Lloyds Building, London

The award-winning Lloyds building was designed by Italian-born architect Richard Rogers. This futuristic building looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than Lime Street in London. The award-winning Lloyds building (also known as the Inside-Out building) is an iconic architectural landmark and one of the most recognisable constructions on the London skyline. Architect Richard Rogers was the brains behind the innovative design, which has its services - including water pipes and staircases - on the outside. Built between 1978 and 1986, the building also features 12 outside lifts, which were the first of their kind in the UK. 

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Due to restoration work carried out in 2001, the tower currently leans at just under 4 degrees. It is estimated that it will collapse in the next 75-100 years.The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in Europe. Most famous for its tilt, the tower began to lean during construction after soft ground on one side was unable to properly support the structure's weight. Building work on the tower began in 1173 and went on for over a whopping 300 years. There has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the architect behind the tower - the design originally attributed to artist Bonnano Pisano but studies have also implicated architect Diotisalvi. 

Using SketchUp skilfully

HOUSE SPRECHER

Form

Consisting of a low-pitched roof that exposes the timber rafters from the interior, with a discreet cover of varies heights of reed ceilings. With the extended exposure of arched plastered ceilings and subtle interior finishing that creates a transitional zone throughout the house. The building creates unimposing, horizontally accentuated that is respectful of the site level. A straightforward arrangement of open-plan informal living. Comfortable for indoor and outdoor living. The clerestory creates that natural lighting feel and exposes the beautiful nature that surrounds it.

Function

Designed as a holiday house the architects exposed the magnificence surroundings that were skilfully continued throughout the house. Its straightforward arrangement of open informal living and privacy for sleeping. This provides areas for comfortable indoor and outdoor living. The central living and dining areas are extended outwards towards the North-South orientation for full satisfaction of natural lighting and heat. 

Context

A beautiful fynbos covered landscape with panoramic views of hangklip and the Atlantic Ocean beyond a rocky shoreline. The design takes full advantage of the views. A sensible North-South orientation was the key to the magnificence views and natural lighting. A clerestory was added to enhance the quality views of the mountain and ocean scenery.

Technology

A low timber roof that exposes the rafters, reed and arched plastered ceilings was used to create transitional zones and spatial intimacy where deemed appropriate. Subtle interior finishes and pale sandstone surfaces with a blend of monochromatic colour scheme to enhance the final product. The discerning choice of materials for both low maintenance and camouflage adds to the buildings gentile dialogue. A clerestory created by the manipulation of the low pitched roof ensures adequate cross-ventilation and provides natural lighting.

Elevation from the street.

 Elevation from living/dining area 

  Elevation from living/dining area 

 Elevation from living/dining area 

SITE PLAN -VEGETATION

This is a basic site plan-vegetation layout i did for the Okoume palace in Gabon.

THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

With 8 months past this year it seems to be the first time I really got to sit down and think back on my internship with the company "SPM". To sum up my boss... He's a super nice guy with the attitude of a rock "very down to earth and a vocal point" during my internship and everything I've learned so far, covering everything with me when we have the time to go over anything that's not clear to me or hard to understand. With Mcdonalds as our main source of work ,we covered a huge amount of work during this past 8 months, working on Strand Mcdonalds right up to Johannesburg. The experience I'm gaining this year is really worth my while and hard work but I really enjoyed and appreciate the opportunity I've been lucky enough to receive this year. With jobs in Gabon that counts as international experience that helps with the knowledge of their designs aspects and also their "non-existing council". 
To sum up this past months... hard work, great team work, great boss, great opportunity to receive money for something i really love doing and last of all, a huge smile on face to see how my cad and sketchup skills developed during this past 8 months.