Z(ink) Designs + Visualizations

House-Able

Matt — Thu, 26 May 2011 23:11:52 +0000

House-”able” was submitted as an “idea” house for a national competition through the American Institute of Architects. The competition brief asked for creative and environmentally sustain-”able” solutions. House-”able” is an integrated system of key living spaces able to adapt to the changing environment. A large spine separates the living and the service spaces while acting as a transport rail for the movable living volumes. In the summer, the living volumes expand out from under the main canopy to capture sunlight and breezes. In winter, the volumes retract under the main canopy. Green building systems and strategies such as recycled shipping pallets, high performance glazing, wind turbines, and living roof technologies round out the houses materials.

Status: Unbuilt

Design Credit: B2AD Architecture + Design

Role: Co-Designer, 3D Model and Renderings

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E.T. Burk

Matt — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:22:54 +0000

Located within a prominent location in the up and coming vibrant Gulch neighborhood in downtown Nashville, this contemporary furniture store space needed a facelift. The existing conditions do not provide much of a welcoming approach with limited views into the building. The new tenant being a furniture showroom, the task was to create more openings on the front facade, and provide the building with a “handshake” for the visitor.

We approached the problem with various studies in materials and forms already existing in the surrounding buildings, and pushed for a signature that would leave a lasting impression with the patron or passerby. What resulted was an organic but organized ribbon of wood that folded down to floor level, cradling a bay window to showcase pieces along the main axis of entry. The entrance, currently one storefront door, was expanded vertically to a monolithic tower surrounding a 2-story high storefront window. Behind this window the client can display various showcase lighting fixtures, installations behind a wood screen to provide a sense of mystery and need to explore further.

Status: Under Construction

Design Credit: Barry Brechak Architecture + Design

Role: Co-Design, Project Manager

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Virago

Matt — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:51:22 +0000

From the website of Barry Brechak Architecture + Design: “An anchor of the M Street dining district in “The Gulch,” this upscale sushi restaurant blends contemporary Asian dining with a hip lounge experience. Dining areas are elevated and arranged around a centrally located lounge and bar area. Although the spatial manipulation of elevated dining areas provides a certain dining privacy, the diners are always visually connected to the lounge for maximum people watching.

A secluded but dramatic entry sequence from the street presents the patron with several patio options before entering. An upstairs patio bar and dining level offers magnificent views to downtown Nashville. A portion of the inside floor plan is devoted to private dining and lounging amenities.

Status: Complete September 2010

Design Credit: Barry Brechak Architecture + Design

Role: Project Management; Co-Designer

Press: MStreet Nashville

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Kayne Prime

Matt — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:23:22 +0000

From the Barry Brechak Architecture + Design website: “Part of the M Street Development, Kayne Prime is a contemporary steakhouse located directly across from the Kayne Avenue rail yards. With the rail yards in constant operation, diners are reminded of one of Nashville’s central modes of commerce. The downtown view is yet another visual link and an important ingredient to the overall ambiance which introduces elements of a classical steakhouse but with a modern interpretation.”

Status: Completed April 2011

Design Credit: Barry Brechak Architecture + Design

Role: Co-Design and Project Management

Press: Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

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Brookline Residence

Matt — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:46:19 +0000

A modern play and interpretation of early shingle style homes, this custom speculative house uses regional materials and visually striking forms to create a welcoming presence.

Status: Complete

Design Credit: Carlton Architecture

Role: Schematic Design – Construction Documents

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Tavern

Matt — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:15:22 +0000

Tavern is an upscale dive bar located in a popular area of Nashville called Midtown. Surrounded by established hipster and music industry hang-outs, this design replaced an existing “Latin Fusion” concept. With the material palette of brick, wood, and steel, this bar/restaurant establishes itself as a new aesthetic benchmark for this vibrant nightlife hot spot.

Status: Completed January 2011

Design Credit: Barry Brechak Architecture + Design

Role: Project Manager / Co-Designer

Press: MStreet Nashville

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Manna

Matt — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:47:58 +0000

From Barry Brechak Architecture: “Manna East is a natural, seasonal, all-local, and sustainable restaurant concept soon to be installed in East Nashville. The biblical reference of the name Manna is our jumping off point for this design. The miraculous food from heaven gives us a sense of the mystical. The earth-conscious operational concept lends to a sense of the natural via material, mood, and lighitng. The four primary elements are harnessed in this design; Earth (natural and organic food and building materials), Wind (two large glass garage doors operate to allow breezes to flow), Water (a large water-wall creates a sense of calm), and Fire (tamed by the mighty chef).”

The space has been studied at three various locations scattered in up and coming neighborhoods around Nashville.

Status: Unbuilt

Design Credit: Barry Brechak Architecture

Role: Schematic Development and Visuals

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Manna East : [nggallery id=6]

Manna Riverside Village : [nggallery id=7]

Private Residence 3

Matt — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:31:52 +0000

Another home for The Ramble development in Asheville, NC, this home has all the amenities that a large family would need. The house sits on a lot overlooking one of the many parks in the neighborhood, which provide a chance to create a home that provided a dramatic statement with its exterior massing. The garage also doubles as a guest house.

Status: Completed

Design Credit: Carlton Architecture

Role: Schematic and Design Development

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Private Residence 2

Matt — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:16:30 +0000

Located in Asheville, NC, this home was designed with a broad client in mind. The home is located on one of many lots in The Ramble development in Biltmore Forest. With a general aesthetic that leans towards old world and English countryside throughout the development, this home embraces that look proudly, while at the same time accommodates spacial relationships for the modern family.

Status: Completed

Design Credit: Carlton Architecture

Role: Schematic and Design Development

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Country Addition

Matt — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:00:04 +0000

This project became a study in how to incorporate an addition/remodel of a ranch home in the country that would compliment the existing structure without overpowering it. The result was the addition of a modern great room that would suit the needs of a multi-family country retreat. Responding to existing topography and client desired views, the roof line of the home was expanded vertically to allow for a loft perch that can serve as a sleeping quarters, an entertainment venue, or a quiet escape among the leafy surroundings. A dramatic two-story living space provides ample natural light through clerestory windows located on the walls of the new gable form. An outdoor patio with a fire pit nestles itself respectfully among the pine tree clusters on site. On the other side of the house, it’s counterpart becomes a light-filled den adjacent to a cooking patio to provide an informal gathering spot that greets guests as they pull up the gravel drive.

Status: Unbuilt

Design Credit: B2AD Architecture + Design

Role: Designer

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