Synergy, what a positive energy!

Jenga 7.0 was a merge between two groups, Symbiosis and Pinnacle. Symbiosis focused on the interplay of angles and curves explored within our groups of three through complicated angled facade detailing emanating from our stairwells with enormous sail-like curves protruding from either corner to encapsulate and stabilize the structure. Pinnacle focused on the merging of the team of six's individual concept words through a series of stratified tilts and twists culminating in an illuminating 'pinnacle'.

Synergy is the firm of twelve individuals, with 12 different concepts, and 12 different approaches to design, collaborating to create a structure that speaks to the language of our concepts, mind sets, and goals. This philosophy led us to a structure that transcends the notion of the box with a central core of twisting hexagons that tilt at a 15 degree angle every two levels for 19 levels. These hexagons house the public circulation for our structure with open catwalks that radiate outwards from the centralized elevator shaft. Permeating from these hexagons are three wings of private units with semi private reception halls, allowing residents to enjoy layers of privacy.

The interior provides a very contrasting experience to the exterior, which is veneered with a blue tinted glass curtain wall with exposed structural x framing coated in a terra cotta tinted fire insulator. The exterior speaks directly to the vast expanse of the lake reservoir it overlooks, on the Pantano de Sau. The terra cotta x framing echoes subtly the earth tones of the surrounding cliff bed rock, but is a minor detail representing the solidity of land that carries and encapsulates the lake, similar to the way our curtain wall is nestled in a cage of x framing. The tilts and twists made blatantly clear on the exterior are a visual continuation but not replica of the stratification of cliffs leading from the lake to the site of our building. On the other hand, the interior offers distinct areas of open vistas with sheltered niches. The hexagonal circulation spaces are completely exposed through the glass curtain wall but the private units are made of steel and a stucco veneer. So as one circulates through the building, these wings of radiating private unit impede on outside views until one enter the private units themselves that have windows exposing panaramic views of the site. Furthermore, the x framing impedes and opens certain vantage points as one circulates the catwalks. This sense of exposure and isolation can be seen within the environment of this site, through the vast expanse of the lake contrasting the density of the terrain speckled with greenery, cliffs, and wildlife.

This structure is all about accentuating aspects of the site but exaggerating them in a very bold manner and in a way that intermingles each members concept.

Site Justification

In merging the conceptual frames of both Pinnacle and Symbiosis, it was imperative that the context speak to many factors throughout the design process. This included aspects from local materials that blended seamlessly with the environment to the spatial tectonics and form, which emulates individual features within the environment to create a cohesive whole. Collectively, the group decided on a site located 20 miles northeast of a small Spanish community known as Vic on the elevated outskirts of the water reservoir at Pantano de Sau. This location is a seasonal retreat in a temperate climate overlooking a spectacular natural terrain, which allows for ideal all-year residency. Furthermore, local quarries near this lake reservoir allow the use of local materials, promoting a sustainable design practice while also complimenting and accentuating the natural tones and hues of the surrounding landscape. Our structure, having a centralized core with stratified layers of tilting private units, speak to the natural layout of the environment that houses an open, centralized lake nestled in a forest of stratified cliffs. While the form continues this stratified topography rippling from the lake, our building further emphasizes this experience with a large open atrium with three symmetrical glass entrances permeated by solid shells of private units, creating a central ripple effect. This experience captures both moments of open clarity and intimate shelters, emulating similar experiences present around the site. For example, as one walks in through the main entrance facing the lake, the viewer is immersed with the view of an enormous glass curtain wall reflecting the dominance of the open lake while divided by tilting rows of exposed structural x framing coated with a terracotta tinted fire insulator, which provides visual barriers of shelter that echoes the natural terrain. Yet as one crosses into the atrium domain, there is still a sense of open disclosure but the private units encapsulate and define the spatial configuration, creating the visual perception of a more intimate setting. As one continues to the upper levels and ambulates around the three wings of private units, there is more awareness to this sense of intimacy in the way that private units tilt and twist to create awnings and platforms that impede certain vantage points. Walking into the individual units themselves offers the most privacy and refuge but as one reaches the pinnacle of our building the ambient experience of light and open vistas is aggressively revisited and displayed, bringing the structure back to where it began. The gateway portal faces a northeast axis overlooking the lake so that the soft morning light permeates the glass filtered entrance and gently greets the residence. This experience is further enhanced by the reflective tendency of water, which acts as a tranquil augmenter of light. The other entrances face south and west, providing different moments and opportunities of light for private residence. The west axis is articulated with one wing of private units and a glass entrance facing the edge of the lake and landscape, which greets the final blaze of the sunset at the day’s end.