h+uo BLOG

All of Austin

Posted in Uncategorized by Kristie
July 9, 2015

old_austin_new_austin

We’re old Austin; we’re new Austin.  We’ve been around for decades and we’re not going anywhere.

 

Old Austin:

 

New Austin:

 

 

SHARE THIS POST:

Within Formal Cities

Posted in Uncategorized by Kristie
June 29, 2015

tumblr_ncspk4qj1R1tkb325o1_1280

h+uo architects is a firm based on bringing new light to old trait. One of our architectural interns, Abe Drechsler, is a perfect example of someone possessing that passion. After graduating from NC State, Abe was given a grant to travel and study a meaningful aspect of architecture.

Abe and his grant partner, Brian Gaudio, thought first of what they wanted to explore. And secondly, how they could share the knowledge with more than just themselves.

tumblr_ncujmkrhF61tkb325o1_1280The recent grads had mutual interests in Public Interest Design and wanted to use this opportunity to explore Informal Settlements in South America. Informal settlements, also known as slums or favelas, are essentially illegally occupied areas of cities and typically occur in developing countries when cities are unable to accommodate rapid population growth. Informal settlements face many serious problems including lack of access to safe housing, clean water, electricity, health services and other basic infrastructure.

By 2050 one in four people will be living in informal settlements.

“Affordable housing in impoverished towns is about affordability,” Abe said. “It’s about the absence of design. We want to help raise architects’ value in society by showcasing the significant work being done in these places that typically don’t have access to design services. This work is good for the profession and good for the people being served.”

The two secured additional funding to afford video equipment in hopes to film a documentary of their time exploring informal communities and interviewing architects, academics, government agencies and nonprofits. With cameras in hand, they set off to South America to explore five cities well versed in the troubles of overpopulation and underdevelopment.

Abe and Brian quickly realized just how apparent the divide in social classes was. They could see a great contradiction in Rio, a city known for it’s really nice beaches and rich people but the slums are never fully out of sight.

“The best views in the cities are from the roofs of the poorest houses.”

tumblr_ncixuowF4k1tkb325o1_1280

Their journey took them through a very real depiction of the way many people live today. It showed the dangers of our population growing at rapid speeds, and gave a look at what a great need there is for help in affordable housing. Abe and Brian were given the opportunity to explore just exactly why they were drawn to architecture. Now, they want to share it with others.

Stay tuned for the Within Formal Cities trailer this summer. To learn more visit here: www.withinformalcities.org

SHARE THIS POST:

Twin Oaks Branch Library Honor

Posted in Awards by Kristie
June 8, 2015
main_entry2pb

We are honored to be noted in the 2015  Community Impact Newspaper’s Central Austin Architecture and Design Guide. ​Our Twin Oaks ​Branch Library project was ​highlighted.

You can read more about the Central Austin Architecture and Design Guide HERE.
SHARE THIS POST:

Verde’s Mexican Parrilla & Tequileria

Posted in Uncategorized by Kristie
May 15, 2015

VERDES_FIVE

We love taking on projects that allow us to overhaul and make new. One of the latest helped bring Verde’s Mexican Parrilla & Tequileria to Round Rock. Taking over a previous sports bar and grill restaurant, we were able to update and upgrade to a whole new look. See the images below for some before and after shots.

 

SHARE THIS POST:

h+uo Splashing Into Spring

Posted in Project Photos by Kristie
March 26, 2015

HUO_POOL_IMAGE

With South By South West at an end, and spring at its beginning, we take a look back at some of our best backyard work.  Those with pools are some of our favorites. Getting outside and creating outdoor spaces to collect with friends or family gives us and our clients joy.

Here are some of our noteworthy pools:

 

 

For more information on h+uo’s outdoor architecture options call us today: 512.474.8548

SHARE THIS POST:
©2013 hatch + ulland owen architects | website by hardage & hardage