Collection of Interior Architecture news_PuO

Fyf Residence By Patterns

2010-11-25T13:10:00.002+07:00

Fyf Residence was designed by Patterns and comes with a highly original architecture. The amazing family house located in Rosario, Argentina has an interesting monolithic form and consists of a single level. Its twisted exterior contrasts the other buildings in its neighborhood and features plenty of intriguing elements. The folds and bends within the concrete create unusual openings which make for some uncommon windows offering “oblique views”. The shape of the house is stretched by an appealing looking pool which seems to stir down the overall dynamics of the architecture. The total surface of the house is 200 square feet and also includes a small greenhouse at the request of the clients, a landscape designer and an agricultural engineer. The interiors feature plenty of unexpected angles and effects. Through the clearings in the concrete, the house gets a large amount of natural lighting during the day which creates playful shades all around

Ruiz-Maasburg Penthouse in Madrid

2010-11-01T16:58:00.014+07:00

This is the story of the Ruiz-Maasburg Penthouse in Madrid designed by Hector Ruiz-Velazquez. Forced to turn an attic of only 60m2 inside and 50m2 of terrace/patio into a stylish, practical and modern living zone, the architects took advantage of every available square centimeter of space and optimized it. Using forced perspectives, a good lighting system and white painting, this apartment was turned into a dynamic crib with unusual angles. Here is more information: “A dynamic axis that emerges from the entrance leaves static spaces on both sides of the three-dimensional sinuous diagonal. This entrance or hallway seems to defy gravity and logic and thus changes unexpectedly the perception of space according to the user and his movement trough them. Thus it creates a completely fluent and dynamic space in a static surrounding. ”

Eco Home Design

2010-10-31T11:10:00.002+07:00

Featured as part of the American Institute of Architects’ 2009 Fall Home Tour, Kuhlhaus 02 eco home design by LeanArch Architects, is one of the most striking, sustainable homes in the Gaslight District of Manhattan Beach. This forward-thinking Los Angeles-based architecture firm designed this contemporary style home of 4,080 sq. ft. with a cool facade and contemporary interiors to match. The open concept house plan features vast sliding glass doors which open interiors to the outdoor entertaining areas like a number patios and decks, designed with an industrial-chic flair. And proving that it’s stylish to be sustainable, this eco home design is Green rated, and is designed with a regard for solar power, energy consumption, land-use and the environment.

Dentsu London Office International

2010-10-30T23:19:00.007+07:00

Description from Essentia Designs:

The Brief

We were approached through project managers Interactive Space to work on the offices for Dentsu London, one of the most exciting creative agencies in the UK. The building is an award winning development by Amanda Levete which the Dentsu team have already christened the “spaceship” (Tokyo HQ is the mothership!).

Our brief was to create an interior which was sympathetic to the curvaceous exterior of the building and provided a high-tech Japanese minimalist environment within which they can create their future magic. In addition to the main agency studio spaces there was a need to incorporate space for Attik, an associated multi-award winning branding agency as well as the European head office functions.

The Solution

Dentsu London is a fast growing business akin to a start-up but with the solid foundations and backing of existing blue chip clients from around the globe. The decision to co-locate the Attik business in London (relocating from Leeds) meant the solution needed to encourage integration and cross-fertilisation between the two groups. In addition, the European HQ team were moving from separate offices in Mayfair so this would be the first opportunity for the business to function out of a single location.

From a strategic perspective, the top floor penthouse space provided an ideal main boardroom and consequentially we located the main reception area on the 5th floor to simplify the client journey and provide space for Dentsu Europe. The 4th floor was retained as the main creative studio hub, while Attik have their own space on the third floor, which includes an exhibition space and padded meeting room, along with a shared canteen and library space. The decision to locate these shared facilities adjacent to the Attik team was to encourage social engagement and speed up integration of the businesses.

We developed a scheme that took inspiration from sources as disparate as Star Trek, Spitfires, Buckminster Fuller and Eriko Horiki’s massive paper sculptures and followed a neutral pallet with mostly white and grey interspersed with the vibrant green used in the floor finishes of the building’s common parts. The existing building is very energy efficient and utilises a chilled beam AC system with integral low energy lighting, so there was a conscious decision to have everyone working in an open plan, agile way so there were no offices and only the bare minimum of closed meeting rooms. The 4th floor studio space has a fantastic energy and creative buzz with freestanding pods for collaborative brainstorming.

We wanted to retain as much of the base build elements as we could, so developed the concept of a curved tensile fabric screen to separate the client reception area from the Dentsu Europe team. You enter the reception through a fabric tunnel which peels back to reveal the thermo-formed corian reception desk and client waiting area, a fitting introduction to this amazing agency.

Tree Shaped concept

2010-08-05T15:45:00.002+07:00

This unusual looking home comes from Mount Fuji Architects Studio and is located in Tokyo, Japan. It was built for a couple in a residential area of the city, even though the architecture manages to separate the project from its urban environment. A first noticeable particularity is the fact that the ceiling is not leveled. One step inside and one can see the reason behind this unique design. Right in the middle of the home there is a giant cylinder resembling a tree stem. Towards the ceiling, this structure begins to fade out turning into a spiral shape, which explains the form of the interesting looking ceiling. The interiors are based on the “Cartesian coordinates system” and have well defined geometrical features. We think the window that the column forms at the beginning of its “transformation” looks highly original, from inside as well as from an exterior angle.

The East Village Studio By JPDA Architects

2010-08-03T14:45:00.003+07:00

The East Village Studio comes from JPDA Architects, stretches over an area of 152 square meters (500 feet) and was built as a little “nest” for the owners who also work here. It has all the utilities a common looking contemporary home has and dare we say a lot more. This original crib has storage space and shelves in the most unusual and unexpected places, reducing clutter and contributing to a clean and fresh interior design. The wood gives this home its warmth which is “intensified” by the friendly vegetation pots spread around the open studio.

Studio and Housing in Kojetin

2010-04-18T08:46:00.004+07:00

Kamil Mrva Architect projected a studio and housing in Kojetín, Czech Republic, in an exceptional place.

Here is the project description:

The plot is located on a hill with a view of the surrounding landscape. The owner’s intention was to reconstruct a former barn into a place for work and living in the first phase, and build a new family house in the vicinity in the future.

The original sandstone walls and pillars from 1862 have been preserved. A reinforcing concrete ring was designed to which a lightweight shed roof was anchored. Inside the original building, a square structure was erected – a studio.

The single-space concept is based on how our ancestors used to live in this region. All necessities were taken care of in one parlour room: a kitchenette, sitting room and place for sleeping and working.

The project was designed using natural materials. The load-bearing structure and lightweight roof are made of wood.

The Seed Cathedral

2010-04-16T07:49:00.005+07:00

“The Seed Cathedral” features 60,000 fiber-optic rods which pierce through the six-level structure. Each rod contains seeds from the Millennium Seed Bank in Great Britain.

Here is more information from Thomas Heatherwick: “The Seed Cathedral sits in the center of the UK Pavilion’s site, 20 meters in height, formed from 60,000 slender transparent rods, each 7.5 meters long and each encasing one or more seeds at its tip. During the day, they act as optic fibers and draw daylight inwards to illuminate the interior. At night, light sources inside each rod allow the whole structure to glow. As the wind moves past, the building and its optic “hairs” gently move to create a dynamic effect ” Stunning! You might also want to check out the video featuring the building’s incredible interiors.

The Met Hotel

2010-04-13T08:29:00.010+07:00

Zege Architects projected this contemporary hotel of 212 guestrooms in Greece accompanied by accommodations such as Spa, VIP lounge, conference rooms, gourmet restaurants and atmospheric bars.

The lobby/reception area is a generously open plan inviting you to walk through the space and explore the mod living in front of the dynamic fire place or the lounging comfort of the alternative living ambiences.

One of the restaurants, Chan, designed by Andy Martin, is treated like a “boutiesque” project, there is a space within a space approach designed for intimacy and privacy. The second restaurant is designed with an approachable ambience.

Glazing and natural day light plays a prime role. In the Spa the design language is kept simplistic and edgy. Day light is present in a controlled form and throughout the whole interior a hygienic essence is present.

In the corridors leading to the bedrooms we experience volume and warmth through the structural wood panel forms. Arriving inside the bedrooms there is the presence of wood, lacquer and glazing. Three finishes combined with smooth fabrics to create a luxurious but approachable space.

The Cave Restaurant

2010-04-09T08:40:00.004+07:00

The Cave Restaurant belongs to Koichi Takada Architects and it is located Sydney, Australia. The architects came up with this very original dining concept whose aim is “to change the way we eat and chat in restaurants”. A cave is all about unusual textures and acoustics, two elements that were fully taken advantage of in coming up with this design.

“The timber profiles generate a sound studio atmosphere, and a pleasant ‘noise’ of dining conversation, offering a more intimate experience as well as a visually interesting and complex surrounding. The series of acoustic curvatures were tested and developed with computer modeling and each ‘timber grain’ profile has been translated and cut from computer-generated 3-D data, using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology.”

Dining 'DESIGN'

2010-04-08T06:58:00.001+07:00

Four NYSID students, Isis Delomez, Brooke Lichtenstein, Whitney Vlasaty and Yiannos Vrousgos, created a dining environment for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS‘ Dining by Design.

The “cradle to cradle” concept focuses on sustainability and modern aesthetics by redefining the conventional box of a typical booth through an explosion of salvaged materials.

In light of ecological problems facing modern society, the materials include recycled lumber, low VOC paint, bamboo flatware, natural canvas and biodegradable sugarcane tableware.

An illuminated origami flower centerpiece enhances the natural handcrafted design, symbolizing organic architecture. Together, these elements promote the concept to “leave and imprint and reduce the footprint.”

HUT

2010-04-07T08:26:00.001+07:00

Seattle-based Olson Sundberq Kundiq Allen Architects designed this group of 6 ultra-modern and innovative cabins in Washington’s Methow Valley as an alternative to your run-of-the-mill camping trip.

Nestled in the scenic North Cascade Mountains, each hut comes equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, fireplace and Wi-Fi. Modular furniture can be configured to create sleeping accommodation for up to four people so the only things you need to bring are your sleeping bag, your iPod and some wine.

RMI Office

2010-04-06T09:08:00.001+07:00

Response Mine Interactive is an Atlanta based company that specializes in SEO, affiliate program management, and other paid search services. Basically, think of them as a company that will help you capture more and make more of web traffic.
Their offices are elegantly lit and warm. I have become a huge fan of non-fluorescent lighting, and this space really makes a good case for why. Large workstations for each employee along the bullpen make for great communication. The office also has a great looking conference room for business, and a pool table for pleasure. All that, and they’re located just down the road from North Atlanta’s finest Jazz/Fondue restaurant.

Casa Son Vida

2010-04-05T17:07:00.003+07:00

Located near Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Casa Son Vida brakes the boundaries in matters of luxury and futuristic home approaches. The project comes from tec Architecture in collaboration with Amsterdam-based Marcel Wanders Studio, responsible for designing the interiors. This villa is said to be the first of the 6 planned luxury residences in this exclusive area.

Here is some further information from the architects: “Casa Son Vida 1 aims to redefine the notion of the luxury villa by moving most of the paradigms of luxury towards a more contemporary and forward-looking expression of architecture and technology. The project pushes the envelope in every direction and every sense; it is highly sustainable, basically off-the-grid, gives an unheard of sense of space and place, explores new construction technologies, and enters into a critical dialogue with the decorated box buildings in its vicinity. Casa Son Vida 1 is unavoidably exuberant and unabashedly outrageous.”

Fincubes

2010-04-04T09:24:00.005+07:00

From German company Studio Aisslinger comes “Fincube”, an interesting and sustainable architecture project. The house was built at an altitude of 1200 meters near Bozen, Italy. Its design plan implies a low energy consumption with a minimal CO2 footprint. Fincube houses an area of 47 sq m, which is similar to the living space of a small apartment. Its interior design is minimal, yet it has everything city life has to offer. The coolest part is that the home can be dismantled and moved to a different site

Vasken Demirjian Salon

2010-04-01T10:25:00.005+07:00

MSK Design Group projected a highly conceptual boutique salon in Westchester, New York, where the design and ambiance are exclusively fine-tuned in order to amplify the salon experience while creating an ultimate workspace for the artistry of hair to come through.

The crisp white environment is a clear background, a clean palette, which accurately showcases the color and the hair design.

Sharp, clean and glossy surfaces, along with beautiful ambient soft lighting give the space a very flattering glow.

The layout in the salon is very cohesive and harmonious between the color and styling departments. All the furniture was custom designed and built from white and red corian.

The unique ceiling design was conceived to preserve the height of the space as well as serve as a soundproofing buffer, minimizing the usual “salon” noise and creating a much more pleasant softer ambiance.

The accent of the red lampshades adds a punch of color, creating a spot light on each client giving them distinction and importance.

Ippolito Fleitz Design Studio

2010-03-31T08:14:00.002+07:00

The number of co-workers at Ippolito Fleitz Design Studio has grown with its tasks, therefore the architects and communications designers have jointly created for themselves a new place of work on a floor of an old office building in Stuttgart.

The design of the space is in accordance with their own demanding standard as “identity architects”; the office is to be the hallmark that conveys their identity to both clients and co-workers.

Two long work desks cultivate a creative and communicative atmosphere. Shelving and furniture are executed in white or dark wood. Contrasting accents of color are set by textile bands above the workplaces that serve as light switches, and the areas of green plants. In addition to two conference rooms, cheerful communication islands are available for discussions. The studio with spacious kitchen and oversized mires is a place of both inspiration and relaxation.

Luxury Apartment by TECTUS DESIGN

2010-03-29T08:06:00.002+07:00

This modern 220 squared meters apartment with 3 child bedrooms, a master bedroom, a large living room with fire place including a piano area, a full bath, and a modern kitchen was designed by TECTUS DESIGN Interiors and is located in Heraklion, Greece. The main concept of this project is to create a relaxing environment for the owners. The interior of the apartment follows the same colors and the dominance of natural materials. The floor is covered totally with wood. The living room occupies a wide space open to the exterior sea sight view, through glass panels. A wall is covered with wooden shelves and LED lighting. The light brown leather sofa, called Buxter is combined with a modern circular coffee-table and leather stools. In the dining room the large Marcezi table is set with eight leather chair. Between the living and dining room there is a screen of LCD TV and a set of stereo, which can be rotate at both of these two areas. Finally, in the luxury master bedroom we can see a minimal jacuzzi covered with highlight glass.

The Zenden Hotel

2010-03-28T08:44:00.002+07:00

Wiel Arets Architects designed the interior of the Zenden Hotel and Swimclublocated in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Here is the project description:

The Zenden Hotel and Swimclub is located within three monumental town houses near the river Maas in Maastricht, the Netherlands. During the renovation, the scattered program was re-crystallized into an iconographical and integrated whole.

Newly created openings in the hotel’s walls allow for views between all areas of the new program, as well to as the exterior. The renovation led to an abstraction of the structure in both plan and section, not least because all ceilings heights were kept to a maximum. The resulting interior sculpture is completely clad in white, while the exterior inversions are painted anthracite.

Upon entering the hotel, a relaxing lounge welcomes guests and invites them to have a drink, admire the hotel’s pool or simply enjoy the red Japanese maple on the patio. From the lounge, guests can pace past the glass-clad wall in the entrance area and descend to the basement, where one finds the sapphire blue waters of the pool, which retains its original medieval vault. Oppositely, ascending the stairs, nine hotel rooms await their guests, each room unique.

Mamasan Bar

2010-03-26T08:09:00.002+07:00

Curious Design & Architecture projected the first asian fusion tapas bar in Glasgow, Scotland, with wall murals by New York graphic designers Omnivore.

This venue comprises a 6 bed boutique Hotel, Bar and Restaurant, which becomes a Club later in the evening. The venue is ideally suited to attract a wide audience ranging from students, the business community and city centre shoppers.

The Hotel offers a personal but friendly service to visitors. Each room has its own distinct feel owing to the physical characteristics of the building.

The brief for the Bar was to complement the offering of East Asian tapas, so we drew on references from Japan, China and Thailand. This is seen through the use of highly glossed black lacquered tables,black ash chairs and Bar front which carries a slashed motif reminiscent of traditional bamboo screens. Chinese lanterns add a decorative touch but there have been enveloped in black perspex cubes, which gives them added value. We directed a photo shoot of a naked Geisha to add a dramatic and sensual talking point within the venue.

This Victorian Terrace enjoys a presence off the street with two entrances, one serves the Hotel, and the second leads you down to the basement whereMamasan is situated. The benefit is that the Bar and Hotel, although linked, can operate independently which gives the client some flexibility with his operation.

Cottesloe House By Paul Burnham Architect

2010-03-24T07:35:00.003+07:00

Cottesloe House comes from by Paul Burnham Architect and is located in Perth, Western Australia, in the beach side suburb of Cottesloe. We appreciate the diversity of its exterior design, with the unusual architecture twists. Inside you will notice that most of the rooms are connected, while showing off a contemporary feel. Here is a statement from the architects regarding the project: “Concrete is a recurring theme throughout the house in recognition of the owners’ occupation and willingness to engage alternate methods of construction and finishes. The successful aspects of the property appear to be the sense of privacy, the consistency of light quality and the uplifting sensation from the significant winter sunlight penetration throughout the building.”

Sumar House

2010-03-23T09:03:00.004+07:00

Isay Weinfeld Architects projected this house for a graphic designer in Sao Paulo with a studio situate below street level opening onto a garden.

The two-story spacious house, fits an atelier, a swimming pool and a space for ballet routines, along with ample entertaining areas, two bedrooms and all other rooms suitable to a residence.

Due to restrictions laws, the building should not exceed two floors, and an underground floor was necessary to place the caretaker’s quarters and the atelier. As both areas open onto small but nice lawns, it does not feel like being underground at all.

On the middle floor, a few steps above street level, there are the sitting and dining rooms, the kitchen and a larger lawn. In the living room, a long shelving displays the owners collection, ranging from works of art to design and vintage objects.

On the upper floor, there are the bedrooms and the facilities for physical exercising: ballet and swimming. As this is a space meant for private use mainly, it is in the bedrooms, enclosed only by a screen of pre-cast concrete blocks, through which you are able to see the city skyline far away.

Above all, on the uppermost level, there is a wood-decked outdoors entertaining area, perfect for a get together, by day or by night.

Studying Place By AEQUO

2010-03-22T07:26:00.002+07:00

This studying place was created by AEQUO, a Dutch design studio and is located in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The Vleuterweide Campus “suffered” a tremendous make-over as its information plaza became a high tech culture space where students can catch up with the information they need. The place was compared to a monastery, where each bench is equipped with state of the art technology. However, the computers, magazines and other elements are very subtly integrated in the overall bench design.

Pio Restaurant

2010-03-20T07:51:00.007+07:00

Since transparency is common and expected in the New York City gastronomic experience, Sebastian Mariscal Studio wanted to lead and transport people to a different place, a Latin American place.

The L-shaped plan provides an opportunity to divide the space into a progression of smaller experiences until it opens up into the main dining space. Spatially, each alcove channels your experience to the rich materials, and only as you move through it, does it unfold the the flavors of Latin America.

The simplicity and humble selection of materials narrates the vernacular architecture in Latin America; concrete, wood and stone. The mixture of contrasting materials sets the tone to a pleasant experience as it amalgamates with the food.

Abrupt turns within the space are softened by the consistent use of horizontal wood planks that direct you though the space, not only acting as skin but also as a directional wayfinding method. The undertone of the space allows the food, people and conversation to be the focus – a cultural staple of Latin American culture.

Modern House By OmasC Architect

2010-03-18T09:03:00.003+07:00

Designed by OmasC Architects, this modern home is located in Candamo, Spain and comes as an example of original design and architecture. The home has a very interesting structure: two individual areas were joined together- one is for day time activities and the other is used as a night zone. A large parking lot was connected to the building site by using stone slabs. Light was an important factor which stood at the basis of the design. Windows are present everywhere, allowing natural light to mingle with the homey atmosphere. We developed a special interest in the outdoor covered platform which is an original element in housing design. The interiors are airy, spacious and let out a warm atmosphere.

Family House

2010-03-17T09:09:00.003+07:00

Suppose Design Office recently finished a family house in the city of Obama, in the Fukui prefecture on the sea of Japan.

The client – the director of a clinic opposite the house – wished to combine openness on the ground floor to allow for parking spaces for this clients with a more protected first floor living spaces.

Kitchen space, bathrooms, study corners and storage are strategically placed at the perimeter of the site to form a buffer around the living areas and bedrooms. Light and air are allowed in through the insertion of courtyards with glass-framed walls between the rooms.

The use of identical floorboards in internal and external areas, running along the length of the house, give a strong interaction between inside and outside, creating one continuer connected space.

Skype Headquarters in London

2010-03-16T07:59:00.002+07:00

Skype’s office is a pleasant, wide-open space. They have an awesome old timey library-style lounge and some really comfy looking lunch booths. They have spectacular views of London, and when, not breaking child labor laws, the employees enjoy riding fake plastic horse things

ELM & Willow House, An Inside Out Design from Architects Eat

2010-03-12T07:14:00.005+07:00

The residence in the images above is a restoration of a Edwardian building in Australia developed by Architects Eat. The project team stated that their intention was “to create an Inside is outside is inside environment, where inside and outside spaces were interchangeable elements”. The construction took 18 months to finish, but is was worth the wait. The property also features a beautiful courtyard enclosed by the “U”-shaped building. We really like the natural feel of this place as well as its amazing location. Surprisingly enough, a part of the house was suspended not to damage in any way the roots of the near-by trees. The architects not only redesigned an existing home, but also added an extension. The interior also applies to the “outside is inside” rule, featuring materials and elements that are not usually found indoors.

Jackie Su Restaurant

2010-03-10T19:36:00.004+07:00

German design studio RAUMINRAUM designed the interior of the Jackie Su Restaurant located in Bremen, Germany.

The asian street kitchen character with a contemporary and clear interior is used for this small restaurant in Bremen’s city center. Concrete walls with an artwork presenting a smiling Jackie Su, bring red Asian characters while the large suspended acoustic ceiling and unclad air-conditioning ducts emphasize the urban ambience.

Design Bar + VIP Lounge

2010-03-08T17:57:00.006+07:00

Swedish architect and designer Jonas Wagell projected the Design Bar and VIP Lounge at the Stockholm Furniture Fair.

The conceptual theme for the Design Bar and VIP Lounge was the forest and the industry, a tribute to raw material, craftsmanship and refinement, which constitute the backbone of the furniture industry.

Located next to the public industry is the restricted VIP Lounge forest created with identical materials and furniture, but with radically different atmosphere and spatial character. Same, but different. Both spaces are meant to be a meeting and resting place, to simultaneously inspire, evoke emotions and surprise.

Orco Germany

2010-03-07T17:22:00.003+07:00

Iris Steinbeck Architekten relied on the dissolution of segmented usage areas to projected the interior for Orco Germany, a company representation in Berlin.

The entrée is dominated by an organically shaped reception desk. This element corresponds with a media wall in the waiting area. This wall simultaneously acts as frame for the blue backlit company logo as well as two integrated plasma screens, which can be concealed behind a sliding door if required.

The reception area is connected with the open kitchen area, which is used for presentations, working, eating, entertainment and team meetings. An elevated kitchen block serves as a table.

Sideways, the monolith is bordered with polished stainless steel, a reference to the desks of the employees. This detail refers to the double use as desk respectively dining table.

Cafe Foam

2010-03-06T06:11:00.001+07:00

Swedish designers Note Design Studio projected the interior for Cafe Foam using sheer red curtains and bands of color slashing across the walls and floors.

Here is the project inspiration and description:

“We want you to create an interior design that people either love or hate and that nobody is indifferent to!” was the conditions given to us by the owner Michael Toutoungi when we started working with Cafe Foam.

We began searching for extremes where passion and hate were equally present. Our entrance to the project became the complexity around bull fighting as a phenomenon. We were fascinated by the bull and bullfighter’s mutual movements and the directions in the battle. This struggle along with the materials and colours at the stadium were the inspiration when designing the new Cafe Foam.
We allowed the Spanish temperament to meet the Scandinavian coolness and the inspiration from the bullfighter’s movements across the arena led us to create a design that is reminiscent of Baertling’s lines.

There were also two other important factors while creating the design. The first was to keep certain well-known elements from the previous interior to make regulars feel right at home and the second was creating a vivid environment that made meetings easier, protected the integrity of its costumers and enhanced the eating experience. A place for everybody.

Brasilia House

2010-03-04T09:40:00.001+07:00

Isay Weinfeld Architects projected this beautiful house located near a lake in Brasilia, Brazil.

The house is about 1.100 square meter with a large garden and open pool. A sculptural spiral staircase connect the two levels.

Kowalewski Residence

2010-03-03T13:34:00.001+07:00

Located in Atlantic Beach, New York, this impressive display of architecture comes from Belmont Freeman Architects and is a symbol of modern design. In a community of 1920’s and 30’s homes, this project comes to break the pattern and impose contemporaneity. We are not fond of this idea, however the building team considers that the the Kowalewski residence remains “respectful of the scale and architectural traditions of the community”. Overall, we think the house has some pretty cool architecture features, such as the irregular shape or the vertical window section which brakes monotony and seems to split the building in two unequal parts. The round window is also of great aesthetic effect

VitraHaus Interior

2010-03-02T05:48:00.002+07:00

Casa No Gere

2010-03-01T07:12:00.002+07:00

Casa No Gere comes from architects Graça Correia and Roberto Ragazzi and is located in an unconventional environment. Deep in Portugal’s national park is where the owners wished to live and their request was honored by the architects by coming up with plans for this stunning building. And things were not easy. The construction team had to cope with a lot of strict rules coming from the park’s authorities. In the end, the shape and location of the residence were adapted to respect all terms and in the pictures below you have the results: a bar-like structure with a unique exterior and modern indoor arrangements.

The Ross Street House in Wisconsin

2010-02-27T08:42:00.002+07:00

From Richard Wittschiebe Hand, this imposing home belongs to Carol Richard, an architect who has always dreamed of designing her own place. We don’t know if this looks like a dream come true to you but for Carol it was the result of all her architectural wishes mixed together. Even though it looks like a fortress on the outside, perhaps causing some of you to say this is not the warmest place in the world, when you step inside, the atmosphere changes completely. Light and color fill the rooms, creating a fresh and comfortable feel. The pale blue and the pink chairs stand out in contrast to the white walls and wooden floors. There is a stairway matching he floors which connects the levels and fits perfect with with rest of the decor.

Modern House

2010-02-25T06:43:00.001+07:00

CastleRock is a building located in Bodrum, a city known worldwide as a summer tourist attraction in Turkey. The amazing project comes from GAD (Global Architectural Development) and Dara Kirmizitoprak and is situated on a hillside, overlooking the city.The project was built using only stone, concrete, glass and steel in order to adhere to the environmental friendly buildings located in its vicinity. CastleRock is a residential complex, featuring double-room and three-room apartments, each with a pool and garden. All the interiors have unobstructed views to the valley.

V2K Nisantasi Store

2010-02-24T08:40:00.001+07:00

Turkish design studio Autoban projected the retail store in the Nisantasi neighborhood of Istanbul for the fashion brand V2K Designers.

A striking angular entrance welcomes visitors to browse designer pieces by top brands from all over the world. A large angular column reaches up and past a mezzanine floor, creating an impressive space at the entrance to the store, while a grid-like wall of lightbulbs down the side of the store provides a powerful banner for slogans which can be modified as desired.

Nafi Salon By ZMIK

2010-02-23T06:42:00.001+07:00

Swiss design studio ZMIK have refurbished a hair salon in Basel, wallpapering the entrance with photocopies from Vogue magazine.

The Nafi Salon is divided into two distinct areas by the change in wall and floor coverings, from vintage prints and timber flooring in the reception area to the minimal white salon.

Aveleda’s House : Inspired By Roman Architecture

2010-02-22T06:33:00.001+07:00

From architect Manuel Ribeiro, Aveleda’s House is located in Portugal, next to “Bracara Augustae”, an old Roman city. The main idea of the design took its roots from the fact that ancient Roman homes were usually built around a square. Here is a statement from the designer about this: “We tried to take the most of the land to create a connection with the interior of the building, leaving a view of the valley and the square that exists between the two bodies housing.” The residence has a complex architecture plan and houses 4 bedrooms, a gym, two large bathrooms with an impressive design. Outside there is a giant pool, typical for this type of building.

Kimber Modern Hotel

2010-02-19T10:02:00.002+07:00

Burton Baldridge Architects designed the Kimber Modern Hotel in Austin, Texas.

The hotel comprises five immaculately appointed bedrooms and a luxury suite, a generous deck-space, common room and kitchen along with offices for a successful accounting practice.

The building shape derives directly form the sloped site while its low slung profile acts as a buffer between the buzz of the adjacent entertainment district and the residential neighborhood to the east. A cementitious rainscreen shields the structure from the western sun and creates a truly private landscape within.

Sandwich House

2010-02-18T07:45:00.001+07:00

The residence was designed by Ryoichi Kojima and it is located in Tokyo. The actual living area is suspended between two giant white walls a few feet above the ground. How is this for unconventional? We really like how the place looks and also the wood and concrete combination. The interiors are modern and staircases connect the three floors.

Preschool Project In China

2010-02-17T08:42:00.001+07:00

From Debbas Architecture, this large scale project is located in China. in a city called Dalian and it is not your usual kindergarten building. Here in Europe we are used to small constructions for kids, some of them with a typical architecture and drawings or cartoon graphics imprinted on the walls. However, keeping in mind that this preschool project is located in China, its large scale comes as no surprise with the overgrowing population of this country. The interconnected site has a very interesting architecture as the individual buildings have an unusual oval shape and really stand out. Each of them has to levels, one meant for sleeping and the other one for the rest of the daily activities.

Gastromium Restaurant

2010-02-16T07:06:00.002+07:00

Francesc Rifé received the FAD of Inerior Design prize for his work in theGastromium restaurant situated in the district of El Porvenir in Sevilla, Spain.

A minimalist facade invites us to enter a restaurant through a large set of sliding doors in black sheet metal that manage to create a transition space between the exterior and the interior, an effect emphasized by the contrast between the black doors and the luminosity of the white interior.

The entire space breathes restraint and rationality, reinforced with elements such as upholstered units in grey and gold that decorate and improve the acoustics. In the waiting area, an intimate anteroom for drinking cocktails and choosing the menu, the protagonist is a unit that integrates the cash register, the IT installations as well as the food and wine menus.

The dining room with its great height has been decorated with 286 purpose-designed lamps fitted with a dimmer switch. The different rods, placed at a heigh of two meters, shape a continuous mesh that “cuts down” the heigh of the establishment, bringing light to the tables and achieving a perfect light intensity.

The units, balance it out and are reflected in the mirror of the opposite side, which houses the pantry and food preparation zone and a private dining room. This whole mirrored wall begins in the waiting room and integrates the cloakroom area and the units holding the cutlery and dinner service.

Gama Issa House

2010-02-15T07:37:00.003+07:00

From architect Marcio Kogan, in collaboration with a few others talented artists, comes this amazing design, a project called Gama Issa House and located in São Paulo, Brasil. Here is an excerpt of Marcio’s journal, of how the idea for creating this home took off in the first place: ” I think of a single enormous volume wrapping everything: a white box. In São Paulo, we don’t need to be concerned about environmental coherence; it is total chaos, the most absolute chaos. In this city, the world’s ugliest, which overflows energy, vibrant like no other, loved and hated, anything that is projected will be totally integrated into the city. Ah, yes, don’t let me forget an enormous wall protecting the house, covered in natural wood (maybe from the last tree of the Amazon), and which, certainly, will be completely covered by graffiti, giving the final touch in perfect harmony with the environment.”

Anansi Playground

2010-02-12T06:15:00.002+07:00

Mulders vandenBerk Architecten projected this unique playground building in a park in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands.

The facade of the building is made of Corian engraved with images of fairytales from around the world. The graphic design has been placed on the facade to stimulate the sense and the imagination of the children.

The design invites children to play, to discover and invent games. The exterior of the building is the opposite of the “active” playground with its many climbing frames and slides. Inside, the pavilion is split in two playgrounds, one side for teenagers and the other side for young children.

WoodBox

2010-02-11T13:29:00.001+07:00

Based in Germany, K_M_Architektur is a company with a interesting portfolio and an experience that allows them to conduct complex projects. Today’s choice- “Wood Box With View”, a residence located next to Lindau, in the village called village Hochbuch, Germany. The name was not given accidentally, as the house is mainly build with wood and its shape resembles a cool box with windows. Here is a professional opinion about the construction from the designer: “The house stands like a floating wood box between the development way and the steeply dropping site.

Egg House

2010-02-10T06:28:00.001+07:00

A69 is an architecture company from the Czech Republic. Contrary to a general belief, this house was not projected like this willingly. The site had many particular elements (a garden that needed to be preserved, an old building that was used as an adjacent support for the contemporary one) which made the development of the architecture plans rather tricky. However, the final results are stunning: a circular home built around a garden, which is also a space for relaxation. A roof garden is a particular feature of this house, which comes to increase its aesthetic value. Large windows are present all around, as an inner circular wall, separating the residence from the green area in the center. The interior was designed with minimalist furniture, but not leaving aside the contemporary feel.

The Factory

2010-02-09T05:52:00.001+07:00

Huge Architects have recently completed the Factory in Shanghai, China, that is part of the ‘Slaughthouse’ redevelopment in the North of Shanghai in Hongkou.

They worked closely with creative Director Sean Dinsmore to design several inter-connected components in one space a restaurant along with a bar & lounge, recording and digital studio, pop-up retail, art gallery, and creative workshops with live exhibition.

The concept of the recording studio was to allow people to look into the creative process of cutting a beat or recording a singer while also designing a state of the art recording vocal room and editing studio. Cubes were inserted into the ceiling to break the reflection of sound and placed in optimal positions based on the acoustic engineers research.

Much of the existing building was kept raw with the lounge and restaurant/bar covered with variations of timber flooring that continue under the stairways and form part of the kitchen benchtop and bar.

Camouflaged Stone House

2010-02-08T06:24:00.001+07:00

“Embedded” in the exotic Antiparos lands in Greece, this stunning home comes to demonstrate, once again, that stone homes are a real trend of the 21st Century. The amazing architecture plans belong to Deca, a company based in Athens. This place literally fusions with the environment, and its design “is a dual response to the particular topography of the site and to the rural domestication techniques that in the past shaped the raw ‘Cycladic island’ landscape”. The architects took advantage of the meeting between two slopes in order to build the “Aloni” residence, which seems naturally camouflaged in its environment.

Here is some further information on the design from Deca Architects: “The presence of the house is revealed by the four courtyards carved into the flowing landscape. The courtyards separate the living spaces into five interior areas, an arrangement which resembles the fifth side of a dice. As a result, the house is protected from the elements yet is full of natural light, generous views and a compact but rich relationship to its setting. The name of the house itself, Aloni, refers to the remains of a crop-harvesting circle that was found and preserved as part of the agricultural past of the site”. The place is located in a rustic area, far away from the noise and hustle of the big city life. Its interior, with simple elements, has a contemporary feel. Who knows- this may just become another attraction of the Greek Islands.

3.1 Philip Lim Flagship

2010-02-07T06:41:00.001+07:00

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Flagship Store designed by Leong Leong Architecture is located in Cheongdam-Dong, Seoul’s premiere fashion district.

Elaborating on the concept established in the brand’s Los Angeles Flagship (take a look at the store), the design incorporates a 12 meter facade surfaced in a supple gradient of pillow-like concrete tiles.

The flowing interior is a sequence of intimate spaces which frame the clothing in tactile materials. These material “linings” create a narrative of atmospheres for unexpected and curious encounters between the client and the clothing.

Custom wallpaper inspired by ancient Korean ceramics is the result of an ongoing collaboration with artist Wook Kim. Other wall treatments include a conical wall texture which erodes into a constellation of brass stars, leather herringbone tiles, and a oak floor that slowly transitions through a gradient of grey tones.

The perimeter of the interior is lined in mirror creating a “inkblot” effect by doubling the sequence of spaces.

The Kettuvallom Houseboat

2010-02-05T06:19:00.001+07:00

The Kettuvallom houseboats (formerly up to 30-ton capacity rice barges) of rural India have enjoyed a curious revival in recent years. Old houseboats have been given new life as (largely luxurious) rental properties – in many cases equipped with energy provided by solar-power panels, comfortable seats, lounge spaces and cooking areas.

As hand-constructed and local works of craft, there are certain building conventions and materials found across multiple boats but there also exists a surprising variety of styles and sizes within this houseboat type.

Natural and local materials including bamboo, wood and marinated plywood make up the hull, deck and living space structures aboard these spruced-up native constructions.

Needless to say, the plush sun deck, master bedroom and full bathroom as well as other contemporary appliances and modern amenities are new additions to these traditionally more bare-bone boats.

Concrete Home By SUB Studio

2010-02-04T06:19:00.001+07:00

This home was designed by SUB Studio as a low-budget, sustainable and easy-to-build home prototype in Indonesia – and uses region-sensitive scales and support materials in addition to the core cast-in-place and concrete block structure. The building makes maximum use of natural ventilation, the thermal properties of concrete and was constructed for less than $20,000.

From its foundations and floors to columns, solid interior and exterior block walls, this house embraces concrete as a material in every possible way - yet manages to maintain a level of cozy comfort and respectful regionalism rarely seen in concrete home construction.

The concrete is left uncovered in most places by paint or wallboard, save for the ceilings that were painted to reflect natural and artificial light throughout the interior spaces. Even bathroom, bedroom and kitchen areas feature walls of largely-exposed, solid- gray concrete.

In key interior locations, green vegetation is placed in order to create contrast between man-made and organic elements – an effect also employed with infill furniture, cabinetry and other necessary furnishings (composed mainly of wood and plywood).

Ala Moana House

2010-02-03T06:15:00.001+07:00

Omiros One Architecture, O1A, designed this five bedroom luxury residence that commands endless ocean views form atop a steeply inclined site on Hamilton Islands in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Ala Moana house, that takes its name form the Hawaiian term “ocean pathways”, combines a relaxed tropical resort ambience with luxury, sophistication, privacy and tranquility.

Circa Art Gallery

2010-02-02T08:44:00.002+07:00

From StudioMAS Architects + Urban Design, this project is an extension of the Circa Art Gallery in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The structure is independent, has three floors which are connected through spiral and a large external ramp. A large lounge is situated at the last floor, a perfect place to see some of the the best views of Johannesburg. The facade is made of aluminum fins and it provides a large quantity of natural light and also the possibility to look in and out of the building.

Moebius House

2010-02-01T06:27:00.004+07:00

Today’s project comes from Tony Owen Partners and is located in Sidney, Austrailia. With views accross the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge this family home was built using an innovative design method called “micro design”, that is environmentally sensitive. Here is some further information from the architects concerning the construction of this project: “Due to the complex geometry of this house and the need for such fine tolerances, we had to evolve a completely new system of fabrication and assembly for this house. We started off designing a house, but in the end the construction process more closely resembles that of a car. Early on it became apparent that this house would have to be detailed and documented entirely in 3 dimensions. The steel frame house is clad in metal panels which were pre-cut in China.”

Post Panic Office

2010-01-31T07:53:00.003+07:00

Maurice Mentjens Design projected the new office for PostPanic, a design / animation studio and a production company.

When PostPanic decided to move to a new building in Amsterdam, they wanted an interior that not only would be pleasant and workable, but also inspiring, and a reflection of the studio’s creative and headstrong mind.

In the briefing, functionality was the biggest priority. To ensure a constant quality,PostPanic purposely chooses to produce, direct, design and animate in-house to stay truth to their original vision, once in production.

This approach requires that the various departments of the office each have their clearly divided and defined areas. But at the same time they required to maintain as much as possible the openness and transparency that the place offered.

The design also had to take into account that the workforce fluctuates from 14 to 40, depending on the different stages of production.

Parliament Design headquarters

2010-01-28T09:15:00.002+07:00

This is the new office headquarters interior of Parliament Design, a creative company in Portland, Oregon.

The design features a number of pieces made from salvaged and reclaimed materials, including salvaged pizza ovens, street signs and wood from of crates, a barn and a church.

Circle Home by Ryoko & Keisuke Masuda

2010-01-27T06:34:00.003+07:00

From Ryoko & Keisuke Masuda, this stunning single family residence is located in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.The three story building was made predominantly using wood and steel and its unusual shape and architecture design almost make it look like a lighthouse. This is the main reason why analyzing this construction from a “living” point of view may prove to be a little overwhelming. Sure, there are those who appreciate an unconventional place, but this house is definitely not for everybody. The round rooms and the embedded furniture sure have a particular charm, even though privacy is limited.

Scala Vinoteca

2010-01-26T05:24:00.000+07:00

Kokkinou – Kourkoulas Architects projected Scala Vinoteca, a real metropolitan diamond and the newest entry into mature wining and dining located the very fashionable and fabulous heart of Athens, in Kolonaki.

With a strong resemblance to Spanish vineries, they gave the place a simple character and strong attitude through the use of simple materials such as wood and aluminum. But the leading role here is for the fiberglass shell chairs by Eames.

House in “A Zapateira”, from A.F. Abeijón-Fernandez Arquitectos

2010-01-25T05:14:00.002+07:00

Located in A Coruña, Spain, what is truly striking about this residence is its exterior diversity. You will notice the exterior walls are very different and that once you change your point of focus, it seems you are not looking at the same house. In spite of this, the overall appearance is pretty homogeneous. A large swimming pool comes to complete the overall look of the place and also makes the connection with its natural environment. The interior is spacious and modern, with many original and attractive elements which we invite you to discover.

Private Island and Luxury Retreats in Seychelles

2010-01-22T06:22:00.004+07:00

5 Meter Wide Townhouse in Sweden

2010-01-21T06:58:00.002+07:00

Intimate and cosy, this beautiful white house only measures an area of 75 square meters and is just 5 meters wide. A project by architects Elding Oscarson, the small townhouse is located in in Landskrona, Sweden, on a very narrow space between two buildings with a very different architecture. Even though its design definitely stands out and the discrepancies are striking, overall it seems that the building somewhow manages to blend in. This house may be tiny, but it has everything : a kitchen, a dining place, a living-room, a library, bed and, a bathroom and a roof terrace.

x+ Bar

2010-01-20T05:52:00.001+07:00

Designer Dimitris Naoumis cooperated with tattoo artist Mike to redesign the +x, a well known bar int he area of Kolonaki, one of the oldest and much frequented areas in the center of Athens.

This creative collaboration gave a unique character to +x, considering that each one of them has already important creative routes in the contemporary art and design life of Greece. +x is based on elegant-underground design forms, and this uncommon combination gives the place its own special aesthetic character.

Some of the main design elements are, the combination of warm and cold colors and materials the street art references and the inspiration from Avant Garde art movements. These elements are mixed together harmonically, the creators gave special attention to every detail and most of the furniture and the lighting installations are designed especially for the place. These scenographic elements are responsible for the awakening of senses and feelings, and paradox-belle époque-contemporary environment.

The main purpose of the creators was to offer a completely different, new proposal in the nightlife of Greece. This optical dance of senses is completed with a variety of tastes of really interesting drinks and cocktails and also with several genres of contemporary music from many well known guest DJs.