Peruvian Pods: Prism-like Cabins Hang High Above Cuzco’s Sacred Valley

By Sam Rogers
Wallpaper, July 29, 2015

(Image: Prism-like cabins, made from aerospace aluminium, solar panels and glass, offer all the modern comforts one could expect from an alternative housing solution. Courtesy of Wallpaper)

Glamping is reaching new heights in South America – 122 m up a rocky cliff, in fact. That is where travel company Natura Vive’s Skylodge Suites hang, high above Peru’s Sacred Valley, near the city of Cuzco.

These three prism-like cabins – made from aerospace aluminium, solar panels and glass – offer all the modern comforts one could reasonably hope for when glamping high up in the mountains.

To reach the sky high accommodation, campers have to climb up via a laddered ferrata trail (and down with the assistance of zip lines).

The pods are spacious but by no means palatial, measuring just over 7m long and 2m wide, each containing a bedroom, a dining area and a private bathroom, separated by an insulated wall. Glass walls all round afford awe-inspiring views of the world below, while a small landing platform above offers an ideal picnic spot for adrenaline-seekers. Read more…

Doors Open Vancouver – Call for Volunteers

Do you love architecture, design, and sustainability? Do you take pride in Vancouver? If so, volunteer with Doors Open Vancouver (DOV)!

Vancouver’s second DOV event takes place on October 2 from 12pm – 7pm and October 3 from 10 am – 5 pm.

What happens at DOV? We throw open the doors of popular Vancouver buildings to the public! People enjoy free, behind the scenes access to Vancouver venues and can learn about civic services while experiencing Vancouver’s architectural, design, engineering, and cultural heritage.

Last year we had over 8,600 visits to 20 buildings — and the event was a success because of the nearly 200 volunteers who made the visitor experience so special. (Here’s a look at the volunteer experience during DOV 2014.)

So, once again, the City is seeking committed volunteers to assist the day of with set-up, greeting visitors, leading tours, social media, and encouraging public participation. We are particularly interested in volunteers who can speak a second language who can provide translation services for our visitors.

As a DOV volunteer, you will meet likeminded individuals, get an invitation to our exclusive wrap party, receive a collectable DOV t-shirt, and more!

If this sounds like you, register to volunteer at doorsopenvan.ca. Short training sessions will take place in mid-September.

Doors Open was a quick start action identified by the Mayor’s Engaged City Task Force. Doors Open Vancouver is brought to you by the City of Vancouver in partnership with Vancouver Public Space Network, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, Tourism Vancouver, and Cascadia Green Building Council.

SustainaBUILD Vancouver Conference

SustainaBUILD provides a platform for industry thought leaders to converge in an intimate environment to learn, share knowledge and partake in industry dialogue.

This one day event provides the Architecture, Design, Engineering and Construction industries with pertinent information on green building practices, trends and predictions. Featuring five innovative sessions and over 15 industry leading speakers, this conference will provide the theoretical, practical and firsthand knowledge needed to help ensure the success of your next green build project.

Presenters will expand on green building theory such as LEED and Passive House. Additionally, speakers will address matters such as building technology, consumer preferences across commercial, residential, and institutional building types, and the sustainable building practices of three iconic green build projects.

Delegates will walk away with an enhanced knowledge of green building practices and a refreshed outlook on the state of the industry.

Date: October 6, 2015
Location: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
Cost: $345 + GST (early bird); $390 + GST (regular)
To register: http://sustainabuild.com/register/

For more information, visit the SustainaBUILD website.

NWTAA 2015 Architectural Photography Competition

The Northwest Territories Association of Architects invites all professional and amateur photographers to submit architecture-themed photos for a chance to win cash prizes.

Photos of architectural subjects within the NWT, Yukon and Nunavut may be entered into one of three categories: Public Spaces, Architecture, and Interior Architecture. Subjects may be new or old structures and spaces, and additions and restorations of existing structures. Subjects must be located within the three territories.

Submission Deadline: September 11, 2015

For complete details, including eligibility & criteria, submission requirements, and available prizes, visit www.nwtaa.ca or call (867) 766-4216.

NWTAA 2015 Architectural Awards

The Northwest Territories Association of Architects invites all owners, architects and other professionals and stakeholders to submit their building projects as part of its inaugural Architectural Awards.

Past, present and ongoing Northern projects may be entered into one of three categories: Public Spaces, Interior Architecture and Architecture. Eligible entries will be judged by a guest jury, and may be published in a book celebrating Northern architecture.

Submission Deadline: October 15, 2015

For complete details, including eligibility, criteria, submission requirements, prizes and outcomes, visit www.nwtaa.ca or call (867) 766-4216.

Housing Foundations and Geotechnical Challenges: Best Practices for Residential Builders in British Columbia

The first of its kind in BC, this comprehensive guide educates builders and other industry professionals on soil types and  associated geotechnical challenges – from pre- to post-construction  of single and multi-family residences. A valuable reference tool, the guide is intended to present current best practice guidelines, and to emphasize basic building code requirements.

This publication received endorsement from the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

The Guide is available for download at http://www.hpo.bc.ca/housing-foundations-geotechnical-challenges-guide.

Visit the HPO website for additional information.

Vancouver and White Rock Modern Home Tours

(Image: Overlooking Semiamhoo Bay, Galadriel is a refined, modern home with the warmth and strength inherently found in West Coast architecture from the Iredale Group Architecture and KBC Developments.)

Modern Home Tours is back in Vancouver for a third year in a row, and this year it is introducing the first ever White Rock Modern Home Tour.

The tours will give people a chance to explore and view some of the greatest examples of modern architecture right in their own city via self-guided driving tour.

In Vancouver, the tour features six magnificent homes from One SEED Architecture + Interiors Inc., Lanefab Design/Build, LCI Design, Natural Balance Home Builders with Frits de Vries architects, Kevin Vallely Design, and Wheeler Developments.

In White Rock, the tour covers five excellent homes from KBC Developments, Iredale Architecture, Treeline Construction Ltd., and Surfside Construction.

Date: September 19, 2015 (Vancouver) & September 20, 2015 (White Rock)
Time: 11am-5pm
Cost: $30 (advance), $40 (regular)
Transportation: Self-guided

Visit Modern Home Tours’ website to view photos, descriptions of the homes and to sign-up for a tour.

Compare Your Salary with the AIA Compensation Calculator

by Karissa Rosenfield
Archdaily, Aug 18, 2015

(Image: American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) has released its annual compensation report including a salary calculator tool. Courtesy of Archdaily)

Alongside the release of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) annual Compensation Report comes a new (free!) Salary Calculator Tool that allows you to compare your income with 17 architectural staff positions – from CEO to Intern 1. Read more…