Friday, October 28, 2011

Naoya Kawabe architect & associates: LUZ Shirokane


Japanese practice naoya kawabe architect & associates has sent images of 'LUZ Shirokane', a multi-storey housing complex in Tokyo, Japan. Contrary to conventional layouts where the area of the individual units are maximized, the building inserts a generously-sized common space at the core of its design to encourage a level of communication and transparency between the tenants. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Graticule House - David Jameson Architect


The Graticule House was designed by studio David Jameson Architect and is a two-story single-family residence located near the estuary of a river in Great Falls, Virginia, USA. Here is a short project description from the architects: “Situated on a hillside site, the Graticule House is conceived to be a trace, or reference datum, allowing a reading of the relationship between the building and nature. Fundamental to the conception of the house is the notion of cadence, where repetitious vertical and horizontal markers of the building’s tectonics are juxtaposed with the particularity of the forest and ground plane. Light and space are modulated by meshing ribbons of glass and wall planes that form a tessellation of solid and void.” The interior design of the Graticule House is tasteful and minimalist, with generous windows that ensure a perfect connection to the outdoors. 


Friday, October 21, 2011

Social housing project Tabakspaadje by Heren 5 architecten - The Netherlands


    

Every time I remain surprised of the quality and finesse the Dutch put into developing housing. Even in this social housing project the Dutch have put a great effort in order to integrate this social project into the local society and find acceptance by the residents and neighbors.  The architects sought a way to integrate the new structure into the typical architecture of Laren, and therefore the new structure is characterized by local architectural features, such as a thatched roof and 'witgekeimde' bricks. 


Tabakspaadje by Heren 5

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Geometry and Architecture Combined in Florida

 Architect Juan Carlos Ricardes in collaboration with Jay Hedahl completed an intriguing house design in Florida, which impresses due to its unique exterior. A massive white concrete volume with an original geometry, unexpected entrances and asymmetrically placed windows invites guest to contemplate further.  The facade of the house is truly mesmerizing and includes the main house entrance, the pathway to the garage,  a glimpse of the balcony located at the top floor. The circular roof with solar panels provides that extra energy the home needs. Embedded in a rich natural environment, the crib looks like a noble retreat and takes advantage of some amazing views. The interior is tasteful and welcoming, featuring vivid design elements and interesting artworks. Large windows ensure a good indoor outdoor connection and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. 


Freshome

Monday, October 17, 2011

Calabash - Komplot Design

Copenhagen-based design studio Komplot Design designed these beautiful pendant lamps named Calabash. The lighting systems were named after their resemblance to Indian bottle gourds, vegetables used as vases, vessels or lampshades. According to the Danish Komplot Design team, “the direct function of a lampshade is to contain “the light” and to reflect it. But it is still present in the room when the light is switched off. The soft organic shape of a Calabash with its characteristic “waist” is a suspended sculpture that with its double convex mirrored surface reflects the whole room at once.” Available in four modern finishes – silver, gold, red and black – the Calabash Pendant Lamps are made out of polished and mirror lacquered spun aluminum. 

Friday, October 14, 2011

Villa Rotonda - Bedaux de Brouwer architecten


  

Dutch practice bedaux de brouwer architecten has designed 'Villa Rotonda', a single family dwelling positioned adjacent to a heavily traveled roundabout in Goirle, Netherlands. addressing security and privacy for the inhabitants, the strategic arrangement of the perimeter walls creates an introspective atmosphere. A vernacular appearance and stone gable roof was maintained to reference the zoning requirements of the established residential fabric. A shallow pool surrounds the home while a void between the masonry walls allows fish to swim freely into an open air court and abut the large glass windows bordering the ground level. 


www.bedauxdebrouwer.nl

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hotel in Himalayas - Shakhti 360 Leti

Shakhti 360 Leti is a remote hotel in the Himalayas designed by Jamshyd Sethna, a travel professional from Bombay, India. The project was developed as a result of Jamshyd’s love for the mountains: “Shakti was conceived to share the rejuvenating effects of remote surroundings, to provide privileged access to places far removed from the noise and clutter of the modern world, where space, peace and epic landscapes provoke the imagination and nourish the soul. These place of intense beauty and a deep, soothing serenity, encourage you to slow down for a while and simply be”. The luxurious hotel is sited on a stone base and features floor to ceiling glass windows, allowing panoramic views of the Himalayas. The interior design blends the rustic feel of a mountain cottage with contemporary opulence and comfort. 



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Intermix's Fall Lookbook




Shot against an ocean backdrop, the retailer styled up enviable autumnal looks from brands such as Rag & BoneHelmut LangProenza Schouler, and Mulberry.  
Focus of the lookbook : Layers, Cable knits, Red, Texture, Tweed, Plaid. 
Check Intermix for more

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Snøhetta: Norwegian wild reindeer centre pavilion


The recently completed 'norwegian wild reindeer centre pavilion' in Dorve, norway by oslo-based practice snøhetta has been shortlisted by the world architecture festival for an award in the display category. The 90 square meter observation pavilion is positioned within the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella national park, the remaining home to wild reindeer herds. Perched upon a plateau at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level, the structure provides transient visitors with panoramic vistas of the prominent snøhetta mountain range. 


Designboom