My Favorite Models

[tkhoatson]

New year; new model…

Uhlenbeck Hall

This structure is conceived as a campus addition to house the department of Mathematics.

East-facing View

The side of the building facing the street is not actually the front… The structure at ground level is surrounded by a patio with lots of outdoor seating, shaded by the second-level classrooms.

North-facing View

On the patio, students can study or collaborate or even just chat, with views of greenery around.

Northwest Isometric View

The structure is conceived as a twisting volume, with clerestory windows over the central hallway at the second level, allowing natural light in and reducing energy costs. Classrooms also allow for natural light through large windows.

West-facing View

Each segment of the twisting volume is a different length. It begins on the inner wall and winds its way out as a representation of the Fibonacci sequence.

South-facing View

This side of the structure faces other campus buildings, and is ostensibly the front of the building, with two entrances - one just beyond the cluster of lilac bushes.

The façade on the right provides visualizations of Euler’s number and his constant.

Here it is possible to wind your way into the center courtyard.

Façade Detail

Along the building face at the second-level, a design on the wall provides a visualization of a harmonic sequence. Toward the right, the walls provide visualizations of other concepts, including the sequence of prime numbers.

Behind the curved walls ahead are staff offices and lounge.

Courtyard

At the heart of the courtyard are two trees, showing how natural elements can provide useful metaphors for mathematical concepts. Here also is a sculptural visualization of pi - the ratio of the diameter of a circle to its area - vertically stacking 3.14 diameters. (Some wealthy alumnus should donate toward the addition of a couple of benches here…)

Interior Detail - Ground Level

Artwork on the walls is illuminated by natural light from the glazing on the opposite side of the hall and illustrates mathematical concepts.

Interior Detail - Second Level

Here can be found more visualizations on the walls. Since this level has classrooms on both sides of the hall, natural lighting is brought in via clerestory windows above. (The dim lighting of this image is an effect of SketchUp showing the angle of the walls without regard to how much light is actually available.)

Overhead View

From this perspective, the true form of the structure is clearly seen, sited within the natural environment.

All vegetation and furnishings are from the 3D Warehouse.

[tkhoatson]

I was playing around with an AI tool, and I had a couple of results that were thought-provoking. There were still parts of the image that were basically nonsense, but it did give me some interesting ideas.

So I took some of the ideas from one image and rearranged everything to come up with…

Byrd Lake Cabin

This simple, yet comfortable structure rises as a single volume on two levels, between two stone masses. On the North side of the cabin, the octagonal stone mass does not mitigate solar gain but serves as a wind break for the front entry. At the top, it shields a small balcony.

North-facing View

The cabin reflects the heritage of the Lakota people who are still present throughout much of this area. Native symbols are visible on the upper façade, adding to the character and aesthetic of the structure.

West-facing View

A wrap-around patio on the ground level allows for access from the bedrooms. The upper level overshades the patio allowing for a more spacious shared space with large windows for expansive views of the natural surroundings.

Southwest Isometric View

On the sunward side of the structure, a pentagonal stone wall allows for the daytime warmth to be spread out through the cooler evening hours, while the cool of the night air is spread throughout the day. A spacious deck on this side allows for outdoor entertaining in good weather. A pair of glazed doors provide easy access to the deck along with expansive views of the lake.

South-facing View

The cabin is sited on a slight uplift, giving the structure several feet of elevation above the lake level, reducing the likelihood of flooding. The roof gable overhangs a portion of the deck, providing a bit of shade at midday in the hottest times of year.

East-facing View

As the ground slopes away again slightly toward the front lawn, a short flight of steps allows access to the ground floor entrance.

The vertically-aligned reclaimed wood panels of the ground level contrast with the horizontal siding of the upper level. By placing the reclaimed wood under the overhang, it is hoped to mitigate further weathering and extend its life.

Frieze Detail

Here is a closer view of the Lakota symbols. The alternating painted panels are carved in wood. It is envisioned to seek native craftsmen to perform the work.

Ground-level Hallway

The cabin is detailed in ash wood on the door and window frames, as well as the stairs. The door to the master bedroom is ahead on the right. Two other bedrooms flank the main bathroom in the middle on the left.

Upper-level Gathering Space

The light stone wall contrasts with the dark wood paneling for aesthetic effect, but it also brightens the room, as does keeping the ceiling bright behind the rafters. At the top of the stairs is a small sitting area. On the left is another bathroom and the utilities room. Beyond that, around the corner, is the small, yet full-function kitchen. And the dining and seating areas face the glass doors.

Note: All vegetation and furnishings are from the 3D Warehouse.

[tkhoatson]

It’s hard to believe I haven’t posted anything new here since January…!

Back in February, my wife fractured her spine, so I’ve been doing a lot of the housework, which leaves a lot less time for this hobby.

But the other factor is that I’ve been working on a model that pushed SU 2015 to its limit, so I had to play all kinds of games to be able to finish it…

[tkhoatson]

In the past, we lived in Indonesia for more than a decade. There you can find rice paddies arranged in terraces on the hillsides:

And you can also visit the site of an ancient Buddhist temple complex, Borobudur:

Just as the temple complex was influenced by the nearby volcano, these and other places have influenced and informed the design of…

Plaza Kembang

This multi-purpose volume houses retail, commercial and residential programs on 31 levels.

Geometric Layout

The plan evolved from a design of 4 intersecting circles, each containing concentric rings. The intersections of these rings gave rise to the ascending shape of the structure.

View from Above

The sprawling complex has major traffic arteries on all sides. But the combination of programs allows residents to minimize their exposure to the heavy traffic. Live, work, play and send your kids to school all without leaving the complex. Shopping, restaurants, entertainment and other amenities are on the premises.

Isometric View from the Southeast

The plaza is encircled by large trees to provide shady spots on open areas like park land. Outdoor concerts can be held with artists performing on the second level as a stage while the audience lounges on the grounds below.

Street View

At the corners of the site, buses, taxis and other forms of public transport can pick up and drop off visitors. On the sides of the site, visitors can be dropped off at the main entrances.

Elevation

Each level is fringed with living hedges of vegetation, reducing the need for walls or railings and contributing to the natural aesthetic. Lower walls have natural stone facings in alternating dark and light earth tones.

Southeastern Overlook

The residential levels feature two types of vegetation for the hedges, both different from the commercial levels, and the artificial grass carpet on the balconies is lighter at the higher levels.

Southern Overlook

Residents looking down from their apartments will feel as if they are living in the mountains and looking over the green terraces of agricultural plots.

Note: I want to acknowledge the work of others…
photography: Adrien Brun and Alea Film, courtesy of Unsplash
Hedges: Markus v N and Vinay D (both with significant customization)
Prunus Laurocerasus Hedge: Gilles F
Robinia Pseudoacacia: Magdalena K

[tkhoatson]

While working on the previous model, sometimes I would get so frustrated with the performance issues that I would set it aside for a while. During those times, I worked on another model…

The Pentaring House

Model A

View from the North

This home has exterior walls of stone, with wood detailing. In effect, it has turned its back to the street, to increase privacy with regard to the public.

View from the East

The somewhat star-shaped volume becomes a bit more open toward its neighbors on the sides. Wide windows in the living room allow for views out, while clerestory windows in the bathroom allow natural light in.

South Isometric View

The four-season porch offers the greatest openness to the neighbors behind the home, promoting a sense of close-knit community. It is flanked by bedrooms on each side. In the center of the structure is a small courtyard. In this model glass doors to the courtyard are topped by clerestory windows to give maximum natural light to the encircling hallway.

View from the West

In this model, the kitchen has no windows, while the utility room and the master bathroom have clerestory windows.

Model B

View from the North

In this model, the exterior brick walls rise to the gabled roof, which pitches upward toward the outside, in contrast with the gables of Model A.

View from the East

In this model, clerestory windows top the outer walls, bringing extra natural light into each room.

South Isometric View

In this model, again, there is a central courtyard. However, this time the roof pitch is angled inward, leaving open a possibility of the addition of an interesting water feature which comes alive when it rains.

View from the West

In this model, the kitchen is able to receive natural light from the clerestory windows.

View from Above

The two models can sit side-by-side within the same neighborhood allowing for comparison and contrast. From above it becomes more clear that each home is constructed from 10 pentagonal modules.

Neighborhood View

In this neighborhood, residential parking is discreetly tucked below, allowing for greater openness and an uncluttered street. This entrance ramp is one-way, with a matching ramp on the other end of the block for vehicles to exit.

[tkhoatson]

My latest concept, inspired by the “mansard” roofs of Paris…

Parc Monceau Apartments

The glazing on this structure is tinted green, and the exterior walls are stone.

Front View

As with most of my residential designs, the parking is below ground, leaving more green space surrounding the structure and keeping vehicles sheltered from the elements.

Northwest View

In this corner of the lot, a children’s playground is sited, along with some seating for supervising adults.

Southwest View

In the back corner of the lot, a park-like are provides rainwater catchment, as well as places of quiet solitude.

South Isometric View

A patio deck off the lobby allows for outdoor gatherings with a variety of seating and views of the trees.

Southeast View

The top level of the structure houses a restaurant with expansive views over the city.

East Isometric View

Two-bedroom units are stacked on the ends of the structure, while three-bedroom units are stacked on the longer sides - all having private balconies and an abundance of natural lighting.

Patio

Café Monceau

Subdued lighting allows for clearer views of the evening skyline in this restaurant with ample seating.

Note: I want to acknowledge the work of others…
Playground - Kenfish1
Patio table and chairs from “Deck” - Paul A.
Patio furniture - Kath A.
Flowering Lilac - Brent L
Water fountain, as well as all other vegetation and furniture from the 3D Warehouse over the years.

[tkhoatson]

Here’s another entry in my collection of culturally relevant architecture - a nod to one of the larger ethnic communities of the Twin Cities…

Hmong Villa

After doing some research online, finding the designs and materials common to their traditional structures, I decided that a multi-generational, multi-family layout was most appropriate…

General Layout

The front right structure is a four-bedroom home with a garage and storage below. On the left is a two-bedroom home. In the back is a three-bedroom home cantilevered above a one-bedroom home below.

Southwest Isometric View

A stone wall along the front walk is broken by a covered front gate. Each structure has weathered wood siding in vertical orientation, along with a faux-tile roof.

View from the West

The two-bedroom home has no lower level, but perches on the hill above a stone retaining wall. Down slope, the two-level structure at the back of the site has a lower-level porch with views to a stream and a strip of parkland on its far bank. A public access exercise trail runs along this side of the site and crossed the stream to the other side.

View from the North

The porch wraps around to a narrow patio along the back. The land rises toward the east and hosts a garden of flowers and vegetables.

Northeast Isometric View

Here the garage entry below the four-bedroom structure can be seen, as well as another view of the garden. A covered walkway along the garage leads back to the other homes.

View from the East

The drive descends the slope from the street to the garage. A stand of evergreen trees enhances privacy on this side.

Southeast Isometric View

Each structure has a decorative touch along the roof ridge.

Front Gate Detail

The sheltered front gate is flanked by subdued lighting fixtures carved in stone.

Courtyard Detail

Between the two front homes is a courtyard and a covered walkway.

Balcony Detail

The two-bedroom home has a narrow balcony along the courtyard, extending over the descending slope.

View from the Patio to the Back Garden

At the bottom of the slope, a patio features seating for enjoying the outdoors. On the right is the walkway along the garage.

Water Feature Detail

Turning our view back up slope, we see an expansive water feature flanked by stairs. A fountain sprays water over stepped water basins, allowing for a constant flow to the bottom before recirculating back to the fountain. This provides a soothing white noise to cover any noise from the street.

Stairway Detail

The three-bedroom structure at the back features a wider deck with more outdoor seating. The stairway from the lower patio to the upper deck is screened from the elements by a porous brick wall.

Here we can also glimpse inside the sliding glass doors to see a wall in the dining area accented with plaited bamboo, at once conveying a sense of home, craftwork, simplicity, even while its golden hue suggests prosperity.

Back Patio Detail

From this view we can see a footbridge across the stream and the uphill path to the street. More stone lanterns flank this gateway, allowing people on the trail in the evening or early morning to see their way.

Note: the water fountain, as well as all vegetation and furniture were gathered from the 3D Warehouse over the years.

[3DxJFD]

TC ref: I did a lot of work on the first couple of phases of this: Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society - The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society They have since added Hmong plaza.

[tkhoatson]

Here is a concept for another tower structure…

Aruka Medical Specialty Center

Ten levels of offices for physicians with surrounding green space provides a calming contrast to a busy intersection.

View from the West

The sharp angles of the exterior walls allow for discreet windows which bring natural light in while preserving privacy.

Southwest Isometric View

View from the South

In back, a quiet pond surrounded by walkways and trees, provides a place for reflection and stress release.

View from the East

The walkways stretch all the way around to the front.

Northeast Isometric View

The glazed covering over the front entry mimics the geometry of the built volume as a whole.

Front Entry

The material palette includes glazed blue tiles and light gray metal siding. These calm colors evoke the sky. To add a touch of warmth, the entry canopy is constructed from stained timber. The fountain provides soothing sounds, along with the rustling of tree leaves in the breeze.

Garden Path

Simple benches allow for intimate conversations or restful breaks from the workday.

Note: the fountain, benches and vegetation were gathered from the 3D Warehouse over the years.

[tkhoatson]

Here’s another model of a medical facility…

Troki Medical Center

Each of the four modules in this facility have a roof garden where the staff can relax on break and patients can take time to reflect on treatment options. The central module has a geometric sculpture that directs the eye upwards.

View from the Front (Street Side) Entrance

Evergreen bushes parallel the street and remind visitors that this facility is about life. The organically rounded and softened volumes add to the effect.

View from the Right Side

Narrow window slits above eye level allow natural light in while maintaining privacy for those inside. Trees filter the light and allow for greenery to be visible from within.

View from the Back

The largest parking area is at the back of the facility. Direct access to the core module is found here. The core module has three levels and the three other modules have two levels each.

[tkhoatson]

The Crystal Hotel

This boutique hotel stands at the intersection of two busy roadways. Its sharp angles are reminiscent of a cluster of crystals radiating in every direction.

East Side View

Each of the 100 units in this property (10 floors with 10 units per floor) has a balcony with wrought-iron railings. The ground floor has common areas and offices. Below ground parking is also provided.

Northeast Isometric View

Tucked behind the hotel is a pool house, and surrounding the built volume is ample green space.

North Side View

Included in the amenities is a playground for children, and some outdoor seating.

Northwest Isometric View

An area of trees on the west side of the property provides shaded green space for guests to enjoy.

View from Above

The geometry of the structure is based on a five-pointed star as a primitive. The faceted glass roof over the hotel atrium is complemented by another over the pool house.

Interior Layout

The core of the hotel is anchored by the lift shaft on one side and an emergency stairwell on the other. The pool house has two large changing rooms and a mechanical room in the far corner.

Hotel Entrance

A covered walkway flanks the circular drive and leads to the front doors at ground level. Each of the units above ground level is cantilevered outward and oriented for unique views as well as privacy.

Hotel Lobby

Just beyond the elevators is a sunken atrium, overlooked by balconies…

Central Atrium

The atrium has seating among greenery, and a central tree as the focus, filtering the light that falls from the glass roof above. There is plenty of space here for events to be hosted or for additional seating to be added, as well.

Upper Hallway

After exiting one of the lifts, the hotel guests can make their way around to the right or the left to their room. A glass railing allows for unobstructed views across the atrium. Natural lighting allows for a reduction in the energy required to illuminate the hotel interior.

Pool House

The pool house contains a 40-foot by 40-foot pool with surrounding patio, and many glass doors which can be left open to the outdoors in pleasant weather.

Credits:
Patio Bench - Kath A
Playground - Jose Luis B
Long fancy iron railing - Sero
Generic Acacia - Maverick_F
Greenhouse Plants - Biagio Favale
Cypress from Hilly Plain - Johnathan G
All artwork is my own creation.*

[tkhoatson]

Back to single-family homes…

The Whimsical Gable House

This is not the House of Seven Gables, but it does turn the gable on its head - literally!

The main built volume, clad in brick, is augmented by two smaller modules, each in the shape of a traditional house. One of these is inverted and clad in vertical wood siding, the other in stone, both of which complement the brick façade of the main volume.

Southeast Isometric View

The house has public areas on the ground level, private spaces on the second, and more entertaining space on the third level.

View from the East

The roof on the top level is inverted, and where the two halves join, there is a slight slope in the seam leading water toward the side of the structure. Similar sloping accomplishes the same effect for the inverted roof on the southeast corner of the home.

Northeast Isometric View

The home is surrounded by an ample yard, with greenery and space for kids to play.

View from the North

A smaller patio is at ground level in the back, and is intended for the enjoyment of the immediate family. Here, the pergola is in the shape of a gabled roof. Both upper and lower patios have gas grills for outdoor cooking.

View from the West

The two-car garage is tucked away behind the main entry, out of sight from the street. Hedge rows mark the boundary of the site on each side.

Main Entry from Outside

The arched doors of the front entry can be thrown open wide in welcome to visitors and guests.

Main Entry from Inside

The stone flooring of the entry module gives way to the tiled interior of the main volume. An interior door from the garage leads into this same entry area. This level presents the formal living room, as well as the kitchen and dining room.

Second-level Reading Nook

Here there are corner window seats with storage below, allowing space to sit with the sunshine and a good book. There are also cushioned chairs for more options. Durable carpeting marks the private area of the home, where less visitor traffic is expected. This level houses a master bedroom and en suite, as well as two standard bedrooms and a full bathroom.

Top-level Entertaining Area

Here guests can gather indoors, when the weather is not suitable for outdoor activity. At this level, there is a good view of the surrounding neighborhood and lots of natural lighting.

Top-level Patio

There is plenty of seating here for larger gatherings when the weather is good, some of it in shade and some in the sunshine.

Credits:
Hedge - Markus v N
Trees - Jose Manuel
Flowering Lilac - Brent L
White Sage - Daniel_M
Deck Table - Jack K
Gas grills - Challenger Designs
Arched Entry - DesignHaus
Interior Door - KeninME
Sliding Doors - SketchUp Labs
Stairs and Rafters - 1001bit Tools

[tkhoatson]

Another apartment tower…

The Faulkner

Sited on a busy intersection, the plan nevertheless strives to create a place of serene living. Visitors are greeted by an extensive fountain and beautiful plantings. And residents can take advantage of a walking trail for contemplation.

View from the North

The façade uses two varieties of brick to create contrast. As with most of my designs, the parking is below ground, to preserve the green space for residents to enjoy.

View from the Northeast

The volume is surrounded by evergreen trees, providing shady areas and privacy, as well as a sound barrier.

View from the East

The site allows for ample outdoor space to provide residents with opportunities for play and relaxation.

View from the Southeast

Each unit in the facility is provided with a balcony for solitude while enjoying views over the city.

View from the Southwest

The use of lighter-colored brick is intended to reduce the solar gain on the primary walls.

Main Entry

The wide awning provides shelter from the elements for those embarking and disembarking.

Lobby

Abundant seating and greenery provides places for residents to greet visitors or await transportation.

Grounds

A shaded deck with lots of seating allows residents to enjoy fresh air and good weather while watching kids play in the yard or on the playground.

Floor Plans

An arrangement of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments forms a level, and the arrangement is the same on each level.

Residence Layout

The apartments surround the central core of the building, and balconies are added on the outside.

Credits:
Playground - Kenfish1
Hydrangea - JBeasley
Bush - Max Achkovsky
Potted plants - Christ H
Patio Furniture - Kath A
Outdoor Table - Anthony S
Deck Table - Jack K
Sliding Door - SketchUp Labs
(all with modification)

[tkhoatson]

Here is an alternative arrangement for the model above…

Front View (from the Northwest)

View from the Northeast

View from the East

View from the Southeast

View from the Southwest

Any preference between the two arrangements?

[franciscofiallosb]

Does this building exist or will be built in the future? I’d like to know how does the structure work.

[tkhoatson]

@franciscofiallosb, my models are concepts. They are not buildable architectural designs. I’m not an architect; I am a hobbyist.

The concept is for the points of the structure to be cantilevered. A structural engineer would need to be consulted to determine how to make that happen, and an actual architect would need to draw up designs which account for things like plumbing, HVAC ducting, etc.

Is there a specific structural question you have about the concept?

[franciscofiallosb]

I understand, I didn’t have the intention to sound like criticism, the design of the star shaped building is very interesting and it would’ve been nice if it was a real building but the structure kept me thinking. I’m an architect but I also like to know how different kind of structures work. I was thinking that a structure like the one from the Turning Torso from Calatrava could work with that design.

[tkhoatson]

Thank you for pointing me to Calatrava’s Turning Torso. It’s a very interesting design. I like Calatrava’s work, and this one gives me ideas…

[tkhoatson]

I haven’t posted for quite a while, because it has taken me quite a while to complete my latest concept. This one is inspired by an actual development in this area, but I didn’t want to copy what they did (in part because I didn’t have many measurements to work from); I have made it according to some of my own ideas.

The Colonnade

The Colonnade is a complex of six structures, each unique, but with unifying design elements.

The concept is influenced by the vision of a walkable urban development. Each structure consists of shops and offices at ground level with residences rising above.

Northeast Overhead View

Parkland and greenways are part of the development plan, as are courtyards in each structure. Streets are intentionally narrow to discourage driving at high speed. Each structure has below-ground parking, but there is also street parking for guests and customers of the ground-level shops.

Southeast View

The structures in the complex are connected to each other by sky bridges, allowing residents to interact without going outdoors in bad weather.

Southeast Street View

South Street View

The external material palette combines dark brick with light-colored stone. Door and window frames are wood. Abundant glazing allows for lots of natural light.

View from Above

A goal of this project was to design for a dense urban setting that feels very livable and still maintains space for the natural world.

Senior Living Residences A

The Senior Living Residences provide one and two-bedroom units with balconies on six levels.

The other structures in the complex are similar, each one offering shops on the ground floor and apartments above. Where the senior-living residences have open balconies with iron railings, the others have screened porches.

Courtyard A

A courtyard in the center provides green space for sitting and walking.

Patio Deck A

This patio on the fourth level overlooks the courtyard on one side and the street at ground level on the other. Ample seating allows for gatherings of various kinds.

Senior Living Residences B

Connected to the prior structure via elevated walkway, this structure offers similar units in a different layout. Here is the main entrance to the residences, as well as dining options, gathering spaces and fitness facilities.

Upper Deck B

Two patios on the seventh level allow for gatherings with a view. A pergola moderates the late afternoon sun, allowing natural light with less glare.

Balcony View B

In this view from a balcony on the inner south wing, the residents can look down on trees as well as vehicles coming and going. An opening at ground level allows for cars that have dropped off passengers to descend into the lower-level garage.

Patio Deck B

In lieu of an actual courtyard, this patio on the second level provides lots of greenery and seating areas in the shade.

Café B

A spacious area on the second level with tables and seating allows for residents to grab a bite or share a drink from take-out restaurants on either side. Doorways on one side lead to balcony seating. On the other side is the access to the patio deck.

Take-out Counter B

Here is one of the take-out restaurants on the second level. Being located by the elevators makes it easier for residents to carry their meals back to their residence.

Elevator Lobby F

Here is a view of the elevator lobby on the top floor of the F Tower with the dome above providing natural lighting into the space below.

Public Park

Beside Tower F is a small park with playground equipment, a fountain and two pavilions for family gatherings. Beyond the park on the right side we can see a sky bridge connecting towers C and F. Two apartments are attached to the sky bridge - one on each level, with views overlooking the street below.

Credits:
Playground - Jose Luis B
Fountain with Pool -SketchUp
Door Components - SketchUp Labs
Ornamental Railings - Sero
Patio Furniture - Kath A
Flowering Lilac 3d - Brent L
Potted Plant - Daniel M
Low poly 3D tree bush (030) A - Max Achkovsky
Hydrangea - JBeasley
Trees - SketchUp trees collection
Shrubs - Diana
Textures - sketchuptextureclub.com

[tkhoatson]

To create the Colonnade concept, I followed my usual pattern: I begin with modules for typical room sizes:

After arranging them together to get a desired apartment layout, I use them as a floor plan to begin building up apartment modules:

Once I have apartment modules, I can arrange them together to form larger structures, as seen above. I can always tweak the apartments later, and even make unique copies to alter things (like changing open balconies to screened porches).

floorplan workflow