STEEL IN MOVEMENT
We are presenting two projects which represent the work of an international architectural firm, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects,and more precisely the work of Tom Kundig, a partner-architect of this company. Highlighting the careful approach of the architect in analysing the context of how he manages the design of a new building or renovation of a historical one. As well as discussing his creativity in dealing with space, play with light and shade and a range of a few highly selected materials and the skills of an expert designer who truly enjoys his work.
The care paid to detail is really surprising,for example the meticulous study of the movement mechanisms of the components; concentrating on the dimension of ‘play’ of the moveable parts in the different spaces, changing the views as the day passes, all in tune with the various different uses of the surroundings. ‘Play’ which is never left to chance, rather it shows the naturalness that is the result of patient study and research, like that of the work on the ‘Delta Shelter’ cabin.
In effect it is a shelter cabin situated in the beautiful wooded area near to the Mazama River (a nature area within the eastern part of the State of Washington). It is this vicinity to the river and the seasonal flooding on the surrounding lands that lead the development of the idea to build the house on a raised steel structure, like a pile-dwelling.
As the house is only used for short holiday periods, it required an easy and safe closing system for the time of non-use. This refuge for body and mind can be compared to a mountain track; the panoramic belvedere on the top gives the all round view of the surrounding landscape and the floors and intermediate terraces give momentary rest points on the way up to the top.
The day and night areas have been inverted with respect to the norm, where the bedrooms are on the top floor; here the lounge is on the top floor and constantly lit by the light that flows in from the upper glazed band which crowns the roof. The steel frame sliding doors simultaneously close the glazed walls.
Given the hard to reach position where the house has been built, the whole bearing frame for the structure had to be easily assembled on site, without requiring any subsequent surface finishes; the steel parts have been left natural, and the natural oxidation process of time will gradually change their colour and finish.
The movement mechanism for the four large façade panels was designed by Tom Kundig and engineered and fabricated by Phil Turner, and recalls the precision opening mechanisms used in historic industrial buildings, the perfect tribute to the magnificent applications of Pierre Chareau in the Maison de Verre (Paris 1927). The panels are hung onto the steel frame of the building, and the movement counterbalance is given by the simultaneous sliding action of the panels, which are driven by a single manual handle system and force reducers.
“Steel in movement” the renovation of the interiors of historic Washington Shoe Building in the Pioneer Square Historic District of Seattle, which is the new headquarters for the architectural firm, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects. The work respects and gives value to the original industrial nature of the building; from the forge of parts and
ideas, leaving the mechanical parts and plant on show, in the same way that the ‘new traces’ are on show for the design ideas, the meeting and creativity rooms and the office areas. The new components fit in quietly, almost hushed yet are clearly identifiable, respecting the historic patina of the early 20th century building; the separation between the original walls and the new bearing structure is clearly seen in the stairway and central corridors.
Sustainable ideas were explored through an innovative natural ventilation strategy (skylight and open stair to create a chimney effect). A window in the roof measuring 6 x 4.5 meters, weighing approx. 6 tons with a strong steel outer frame and hydraulic piston opening, like a large moving sculpture, giving air exchange up the double height room. The hydraulic piston of this sky-door is operated using only city water pressure.
Kundig’s obvious interest in the kinetics of architecture has not happened overnight, as he recently indicated in an interview with AIArchitect (the newsletter of the American Institute of Architects), “I spent years climbing mountains and worked for a sculptor and did things that were not a direct line to architecture, but I think everything I did has a lot to do with my architecture.
When I work on things, I bring that experience and history to the work, and it affects and brings a personal resonance to it. I think that’s the spirit of really great architecture.You have to be comfortable that you have a personal vision and voice in the work you do.”
Teresa Van Ert, Marina Cescon
Acciaio Arte Architettura n.30
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