When it was built in 1955, surely no one thought it would be much more than a grain silo in the heart of Garfield Historic District in Phoenix, Arizona. But architecture and the imagination of designers travel years apart when it comes to solving challenges. And it Kaiserworks architecture firm seems to have a master’s degree, since he is the architect of the fact that this old warehouse is now a beautiful one mini circular house for a couple.
The main design challenge faced by the studio was to transform a corrugated steel silowith a diameter of almost 5.5 meters and a living space of 31.5 square meters, in a warm and functional house.
Kaiserworks addressed this challenge by creating a two-storey internal volume. This strategy maximized space efficiency and created a sense of spaciousness, resulting in a comfortable and livable environment within such an unusual structure.
The interior design is therefore conceived as the union of two complementary parts: the external shell and the internal object. The silo’s undulating façade, painted white to reflect the desert sun, makes sense homage to its agricultural origins. Instead, the interior houses a monolithic structure made of wood and steel, designed to resemble a large piece of furniture that integrates all the necessary comforts. This “machine for living” optimizes the use of space while maintaining a warm and welcoming aesthetic.
To attenuate the noise of the air conditioning system, underground air ducts were created which also contribute to the passive cooling of the space.
Furthermore, a Openable skylight at the top of the silo allows for natural ventilation, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside. These technical solutions not only increase energy efficiency, but also integrate the sustainability in the projecta crucial aspect in contemporary architecture.
Another factor taken into consideration by the study was the location in the deprived neighborhood of Garfield, which significantly influenced the design of the house. Kaiserworks opted for an insulated approach, creating a private garden around the silo that offers a framed view of the Phoenix skyline. This garden not only offers a peaceful refuge in the middle of the city, but also strengthens the connection with the urban environment.
The project was conceived with a deep respect for the historic context of the Garfield neighborhood. Despite its current state, the project seeks to evoke a bygone era, while signaling a future of growth and investment. The City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office praised the initiative for its “balance of reverence and boldness,” highlighting the importance of integrate the past with the present in urban development. And we couldn’t agree more.
www.kaiserworks.com
Gala Mora is specialized in architecture, design, interior design and lifestyle. Everything that you keep in mind with the concept of “home” is sacred to your devotion to you, and you are still in your circle and they seek the best advice from you to reform, buy, decorate or make any changes.
She is fascinated by writing and it seems like a great way to be able to do it on the topics that fascinate her the most. So when you pass through any place in the world, you are always interested in the exhibitions, the styles of the buildings, the urbanism and if you sit there, you are looking for the winds to see how people keep their homes in their homes. A verdadera home voyeur.
He has written two books on interiorism, Barcelona Interiors and Ibiza Interiors, both from the editorial Lannoo.
With more than 20 years of experience, he graduated in Information Sciences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and holds a Master in Integral Communication and another in Political Communication and Management. He was editor of the Glamor magazine, director of MMModa, Jefa of Prensa of the Desigual brand and for several years he has been freelance, collaborating with mediums such as AD, Manera, Arquitectura y diseño, at the front of the real estate offices and writing the automotive companies blog.
In collaboration with the Hearst Group he worked with Runner’s and Men’s Health, with those who continue collaborating with those who took Elle Decor, with whom he began a story that hopes that, as Humphrey Bogart said, it is only the beginning of a good friendship .
