by graux & baeyens architects

french studio bang architectes has converted a former peanut factory in calais into a skateboarding park with a bright orange mesh facade. in order to increase natural light inside the warehouse the architects removed concrete walls from the east and west elevations and replaced them with glazing, screened behind the layer of steel mesh. two new volumes project from the facade to reveal the locations of a youth centre positioned along one edge of the building and a raised platform opposite accommodating more skating tracks. an enclosed passageway with entrances at both ends crosses the width of the building to provide a safe place for spectators to stand.

by bang architectes // via dezeen

mapledene road is situated in a conservation area in hackney. the property had been stripped of virtually all its period features and had become run down and used as a “crack den” leaving it ripe for modernisation. the cellular ground floor was opened up and extended to the rear to allow the spaces to flow into each other and to the garden. the kitchen and patio areas are unified by a concrete floor and London stock brick garden wall. the expansive glass roof opens up the view to the sky giving the space an external character.

by platform 5 architectss

mlrp has transformed an existing graffiti-plagued playground structure to an inviting and reflective building as part of the new interactive playground project in copenhagen. it is a play with perspective, reflection and tranformation. instead of a typical closed gable facade the mirrored gables creates a sympathetic transition between built and landscape and reflects the surrounding park, playground and activity. windows and doors are integrated in the wood-clad facade behind facade shutters with varied bent mirror panel effects. at night the shutters are closed making the building anonymous. during the day the building opens up, attracting the children who enjoy seeing themselves transformed in all directions. with simple means it has succeeded to transform an existing, sad and anonymous building to a unique and respectful installation in the newly renovated park. the roof and facade is clad with heat-modified wood and the gables and shutters are clad with mirror polished stain- less steel.

by mlrp/architecture, research & development // via dezeen

by messerschmidt oligmüller architekten // via plastolux

the client needed an art studio close to her house (which was renovated in 2008). her requirements were for a space of about 700 sf and a stringent budget of $60,000; and for a simple structure that would be both inviting and reflective. the solution was to use two 9’-6” x 40’ x 8’ shipping containers (cost: $2,500 each, delivered) perched over a 9’ foundation wall/cellar. by cutting 75% of the floor of the containers, it was possible to move the painting studio to a lower level via a wide staircase and take advantage of a high ceiling. the staircase itself acts as a transitional space for viewing art work. the upper floor provides a more intimate work area and a sitting area. the containers were painted dark charcoal to maintain continuity with the original house and to recede in the shadows of a dense wooded site.

by maziar behrooz architecture // via arch daily

a hanging bronze and glass object inhabits the backyard of a suburban home. the structure, which evokes the image of a japanese lantern, acts as a tea house, meditation space, and stage for the family’s musical recitals. after experiencing the image of the lantern as a singular gem floating in the landscape, one is funneled into a curated procession space between strands of bamboo that is conceived to cleanse the mind and prepare one to enter the object. after ascending an origami stair, the visitor is confronted with the last natural element: a four inch thick, opaque wood entry door. at this point the visitor occupies the structure as a performer with a sense of otherworldliness meditation.

by david jameson // via ignant

exhibition view: model of ‘freitag store’ building by spillmann echsle located in zurich, switzerland

the exhibition will be running until the 4th of september at the nrw forum düsseldorf.
here you find a virtual exhibition tour with an introduction and comments in german language.

by 1/100 architects

this showroom is a renovation of a pigsty. to deal with the crumbling 18th-century structure, the architects created a “house within a house”, a wood container that fit within the old stone walls but without touching them. a new roof protects old and new from the elements.

by fnp architekten