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Author: signordal
Sunbeams Music Centre / MawsonKerr Architects
© Simon Kennedy Photography
- Architects: MawsonKerr Architects
- Location: Penrith, United Kingdom
- Architect In Charge: Will Mawson
- Area: 600.0 m2
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: Simon Kennedy Photography
- Client: Sunbeams Music Trust
- Main Contractor: Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd
- Structural Engineer: JS Engineering
- Cost Consultant : Johnstons
- Acoustic Consultant: DACS
- Service Engineers: JH Partners
© Simon Kennedy Photography
Completion of the £2.0 million Sunbeams Music Centre marks a significant milestone in an extraordinary journey for Sunbeams Music Trust and Newcastle based MawsonKerr Architects.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
This journey began 12 years ago as a university thesis project for MawsonKerr director Will Mawson then studying the charity for his final year project at Newcastle University; in an unusual turn of events this became a live project following unanimous approval by the board of trustees.
Pencil Render
Established in 1992, Sunbeams Music Trust deliver their ‘Music For Life’ programme to tens of thousands of needing members of society each year and were eager for a home.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
A green field site with transformational therapeutic qualities was generously donated overlooking Ullswater Valley near Penrith following which a lengthy fund raising period began for the centre including a number of sponsored “endurance challenges” by MawsonKerr and friends of the charity such as a Forrest Gump style 24 hour coast to coast run.
Floor Plan
MawsonKerr’s resultant building is designed to embody musical qualities of rhythm, timbre and melody within the landscape; shaped along the curved natural contours it grows with a crescendo at the canopy to the eastern main entrance. Inserted along the rhythmical elevation are a series of playful introverted volumes housing key activities.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
The architecture is intended to reflect synthesis between the natural context, a contemporary vernacular and musical union; housing several unique functions it is also importantly an outward facing advert for the charity.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
External envelope materials are primarily slate stone clad spine walls with an oak façade to the main curved elevation, a series of lozenge shaped cedar shingle clad volumes all topped with an extensive green roof; many of these materials continue internally to create a rich interior texture. Radially spanning glulam beams run with a rhythm throughout the building creating the projecting eaves and entrance canopy.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
The primary function of the centre is providing music therapy, in acoustically treated spaces specifically designed for group sessions or one on one. Secondly the important administrative requirement for a growing charity like Sunbeams Music Trust and thirdly the centre allows promotion of Sunbeams work throughout with exhibitions open to the public and music concerts generating funds for the programmes they run.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
There is a strong sustainable agenda to the design based on first principles; the six hundred square metre Sunbeams Music Centre is predominantly naturally ventilated, naturally lit and the heating provided by ground source heat pump. U-values are to passivhaus standards with a large amount of locally sourced sheep wool and carefully designed south facing elevation to limit overheating. All materials are sustainably sourced and from as local a source as possible.
Section
Integrated into the centre are a host of bespoke designed elements, such as the reception desk formed around the music signature of a harp, green walls, musically derived ironmongery, tiling incorporating imagery of the fund raising challenges and the main Glassical Hall (named after Philip Glass one of the patrons) whose oak clad walls are design to create an optimum acoustic performance.
© Simon Kennedy Photography
Product Description. Burlington Slate Wall – One of the key drivers to the design is in creating a beautiful aesthetic of natural materials that are resilient and locally sourced. We were able to have great buy in by local quarry Burlington who were the source of all the amazing stone which runs radially throughout the building internally and externally.
Helpful Tips to Live a Happy Life With a Positive Mind – Never Let Your Circumstances to Steal Your Happiness – Negative Self-Talk – Positive Thoughts, Decisions and Actions
Enjoy Concrete HQ / Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects
© Tim Van De Velde
- Architects: Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects
- Location: Veurne, Belgium
- Architect In Charge: Benny Govaert, Damiaan Vanhoutte
- Area: 6974.0 m2
- Project Year: 2014
- Photographs: Tim Van De Velde
© Tim Van De Velde
From the architect. Enjoy Concrete produces and installs architectural prefabricated concrete elements. The brief for their new corporate building was to combine a production hanger together with offices, while integrating their own product within the building. Being on a strategic point in between an industrial estate and a green canal, they wanted to be seen by the passing traffic, as well as to become a transition from green to industrial.
© Tim Van De Velde
The design for the headquarters for Enjoy Concrete became a true showcase for their own capabilities, being constructed entirely out of prefabricated concrete elements. Its facade are made out of concrete slabs of 6 by 3 meters. All windows share these same proportions.
© Tim Van De Velde
The building mainly consists out of a hall for production and storage. The office spaces are in front of the building, spread over 4 levels, allowing light and visibility onto the main road. A cantilevered volume (12m50 in total) containing the board room is located at the top corner of the building. This box also shares the same 6×3 meters proportion. The long volume was made out of a lighter steel structure, allowing large windows on the south west façade. The steel structure is internally anchored into the concrete staircase, creating a counter weight for the long cantilever. Inside the boardroom a solid steel table stands only on 2 legs, having an over span of 7m50.
© Tim Van De Velde
The facade is further characterized by a pattern image, of the beautiful treeline along the canal “Damse Vaart” on the prefab slabs through the application of the “Graphic Concrete” procedure. The digital image was broken down into big dots, making the total picture become clear only from a distance. The facade creates an interesting interaction between the building and its surroundings, as the building reflects the nature across the street and canal.
Section Detail
In essence the HQ for enjoy concrete is one big concrete block. The floating boardroom functions as an eye catcher for the approaching traffic, and also breaks the simple volume. The print of the treeline blends the concrete mass into the green surroundings.
© Tim Van De Velde
Product Description. – Enjoy Concrete produces and installs architectural prefabricated concrete elements. The brief for their new corporate building was to combine a production hanger together with offices, while integrating their own product within the building. Being on a strategic point in between an industrial estate and a green canal, they wanted to be seen by the passing traffic, as well as to become a transition from green to industrial.
© Tim Van De Velde
The design for the headquarters for Enjoy Concrete became a true showcase for their own capabilities, being constructed entirely out of prefabricated concrete elements. Its facade are made out of concrete slabs of 6 by 3 meters. All windows share these same proportions.
© Tim Van De Velde
The building mainly consists out of a hall for production and storage. The office spaces are in front of the building, spread over 4 levels, allowing light and visibility onto the main road. A cantilevered volume (12m50 in total) containing the board room is located at the top corner of the building. This box also shares the same 6×3 meters proportion. The long volume was made out of a lighter steel structure, allowing large windows on the south west façade. The steel structure is internally anchored into the concrete staircase, creating a counter weight for the long cantilever. Inside the boardroom a solid steel table stands only on 2 legs, having an over span of 7m50.
Section Detail
The facade is further characterized by a pattern image, of the beautiful treeline along the canal “Damse Vaart” on the prefab slabs through the application of the “Graphic Concrete” procedure. The digital image was broken down into big dots, making the total picture become clear only from a distance. The facade creates an interesting interaction between the building and its surroundings, as the building reflects the nature across the street and canal.
© Tim Van De Velde
In essence the HQ for enjoy concrete is one big concrete block. The floating boardroom functions as an eye catcher for the approaching traffic, and also breaks the simple volume. The print of the treeline blends the concrete mass into the green surroundings.
Highclere Castle, Englandphoto via marti
Top 10 Healthy Foods That Fight Stress
You’re reading Top 10 Healthy Foods That Fight Stress, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
Nowadays, many people suffer from stress due to busy lifestyles. In fact, too much stress may cause a lot of side effects on the mood, behavior, and body. It may even result in short-term and long-term physical issues such as impaired learning ability, impaired memory, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, a weak immune system, and coronary heart disease. Keeping a healthy lifestyle and having a proper diet will help to control stress. In addition, there are also some specific types of food that can aid in fighting stress. Continue reading this post to check them out!
1. Blueberries
The antioxidants present in blueberries are very effective in reducing stress levels. Blueberries also have vitamins E and C and essential minerals such as manganese and magnesium, which can help to relieve stress. Regular consumption of blueberries can also aid in dealing with insomnia, depression, and some other mood disorders that are considered as a result of stress. You may also eat blueberries as a snack or include them in a fruit salad or cottage cheese. Apart from blueberries, you can also eat cranberries to help to control stress.
2. Milk
People who often drink milk are less stressed. A glass of skim milk gives your body a good amount of calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins A and D. These nutrients aid you in calming down and fighting free radicals released in your body whenever you are stressed. For a stress-busting breakfast, opt for a bowl of cereal made from whole grain with a glass of low-fat milk. In addition, consume a glass of lukewarm milk before going to sleep to have a sound sleep. If you are not a fan of milk, switch to consume milk products such as yogurt and cottage cheese.
3. Dark Chocolate
According to a clinical trial of Proteome Research in the Journal of American Chemical Society, eating about 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day can reduce the stress hormone levels in the body significantly. Dark chocolate is comprised of magnesium, a mineral that aids in fighting stress, depression, fatigue, and irritability. When you are stressed, eat dark chocolate to boost up your mood and reduce the stress level. Another option, you may also drink a glass of warm chocolate milk or other types of dessert that contains dark chocolate.
4. Salmon
Being a cold water fish, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids and contains strong anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in boosting up brain chemicals such as serotonin that is very effective in maintaining a happy mood and regulating stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids also help your brain to function more efficiently. It is recommended eating just 2 or 3 servings of salmon a week. Apart from salmon, you may also eat tuna, mackerel, and sardines. Or, you may take supplements of omega-3 fatty acids daily after consulting your doctor.
5. Avocados
Avocados are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamin E and C. They also contain potassium, fiber, and healthy fat. These nutrients are helpful in regulating stress hormones by keeping the nerves & brain cells healthy. Consuming an avocado per day can significantly reduce the blood pressure levels and the stress hormone levels. You may also add avocado to your favorite smoothie or fruit salad. To get the best results, consume fresh avocado instead of eating the packaged ones.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids. These antioxidants contain a calming effect on your body & mind, which can help to give you a positive mood. In addition, it also has an amino acid named theanine that helps to promote relaxation and improve the attention and focus.
A study in an American journal indicated that people who consumed at least 5 cups of this tea a day have better mood and health compared to people who consumed less than 1 cup a day.
When you feel stress, enjoy one cup of green tea immediately. However, 5 cups a day cannot be suitable for some people. So, you can drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day.
If you are not a fan of green tea, choose black tea. The positive effect of green tea will be best in people who don’t drink alcohol and smoke.
7. Oranges
The high content of vitamin C in oranges helps to boost up your immune system. In addition, it is also a natural antioxidant that can fight free radicals. Oranges also contain significant amounts of vitamin A and a lot of healthy minerals.
To reap the benefits of these nutrients in oranges, simply consume one glass of orange juice per day. You may also add oranges to your desserts and other baked goods. Apart from oranges, you may also consume other citrus fruits.
8. Almonds
Almonds are high in magnesium, selenium, zinc, healthy oils, and vitamins B and E that offer stress-busting benefits. In addition, they are crunchy and thus help to diffuse tension.
You may eat raw or roasted almonds as a healthy snack. Or, you may also add almonds to desserts & baked goods. Apart from almonds, you may eat pistachios and walnuts to reduce the stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost up your energy level.
9. Spinach
Spinach that belongs to the dark green vegetables is rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Spinach also has a good amount of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium that help to reduce stress hormones in your body and stabilize your mood.
A cup of spinach per day can give your body the relaxing, calming effects. Or, you may also add spinach to your omelet, sandwich, salad, or wrap.
10. Brown Rice
Brown rice is comprised of B vitamins, which are very important for maintaining tissues, cells, and organs. They act as a natural mood stabilizer and also aid in biochemical reactions linked to brain functioning, immunity, healthy red blood cells, and cardiac functioning. When your body gets enough amounts of B vitamins, it is better for you to fight stress and other mood disorders. If you feel moody or irritable in the next time, consume brown rice products to help you feel better.
To sum up, the stress-busting foods are loaded with nutrients that may regulate stress hormones and aid you in having a life free of stress.
This guest post is by Nga Do, a beauty and health blogger with many years of experience on searching the effective remedies for skin & hair care and health problems.
You’ve read Top 10 Healthy Foods That Fight Stress, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
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Córdoba-Flat / Cadaval & Solà-Morales
© Imagen Subliminal
- Architects: Cadaval & Solà-Morales
- Location: Calle Córdoba, Roma Nte., Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
- Architects In Charge: Eduardo Cadaval & Clara Solà-Morales
- Area: 90.0 m2
- Year Project: 2015
- Photographs: Imagen Subliminal
- Builders: Eugenio Eraña, Juan Carlos Cajiga
- Structure: Ricardo Camacho.
© Imagen Subliminal
From the architect. The project is located in the Colonia Roma, a historic neighbourhood in the central sector of Mexico City. La Roma developed in the 19th century as one of the first extensions of the city centre, with an orthogonal grid of large houses inhabited by the upper classes of the city. With the emergence of suburban life in the 50s, la Roma decreased its population throughout the second half of the 20th century, getting to its worst with earthquake of 1985.
© Imagen Subliminal
Due to the location of la Roma in what once was Lake Texcoco, the subsoil is highly muddy, so seismic waves are amplified; thus, during the strong earthquake of 85, la Roma was one of the more affected areas of the city: many buildings collapsed, and many of those which resisted were abandoned by its inhabitants because of their structural damage or because of the fear that the buildings would not resist another earthquake.
© Imagen Subliminal
Plan
© Imagen Subliminal
The neighbourhood became deeply deteriorated, with high levels of insecurity and abandoned buildings, until its recent re-emergence as one of the most active areas of the city, filled with art galleries, small restaurants, cafés and young people occupying again its streets and public areas.
© Imagen Subliminal
Plan
© Imagen Subliminal
The project seeks to explore new possible configurations within the framework of the spatial distribution that allows the existing space. The intervention acts on the horizontal planes, divi- ding the space into two. An area of rooms with low ceilings, of small and cozy spaces and a spacious public area with double height. Two rooms, a studio relate to a unique space containing the living room, dining room and kitchen. A simplification of the spatial structure of the apartment is sought as a tool to allow a clear reading of the main space and their relationship with the city.
© Imagen Subliminal
Stirling, Scotlandphoto via anita
Guizhou, Chinaphoto via dkdaniels
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