Where Architect, Michael Earle, Blogs about Modern Zen Architecture and Design…

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends: The New iPad…

Modern Zen Architecture, Phuket World Corporate Headquarters, believe that Apple has hit another grand slam in this Modern World that we live in.

Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect…

The design dmvA made for the office of XfactorAgencies, as an extension to the house, was relentlessly rejected by local building regulations.

Used to working with limitations and blurring these boundaries at the same time, dmvA answered by designing a mobile unit, a blob.

Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect…

Find original article here… http://bit.ly/8qrgY8

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends: The Architecture of Yzad

In the first photo, you can see wind tunnels. It’s used to capture the winds in the heat of the dessert and push in the cold air to the living spaces. It’s also interesting to note that because of the dessert storms, most buildings are designed with windows facing the courtyard–think of it as the inside part of a box. No windows are exposed directly to the winds.

This second photo shows an ancient Iranian Pigeon House. It’s a step above a simple bird cage, wouldn’t you say?

Brought to you by: Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect…

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends…

If you are like us, you always manage to lose something from your work desk at some point and time. Whether you have a co-worker that borrows your stapler and fails to return it, or you misplace your calculator, it’s simply aggravating. That is why we think the Excalibur is worth a look. Essentially a Swiss army knife for the desk, the Excalibur combines many office tools into one. Take a look at the picture below and if you want to learn more, head to:

http://www.taylorgifts.com/item/mini_office/W32018

Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends:

Sir Admiral Robert Perry would have loved this new design when he made the first ever trip to the North Pole in 1909. Unfortunately for him, the people at B-2-B architects have only just come up with their new mobile arctic housing unit. Designed to keep scientists warm for up to 15 days in extreme conditions, the mobile unit utilizes solar power to generate power for lights, heat and cooking apparatus. Take a look at the pictures to learn more about this cool new design.

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Using Five Fingers…

We have gloves and we have mittens. We have socks. And, now we have this… Why did it take so long to invent? Also, why are they called Five Fingers? They are for you toes. I guess Five Toes isn’t as appealing to say/market.

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends: Ultimate Ride…

Although it may not necessarily be fuel efficient, it sure is a head turner. This behemoth of an RV resembles a house more than it does a vehicle. This “camper”, complete with a luxurious living room and even more lavish driver’s seat may seem a bt outlandish, but for those who wish to explore their country what better way to do it than to cruise around in this. Granted, its large size may limit its maneuverability, but with a push of a button that problem is solved. Hidden beneath the camper is a mobile garage so to speak, holding a small car. We here at Modern Zen loves the idea of parking this ride near a beach in Phuket and taking the small car out for a nice spin around town.

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends…

Here’s a creative way to get large numbers of people to be part of some modern art work. Nice… Clever…

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Over the past couple of weeks, Modern Zen has shown you some great new table designs that have been produced he last couple of months. Why stop there? Below is a new design by the people at gt_2P, a digital design company based in Chile. The table, named The Sectionimal, is made of intersecting two-dimensional forms that are designed using parametric software. The software can adapt the parameters of the table in response to the material selection and the associated characteristics, optimizing the design for digital fabrication.

For more info click here: http://www.gt2p.cl/

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Since we are quickly approaching Christmas, we thought it would be fitting to give you a glimpse of GE’s new high-tech green Santa Sleigh. Although just a prototype, this sleigh gives us a glimpse into the future of what we can expect on our automobiles. Santa probably won’t be using this sleigh anytime soon, but the cool self-powered OLED lights and sodium-lithium batteries powering the sleigh are definitely something to be on the lookout for soon in green automobiles.

Take a look for yourself at http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/12/17/ge-gives-santa-a-high-tech-green-sleigh/#more-76492

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, Recommends…

Imagine a Modern Zen space, not in the East, but in the Northwest, where it snows! See the video, towards the end…

Brought to you by Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect…

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Check out this modern villa design by A-cero architects in Spain. It includes great use of material and really comes together as a modern villa. We like this design a lot.

Here is a link to a more detailed story about this modern villa.

http://www.contemporist.com/category/architecture/

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Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Yesterday, Modern Zen Architects posted a video on its blog of the cardboard “pop-up office.” In continuing this theme, today we bring you “pop-up tableware.” Created by Katinka Versandaal, these cool pieces of furniture, like the lamp pictured here, fold away when not in use. Just looking at these designs reminds us of the pop-up books we used to read as children- only these pop-up lamps are functional and a great conversation piece.

Source: http://www.designspotter.com/

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends…

Once again, Germany takes the honors of taking the most advantage of solar power according to the annual Global Solar Report Card. Take a look at the following link to see where your country ranks, and why Germany still has the most abundance of this sustainable resource.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/germany-still-making-the-most-of-available-solar-says-global-solar-report-card.php

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… With the holidays approaching, millions of households are propping up their Christmas trees for the festivities.  Here is something we (Michael Earle of Modern Zen Architecture) found that is a nice change from the run of the mill Hallmark ornaments you have been using for years upon years.  Living ornaments are essentially micro eco-systems within a glass ball, and make a cool looking ornament.  Imagine the juxtaposition of having one of these living ornaments hung onto you artificial Christmas tree!

Source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/holiday-trendspotting-living-ornaments-103831?image_id=971870

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… This modern designer and critic, Paul Goldberger has come out with a new book, Why architecture matters.  It is an interesting read and worth picking up for its information about Modern architecture.

Here is a Link to a review: http://newamericanvillage.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-architecture-matters

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architects

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… This article below asks the very current question, Is the McMansion dead?  For those of you who don’t know, the Mcmansion was named for these huge boring mansions that popped up all over the US and came to represent development during the last boom period.  Obviously, it was the first thing to go as the credit crunch hit.

Read the full article here:

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/industry-news.asp?referer=rss275&sectionID=275&articleID=1134115

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Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect recommends… Although the Zoomla Bike may look like something from the future, it looks like it may become a reality now. Designed by Eric Stoddard, the bike can be folded in just under 2 seconds making it a highly portable unit. On top of that, the Zoomla uses clever “Pedaldeck” system, eliminating the ned for the conventional pedal gear system. And as you can tell in the photos, the old way of steering a bike are gone as well. Stoddard incorporated a “TorqSteer” system to maneuver the bike. All these combined make this concept bike sleek, aesthetically pleasing.

Source: http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/eco-bikes-zoomla-folding-bike-folds-into-a-trolley-in-just-2-seconds/

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect recommends… At first glance, the flagship store of an emerging fashion store located in Seoul reminds us of a large Sealy mattress or a down pillow- soft to the touch.  Perhaps that was what designers Chris and Dominic Leong were intending when they designed and built the building for fashion designer Philip Lim.   In a span of 8 months, the building achieves its purpose- to differentiate itself from other buildings around it.  Not only does the building stand out, its 4 floors of 5800 sf. space matches the exterior of the building.  The first of many 3.1 Philip Lim stores, the Leong’s undoubtedly satisfied their client’s need to be different.

http://archinect.com/features/article.php?id=94255_0_23_0_M

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect, recommends… If you have been following Modern Zen’s blog lately, you may remember two posts we made about the pop-up office and the pop-up furniture.  For a reason we cannot explain, this new trend really appeals to us.  That is why we thought it was a must to share these new pop-up placemats.  Designer Lian Ng was inspired by children’s pop-up books when creating these cool placemats.  Made partly from recycled paper, Ng has come up with multiple designs to add a little “pop” to your dining experience.   Weak pun, we know. But we couldn’t resist.

Source: http://www.publiqueshop.com/r_popmat.html

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Although not much has been written yet about Villa Vals, Modern Zen Architects feels the new design by Search warrants mentioning.  Located in Switzerland, the dwelling Villa Vals is aptly described as a “mountain home.”  Not because it is built among the mountains of Switzerland- it is because it is built in the mountains of Switzerland.  It is almost reminiscent of the bomb shelters built in the 50’s in the US, only this one has class and style.  A full article about the house will be published in Abitare 499 in January, and we at Modern Zen eagerly anticipate more information on this design by Search Architects.

Source: http://mocoloco.com/fresh2/2009/12/01/villa-vals-by-search.php

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Marqués de Riscal’s Hotel Elciego, Spain (1998-2006). Ribbons of coloured titanium are Gehry’s response to the unbroken landscape surrounding the building, coloured metals inspired by the rich tones of the sky and vineyard.

Michael Earle, a Modern Zen Architect recommends… Although not an earth shattering breakthrough in the world of design, we here at Modern Zen Architects drink copious amounts of coffee. So it seems only right that we blog about something so close to our heart. Like in the T.V. show The Office, a lot of chit chat occurs around the coffee machine. Why not add a little pizzazz to your cup o’ Joe by having custom made images placed on the bottom of your cup so that when you drink it, it appears you have transformed into an animal, like a pig or a horse. Our favorite mug is the one that makes you look like a party animal! But those coffee mugs are to only be used Friday afternoons at quitting time!

Source: http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#7EvVxc/www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/11/10/14-cool-tea-and-coffee-mugs//

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… Downtown Singapore is set to welcome its largest private development designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture: a 36-storey residential high-rise standing at 153 metres tall, to be located in close proximity to Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping and lifestyle street. 20,000 square metres of built floor area will provide 68 high-end apartment units with panoramic views and is strategically designed within the confines of the region’s highly regulated building environment. It maximizes the full potential of the site, making the most of the attractive views towards the city centre and an extensive green zone to the north. Visit www.oma.eu for information.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends… Having our Headquarters based in Thailand, Modern Zen Architects don’t see much snow. In fact, we don’t see any.  That is why we love the new remote controlled snowmobile made by Skidoo.  Not only does this bad boy work on real snow, you can also use it on grass, perfect for countries like Thailand where snowstorms are pretty rare. Even better is the price.  It is only a mere $79.99 from Amazon.com, making it a great Christmas gift this year.

Source:  http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends…

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends…

This is awesome–an ingenious design that produces one object of art per day. The intensity of the colors depends on the strength of the wind. Wind is unpredictable, and so are the the patterns and intensity of the colors of his art pieces.

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends…

Beginning in Fall 2009, the city of Bangkok – home to an estimated 15 million people – will start to embrace an unprecedented new architectural manifestation of its extraordinary ‘inner world’ when construction begins on MahaNakhon, a dazzling tower designed by internationally celebrated German architect Ole Scheeren, Partner of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA).

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

MODERN VILLA CAP FORMENTOR

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Michael Earle, Modern Zen Architect, recommends…

Check out this new villa in Big Sur California. Very nice look for this vacation home. It is 200 square metres and opens up to the views of the canyons around the property. Fougeron Architects do good work, they are worth a look.

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Memorial to the United Nations

Just as the UN is a collection of nations comprising the whole. This memorial design is a collection of independent cells that comprise the whole of the project. It is a beautiful façade. The architect ACME, won this project in a competition.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.acme.ac/

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architecture Phuket Thailand and guest Architect Michael Earle

Bjarke Ingels: 3 Warp-speed Architecture Tales

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architecture Phuket Thailand

Sarah Watson, art student in Preston University, came up with the idea to paint a car which disappears in its space.

Modern Art and Design – suggested to you by Modern Zen Architecture Thailand

Singapore Civic and Cultural Center

This Aedas designed project just broke ground and is due to be finished in early 2011.

Its angular, multi-faceted design creates a variety of perspectives, changing the form dramatically depending on the viewpoint.

Suggested by Modern Zen Architects in Phuket Thailand
and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Tulane School of Architecture Students

These are students from the Tulane School of Architecture… They got it right! Isn’t it amazing what our youth’s can achieve? Just give them a chance… And prepare to be amazed… They’re young, energetic, well intentioned… It would be great to catch up with them after 10 years in the business… Hopefully all their hopes and dreams get realized…

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, Recommends…

Read the original story here…

Brought to you by Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle.

Voices From the Experts of the Classroom

“This Architect & Design project was built for the children of the community. It’s so important to get their inputs too…”

The Teton Valley Community School (TVCS) is a non-profit independent school located in Victor, Idaho.

Idaho is one of the most underfunded school systems in the nation. This creates a challenge for schools to accommodate the exponential growth that is taking place in towns like Victor.

The design team held a series of workshops with students, teachers, parents and other community members to begin to decipher the requirements of the school, while simultaneously keeping the needs of the developing area in mind. This process led to the development of spaces that could immediately serve both the school and the surrounding community.

Click here to read the original post…

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects Phuket Thailand and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

Sustainable Architecture > Eco Villa Design > Spain

_project Name: The Eco House

_location: Spain

_type: Modern Eco-Villa

_project type: Eco Design & build

_brief: To design and build a large, modern zero-carbon footprint villa.

_considerations: The long and narrow plot is located on a steep 45º gradient. The villa design had to be modern and incorporate lots of natural light.

_response: The final design features a variety of environmentally-friendly features:

Cooling
Externally the most apparent feature is the roof line which sits wing-like above the building line. The roof form and distance from the building is key, it holds the solar panels at the correct angle to maximize effectiveness whilst also hiding them from view. Less direct heat is transmitted into the house and the space between the two rooflines allows air to pass over the building adding to the cooling effect. Perimeter adjustable louvered vents are also located just below the building roof line allowing cooler air to pass through rooms whilst removing the accumulated hot air.

Extensive glass is used in the design however the ‘double skin’ effect again incorporating adjustable louvered panels, prevent excessive heat conduction through the glass.

The main living area hovers above a 30cm deep canal of water which is part of the cooling system.

Water Management
A rainwater reclamation system will be installed and Grey water will be recycled from holding tanks situated in the basement. The pool will be saline negating the use of standard pool chemicals.

Heating
A photovoltaic system will supply the electricity to run a radiant heating system within the floor. The adjustable louver wall system will optimize heat capture during the day and retain the warmth by night. Geo-thermal energy will provide a back-up cooling and heating system.

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects Phuket and Samui Thailand
and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

Diesel Producing their own Wine…

Actresses become Pop Singers, Pop Singers become Fashion Designers, Fashion Designers become Wine Producers. Talent or just over-marketing? Well, Diesel, yes the Italian Fashion House of Grunge is now producing their own wine (and olive oil). Hmmmm…..I’m not sure if I want to drink a wine produced by a company called Diesel Farm. Perhaps it has the sweet of aroma of a Shell Petrol Station.

http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/09/diesel_farm_win.php

suggested to you by Modern Zen Architecture Phuket Thailand and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

AMAZING PROJECTIONS

Projection on Buildings from NuFormer Digital Media on Vimeo.

This video shows some projections onto a variety of buildings that are very nice. It is amazing what you can do with some strategically placed light.

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects, Phuket & Samui Thailand,
and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

Beautiful new modern stadium design in China that claims to integrate green architecture into the design. The fabric skin roof is beautiful although from what I can understand, it does little more than shade the spectator.

It is unusual in a football stadium to get the open ended bowl facing the city. The design works well integrating the stadium into the urban fabric. Some of the user experiences as depicted in the renderings are beautiful. In the past, large stadia where placed in the center of cities and they became huge vacant spots except during events. This is beginning to change.

_brief: Contemporary, but incorporating the Thai vernacular style. Distinct areas for relaxing, entertaining, sleeping and for guests.

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects, Phuket & Samui Thailand
and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

_considerations: Make use of the various levels of the plot and retain the existing flora and trees wherever possible.

_response: A substantial home on different levels with five buildings separated by either walkways or large relaxation areas. There are three swimming pools including lap pool, children’s pool and infinity pool. The infinity pool runs off one level to form a wall of water plunging into the lap pool below which is traversed by a bridge. The use of many different natural materials balance and complement the extensive use of wood used on the roofs as partial window screening to filter light.

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects Phuket & Samui Thailand

Steven Holl does it again. From their press release: A beautiful example of modern architecture with lovely detailing.

The design fuses landscape and architecture in a one-level building that will include permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, a 150-seat auditorium, music rehearsal rooms, a restaurant, a media library, administrative offices and an active landscape. The design for the center aims at “building the site”.

Suppose Design Office

This is a very nice design in Japan, sited on a privileged spot that allows the architects to create a place within a place, bringing the outside in towards the views.

The second image looks a bit odd but from the overall shot of the hill, you get a sense of what they have achieved.

The building structure is completely built around the closed side of the house leaving the open side to sit in perfect cantilever with no columns to ruin the panoramic views.

http://www.suppose.jp/english/

Suggested to you by Modern Zen Architects, Phuket & Samui Thailand
and guest blogger, Architect Michael Earle

Helene Binet has photographed contemporary architecture for over 20 years, collaborating with such world-renowned architects as Zaha Hadid, David Chipperfield, Coop Himmelblau and Daniel Libeskind.

Through her camera, she is able to expose all the intricate details which the average eye might not notice, an extremely difficult thing to do. She, without question, captures the true art of architecture.

The exhibition will run from September 4, 2009 – November 9, 2009 at the Gabrielle Ammann// Gallery.

http://www.dezona.com/

I know we are a few weeks late on this but congratulations to Diller and Scofidio and Fieldworks on the new High Line design in New York City.  The part architecture, part landscape design project was built on sections of an abandoned elevated railway that snakes through areas of Manhattan is a remarkable achievement, especially dealing with the bureaucracy of New York City.  The great contrasts between urbanity and garden space enhance the meatpacking district in many ways.

The way the interaction between paving and planting has been dealt with reminds us that good design can appear anywhere with or without constraints.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/arts/design/09highline-RO.html

KjellgrenKaminsky Architecture has recently unveiled an interesting project called Silent City, a project  in Tangshan China, which experienced the most devastating earthquake of the 20^th century in regards to death toll.

They explain that landscapes and cities are filled with different information layers. These layers can be visible or invisible and they are built up over the years. In Tangshan, it is said the catastrophic earthquake still transcends into everyday life.

http://www.dezona.com/newsdetails.php?newsid=7141

Modern Zen Architect, Michael Earle, recommends… These modular furniture pieces are pretty nice.  They can be adapted to the size of the outdoor space and add visual impact to a plaza, etc.  One of the problems with the typical urban plaza is the sense that the space is vacant, cold and unusable.  Typical street furniture does not adapt to the scale of the space and sits there out of place.  This design helps by adapting itself to the particular space.

http://www.dailytonic.com/reef-benches-by-remy-veenhuizen/