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Office Ou is an award winning [[Toronto]] based [[architecture]] and [[landscape design]] firm. The firm has a strong sense of awareness to the connections made between socials relationships and users connection to their [[natural environment]]. Office Ou considers buildings to have a direct connection to the natural and cultural context the site provides. This emphasis on site awareness has led them to practice [[sustainable]] methods of architecture, as seen in their award winning K-house. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2015-12-10|title=Straw bales insulate monochrome house in Ontario by Nicolas Koff|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/12/10/k-house-nicolas-koff-hamilton-ontario-charred-timber-straw-bales-insulation-monochrome/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Dezeen|language=en}}</ref>
Office Ou is an award<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Recognition|url=http://www.office-ou.com/publications-gallery|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref> winning [[Toronto]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contact|url=http://www.office-ou.com/new-page|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref> based [[architecture]] and [[landscape design]] firm. The firm's Co founders Nicolas Koff, Uros Novakovic, and Sebastian Bartnicki met as university students and formed the firm together, priding themselves on their efforts to bring awareness to the physical connections architecture creates and the socials connections between the users and their [[natural environment]]<ref name=":1" />. Office Ou considers buildings to have a direct connection to the natural and cultural context the site provides<ref name=":1" />. This emphasis on site awareness has led them to practice [[sustainable]] methods of architecture, as seen in their award winning K-house. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2015-12-10|title=Straw bales insulate monochrome house in Ontario by Nicolas Koff|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/12/10/k-house-nicolas-koff-hamilton-ontario-charred-timber-straw-bales-insulation-monochrome/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Dezeen|language=en}}</ref>


== Office Ou Founders ==
== Office Ou Founders ==


=== Nicolas Koff, OAA, OAQ ===
=== Nicolas Koff, OAA, OAQ ===
Co Founder of Office Ou
Nicolas studied at the [[University of Pennsylvania]], receiving a duel [[Master of Architecture]] (M.Arch) and [[Landscape architecture|Master of Landscape Architecture]] (MLA) in 2010.


Koff studied at the [[University of Pennsylvania]], receiving a duel [[Master of Architecture]] (M.Arch) and [[Landscape architecture|Master of Landscape Architecture]] (MLA) in 2010<ref name=":1" />.
Prior to co founding Office Ou, Nicolas worked with innovative international architecture firms such as Beijing based firm MAD, France based [[Ateliers Jean Nouvel]], Zeidler in Toronto Canada, and Field Operations in New York, USA, where he participated in working on the firms Qianhai Water City competition entry. His passion for sustainable design lead him to work as a research associate at the [[University of Pennsylvania]] where he collaborated on creating a cross-disciplinary course focusing on [[Sustainability|environmental sustainability]].


Before co founding Office Ou, Koff worked with innovative international architecture firms such as Beijing firm MAD<ref name=":1" />, France's [[Ateliers Jean Nouvel]], Zeidler in Toronto Canada<ref name=":1" />, and Field Operations in New York, USA<ref name=":1" />, where he participated in working on the firms Qianhai Water City competition entry<ref name=":1" />. His passion for sustainable design lead him to work as a research associate at the [[University of Pennsylvania]] where he collaborated on creating a cross-disciplinary course focusing on [[Sustainability|environmental sustainability]]<ref name=":1" />.
Nicolas has a rich understanding of the positive impact [[sustainable architecture]] can have on its surround environment. This is evident in his role of project manager for the acclaimed net zero K-House located in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton Ontario]].

Koff's understanding of the positive impact [[sustainable architecture]] can have on its surround environment<ref name=":1" />. This is evident in his role of project manager for the acclaimed net zero K-House located in [[Hamilton, Ontario|Hamilton Ontario]]<ref name=":3" />.

Besides practicing at Office Ou, Koff also lectures at [[University of Toronto]] and is in the process of writing a book examining productive urban landscape typologies and their cultural root relationship.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=About|url=http://www.office-ou.com/about|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>


Besides practicing at Office Ou, Nicolas also lectures at [[University of Toronto]] and is in the process of writing a book examining productive urban landscape typologies and their cultural root relationship.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=About|url=http://www.office-ou.com/about|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>




=== Uros Novakovic ===
=== Uros Novakovic ===
Co Founder of Office Ou
Uros Novakovic received his [[Master of Architecture]] (M.Arch) degree from the [[University of Waterloo]] in 2013. His passion for design is equally fueled by his passion for researching the connection between architectural practice and ideology. Specifically, he finds interest in exploring the [[Aesthetics|aesthetic]] implications that come within the philosophy of [[Slavoj Žižek|Salvoj Žižek]].


Novakovic received his [[Master of Architecture]] (M.Arch) degree from the [[University of Waterloo]] in 2013<ref name=":1" />. His passion for design is equally fueled by his passion for researching the connection between architectural practice and ideology<ref name=":1" />. Specifically, he finds interest in exploring the [[Aesthetics|aesthetic]] implications that come within the philosophy of [[Slavoj Žižek|Salvoj Žižek]]<ref name=":1" />.
Prior to co founding Office Ou, Uros also worked with sustainability based firms, such as [[Shanghai]] based A00 Architecture, [[New York (state)|New York's]] Kiss + Cathcart, and D.A Dizajnarhitektura in [[Belgrade]]- where he acted as the lead designer for the Faculty of Biology building at [[University of Belgrade]].


Prior to co founding Office Ou, Novakovic also worked with sustainability based firms, such as [[Shanghai]]'s A00 Architecture<ref name=":1" />, [[New York (state)|New York's]] Kiss + Cathcart<ref name=":1" />, and D.A Dizajnarhitektura in [[Belgrade]]<ref name=":1" />- where he acted as the lead designer for the Faculty of Biology building at [[University of Belgrade]].<ref name=":1" />
Currently Uros and Nicolas are collaborating on a book focusing on the Productive Urban Landscapes, which is set to be published by [[Routledge]]. Previously, Uros has co-authored [[Academic publishing|scholarly articles]] related to global public health, published in [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]] [[Academic journal|academic journals.]] <ref name=":1" />

Currently Novakovic and Koff are collaborating on a book focusing on the Productive Urban Landscapes, which is set to be published by [[Routledge]]<ref name=":1" />. Previously, Uros has co-authored [[Academic publishing|scholarly articles]] related to global public health, published in [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]] [[Academic journal|academic journals.]] <ref name=":1" />


=== Sebastian Bartnicki, OAA ===
=== Sebastian Bartnicki, OAA ===
Co Founder of Office Ou
Sebastian Bartnicki graduated from [[McGill University]] in 2010, where he received his [[Master of Architecture]] degree (M.Arch). Detail oriented, Sebastian ensures that the project visions are executed throughout every stage of the design and construction process. His skills in [[architectural visualization]] aid in allowing both clients and contractors to better understand and participate in the [[Design|design process]].

Sebastian Bartnicki graduated from [[McGill University]] in 2010, where he received his [[Master of Architecture]] degree (M.Arch). The firms website describes Sebastian's role within the firm is to execute the project visions throughout the multiple stages of the design and construction process<ref name=":1" />. His comprehension in [[architectural visualization]] aid in allowing both clients and contractors to better understand and participate in the [[Design|design process]]<ref name=":1" />.


Prior to co founding Office Ou, Sebastian worked with NGA Architects and KPMB Architects in [[Toronto]], and acted as a construction admin for the Mike and Ophilia Lazeridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the [[University of Waterloo]], where he developed considerable experience in programming buildings that house [[Complexity|complex]] functional programs.<ref name=":1" />
Prior to co founding Office Ou, Sebastian worked with NGA Architects and KPMB Architects in [[Toronto]]<ref name=":1" />, and acted as a construction admin for the Mike and Ophilia Lazeridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the [[University of Waterloo]]<ref name=":1" />, where he developed considerable experience in programming buildings that house [[Complexity|complex]] functional programs.<ref name=":1" />


== Projects ==
== Projects ==
Line 39: Line 46:
Photographed by: Adrian Ozimek
Photographed by: Adrian Ozimek


Built in 2019, the Garage Gem is a prime example of a [[Revitalization movement|revitalization]] project within larger movement of revitalizing the [[Toronto]] laneways in efforts to create [[Social space|social spaces]] in areas that are neglected. The recognition that the [[Tradition|traditional]] urban garage framework has become rapidly unsuccessful in the [[Downtown Toronto|downtown core]]. The under-utilized laneways of the city are often run down and neglected by the community, however the Garage Gem aims to bridge the connection between [[Social relation|social relationships]] within the community and people’s relationship with their environments. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Garage Gem|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/garage-gem|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>
Built in 2019<ref name=":4" />, the Garage Gem is an example of a [[Revitalization movement|revitalization]] project within larger movement of revitalizing the [[Toronto]] laneways in efforts to create [[Social space|social spaces]] in areas that are neglected<ref>{{Cite web|title=Danforth Village Laneway Revitalization|url=https://www.thelanewayproject.ca/danforth-village-laneway-revitalization|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The Laneway Project|language=en-US}}</ref>. Large cities such as [[Toronto]] are shifting away from the [[Modern architecture|modernistic]] use of garages for the purpose of [[Car|cars]]. The development of public transit infrastructure allows for people in dense urban cities to move around without the need from individual cars. The need for garages in an [[Urban area|urban]] city has become rapidly unsuccessful in [[Land management|land]] management. The under-utilized laneways of the city are often run down and neglected by the community, however the Garage Gem aims to bridge the connection between [[Social relation|social relationships]] within the community and people’s relationship with their environments. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Garage Gem|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/garage-gem|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>


The flex-use space offers an [[open plan]], allowing for programs to vary from a functional [[Garage (residential)|garage]] to an office space to a three season entertainment space to host guests. Designed with [[sustainability]] in mind, Office Ou utilized [[wood]] construction for the [[Single-family detached home|detached]] [[Lane|laneway]] project and embraced it by highlighting it with exposed [[Douglas fir|Douglas-fir]] on the [[interior]]. The Cedar siding allows for the project to blend into its urban [[context]] of cedar fencing, with the consideration that after a few years of [[weathering]] the cedar will match seamlessly with its surroundings. The warmth of the [[Douglas fir|Douglas-fir]] is paired with dark [[steel]] framed windows and doors to compliment. The project also uses large [[Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] doors to allow for a direct visual and physical connections to the surrounding landscape and community.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-28|title=The Garage Gem / Office Ou|url=https://www.archdaily.com/940112/the-garage-gem-office-ou|access-date=2021-03-01|website=ArchDaily|language=en-US}}</ref>
The flex-use space offers an [[open plan]], allowing for programs to vary from a functional [[Garage (residential)|garage]] to an office space to a three season entertainment space to host guests. Designed with [[sustainability]] in mind, Office Ou utilized [[wood]] construction for the [[Single-family detached home|detached]] [[Lane|laneway]] project and embraced it by highlighting it with exposed [[Douglas fir|Douglas-fir]] on the [[interior]]. The Cedar siding allows for the project to blend into its urban [[context]] of cedar fencing, with the consideration that after a few years of [[weathering]] the cedar will match seamlessly with its surroundings. The warmth of the [[Douglas fir|Douglas-fir]] is paired with dark [[steel]] framed windows and doors to compliment. The project also uses large [[Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] doors to allow for a direct visual and physical connections to the surrounding landscape and community.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-28|title=The Garage Gem / Office Ou|url=https://www.archdaily.com/940112/the-garage-gem-office-ou|access-date=2021-03-01|website=ArchDaily|language=en-US}}</ref>




=== K-House (need to work on) <ref>{{Cite web|title=K-House|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/k-house|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name=":0" /> ===
=== K-House (need to work on) <ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=K-House|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/k-house|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name=":0" /> ===
Built''':''' 2015
Built''':''' 2015


Location: Ancaster, Ontario
Location: Ancaster, Ontario


The K-House was built in 2015<ref name=":3" />, and uses building methods that are untraditional to today's [[construction]] [[Method|methods]].<ref name=":0" />. The Private resident home was designed sustainably, and when fully constructed was near [[Zero-energy building|net zero]]<ref name=":3" />. Office Ou used 16" thick [[Prefabrication|prefabricated]] panels of Straw to achieve an insulation rating of R-40.<ref name=":0" /> The Facade of the building is a mixture of [[Char|charred]] Eastern White Cedar and magboard.<ref name=":3" /> These [[Nature|natural]] materials were selected to challenge the need for [[engineered]] materials to protect the home's exterior.<ref name=":3" />
* Near net-zero straw house
* Straw insulation (natural sustainable)
* Passive cool/heating utilizing cross ventilation
* Connection between social relationships and relationships with the environment
* Roof garden with native plant species


The home also features [[passive]] cooling and heating methods which help is achieve its low energy consumption. Utilizing [[passive]] [[ventilation]] strategies, Office Ou designed the building to suit the [[Canadian]] [[climate]] where the temperature often fluctuates depending on different times of the year.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /> This connection between the architecture and the environment ties back to Office Ou's beliefs in exploring peoples social relationship with their surroundings.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


Utilizing the roof of the building, Office Ou created a roof [[garden]] full of native plant species<ref name=":3" />. This [[Architecture|Architectural]] move creates an inside-outside connection on the second story of the house, allowing for residents to step outside and connect to their environment by tending to the garden.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /> The building blends into its natural environment with subtle moments of overlap between new technology and traditional landscape.<ref name=":3" />
=== Sejong Museum Gardens- National Museum Complex of South Korea ===
=== Sejong Museum Gardens- National Museum Complex of South Korea ===
Project Stats: Under Construction
Project Stats: Under Construction
Line 63: Line 68:
Location: Sejong, [[South Korea]]
Location: Sejong, [[South Korea]]


Office Ou was selected the winner of South Korea’s International Competition for the National Museum Complex Master Plan of the New Administrative City (Sejong City). Their submission beat out eighty other entries which where competing to get the opportunity to plan the two million square feet national museum complex in Sejong and design three of the buildings within the complex. <ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-14|title=Emerging Talent: Office OU|url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/emerging-talent-office-ou/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Canadian Architect|language=en-US}}</ref>
Office Ou was selected the winner of South Korea’s International Competition for the National Museum Complex Master Plan of the New Administrative City (Sejong City). Their submission was selected from eighty other entries competing for the opportunity to plan the two million square feet national museum complex in Sejong and design three of the buildings within the complex. <ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-14|title=Emerging Talent: Office OU|url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/emerging-talent-office-ou/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Canadian Architect|language=en-US}}</ref>

Their design concept allows for specific site relationships to occur and influence the [[Materiality (architecture)|materiality]] for each [[museum]] building. Throughout the site, a consistent architectural language and explore changes in [[scale]] and density of the diverse [[Landscape architecture|landscape]]. Office Ou adaptation of the on-site [[Fruit tree|fruit trees]] influenced their decision to pursue an [[orchard]] model of framework for the [[Children's museum|children’s museum]]- one of the three buildings they are designing. Incorporating fruit trees in [[public]] and semi public spaces such as the [[Courtyard|court yard]] and roof creates [[social space]]<nowiki/>s and [[Materiality (architecture)|materiality]] connections to the [[wood]] constructed building. Over time as growth of the trees occur the relationship will grow a stronger bond.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-12|title=Office OU named winner of competition for museum complex in South Korea|url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/toronto-based-office-ou-named-winner-international-competition-museum-complex-south-korea/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Canadian Architect|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sejong Museum Gardens - National Museum Complex of South Korea|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/sejong-museum-gardens|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Awards<ref name=":2" /> ===
2020 - Ontario Association of Architects Best Emerging Practice Award

2020 - Exhibited at La Plateforme, Grenoble, France

2020 - Land and Housing Corporation of South Korea 3rd Generation New Towns, Honourable Mention

2020 - Lety u Pisku Memorial to the Roma and Sinti Victims of the Holocaust, Finalist Design

2020 - City of Istanbul Taksim Square Urban Design, Finalist Design

2019 - Exhibited at Pavillon de L’Arsenal, Paris, France

2019 - Profiled in “Architectures en Fibres Végétales d’Aujourd’hui”, D. Gauzin-Muller, Editions Museo

2019 - FIBRA International Awards Finalist

2019 - City of Seoul Gukhoe Daero Urban Masterplan, Finalist Design

2018 - Canadian Architect Award of Excellence

2018 - 1st Place Winning Design, Smichov Elementary School

2018 - Design Exchange Emerging Designer Award

2018 - Runner-up Jeju Geology Park Masterplan Competition

2018 - Profiled in “Canadian Contemporary: The Northern Home”, H. Jenkins, Images Publishing

2017 - City of Hamilton Award of Excellence in Architecture

2017 - Azure’s Top 10 Architecture Firms Breaking New Ground

2017 - Canadian Architect Emerging Talent

2017 - The Globe and Mail: Meet Canadian Architecture’s Unlikely New Idols

2016 - 1st Place Winning Entry, National Museum Complex of South Korea international competition


2015 - 1st Place, OISTAT Theatre Architecture Competition
Their design concept allows for specific site relationships to occur and influence the [[Materiality (architecture)|materiality]] for each [[museum]] building. Throughout the site, consideration is given to maintain a consistent architectural language and explore changes in [[scale]] and density of the diverse site. Office Ou adaptation of the on-site [[Fruit tree|fruit trees]] influenced their decision to pursue an [[orchard]] model of framework for the [[Children's museum|children’s museum]]- one of the three buildings they are designing. Incorporating fruit trees in [[public]] and semi public spaces such as the [[Courtyard|court yard]] and roof creates [[social space]]<nowiki/>s and [[Materiality (architecture)|materiality]] connections to the [[wood]] constructed building. Over time as growth of the trees occur the relationship will grow a stronger bond.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-12|title=Office OU named winner of competition for museum complex in South Korea|url=https://www.canadianarchitect.com/toronto-based-office-ou-named-winner-international-competition-museum-complex-south-korea/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Canadian Architect|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sejong Museum Gardens - National Museum Complex of South Korea|url=http://www.office-ou.com/projects/sejong-museum-gardens|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Office Ou|language=en-US}}</ref>


2015 - Treehugger Top 10 in Green Architecture


== Citations ==
== Citations ==

Revision as of 05:26, 8 April 2021

Office Ou

Office Ou is an award[1] winning Toronto[2] based architecture and landscape design firm. The firm's Co founders Nicolas Koff, Uros Novakovic, and Sebastian Bartnicki met as university students and formed the firm together, priding themselves on their efforts to bring awareness to the physical connections architecture creates and the socials connections between the users and their natural environment[3]. Office Ou considers buildings to have a direct connection to the natural and cultural context the site provides[3]. This emphasis on site awareness has led them to practice sustainable methods of architecture, as seen in their award winning K-house. [4]

Office Ou Founders

Nicolas Koff, OAA, OAQ

Co Founder of Office Ou

Koff studied at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a duel Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) in 2010[3].

Before co founding Office Ou, Koff worked with innovative international architecture firms such as Beijing firm MAD[3], France's Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Zeidler in Toronto Canada[3], and Field Operations in New York, USA[3], where he participated in working on the firms Qianhai Water City competition entry[3]. His passion for sustainable design lead him to work as a research associate at the University of Pennsylvania where he collaborated on creating a cross-disciplinary course focusing on environmental sustainability[3].

Koff's understanding of the positive impact sustainable architecture can have on its surround environment[3]. This is evident in his role of project manager for the acclaimed net zero K-House located in Hamilton Ontario[5].

Besides practicing at Office Ou, Koff also lectures at University of Toronto and is in the process of writing a book examining productive urban landscape typologies and their cultural root relationship.[3]


Uros Novakovic

Co Founder of Office Ou

Novakovic received his Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree from the University of Waterloo in 2013[3]. His passion for design is equally fueled by his passion for researching the connection between architectural practice and ideology[3]. Specifically, he finds interest in exploring the aesthetic implications that come within the philosophy of Salvoj Žižek[3].

Prior to co founding Office Ou, Novakovic also worked with sustainability based firms, such as Shanghai's A00 Architecture[3], New York's Kiss + Cathcart[3], and D.A Dizajnarhitektura in Belgrade[3]- where he acted as the lead designer for the Faculty of Biology building at University of Belgrade.[3]

Currently Novakovic and Koff are collaborating on a book focusing on the Productive Urban Landscapes, which is set to be published by Routledge[3]. Previously, Uros has co-authored scholarly articles related to global public health, published in peer-reviewed academic journals. [3]

Sebastian Bartnicki, OAA

Co Founder of Office Ou

Sebastian Bartnicki graduated from McGill University in 2010, where he received his Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch). The firms website describes Sebastian's role within the firm is to execute the project visions throughout the multiple stages of the design and construction process[3]. His comprehension in architectural visualization aid in allowing both clients and contractors to better understand and participate in the design process[3].

Prior to co founding Office Ou, Sebastian worked with NGA Architects and KPMB Architects in Toronto[3], and acted as a construction admin for the Mike and Ophilia Lazeridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the University of Waterloo[3], where he developed considerable experience in programming buildings that house complex functional programs.[3]

Projects

Garage Gem

Built: 2019

Location: Toronto

Photographed by: Adrian Ozimek

Built in 2019[6], the Garage Gem is an example of a revitalization project within larger movement of revitalizing the Toronto laneways in efforts to create social spaces in areas that are neglected[7]. Large cities such as Toronto are shifting away from the modernistic use of garages for the purpose of cars. The development of public transit infrastructure allows for people in dense urban cities to move around without the need from individual cars. The need for garages in an urban city has become rapidly unsuccessful in land management. The under-utilized laneways of the city are often run down and neglected by the community, however the Garage Gem aims to bridge the connection between social relationships within the community and people’s relationship with their environments. [6]

The flex-use space offers an open plan, allowing for programs to vary from a functional garage to an office space to a three season entertainment space to host guests. Designed with sustainability in mind, Office Ou utilized wood construction for the detached laneway project and embraced it by highlighting it with exposed Douglas-fir on the interior. The Cedar siding allows for the project to blend into its urban context of cedar fencing, with the consideration that after a few years of weathering the cedar will match seamlessly with its surroundings. The warmth of the Douglas-fir is paired with dark steel framed windows and doors to compliment. The project also uses large conservatory doors to allow for a direct visual and physical connections to the surrounding landscape and community.[8]


K-House (need to work on) [5] [4]

Built: 2015

Location: Ancaster, Ontario

The K-House was built in 2015[5], and uses building methods that are untraditional to today's construction methods.[4]. The Private resident home was designed sustainably, and when fully constructed was near net zero[5]. Office Ou used 16" thick prefabricated panels of Straw to achieve an insulation rating of R-40.[4] The Facade of the building is a mixture of charred Eastern White Cedar and magboard.[5] These natural materials were selected to challenge the need for engineered materials to protect the home's exterior.[5]

The home also features passive cooling and heating methods which help is achieve its low energy consumption. Utilizing passive ventilation strategies, Office Ou designed the building to suit the Canadian climate where the temperature often fluctuates depending on different times of the year.[5][4] This connection between the architecture and the environment ties back to Office Ou's beliefs in exploring peoples social relationship with their surroundings.[5][4][3]

Utilizing the roof of the building, Office Ou created a roof garden full of native plant species[5]. This Architectural move creates an inside-outside connection on the second story of the house, allowing for residents to step outside and connect to their environment by tending to the garden.[5][4] The building blends into its natural environment with subtle moments of overlap between new technology and traditional landscape.[5]

Sejong Museum Gardens- National Museum Complex of South Korea

Project Stats: Under Construction

Project Date: 2016  

Location: Sejong, South Korea

Office Ou was selected the winner of South Korea’s International Competition for the National Museum Complex Master Plan of the New Administrative City (Sejong City). Their submission was selected from eighty other entries competing for the opportunity to plan the two million square feet national museum complex in Sejong and design three of the buildings within the complex. [9]

Their design concept allows for specific site relationships to occur and influence the materiality for each museum building. Throughout the site, a consistent architectural language and explore changes in scale and density of the diverse landscape. Office Ou adaptation of the on-site fruit trees influenced their decision to pursue an orchard model of framework for the children’s museum- one of the three buildings they are designing. Incorporating fruit trees in public and semi public spaces such as the court yard and roof creates social spaces and materiality connections to the wood constructed building. Over time as growth of the trees occur the relationship will grow a stronger bond.[10][11]

Awards[1]

2020 - Ontario Association of Architects Best Emerging Practice Award

2020 - Exhibited at La Plateforme, Grenoble, France

2020 - Land and Housing Corporation of South Korea 3rd Generation New Towns, Honourable Mention

2020 - Lety u Pisku Memorial to the Roma and Sinti Victims of the Holocaust, Finalist Design

2020 - City of Istanbul Taksim Square Urban Design, Finalist Design

2019 - Exhibited at Pavillon de L’Arsenal, Paris, France

2019 - Profiled in “Architectures en Fibres Végétales d’Aujourd’hui”, D. Gauzin-Muller, Editions Museo

2019 - FIBRA International Awards Finalist

2019 - City of Seoul Gukhoe Daero Urban Masterplan, Finalist Design

2018 - Canadian Architect Award of Excellence

2018 - 1st Place Winning Design, Smichov Elementary School

2018 - Design Exchange Emerging Designer Award

2018 - Runner-up Jeju Geology Park Masterplan Competition

2018 - Profiled in “Canadian Contemporary: The Northern Home”, H. Jenkins, Images Publishing

2017 - City of Hamilton Award of Excellence in Architecture

2017 - Azure’s Top 10 Architecture Firms Breaking New Ground

2017 - Canadian Architect Emerging Talent

2017 - The Globe and Mail: Meet Canadian Architecture’s Unlikely New Idols

2016 - 1st Place Winning Entry, National Museum Complex of South Korea international competition

2015 - 1st Place, OISTAT Theatre Architecture Competition

2015 - Treehugger Top 10 in Green Architecture

Citations

Klein, Kristine. “Office Ou Turns Toronto Garage into Workshop, Conservatory and Dining Room.” Dezeen, May 22, 2020. https://www.dezeen.com/2020/05/22/garage-gem-office-ou-toronto-workshop-conservatory/.

Architect, Canadian. “Office OU Named Winner of Competition for Museum Complex in South Korea.” Canadian Architect. Canadian Architect, January 12, 2017. https://www.canadianarchitect.com/toronto-based-office-ou-named-winner-international-competition-museum-complex-south-korea/.

Koff, Nicolas. “K-House.” Office Ou. Office Ou, January 27, 2021. http://www.office-ou.com/projects/k-house.

Luco, Andreas. “The Garage Gem / Office Ou.” ArchDaily. ArchDaily, May 28, 2020. https://www.archdaily.com/940112/the-garage-gem-office-ou.

Maris, Jessica. “Straw Bales Insulate Monochrome House in Ontario by Nicolas Koff.” Dezeen. Dezeen, December 10, 2015. https://www.dezeen.com/2015/12/10/k-house-nicolas-koff-hamilton-ontario-charred-timber-straw-bales-insulation-monochrome/?fbclid=IwAR04taZvsjbUTiUvyIWHyle7LBgclmcF28mg02wp0lUbCzGc1oc0815ALkM.

Ou, Office. “About.” Office Ou, 2021. http://www.office-ou.com/about.

Ou, Office. “Garage Gem.” Office Ou. Office Ou, January 25, 2021. http://www.office-ou.com/projects/garage-gem.

Young, Pamela. “Emerging Talent: Office OU.” Canadian Architect. Canadian Architect, July 17, 2017. https://www.canadianarchitect.com/emerging-talent-office-ou/.

———. “Recognition.” Office Ou, 2021. http://www.office-ou.com/publications-gallery.

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  2. ^ "Contact". Office Ou. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y "About". Office Ou. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
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  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "K-House". Office Ou. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  6. ^ a b "Garage Gem". Office Ou. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  7. ^ "Danforth Village Laneway Revitalization". The Laneway Project. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
  8. ^ "The Garage Gem / Office Ou". ArchDaily. 2020-05-28. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  9. ^ "Emerging Talent: Office OU". Canadian Architect. 2017-07-14. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  10. ^ "Office OU named winner of competition for museum complex in South Korea". Canadian Architect. 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  11. ^ "Sejong Museum Gardens - National Museum Complex of South Korea". Office Ou. Retrieved 2021-03-01.