Brazil's star architect Oscar Niemeyer is 104 today, and he still has no plans to retire.

The constant presence, of Oscar Niemeyer on the scene of international contemporary architecture from 1936 until the present time, has transformed him into a symbol of Brazil.

His pursuit of great architecture linked to roots of his native land has resulted in new plastic forms and a lyricism in buildings, not only in Brazil, but around the world. For his lifetime achievements, the Pritzker Architecture Prize is bestowed.

Happy Birthday Oskar Niemeyer, it’s my Birthday too.

But will I still be around at 104? And still working?

Timeslive tribute

Lego Architectural Scale Kits

On a recent trip to Germany I came across a LEGO shop. There were about 13 architectural master pieces ‘to scale’ in LEGO elements. A bit pricy from about € 25 to €300.

Fallingwater House is about €95.

Farnsworth House pictured  below here about €60.

Link to Lego Germany.

The CMG Building and Design Awards 2011

Winkens Architecture has been short-listed to the final four of the prestigious CMG awards Best Architectural Practice 2011.  This is our second nomination is as many years.
The CMG Building and Design Awards 2011 will recognise success in the building, engineering and architecture professions during the past year with a focus on best practice, sustainable design and innovation.
On the 2nd of Dec 2011 in the Four Seasons hotel in Dublin, the winners will be announced.

Click here to see CMG Site

Wasps nick cavity wall insulation!

Check out this video of wasps nicking cavity wall insulated beads from an un-plastered hole that was used to inject the insulation!
Courtesy of Paul Kenny from the Tipperary Energy Agency via Construct Ireland's sustainable building ezine.

Always finish the job!

Wasp Video

Hemp Passive Haus 1st Blower testing

James B. the client (and also the builder) is on track to achieve passive Haus Certification. For several weeks he was taping and sealing the dwelling.

Today Gavin O Se from Greenbuild, Gorey, Co. Wexford did the preliminary door blower testing to see how the build is performing to date.


Gavin also used a thermal anemometer. The air speed is measured at the access points, allowing for comparisons and for the leaks to be prioritised by severity.

He did spot checks around all windows. Gearoid from Optiwin windows was on hand if adjustments were needed.
The preliminary pressure result in under 0.8h-1 at 50Pa. And this is without outside plaster work!

The 0.6h-1 at 50Pa for a Passive Haus should be achievable.

Well done James (with hat).

Greenbuild web site
more Hemp House photos