knowlesblunckarchitecture.com

2013 Team

knowlesystem — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:03:22 +0000

The team of Knowles Blunck Architecture was captured by Camille Rene to highlight the talent behind the work.

Residential Architect Magazine: March/April 2013 Issue

knowlesystem — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:00:25 +0000

Case Study: Kohout Residence Bath

Kohout Residence Bath is highlighted in March/April 2013 issue of “Residential Architect” magazine.

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/bath/case-study-kohout-residence-bath1.aspx

Residential Architect Online Magazine

knowlesystem — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:29:54 +0000

Plains Sight - A South Dakota prairie home bucks tradition.

The Kohout’s residence is recognized for its design and its challenge of a subdivision’s design codes.

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/custom-homes/a-south-dakota-prairie-home-bucks-tradition.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=jump&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RADS_040213&day=2013-04-02

KBA on Facebook

knowlesystem — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:25:21 +0000

See the latest updates of Knowles Blunck Architecture projects on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KBAStudio

Garland Avenue Center

knowlesystem — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:56:31 +0000

A mixed-use development incorporating a 1600-car parking facility, 20,000 gsf of retail, and a 32,000 gsf book store. The client requested that the new complex respond to the materiality of the existing architecture on campus, consisting primarily of brick buildings, while providing an energy efficient facility that aspires to be equivalent to a LEED Silver certification-an example that all buildings can be environmental stewards.

A progression on previous experience with the parking typology, the building was decidedly clad with terra cotta baguettes such that the scrim of the envelope is used to provide privacy during the day and safety at night. The book store is also planned to be clad in terra cotta. The overall conposition of this complex is drawn together by intermediate hard-scape spaces carved in anticipation of people inhabiting and interacting with each other during their every use.

Photography by Timothy Hursley

Des Moines Art Center

knowlesystem — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:06:36 +0000

KB Architecture has had a long association with the Des Moines Art Center. Starting in 1980 when Kirk Blunck worked closely with David W. Scott, a member of the staff of the National Collection of Fine Arts in Washington D.C. to prepare the final document which served as a program statement for the Richard Meier wing, up to 2007 when KBA completed one phase of the entrance improvements. Throughout the years KBA has completed many project and studies for the Des Moines Art Center. These projects include the restoration of the Saarinen Studio & Office Wing, Blank Galleries renovations, museum shop remodeling, capital improvements study, entrance improvements, accessibility improvement study, and art storage and handling study.

STONEBROOKE 3 (H3)

knowlesystem — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:58:35 +0000

Located within a suburban mixed use development this building was designed to integrate indoors with outdoors, and respond to traditional Iowa vernacular architecture.

The building is organized around a large central double height space with glass on the east and west. This central volume provides clear communication between parking to the west, and the plaza to the east. Views are maintained by keeping program space (i.e., kitchen, bar, and restrooms) pushed to the north and south, framing the central hall. The speculative shell building was organized in a simple manor to maximize its lifespan and flexibility should a new tenant occupy the building in the future.

Materiality is deliberately kept simple with stained cedar slat siding, weathering steel, and glass making up the exterior composition. The result of combining this palette of materials produces a familiar vernacular architecture that is warm and tactile, yet strikingly modern.

Photography by Cameron Campbell, AIA, Integrated Studio

Garland Center receives AIA Iowa Award

knowlesystem — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:11:11 +0000

2011 AIA Iowa Design Awards

Congratulations to all the award winners of the 2011 AIA Iowa Design Awards.

See more at http://www.aiaiowa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=29

2011 Excellence in Design – Honor Awards
Garland Center – HLKB Architecture

ISU Multi-Cultural Center

knowlesystem — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:07:32 +0000

The mission of this project is to design educational programs for a major state university and surrounding community to foster understanding and appreciation of varied cultural histories and differences for all members of the community.

The project is a gut remodel within the university Beaux-Arts memorial union. The location of this project within the memorial union builds upon, and contributes to, that structure’s cultural position as a social, recreational, and educational center for the university. Programmatically, the project consists of a reception and display area, central lounge, flexible meeting spaces, a library/study, kitchen, shared office and work spaces, and counseling areas.

The university and its staff sought a comfortable and welcoming environment to foster a sense of community between students, staff, and faculty of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Photography by Cameron Campbell, AIA, Integrated Studio

Des Moines Historic East Village

knowlesystem — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:21:22 +0000

What is now known as Des Moines Historic East Village encompasses a 32 square block area positioned between the State of Iowa Capitol on the East and the City of Des Moines Municipal Building and Des Moines River on the west. It was at one time among the states most vibrant and most diverse commercial centers. The late 1950’s and 1960’s were a time of steady decline, leaving an area of largely vacant buildings and surface parking lots.

KB Architecture and Kirk Blunck played a key role in the public process of defining and leading the planning efforts and revitalization of this important urban area. That process brought together stakeholders from state and city governments, city planning staff, commercial land owners, business owners and adjacent residents.

The master plan initially focused on strengthening the Locust Street corridor between City Hall and the Capitol. As evidence of his own commitment and confidence is the success of this development, Kirk Blunck purchased the six-story Teachout Building at the corner of East 5th and Locust with the goal of reestablishing this as a cornerstone of a revitalized mixed use district.

From the pivotal Teachout Building project of 1998, the firm has led the design and redevelopment of over twenty historic building restorations, boutiques, art galleries, offices and entertainment venues. Since 2000, the East Village district has grown and prospered with over 185 million dollars of both historic rehabilitation and new construction.