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Buildings and their surroundings : exploring the nature connection and the value adds

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In these times of fast paced growth, where construction activities are being undertaken at a rapid pace, what many of us forget is a crucial connection between the construction and the host – the natural habitat in which the building is situated. According to Studio TEAM Architects, led by architect Zvika Tamari, the intervention should be such that it creates an additional contribution and adds value to the public realm. Here are some examples of constructions where the balance has been perfectly maintained.

The Heiku Resort & Spa under Mt Gilboa, Israel, is conceptualised on the basis of the traditional Japanese hospitality values, which give simplicity, restraint, accuracy, and usage of the natural environment prime importance. The Heiku Resort & Spa allows for both existing trees and western breezes to seep in between the various corners without disturbing the layout. The hillside of the Heiku Resort & Spa has a waterfall that bridges the gap between the landscaping and the main courtyard surrounded by the reception and the Spa facility.

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The Globe Museum (Hub) in Modiin is another case in point. Divided into two main Masses, the Globe Museum is a perfect example of harmony of man made creations and nature. The first of the two Masses, the Culture Mass is designed as a pre-historic creature, a half-buried skeleton. The entrance, reception, information area, a shop and offices form its ‘tail’, while the ‘head’ houses the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The ‘skeleton’ in between describes the enriched origins and history of the actual site. The underground main part serves as a ‘crater’ – an open space for public events, which doubles up as an observation point on top.

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The second Mass, the Education Mass is like an excavation site with a structure of open courts in various over and underground levels. The lower part of the Education Mass contains a parking lot for both visitors and the locals. Workshops, labs, a library, studios, a cafeteria and a Sci-Bar fall on other levels.

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20 minutes from Jerusalem is the ‘Row-to-Grow’ Housing development, which in tune with what the Studio TEAM Architects say, creates an additional contribution and adds value to the public realm. Units in this development are situated upon a slope and resemble a flock of birds. The development allows its 150 owners to expand their homes from anywhere between 14,000 sq. ft. to 28,000 sq. ft. as per the choice of the owners; under a permanent ‘green topping’ framework following the plot borderlines as part of a 40% sloping hillside. The roofing system collects solar energy, pours water for irrigation, and features a vegetation area, acting as a fifth elevation.

Via: World Architecture News

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