MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network

MEAN Designed a 3D printed pavilion for welcoming visitors into the desert of Wadi Rum, south of Jordan. The space serves as an oasis of rest and communal gathering. Drawn to its otherworldly beauty, The desert of Wadi Rum in the south of Jordan attracts visitors from all over the globe.

The topography of Wadi Rum closely resembles that of Mars. This serene desert landscape had been a stage for many space-age movies such as ‘The Martian (2015)’, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)’ and ‘The Last Days on Mars.’

Considering the lightweight geodesic dome system of ‘Mars Camp’ located on a plot near the site, the design team envisioned a novel system of 3D printed panels deployed onto a CNC bent steel pipe system.

By grounding the tent form as a ‘diagram of forces’ emitting various ‘charges’ that correspond to seating areas, we looked at the phenomena of magnetic fields to unify those charges.

We used the patterns emerging from the interaction of one space to another to develop the floor plan of the pavilion. The physical phenomena of the magnetic force patterns between several nodes represent an opportunity for an exciting planning strategy.

To quantify this phenomenon into a digital algorithm simulating those patterns, the team wrote a script that adopts the ‘RK4 Method’, developed by the German mathematicians C. Runge and M.W. Kutta around 1900. The ‘flowlines’ from the magnetic field simulation projecting onto a digitally simulated optimized mesh generated via a script approximating catenary curves.

The script generates vector fields resembling magnetic forces manipulated to subdivide the structure's outer shell into panels within the printing range of a 6-axis industrial robot.

A stepping topography of a 3D printed concrete platform creates a transition from the sandy site to the interior. The mesh is anchored towards the periphery of the stepped platform, creating welcoming archways for entries.

The Desert Pavilion is the outcome of combining ideas from the site with current building technologies.

The structure's design forms a space of shade from the heat of the desert during the day, and a place of celebration, storytelling and rest, at night. It serves as a welcoming, hospitable shelter for today and a case study for inhabiting the arid landscapes of Mars in the future.

Desert Pavilion

Rhinoceros 3D is a 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design application software developed by the American company Robert McNeel & Associates. Utilizing NURBS mathematical modeling to produce precise representations of free-form, curving surfaces, Rhino is used in industries such as architecture, industrial design, automotive design, product design, and multimedia and graphic design.

Rhino 3D

Grasshopper is a visual programming language and environment that pairs with Rhino 3D, a software program also developed by Robert McNeel & Associates. Grasshopper allows users to build algorithms by dragging and connecting components on a digital canvas. From parametric modeling and fabrication, lighting performance analysis, to building energy consumption, Grasshopper provides an intuitive way to explore design without requiring programming experience.

Grasshopper

Keyshot

3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation

3ds max

This project shows how a Design and Build firm leveraged Snaptrude to speed up their design workflow and win more clients. 3D Models for 26 unique homes, comprising one, two and three-bedroom layouts, were created and shared as a unique URL with clients. Clients can review the designs, navigate between saved views and share feedback from their mobile devices. Architects would then customize the design for them, incorporating their feedback. Since Snaptrude automatically calculates built areas and material take-offs, the architects presented accurate project costing at each iteration required by the client. The automation capabilities of Snaptrude gave the design team a whopping 8x productivity improvement over traditional workflows, enabling them to close contracts quickly and win more projects.

Being on the cloud, designs on Snaptrude can be viewed from a mobile device by clients

Snaptrude automatically dimensions floor plans with a click

Unit wise area distribution of different unit types

Number of hours saved by using Snaptrude over traditional workflows

Customized Mass Housing

Home design templates created on Snaptrude

Snaptrude is a collaborative design tool for architects and interior designers. Design teams can build efficient buildings, with data & automation,  saving weeks’ worth of effort. Collaborate with your team in real-time for faster feedback and approvals. As Snaptrude works on a web browser, you can work on any device, from anywhere in the world. Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, 3DSMax, ArchiCad, Vectorworks

Snaptrude

 Snaptrude New Snaptrude Features to Help You Grow in Your Architecture Practice

BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group

Wildflower Studios is a 760,000 square foot commercial film studio situated in the Ditmars-Steinway neighborhood of
New York City. It is located on an industrial five acre lot bound by the Steinway Creek and Steinway Pianos manufacturing
warehouse. Wildflower Studios contains a total of eleven 18,000 square foot large span stages with the dimensions of 150 feet
long x 120 feet long x 60 feet high. The limited area of the site combined with generous height limitations inspired the idea to
create a vertical film studio with two levels of sound stages, a first of its kind.
The program is organized around eleven basic studio modules. Each module consists of the large span stage, vertical
transportation, and production support spaces such as scene shops and dressing rooms. The modules are organized into two
story rows contained within a single volume. A central spine between the two rows becomes the bustling heart of activity
between the stages. In addition, one entire floor provides office space for the production teams. The entire building is lifted out
of the flood plain enabling the oppurtunity to bring parking and loading beneath the studio.
The program fuses creative production with utilitarian practicality and provides a few moments for comfort and respite all
within one big warehouse. Large openings in the warehouse bring daylight into the central street and create a communal
terrace for the actors, production crews, producers, screenwriters etc. The two toned precast facade is pleated to animate
large blank facades and to transition between sharp and curved corners. Fiber cement panels on the interior provide a refined
yet utilitatirian complement to the exterior precast. The combination of these elements turn the stages into a self contained
creative village with all the logistical, technical, and social necessities to satisfy the needs of the film making industry.

Wildflower Studios

Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, NEP engineers, designers, and contractors. 

Revit

With Enscape, BIM modeling and visualization are finally united. Unlike other renderers, you don’t have to stop design to create high-quality visuals. Quickly iterate and present concept studies to find the design strategy which responds best to the unique challenges of the project. 

Accessible rendering that requires no prior specialized knowledge to use. Simply click “start” to see and experience your designs like never before.

The two-way asset placement feature enables you to pick and place single or multiple assets into designs via the rendering window.

The new navigation mode enables you to explore panoramas further with markers that allow you to jump to various panorama views.

Enscape 3.2 - Dynamic Design. Vivid Visualization.

Enscape

Enscape™ is a real-time rendering and VR plugin that empowers design workflows by turning building models into immersive 3D experiences.

V-Ray is a rendering software/plug-in developed by the Bulgarian company, Chaos Group. V-Ray is used for visualization and computer graphics across many industries such as architecture, industrial design, product design, film and video game production, and media and entertainment.

Vray

Rhino.Inside.Revit provides translation API to allow creating custom conversion workflows between your Revit data and Rhino geometry and metadata. This includes an advanced geometry conversion API to safely translate advanced Rhino shapes into Revit. The API is easily accessible from Grasshopper's Python or C# scripting components.

Rhino.Inside.Revit

Sol design + consulting

The firm tested a few different design iterations to achieve its net-zero energy and daylighting goals. First, six forms were modeled in SketchUp and analyzed in Sefaira with the goal of maintaining at least 200 lux daylighting for 60% of the year in the main living areas. 

The final design incorporated a narrow plate, compact shape, taller windows, and an interior “light well.”  Once the ideal conceptual design was found, the challenge of maintaining a steady, passive temperature in a mixed climate with very cold winters and hot, humid summers was addressed. Eleven design strategies were analyzed using Sefaira, leading to the decision to specify an Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) and a combination of small fixed overhangs and operable shading screens over the south-facing windows.

Read more: https://blog.sketchup.com/home/tips-for-designing-a-net-zero-energy-home

Net Zero Energy Home, a post-occupancy assessment

Sefaira

Bring your sketches to life:
From schematic design to construction documentation, SketchUp’s 3D architectural design software gets the (whole) job done.

Visualize in no time:
SketchUp is designed to behave like your hand — more like a pencil than complicated 3D modeling software. SketchUp gets out of your way so you can draw whatever you can imagine, efficiently. Throughout the design-build process, SketchUp helps you analyze problems and get the project under construction.

Create construction documents:
SketchUp isn’t just for 3D modeling — it’s also great for communicating your designs in 2D. Draw plans, elevations, sections, build details, and finish it off with your title blocks. SketchUp is remarkably accurate, so you can be sure that anyone working on the project will have the information they need to get the job done. The best part: when your model changes, so does your document. Simple.

Present to impress:
Tell a richer story with your model using animations, images, and videos. Create flyovers and walkthroughs that glide clients through your project. Clearly communicate your design vision by exporting high-quality images and videos that show variations and details. Want to impress your clients even more? Immerse them in projects using our augmented and virtual reality apps and watch the “wow’s” roll in.

Optimize your workflow:
3D Warehouse
Need a chair, fern, or exceptional material? Pull anything out of the world’s largest 3D model library.

Mixed reality
Tour project models with your clients in the office or on site at 1:1 scale using our range of AR/VR and mobile apps.

Extension Warehouse
Bend geometry with a single click, create photorealistic 3D architectural renderings, and more with custom extensions.

Detailed reports
Generate cost estimates and cutlists by exporting reports directly from your model.

Streamlining the project lifecycle:
CallisonRTKL, a global architecture practice, relies on SketchUp’s architectural design software to quickly deliver alternative designs to clients, communicate project complexities, and speed up the coordination and approval process.

SketchUp

San Mateo County homeowners often come to the Cottage team looking for the best way to integrate an ADU into their existing backyard. This Hillsborough homeowner had many of the commonly asked questions before she made her decision to move forward:

How can I match the new granny flat to the main home?
How much space do I need for an ADU that can double as a home office for working from home?
How can I choose the right finishes and features while remaining budget-conscious?
All these were questions that the Cottage design and operations teams addressed for this beautiful Accessory Dwelling Unit.

This particular Hillsborough property was separated into two distinct levels: the existing home on the elevated plane, and a garden area that sloped down to the lower lawn level. The homeowner saw an opportunity to build an ADU on that lower lawn level, as shown above.

Placement of the ADU unit was also important for the homeowner, who did not want the new structure to disrupt the existing views and main home design. At the same time, the ADU design needed to be flexible, allowing for multiple use cases: home office during extended work from home periods, independent apartment for rental income, and potentially housing for an au pair down the road.

The Cottage team walked the homeowner through a few different layouts and options that worked well with the space before settling on a design. The final layout emphasized an open concept living and kitchen area to maximize openness while allowing for the "bedroom" to be used as a full guest room or private office depending on the occupant.

In addition, ample storage in the bedroom along with a washer and dryer unit makes this detached ADU completely self-sufficient as a separate living space.

The interior of the ADU emphasized openness and an airy feel wherever possible. Simple yet elegant finishing choices paired nicely with the open floor plan in the living room and kitchen areas.

Look upwards in the unit, and you can't help but notice one key upgrade the homeowner opted for: vaulted ceilings. The loftier-than-normal headroom further served to expand the feel of the existing square footage without taking up a larger exterior footprint.

Given the ADU's use as a rental unit later on, the homeowner opted for simple and classic kitchen fixtures and cabinets to maximize rental income and minimize maintenance and care. Furthermore, the long wall opposite the front window and door entry allowed for the perfect TV placement—a decision that was made early on in the Cottage design development process.

With a skylight allowing natural sunshine into the space, the bathroom was simply designed, with floor to ceiling tile and a curb tile-in shower giving it a touch of luxury. When it comes to fixtures and formwork, no detail is too small for the Cottage team, as the design team was able to make recommendations based on the specific homeowner's use case and budget.

Whether you live in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, or beyond, the Cottage team is here to help you build your custom ADU designed by the ADU experts. Our team is standing by to help you build the ADU of your dreams, whether that's a granny flat or guest house for now or a rental unit to help pay the mortgage for later.

Contact us today using the link below for a Free, No-obligation Consultation & Estimate and to learn more about how you can build your ADU this year!


Hillsborough Home Office and Future ADU Rental Unit

Custom design and a zero-hassle process with vetted professionals. Technology-enabled space planning and finishes.

Detached ADU, Spanish Bungalow, Los Angeles CA

Cottage

Location if this project is Eagle Rock. Size is 440 Sq Ft. Former structure was detached 2-car garage, and the finish package is contemporary. 
Source: https://www.homestead.is/case-studies/standard-garage-conversion

Standard Garage Conversion

Homestead

John and Julie were using their garage as storage. They knew that they wanted their moms closer to home so they decided to build an ADU. In order to prevent falls, Homestead built a roll-in shower with grab bars. Now they can live closer to their moms with the peace of mind that they'll be safe.

Source: https://www.homestead.is/case-studies/age-in-place-unit

Age-In-Place Unit

This client came to us looking for a multifunctional space where they could entertain and host family. Our 350-square-foot Mighty Studio checked every box. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors would mean that they could take full advantage of the California sunshine.

Mighty Buildings is committed to environmentally-friendly design. Our units are sustainable and energy efficient. This client also opted for the solar panel upgrade, which means that they can reduce their carbon footprint even further.

Read more: https://mightybuildings.com/projects/studio-livermore

Studio in Livermore

We are a construction technology company based in Oakland, CA, that is innovating the construction industry by creating beautiful, affordable, and sustainable homes using 3D printing, robotics, and automation.

Our 3D printing technology allows us to produce modular houses and building components for our clients much faster than traditional construction. Our 3D printers use a thermoset composite material we invented called Light Stone Material (LSM), which hardens when exposed to UV light, making it a more robust building material.

Mighty Buildings has a near-zero waste production process, preventing 1,100 - 2,000 kg of CO2 emission per 3D printed home. We are committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2028 - making our company 22 years ahead of the construction industry.

Not only are we certified under California's Factory Built Housing program to build units using 3D printing, but we are also the first company to achieve certification under the UL 3401 standard for evaluating building structures and assemblies. We are backed by several notable International and Silicon Valley tech investors, including Khosla Ventures, Zeno Ventures, and Y Combinator.

1-Story SFH | 2,299 SF: Square Footage: 2,299 SF; 56'x48'-10" // Stories: 1 // Bedrooms: 3 // Bathrooms: 2,5 // Design Features: Design in Rancho Mirage features built-in wood casework, floor to ceiling windows, 9’6" ceilings, premium fixtures and finishes

2-Story SFH | 3,185 SF: Square Footage: 3,185 SF; 45'x53' // Stories: 2 // Bedrooms: 4 // Bathrooms: 4 // Design Features: 1,460 SF. 2nd floor deck, office/den, floor to ceiling windows

2-Story SFH | 3,343 SF: Square Footage: 3,343 SF; 45'x53' // Stories: 2 // Bedrooms: 4 // Bathrooms: 5 // Car garage: 2 // Design Features: 1,463 SF garage, 745 SF 2nd floor decks, office/den

2-Story Townhome + Rear-loaded Garage | 1,906 SF: Square Footage: 1,906 SF; 30'x52' // Stories: 2 // Bedrooms: 3 // Bathrooms: 2,5 // Car garage: 2 // Design Features: Elevated balconies, office

2-Story Townhome + Front-loaded Garage | 1,906 SF: Square Footage: 1,906 SF; 30'x52' // Stories: 2 // Bedrooms: 3 // Bathrooms: 2,5 // Car garage: 2 // Design Features: Elevated balconies

1-Story ADU + Garage | 636 SF : Square Footage: 636 SF. of Living Space, 1,176 SF. gross; 49' x 24' // Stories: 1 // Bedrooms: 2 // Bathrooms: 1 // Car garage: 2 // Design Features: Efficient layout for in-law-, guest- or rental-unit

Mighty Buildings

1-Story SFH | 1,176 SF: Square Footage: 1,176 SF; 49'x24' // Stories: 1 // Bedrooms: 2 // Bathrooms: 2 // Design Features: Initial development in Desert Hot Springs features built-in wood casework, floor to ceiling windows, premium fixtures and finishes

Palari

The Palari Group has designs to build 15 eco-friendly 3D printed homes on a five-acre parcel of land in Rancho Mirage, an upscale community in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, California.

These homes will each feature mid-century modern architecture and will consist of:

- a three-bed, two-bath primary residence of 1,450 sq.ft.
- a secondary two-bed, one-bath property on the residence

Each home's 10,000-sq-ft lot will have a swimming pool in the backyard, with the option to pay extra for amenities such as cabanas, hot tubs, fire pits and outdoor showers.

Read more: https://mightybuildings.com/projects/rancho-mirage

Rancho Mirage: First 3D Printed Zero Net Energy Community

Hines

Link to the full case study: https://bit.ly/3GYg6E1

The Square By Hines Partners With SWAPP to Increase Interior Planning Process Efficiency
AI-based platform to reduce development planning time by 85%

(HOUSTON) – Hines, the international real estate firm, through its flexible workspace platform “The Square” announced today a new collaboration with Tel Aviv-based AI-powered construction planning company, SWAPP, to increase the efficiency of the planning process of Hines’ flexible workspaces.

The collaboration supports the initial design of each Square location by deploying SWAPP’s innovative AI-based platform to automate and significantly reduce the planning time by 85% and optimize flexible spaces utilization. A process that used to take three to four weeks, can now be done in just a couple of days. Improving communication between all stakeholders involved in the process, including the architects and the project owner.

The planning process that merges the high standard of Hines with SWAPP’s AI capabilities, introduces a new level of planning efficiency and flexibility for large enterprises and small businesses alike across The Square commercial spaces.

The announcement is part of the real estate company’s innovation strategy which includes implementing new technologies to enhance operating efficiency.

Using advanced AI algorithms, SWAPP’s system automatically generates office layouts including leasable space optimization, meeting rooms arrangements and amenities area calculations, enabling Hines to quickly evaluate different options for their tenants, and a financially viable benchmark for their in-house design team to complete the design which will significantly reduce delivery times.

The partnership is set to improve the way commercial space planning is performed. Hines is one of the largest privately held real estate investors, managers and developers in the world, with a global team of 4,787 employees and $160.9 billion¹ of assets under management across 27 countries. Through this partnership, Hines will use SWAPP’s AI-based platform to create efficient planning processes for their commercial buildings.

Hines Director Annie Rinker notes: “In the wake of the pandemic, occupiers are considering numerous return-to-workplace strategies including how to redesign their spaces. SWAPP’s platform has been an invaluable tool for Hines as we continue to optimize flexible space design for future Square locations and prepare for substantial growth of The Square portfolio.”

SWAPP Co-Founder and CEO Eitan Tsarfati said: “We welcome Hines’ commitment to use the latest AI technology in the field to create an efficient and cost-effective planning process, one which takes couple of days instead of long weeks and even months. By automating this long and tedious planning process, we are enabling property and asset owners to optimize their assets both by cutting costs and increasing the potential ROI."

About Hines

Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 240 cities in 27 countries. Hines oversees a portfolio of assets under management valued at approximately $160.9 billion¹, including $81.7 billion in assets under management for which Hines serves as investment manager, and $79.2 billion representing more than 172.9 million square feet of assets for which Hines provides third-party property-level services. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired approximately 1,450 properties, totaling over 485 million square feet. The firm has more than 180 developments currently underway around the world. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a pioneering commitment to ESG, Hines is one of the largest and most-respected real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information. ¹Includes both the global Hines organization as well as RIA AUM as of December 31, 2020.

About SWAPP

SWAPP is an AI-driven construction planning company that has developed a single-platform for real-estate developers and construction companies to control their entire construction planning, from feasibility assessments to detailed construction documents and enter the construction phase within weeks. With the use of their one-stop-shop platform, SWAPP is redefining the pre-construction planning process and introduces smart, efficient, and flexible construction planning. Using their platform, real estate developers and construction companies can control every phase of their project planning process and readily adjust them to their budget and needs. 
For more information, please visit: https://www.swapp.net/



The Square By Hines Partners With SWAPP to Increase Interior Planning Process Efficiency

Swapp is an AI-driven architecture firm that collaborates with real estate developers and planners to apply intelligent, advanced algorithms that deliver detailed building designs and cost estimates faster than ever before possible.

SWAPP generates code-compliant construction documents (CDs) from your Test fit plan.

Detailed CD sheets are generated according to the client's specifications and customized standards - including floor plans, elevations, sections, elevator and staircase layouts, finishes, door and window schedules, and materials details.

SWAPP's AI Produced Construction Documents

SWAPP

Architectural Technology to Simplify and Fasten the Planning Process

Explore Latest Case Studies

Discover all the latest real-world projects featuring the latest technology in AEC.

Desert Pavilion

MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network

Customized Mass Housing

Wildflower Studios

BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group

Net Zero Energy Home, a post-occupancy assessment

Sol design + consulting

Hillsborough Home Office and Future ADU Rental Unit

Standard Garage Conversion

Age-In-Place Unit

Studio in Livermore

Rancho Mirage: First 3D Printed Zero Net Energy Community

Palari

The Square By Hines Partners With SWAPP to Increase Interior Planning Process Efficiency

Hines

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