projects: architecture

A single physician purchases a home because of the site’s amazing views. The house is somewhat “modern”, but contains several physical features the owner would rather weren’t there. The space does not flow well. There is not enough connection between living spaces and the exterior patio. We begin by removing everything in the way, creating a more open space, better circulation, enhanced functions, and improved views. A new structural membrane in the living room is designed parametrically utilizing the Owner’s favorite image of a skin cell. We add a new exterior patio, pool, and spa. She requests...

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A couple desire an addition of 600 SF on a budget of $60k, which can act as a separate apartment so they may live in it and rent out the main house in 15 years when they semi-retire. It is decided to utilize a pre-engineered metal building as envelope, which they can finish out themselves to keep costs low. The existing front door of the original house obscurely faces the side, thus the addition is formed to create a clear entry from the street. In the process of planning, a clear geometry arises with three volumes of different sizes but exactly the same proportions in all three dimensions. The addition...

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Creating ultra-sustainable housing for Metropolitan Phoenix for a reasonable price: Working with Vali Homes, a Developer/Sustainable-Consultant and 180 Degrees, a quality General Contractor, our team has engaged in studying an efficient way to create a net-zero energy house based on methods and practices developed by the Passive House Institute (www.passivehouse.us). Utilizing building technologies used elsewhere, but new to our region, the design delivers high standards of energy and water conservation, air quality, a low carbon footprint, to go along with great spaces and design. The home...

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Creating affordable ultra-sustainable housing for infill lots across Metropolitan Phoenix: Working with Vali Homes, a Developer/Sustainable-Consultant and 180 Degrees, a quality General Contractor, our Team has engaged in studying various structures, methods and materials for building on empty lots in well-established Phoenix neighborhoods. These homes are meant as a contemporary equivalent of the “case study” homes of the 1960’s- though built for our time and place, and with sustainability in mind. The design will surpass LEED Platinum certification, provide high quality construction...

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Contacted by a great design firm, Stamberg Afariat Architecture of New York, colab studio had the opportunity to become the local consultant and architect for a hotel renovation in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over 200 rooms, two pool areas, and an exciting lobby, restaurant, and lounge, the project shows how much impact can be created by a series of simple, economic gestures with maximum benefit. Stamberg Afariat are masters at utilizing expressive color. They transformed the set of all-white buildings into a series of imaginative experiences throughout the site. colab studio brought in a series...

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