Showing posts with label Home Products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Products. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Victorian House in London at the Edge of Old and New


Nestled in London (De Beauvoir Conservation area), this mesmerising Victorian house was renewed and extended this year by Scott Architects. As a curiosity, the project won the title “Best small house of the year” at The Sunday Times British Homes Awards 2013. Everybody was pretty much impressed by its inspiring, yet quirky appearance. The back of the house was garnished with a unique curvaceous extension, which pretty much adds a sense of modern to the structure. “The sculptural form of the rear extension has resulted from specific responses to the site’s immediate surroundings, while preserving the character of the existing building. The extension is designed to be part of the garden landscaping rather than the main house and this is reflected in the choice of timber cladding and green roof system.”

Without obliterating its Victorian essence, the house needed this uplifting transformation, to fit the contemporary context. The exposed brickwork blends with the oak finishings, unveiling a clean-lined interior. Low energy lighting, modern underfloor heating and last, but not least, a sloping green roof are just some of the sustainable features. At the edge of old and new, the residence celebrates the British heritage without neglecting the modern characteristics.












Friday, December 20, 2013

Sustainable Family-Friendly Los Altos Hills Residence


After seeing the Twenty Five Lusk Lounge in San Francisco, designed by CCS Architecture, this amazing Los Altos Hills Residence proves that the architects have an eye for fine details. The San Francisco-based studio CCS Architecture designed the 6,000 square foot residence for a family of five, creating all the spaces according to the client’s brief – a family-friendly space arrangement that easily connects to the outdoors, offering comfort and fresh air. Sustainable features like energy systems (“the 4-killowatt photovoltaic solar array on the roof generates about half of the home’s electricity“), natural materials and building methods reduce the carbon footprint and allow the family to enjoy their home while protecting the environment.

Located in Los Altos Hills, California, the modern house features two breezeways that separate the structure into three parts: “The result is a contemporary compound with well-defined outdoor spaces that are comfortable during hot summer days. An L-shaped main level plan houses the primary living areas and garage. The second floor bedroom wing, clad in cedar, is a long bar that is rotated in relation to the first floor. It creates sheltered zones below as well as a pair of roof decks for the four bedrooms. The second floor meets the ground at its north end, forming the pool house. Between the pool house and the family room, a breezeway frames a view of the property and Silicon Valley.” Using a natural palette, the architects erected the two stories of the house with careful consideration for the environment and maximized the connection to the surroundings.
















Thursday, December 19, 2013

Family Home Developed as a “Small Village”: Arbour House in Australia


Studio Richard Kirk Architect completed the design for the Arbour House, a modern residence located on the Bulimba Reach in Queensland, Australia. The two story home was built in strong connection to its landscape, particularly with an 80 year old Poincianna tree and a public riverfront boardwalk. According to the architects, “the dwelling adopts a courtyard typology with two pavillions linked by a large double height stairwell and external courtyard. The form is conceptualized as an object carved from a solid volume of the allowable building area with the courtyard providing a protective volume from which to cross ventilate each of the spaces of the house and to allow the different spaces of the house connection but also discrete and subtle separation – the family home as a village”. We have to say we like the concept and we appreciate the way it was implemented in developing this elegant modern residence.
















Modern Family Home in Australia Displaying Cutting Edge Design and Subtle Luxury


Welcome to a family home where modern design still leaves room for coziness and warmth. Envisioned by Bower Architecture, a practice of young architects from Melbourne, Australia, the Caufield Residence displays a good sense of symmetry, elegance and cutting-edge amenities. Spotted on Desire to Inspire, the project accommodates multiple living zones, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a garage, plus a north-facing courtyard with swimming pool for relaxation.


It is fun to observe the contrast between the sober concrete fence and facade overlooking the street and the opposite side of the house, defined by openness. Wood is an element that can be found throughout, ensuring an elegant exterior and adding warmth in every room. The focal point of the residence is the social area, characterized by light and space. Floor to ceiling sliding doors connect it to a wooden terrace and to the backyard with the swimming pool. Enjoy the virtual tour below and tell us what you think!