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Lobas Architects
This project was intended as the first landmark project of a residential development to be constructed on a vacant plot of land in Detroit. Nearby was the bridge to Belle Isle, Detroit's island park getaway. The tire factory that had occupied the site previously had released chemicals that tarnished the land. It would require extensive environmental cleanup.
The primary influences are the "builder's homes" I assisted constructing the previous summer. So the style is decidedly suburban, with some Cape Cod influences. The most interesting aspects stem from the fenestration, which curves within the simple residential form in a modern mode, and opens up in a large dormer. The exaggerated windows in the dormer are postmodern in character. The house is 765 square feet on the main level, with 650 square feet above. An unattached garage is at the back of the site.
DECONSTRUCTIVE APARTMENT COMPLEX
This residential loft project essentially doubles the size of an existing brick mixed-use structure directly next door. The neighborhood is at Puritan and Dexter, not far the University of Detroit main campus at Six Mile Road and Livernois Avenue
The existing brick building had three storefronts with local shops and vendors. One of these storefronts was in direct alignment with oncoming traffic from Puritan. A number of drivers did not heed the traffic signal at this intersection and went careening directly into the third storefront. Ergo, that storefront was bricked in. I chose to extend the building, replete with brickwork detailing, onto the next block north of the original building. However, the new addition would not be of bearing masonry, but a metal frame with a brick veneer, all supported by a steel structural system with compression and tension members.
The main level is 5,820 square feet of commercial space, with a coffee shop, a music store, a bookstore, and a restaurant. A covered plaza opens up for outdoor dining and hanging out. The upper two levels, 4,430 square feet each, contain loft style apartments, with common areas facing east. A large sculptural skylight illuminates the common area, as well as the plaza below. This design was executed for the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, which produces design projects gratis for local community groups.
This project was intended as the first landmark project of a residential development to be constructed on a vacant plot of land in Detroit. Nearby was the bridge to Belle Isle, Detroit's island park getaway. The tire factory that had occupied the site previously had released chemicals that tarnished the land. It would require extensive environmental cleanup.
The primary influences are the "builder's homes" I assisted constructing the previous summer. So the style is decidedly suburban, with some Cape Cod influences. The most interesting aspects stem from the fenestration, which curves within the simple residential form in a modern mode, and opens up in a large dormer. The exaggerated windows in the dormer are postmodern in character. The house is 765 square feet on the main level, with 650 square feet above. An unattached garage is at the back of the site.
DECONSTRUCTIVE APARTMENT COMPLEX
This residential loft project essentially doubles the size of an existing brick mixed-use structure directly next door. The neighborhood is at Puritan and Dexter, not far the University of Detroit main campus at Six Mile Road and Livernois Avenue
The existing brick building had three storefronts with local shops and vendors. One of these storefronts was in direct alignment with oncoming traffic from Puritan. A number of drivers did not heed the traffic signal at this intersection and went careening directly into the third storefront. Ergo, that storefront was bricked in. I chose to extend the building, replete with brickwork detailing, onto the next block north of the original building. However, the new addition would not be of bearing masonry, but a metal frame with a brick veneer, all supported by a steel structural system with compression and tension members.
The main level is 5,820 square feet of commercial space, with a coffee shop, a music store, a bookstore, and a restaurant. A covered plaza opens up for outdoor dining and hanging out. The upper two levels, 4,430 square feet each, contain loft style apartments, with common areas facing east. A large sculptural skylight illuminates the common area, as well as the plaza below. This design was executed for the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, which produces design projects gratis for local community groups.
Lobas Architects