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Work[Log]

Current project news, press, and happenings.

Mandarin Oriental Honolulu Progresses to Design Development

For all the non-architects out there, a short explanation may be necessary. The design/construction schedule from our perspective is typically described in five stages (though there is some variation in how different architects mark their progress): 

1. Conceptual Design/Entitlements: Initial programming and conceptual layout, preliminary city approvals
2. Schematic Design (SD): Establishment of key relationships and functionality, early development of key design elements, early (and on-going) coordination with Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural engineering drawings
3. Design Development (DD): Early development of key details and further coordination with MEP/Structural drawings
4. Construction Documents (CDs): Production of documentation necessary to price and construct the project, including full coordination with MEP/Structural drawings
5. Construction Administration (CA): Continued coordination of documented elements with the construction process in the field

This whole process is also happening simultaneously within the interior design and landscape architecture disciplines, while also coordinating with the architectural team.

Whew! This is all to explain that the Mandarin Oriental Honolulu project is progressing according to schedule, with 100% SD (Schematic Design) having just been completed! We have updated our project page accordingly, with some brand new images and information. As part of developing the design, we've done extensive exploration and modeling in 3d, so we also wanted to share a quick video overview we produced. We're excited to move into Design Development as we begin the new year!

Ground broken on Lomita Townhomes

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has officially broken ground on the Lomita Avenue Townhomes! Our own Brian Betsill was in attendance at the August ceremony, and took the picture below of the families selected for ownership digging in. Construction is continuing in the new year through Fall/Winter 2018, so if you're in the Glendale area, click here to volunteer! SGV Habitat also has more information about their partnership with the Glendale Housing Authority and the families selected for the project at their website. 

Confluence Units Going Fast!

Presales for residential units in Confluence are currently underway, with nearly a third of the units already reserved! If you're interested in a residential unit or commercial space, please head over to the Confluence site to learn more before they're all gone!

Below is an example of the two interior finish options in the main living area. We have also added some new images at our project page, if you'd like to see more.

Confluence Featured in the Coloradoan

Confluence was featured prominently Sunday in the Business section of the Coloradoan, in a feature on buildings that are reshaping Fort Collins, alongside other projects that are revitalizing the River District. We've received lots of positive feedback on the article, so thank you! If you haven't read it yet, you can find it at the Coloradoan's website, or if you'd like more information on the project, check out our project page or go straight to the Confluence site

Presales are going on now, with units going fast!

Holiday Dinner 2017!

Every year, it seems like our table gets a little longer! This year, continuing our tradition of supporting local businesses, [au]workshop (and family) enjoyed good company and a great meal at the newly opened Cache at Ginger and Baker. 

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We also wanted to take the opportunity to wish Happy Holidays to our many wonderful collaborators and clients. See you next year!

Special Guest: Johnny West

Whoops! Occasionally, things like the blog get away from us as we focus on the architecture. Like this post that we just found in the "drafts" folder:

We were pleasantly surprised the other day to get a visit from a Mr. Johnny West, who, besides having a pretty fantastic name, used to live at 405 Linden Street, in the old house that is now our office space. 
We've been fortunate enough to meet a number of the folks who used to call the building home, lots of whom lived here when the building was owned by the Fort Collins housing authority. Mr. West's story was especially intriguing, as he lived in the house earlier than anyone else we've met, back in 1945, when he was 12 years old. 
He regaled us with stories of nearly dying of diphtheria in the back bedroom and of attending school with Jesse Godinez, the proprietor of El Burrito. He also filled us in on some missing history; apparently, before it was a slaughterhouse, 401 Linden (the future site of Confluence) was a private residence that raised chickens commercially. 

Thanks for chatting with us, Mr. West!! Sorry to take so long to get you published. 

Mr. Johnny West at 405 Linden Street, where he lived as a boy. 

Mr. Johnny West at 405 Linden Street, where he lived as a boy. 

Confluence Units Now Available!
 

We are excited to announce that residential units in Confluence are now available for presale! More information about presales and the commercial spaces available for lease is available at the updated project website. We have also added a few new renderings to our project page. We will have additional information about the individual units (and additional images) in the coming weeks, so check back soon!

 
Poudre Garage Nearly Dried-In
 

If you haven't been by Remington and Oak recently, Poudre Garage is coming along nicely! We were lucky enough to get a quick site tour yesterday; our first so far. Since only portions of the office worked on the project, it seems like the others of us can offer compliments; we were definitely jealous of the future tenants. The oversized windows set up a really lovely rhythm within the units, and the terraces are going to have some pretty fantastic views (see below). Click on the images to enlarge.

There's still lots of work to do, but we're already quite excited. If you are too, you can find out more information about available floor plans and leasing at Historic Poudre Garage Lofts.

 
 
 
UAB Awarded Leed Platinum
 

The recently completed Utilities Administration Building was awarded LEED Platinum in a ceremony today. We're quite excited about the designation, as speakers presented it as the first building in Colorado (and only the third in the country and fourth in the world) to be awarded Platinum under the new LEED v4 standard for new construction. 

Platinum was the City of Fort Collins' target from the inception of the project, and we were pleased to be able to work so closely with the City and RNL to meet that target.

Congratulations, City of Fort Collins! And thank you for helping to lead the charge on sustainability!