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The Architecture Thread

Rigatoni

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The Amber Room
Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin, Germany
Designed by: Andreas Schlüter. Fabricated by: Gottfried Wolfram, with help from Ernst Schacht and Gottfried Turau.

A recreation of what once symbolized peace and was known as the 8th wonder of the world. This room was a priceless work of art, constructed of 990 lb of amber panels, gold leaf, gemstones and mirrors. The original room's estimated value ranges from between $142,000,000 to over $500,000,000. It was eventually stolen by the Nazi's during World War II, and was never seen again since.



 
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Rigatoni

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Compressed Earth Blocks

A low-cost, sustainable building construction material, made from damp soil (mixed with clay and aggregate) compressed at high pressure. CEBs shouldn't be confused with mud bricks / adobe, and can actually surpass the strength of typical cement or mud brick. These blocks have multiple advantages, and in some cases even allow pressed bricks to go immediately into construction (based on soil conditions). They are also sound resistant, insect resistant, fire resistant, mold resistant and cheap to make - created directly on-site from nearby soil.


Turns out, there are even Lego bricks made from compressed natural materials, such as coffee beans.


I'm not overly into the sustainable development movement. But, it's still interesting to see the innovation and engineering that goes into these building designs and materials.
 
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Rigatoni

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My dream abode would definitely include an enclosed terrace or solarium. I can just imagine waking up, fixin' some pumpkin coffee and enjoying the morning while being surrounded by a dense array of trees.

I definitely agree, I think it does have it's place in modern designs. I love the idea of making building materials for the structure out of the soil from the site itself. I think it's an ingenious idea, and really makes the building feel one with the environment. It compliments it's surroundings, rather than distracts from them. I first found out about this construction method after watching a show about it yesterday actually.

I am somewhat critical of the sustainable development movement, but am impressed and often find inspiration from design solutions architects come up with - such as solar panel windows and green walls / roofs.

 
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Rigatoni

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That's a good point. I do see the movement as being Paganism in disguise, and an excuse for increased regulation. However, it doesn't mean sustainable architecture can't be approached from a Christian perspective. God did entrust us with the earth (Psalm 8:6), and taking care of it in a Biblical way does bring Him glory, including through green practices. =)


Also, check these bad boys out. All employ some level of sustainability.
 
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Rigatoni

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Ah, I see what you mean. Living off the grid in a self-sustaining way would be a positive and freeing experience - a retreat from the world, so to speak. I would highly be open to such as prospect myself.

In terms of my ideal home, I've yet to decide what exactly it would look like. My focus has been on what it would feel like inside - perhaps invoking mystery, sleekness and wonder, yet also feeling cozy at the same time. There would be a plenitude of bold, natural materials used throughout, with abundant natural lighting and large windows looking out into the country. It would also feature plays of lighting, material, verticality and form, challenging convention, with rooms that are both inside and outside. Ample vegetation is a must. For the exterior, maybe the design could draw from both rustic and modern elements, with hints of minimalism.


Does anyone else know what their ideal home would look like, if there were no limitations on what would be possible?
 
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Multifavs

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Those are such lovely houses and would be cool to live in! I especially like the second photo - that sky!

I'm not sure what my ideal house would be like except that it would need to have space for all my collections and creations, lol. I would also love to have a nice sewing/crafting room and lots of purple/lavender in the house!
 
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Rigatoni

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Those are great ideas.

Multi's house would definitely need lots of purple, and tons of room for her epic creations.
 
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I love those grass steps as well. No bunker home should be with out them. I also like the one that's tucked away in a hill (in that 3rd pic from the bottom), and the one inside a cave - kinda reminds me of the lair of an evil bond villain.
If only I could have my own underground lair, that would be nothing short of epic.


And yes, skating would be permitted.
 
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