"The XYPEX/slag combination created the densest, most durable, waterproof concrete that we’ve yet been able to produce..."

The use of concrete as a design element has always appealed to architects. However, concern over water seepage, efflorescence and rebar corrosion has often held them back....

Sustainability/Green Building

Feature - 102 University is currently under review for LEED-NC Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Designed by Bellomo Architects...

Panel Sessions at Relief 2.0 in Haiti at Stanford University
"Housing and Rebuilding Communities"

One full day of panels with key players and stakeholders of Haiti's relief efforts, sharing experiences and discussing challenges and foresight of a brighter future for Haiti.

State Architect Group Recognizes 2009 Design Awards Recipients

SACRAMENTO, CA -- 08/19/09 -- Every year, since 1982, The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) has celebrated outstanding architecture through The AIACC Design Awards program. Once again, The AIACC, in partnership with energy performance experts at Savings By Design, proudly recognize and celebrate excellence in architecture and design, announcing the recipients of the annual Design Awards competition from 382 entrants. The AIACC's esteemed Design Awards jury was comprised of:

Curve Your Wheels
Architect-designed bike storage system rolled out in California

Cities across the country are investing in bicycling infrastructure, but the workaday inverted, U-shaped bike racks remain the standard in most places. That may change if the partners in the new Bike Arc storage system have their way, and their new modular rack is flexible and compact enough to be a contender for widespread use. A few prototypes were installed in downtown Palo Alto in January, and more will be installed in Palo Alto and Redwood City, California next week.

Bicycle Rack Yields Design for Modular Home

Prefabricated houses have long intrigued Modernist architects and, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when some homes simply floated away, many philanthropic Bay Area organizations such as Habitat for Humanity have encouraged architects to think of easy-to-assemble, affordable buildings.

Now Palo Alto architect Joseph Bellomo has concocted the House Arc, a modular building that started out as a semi-circular bicycle shelter and bike rack.

Cambridge Solucent woven metal fabric shines in Silicon Valley

A metal fabric shading system from Cambridge Architectural delivers a smart and fresh design for 116 University Avenue, matching the building's place and purpose in the heart of high-tech Palo Alto, CA.

Serving as the focal point of Silicon Valley, the city of Palo Alto is home to numerous technology companies and firms, the most prominent being the Internet giant Facebook. 116 University Avenue is one of ten buildings that make up Facebook's “campus”. Situated between Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto, it houses the Facebook Cafe – the company's upscale employee cafeteria.

An architect's lyrical concrete house in Palo Alto finds arboreal inspiration

Modernist forms without sterility? That's what Palo Alto architect Joseph Bellomo's work has.

Whether large parking garages in central Palo Alto or small houses of concrete, glass and steel, Bellomo's structures are different from most function-driven modernist designs because they are inspired by nature. He thinks of buildings as tree structures -- weighted at the bottom and lighter at the top. And he likes to make landscaping integral to a building's design so that it meshes with nature and history of place. He builds stories.

More Platinum in Palo Alto at 102 University Avenue

102 University Avenue is a mixed-use development that is pursuing LEED Platinum certification. The sign at the project site outlines the key features of the building, including the Location and Linkages. This building is located in downtown Palo Alto and is across the street from the train station, which goes to downtown San Francisco. Also, the building is only minutes away from Stanford University. A great location.

2008 Design awards AIA Santa Clara Valley

In an effort to enliven the building and contribute to the accessibility of the city, the architects collaborated with city officials, the public of Palo Alto, and private agencies. To give back to the community, the form of the building is set back from the sidewalk and neighboring buildings to create pedestrian friendly access and enhance daylight. In addition, the new building reveals the structure such as the concrete, but rather than harsh and brutal, the effect is warm and intriguing.

Distinguished Leadership Award, University Circle Developement

This award is bestowed on a non-APA related organization whose efforts have contributed to elevating planning principles, thus creating greater awareness of the value of planning, and improving the quality of life in one or more communities.

2008 Design awards AIA Santa Clara Valley

Award of Excellence
Joseph Bellomo Architects, Inc.

Project: Grill Square, Mesa, Arizona
Client: Jungwoo Lee, Las Vegas, Nevada
Consultants: BDA Engineers, Scottsdale, Arizona; Lindsley Architectural Lighting, Orinda, California; Patrick T. Foley Construction, Tempe, Arizona

Malama Learnig Center Design Award

The self-contained structure is beautiful and stunning. It is an attractive building that would be a nice addition to the community as a landmark. The design captures the essence of the heart of the Malama Learning Center -- a symbol of the merging of conservation and the arts.

116 University Avenue – Palo Alto, CA

"Cambridge’s mesh veils and highlights the structure. It reduces solar heat gain and blocks about 50 percent of the sunlight and glare coming through the windows without blocking the views out of those windows."

2006 Design awards AIA Santa Clara Valley

In 1999 an artist and her entrepeneur husband hired our firm to generate designs ideas for a historic 1920's Palo Alto home they were considering purchasing. Their program at the time included a kitchen remodel and some minor interior cosmetic changes.

As we began exploring design possibilities, however, we realized that what the clients wanted was a house that expressed their particular artistic and environmental vision. They wanted a place that is open to it's surroundings while offering privacy; that is materially rich but subtle; and that offers a sense of artistry in the architecture