Sustainable By Design: Tasmania's Inspired Art Hotel

Based in Tasmania, Australia, Robert Morris-Nunn has been practicing innovative, sustainable design for decades, and a 'socially humane' and culturally aware approach to design and architecture, coupled with a keen awareness of and consideration of the environment, is evident in his work. 

In this small island state, historic preservation is a key component of the built environment, contributing to a distinct, shared sense of identity, rooted in history, culture, and a profound respect for ecology and conservation.  While this regard for tradition remains central to Tasmanian life, progressive ideas, contemporary art, and collaborative, community-oriented architecture are simultaneously embraced as part of the always-evolving historical fabric.  Located in the capital city of Hobart, The Henry Jones Art Hotel embodies this concept.  Previously a jam factory, the waterfront sandstone warehouse was preserved and re-imagined in 2004 to adapt for its new function as hotel/art gallery, housing not only visitors and travelers, but also an engaging collection of contemporary art.

The resulting aesthetic is a cohesive and unique blend of old and new, enhancing one's experience of place, connectedness to culture, and appreciation of regional art.

For more details, images, and to read the complete post, visit Inspired Design Daily...

Sustainable By Design: Adaptive Reuse

One of the most sustainable practices that can be incorporated into how we live, work and interact with our built environment is that of reuse and preservation.  Utilizing existing buildings and materials and repurposing them for new functions keeps construction waste out of landfills and minimizes development impact on sites and neighborhoods.  Adaptive reuse also serves to enhance a sense of place by incorporating elements from the past into the present and future.

Located in picturesque Quechee, Vermont, the Simon Pearce glassblowing factory, flagship restaurant and retail store is a beautful example of how historic preservation can sustainably create both inspired and functional spaces.

This masonry building, directly adjacent to the Ottauquechee River, was renovated in 1981 by Simon Pearce, an Irish glassblower who brought his craft to the states and converted the 19th century woolen mill to a glassblowing factory.  The renovation included the addition of a restaurant and retail space, as well as the incorporation of a new hydroelectric turbine, tucked beneath the building to utilize the site’s natural resources to provide power to the factory.

For more images and the full post, visit Inspired Design Daily!

Green Roofs: Large and Small...

So, last time the discussion of green roofs addressed historical applications and newer technologies, as the concept of planted roofs adapts to construction needs and constraints of today, while still creating the benefits that green roofs have provided for centuries.

For this month's guest blog post at Inspired Design Daily, MYD reviews a very unique case study that resonates beautifully, both aesthetically and functionally- the California Academy of Sciences, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.  A great place to visit, with the world's largest digital planetarium, a living rainforest biodome and natural history museum, this project by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, has something for everyone.  And if you're interested in green roofs, it's especially intriguing.

To learn more about this extraordinary project and read the full post, visit Inspired Design Daily and let us know what you think!

Sustainable By Design: Visiting Back Bay

MYD takes a closer look at Upper Newport Bay, one of California's largest few remaining coastal estuaries, for the latest in our guest blogging series for Inspired Design Daily.  The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is a unique example of earth sheltered construction, tucked into the bluffs at the north edge of Back Bay.  For more information and the complete post, please visit Inspired Design Daily!

Sustainable By Design, March 2010

This month's project case study will explore where modernism meets passive solar design.  MYD's March post, the second in our guest blogging series for Inspired Design Daily, will feature an intriguing and innovative project- an early modernist experiment in energy efficient architecture.

Make sure to visit Inspired Design Daily for the complete entry and additional photos!