Philippines. It targets a LEED Silver environmental rating, illustrating the collaborative Design Team's commitment to Sustainable Design. The “Butterfly” arrangement of buildings, consists of 4 commercial office towers, 25 levels in height, with a total GFA of over 180,000m2. It was designed for our client Filinvest Land Inc., to cater for the BPO market which works both day and night/ "graveyard" shifts.
In-between the butterfly wings is a luscious green landscaped park and retail centre. These spaces can be used for seasonal events or simply to relax in the pleasant garden surrounds.The public Park is an amenity to be shared by the Northgate Community and gently ramps up above the retail spaces creating a natural amphitheater. Bridge links connecting the towers at high level act as break-out spaces and informal meeting rooms promoting interaction.
the butterfly scheme won in the end | michael banak architect
Monday, 4 August 2014
elm apartments cebu | michael banak architect
"Elm apartments" isn't the real name of this
project, but I call it this because of 2 beautiful old elm trees, located at
the main entry to the development. These giant trees we looked to retain,
shaping the building and drop-off areas around them, using them as a key
feature of the development, symbolizing the "green" building we
collaboratively designed with our Philippine clients.
elm apartments cebu | michael banak architect
Monday, 28 July 2014
manila bay hotel | michael banak architect
The Manila Bay development includes 2 Hotel types in the Carlson portfolio of hotels. The 5 star Radisson Blu and 3.5 star Park Inn brands. A unique feature of the design is the Radisson Blu façade overlooking Manila Bay. The sites orientation towards Manila Bay created great opportunities for hotel guests to view “post card” sunsets over the water. The design looked at maximizing the views to Manila Bay, whilst minimizing westerly sun impact on hotel rooms. A pixelated façade screen was developed, mimicking the colours of Manila Bay and acting as a sun screen to reduce the heat loads on the building. The buildings long wavy facade, optimized the number of hotel keys with direct views of the harbour, reflecting the nautical theme of the development.
Client – SM Properties
Location – Manila Bay, The Philippines
Status – Schematic Design 2011
Site Area – 21,228m2
GFA – 40,000m2 (Radisson Blue)
GFA – 14,500m2 (Park Inn)
Keys – 276 (Radisson Blue)
Keys – 344 (Park Inn)
Heights – 9 to 12 levels
Location – Manila Bay, The Philippines
Status – Schematic Design 2011
Site Area – 21,228m2
GFA – 40,000m2 (Radisson Blue)
GFA – 14,500m2 (Park Inn)
Keys – 276 (Radisson Blue)
Keys – 344 (Park Inn)
Heights – 9 to 12 levels
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
London Design Museum’s Design of the Year: Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects | ArchDaily
Beautiful design by Zaha Hadid. Curvy fluid architecture for the Heydar Aliyev Centre. One very talented female designer!
London Design Museum’s Design of the Year: Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects | ArchDaily
London Design Museum’s Design of the Year: Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects | ArchDaily
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Thursday, 19 June 2014
the gherkin facade | michaelbanak
Norman Foster's Gherkin tower in London, is an iconic form on the city skyline. The first of a number of "named" buildings in London such as the Cheese Grater, Shard and Walkie Talkie buildings it has a visually striking facade pattern that curves around the elevations of the building. The dark band of glass on the facade highlights atrium spaces that rotate around the building every 3 floors.
the gherkin facade | michaelbanak
the gherkin facade | michaelbanak
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
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