Status| concept

Part 2 of a modular series of housing concepts is the 4×10 Luxury Lofts. This housing concept is based on the common unit used in the 2-4-6-8 Luxury Residences project and is configured into 5 story residential components with shared open air circulation between the units and parking below. A total of 40 units are available with private parking and swimming pools. Like the 2-4-6-8, this concept is intended for a mild to hot climate typical of Southern California and parts of South America, Africa and India. The 4×10 concept is also the design model featured in the previous “Augmented Reality” post.

Please review the first part of this series > 2-4-6-8 Luxury Residences [concept]

All images and content are the property of rui duarte DESIGN and may only be used with written consent. Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved

design images

Status| concept

Recently in conversation a few colleagues of mine were discussing modular construction and how it was only attributed to small-medium residential applications. Well I took the conversation topic to heart and started to look at a residential tower concept where most pieces are to be pre-fab and lifted into place. At the moment several other experts are looking at the design and determining what components could indeed be pre-fab. The design is also looking into sustainability and energy conservation. Structurally a concrete and steel frame with pre-cast concrete, metal panel exterior cladding would be used. This is a design concept and not a realized project; however the design is targeted at a warmer climate such a Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo area.

UPDATE: Please review the second part of this series > 4×10 Luxury Lofts

All images and content are the property of rui duarte DESIGN and may only be used with written consent. Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved

design images

Status| near completion

This new building for the Owner, Pathmark Design Services, was designed to fit a growing economic location at the southern part of Route 2 in order to meet demand for leasable medical office space in the area.

The building is situated on a sloped site running east to west, providing a 2 story street elevation and a 3 story entrance on the lower side where most visitors will park and enter the building. The design of the project incorporates a pre-manufactured structural building system which is engineered and fabricated by Murox of Quebec, Canada. The collaboration with Murox fostered a true “design-build” relationship that established efficiency, cost reduction, an abbreviated construction schedule and accuracy. Once Murox erected the exterior panels, floor and roof systems (2-6 weeks), the building was ready for exterior masonry and roof installation.

The design features a main open stair naturally lit by skylights connecting the second and third floors, exterior brick and cmu masonry, energy efficient windows and storefront systems. All three levels are designed to be easily accessible by the public and maintain tenant spaces ranging from 2,000-9,000 SF.

progress|

[svgallery name="EG progress"]

Status| 90% complete

Design and drawings are recently complete for the Elmwood Adult Day Care on Elmwood Avenue in Providence. The Owner, who currently owns the building next door, is looking to expand his business by connecting the two buildings and providing extended care services to the area.

The existing building was once use as a Divers Retail Store complete with indoor pool and oxygen apparatus. While maintaining the exterior shell of the building the design involves providing amble space for 100 occupants with necessary amenities and accessibility. The exterior of the building will be cleaned and have its windows replaced with aluminum frames and low-E glazing. A new roof will replace the existing 50 year old roof system and provide extension thermal insulation. The exterior 8″ concrete masonry unit (cmu) walls will be furred out on the inside and insulated to meet current energy code requirements. Lighting for the facility is also carefully selected and designed to maximize brightness levels needed by the occupants. Three new skylights compliment the lighting design providing natural light during the day and reducing energy consumption.

The project is currently being reviewed by the State Fire Marshall’s becuase of its use group and will then proceed to local review by the Building and Fire Department, and later by the Health Deptment prior to occupancy. Demolition will begin in the next two weeks…

design models and renderings|
[svgallery name="209 elmwood design"]

Status| complete (winter 2008)

Hanna Instruments is a global company with headquarters in Woonsocket and they are an industry leader in the advancement of high-tech measuring devices. Hanna Instruments acquired the services of a general contractor for the project and together we developed the design of the project to meet the owner’s specifications.

[svgallery name="hanna final design"] 

The project is an addition to an existing building and is situated on the western side of the property. The plan of the building conforms to the limit of the property lines and also is situated to engage a severe slope on the construction site.

The new spaces provide executive offices and research labs for the company. The main lobby is two stories and features a stair that recalls the precision based attention to detail that Hanna Instruments is known for world-wide.

design models and renderings|

[svgallery name="hanna project design"]

Status| unbuilt

The Narragansett Bay Commission recently allocated land and funds for the construction of a new animal shelter during a land acquisition transaction with the City Of Providence. The proposal animal shelter is designed to meet a stringent budget and accommodations of program, and is situated on small parcel on the city’s south side.

Working with a local contractor, the design of the building evolved to maintain a “New England style on a shoe-string budget”. The exterior shell and roof of the facility are detailed with energy efficiency and minimal construction materials. The interiors feature washable surfaces and custom kennel designs. Attention is focused mainly on the front entrance where the public is welcome by a trellis and a double height reception space.

design models and renderings|

[svgallery name="animal_shelter design"]

Status| completed summer 2009

The owner of this property, located on Rt. 6 near a highly active commercial zone, wanted to transform a current auto parts retail store into a showroom for European sports and luxury automobile sales.

The project scope involves removing the front part of the existing structure to rebuild a new showroom. Alterations to the remaining building include adding garage doors to the exterior and re-design of the interior layout to accommodate a tenant space.

design models and renderings|

[svgallery name="1420 design"]