projects: Archives / April 2012

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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A seemingly banal lift station is transformed into a beautiful architectural detail through the addition of a water-jet-cut steel cornice.  Rather than make the lift station simply recede further from view, the station broadcasts his valued use to its community.  The cornice is comprised of patterns derived from water, as well as imagery comparing desert and water based flora, that will cast shadows along the walls throughout the day.  These constantly changing shapes will change hour to hour, day to day, to create an ever-changing artistic display.  At night, eight LED lights cast patterns...

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