Hello and welcome to the June issue of the Materials for Architecture Newsletter

In this issue, we bring you news on a tower made of self-shaping wood, a stepped glass tower, a shimmering facade, and more...

Acoustic glass – a sound investment?

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explains the difference between acoustic glass varieties, and provides examples of where increased investment is worth it. Increasingly, window manufacturers are being asked by developers and specifiers about the acoustic performance of windows and doors. All glass has some acoustic ability – even 4 mm single.... Read more...
Published 20/06/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

OMA completes stepped glass tower The Avery in San Francisco

Architecture firm OMA has completed its first project on America's West Coast: a glass condo tower in San Francisco with stepped corners. The Avery is a 56-storey condominium tower located four blocks from San Francisco Bay. OMA partners Shohei Shigematsu and Jason Long designed the 600-foot-high (183-metre-high) building.... Read more...
Published 18/06/2019 via dezeen.com

Timber types

How do you decide what style of house is for you? The materials you choose can heavily influence the space you create. Carpenter Oak talk through some of the timber choices open to self-builders who want to put wood at the core of their project. There are so many choices to make when building your home. However, if you are looking for beauty.... Read more...
Published 10/06/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Shimmering facade added to Little Shelter Hotel in Thailand

The Little Shelter Hotel by Bangkok-based firm Department of Architecture Co. incorporates a facade of wood and polycarbonate shingles, laid out like fish scales to become a watertight architectural plane. Located in the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the hotel pays homage to local architecture, with its wooden facade and pitched roof..... Read more...
Published 28/05/2019 via designboom.com

A tower made of self-shaping wood

The Institute for Computational Design and Construction and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design at the University of Stuttgart worked together to design the Urbach Tower, a structure made of self-shaping wood. The design of the tower relies on a new self-shaping process of curved wood components. Rather than energy intensive.... Read more...
Published 28/05/2019 via materialdistrict.com

Flexible, fascinating, and fitting

Jordan Perlman of Newground Architects explains that although a time-honoured material, brick has limitless possibilities for designers, illustrated by a recent mixed use scheme in London. In the six years since our practice was founded, we have used brick in a range of projects, and in all sorts of applications. We continue to explore its possibilities.... Read more...
Published 23/05/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Building a cultural bridge

Jack Wooler spoke to Antti Nousjoki of ALA architects about how Finland’s biggest library combines an inviting ‘bridge’ structure with shifting timber and glass facades. The new Oodi Library in Helsinki is a modern take on the building typology, offering residents and visitors a host of publicly accessible functions over its three floors. Named after the Finnish word.... Read more...
Published 21/05/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

A funnel of light

A central London office regeneration sees a melange of Art Deco and Art Moderne reinstated and illuminated from within through a glass funnel. Sébastien Reed reports. The prow clock tower at No 1 New Oxford Street has long been a familiar feature of London’s ‘midtown’ streetscape. Designed by English-born, Swiss and French educated architect.... Read more...
Published 20/05/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Floating an idea

Architectural glass specialist OAG gives an insight for designers into the possibilities, as well as practical implications, of ‘oversize’ glass float runs. During the past two decades, feature glass entrances and double height ground and first floor facades have risen in popularity. Due to this increase, glass itself is becoming synonymous with some of London’s.... Read more...
Published 20/05/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

No-compromise composite doors

Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows & Doors discusses the advantages of composite doors for new build developments. Specifiers and housebuilders have lots of choice when it comes to the different types of door materials on the market. Naturally however, product specifications and performance vary depending on where the doors are and what they.... Read more...
Published 20/05/2019 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

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