Making sense of Silos
Oct 10th, 2007 by sorbe
Did you know that the City of Boulder still has a couple of brick silos, most of which are abandoned or in various states of disrepair? One of the interesting concepts that I have seen implemented is to use silos for living space. Multiple architects have taken on the humble silo and have come up with some great ideas. Danish Architects at MVRDV have retrofitted 2 large silos into housing; their concept works well as the silos are fairly large. The structures are built off the outside of the silos to create open space to the outside. Check out their project in Copenhagen.
Another architect, Eric Logan at Carney Architects, used the inside of a silo to create a spiraling wine cellar.A spiral staircase goes from top to bottom, with a wine racking system that follows the exterior contour of the silo. At the top of the silo is a place to rest and drink your favorite bottle of wine.
If you are considering building a house out of a silo, it is recommended to build with a 20′ min. radius.
As I mentioned earlier, we have a couple of silos in our neighborhood. One of these them is off of Violet in North Boulder, just east of Broadway. An interesting aspect about this silo is that it is located in one of Boulder’s trailer parks. As Boulder migrates towards understanding how to incorporate these trailer parks into its master plan of development, perhaps we could focus on this icon of farming culture that could bring a revived look on how we live in a space, and inspire the imagination of those who see it.
Speaking of reusing old structures.. I was an estate sale last weekend and found the old deco façade from the Last American Diner (where the Soundtrack now is at Pearl and Canyon).
It would be amazing to see this piece creatively incorporated into a new structure.
There’s a pic on the page below:
http://www.physics.drexel.edu/~goldberg/princeton/picturesframe.html
Did you buy it?
I did not buy it. It’s huge. I haven’t the storage. I can put any interested party in touch. (I imagine it would sell anywhere from $500 - $3000, since the sale is now over. Original asking was $5000)
How about you post the information for getting in touch.
There are several people that could be interested in the facade. I am guessing if it is located locally it will make it more attainable for people.
Serious inquiries can call (303) 494-4999 after 10am.
Uh oh… too late. A museum in Chicago picked it up.