2018 Best of Design Award for Building of the Year: Transart Foundation

Designer: SCHAUM/SHIEH
Location: Houston

The Transart Foundation by SCHAUM/SHIEH was developed for a Houston-based artist/curator working at the intersection of art and anthropology. The project consists of two buildings: a repurposed 1,200-square-foot private art studio and a new, 3,000-square-foot primary building for visitors that holds exhibitions, performances, and salon-style dinners. The second and third floors of the new construction include an office, a conference room, a cavelike nook, and a roof terrace. The facade is clad in smooth white stucco panels, creating a tectonic language that allows gaps and seams to manifest as swooping window frames. The structure incorporates thick timber beams in a manner akin to a Dutch barn, carved so that the front corners join precisely in front.

“I am especially impressed by SCHAUM/SHIEH’s ability to generate complex spatial effects from what are essentially graphic motives—an ambition that would literally fall flat in lesser hands.” Jesse Reiser, Principal, Reiser + Umemoto

Structural Engineer:
Zia Engineering and Environmental Consultants

Contractor:
Welch Construction

Lighting Designer: 
Lighting Associates

Custom Nook Fabricator: 
Jeff Jennings and Steve Croatt

Custom Steel Windows: 
Cedar Mill Co.

Finalist

Project Name:
Daniels Building
Designer:
NADAAA
Location:
Toronto

“This is a great example of how old and new can be seamlessly integrated. The addition improves on the experiential quality of the historic structure and makes it one of the most sustainable buildings on campus.” Pratik Raval, Associate Director, Transsolar

Finalist

Project Name:
Saxum Vineyard Equipment Bard
Designer:
Clayton + Little
Location:
Paso Robles, California

“The project is an attentive and delicate reinvention of the agricultural shed as a responsive, performative infrastructure for the nearby vineyard.” Tei Carpenter, Founder, Agency—Agency