Posts Tagged ‘modern homes’
MDT House At Fazenda Boa Vista, São Paulo
May 16th 2013 - São Paulo’s Fazenda Boa Vista development is a massive 1,800 acre residential and hospitality complex rolling with perfectly trimmed hills, deep blue lakes, and untouched landscapes. The property features an array of amenities such a clubhouses, an equestrian center, golf course, tennis courts, five star hotel, and a spa. Also within the complex is a collective of newly built residences designed by Brazil’s architectural headliners, Isay Weinfeld, Arthur Casas, and Paulo Jacobsen and Bernardo Jacobsen of Jacobsen Arquitetura.
Jacobsen’s new MDT house is in the well designed company of Fazenda Boa Vista’s newly built residences. The home is sectioned into three rectangular volumes that are juxtaposed together to create three full patios, a gourmet kitchen, home theater, large entertaining areas, a kids room, library, and a swimming pool.
The outside of the MDT home is outfitted with a stone wall covered in vertical wood panels ranging in hues of brown, orange, and yellow. The stone and wood wall constitutes most of the exterior walls, except for the areas that overlook the pool and courtyard. Here, the bedroom suites fit straight into one of the rectangular volume, each bedroom has a glass wall so guests have a view of the swimming pool through the wood panels.
One feature not to be missed is the large wood covered patio that overlooks the pool. On the patio, modern furniture pieces create unique conversation areas, and the gourmet kitchen is only steps away to feed the need for serving and entertaining.
The architects took a topographical approach to develop to sculpt the land of the MDT House. Variations in floor and ceiling create different ceiling heights and different relationships with the garden,
sometimes enabling direct access to the gardens and pool.
Photography by Leonardo Finotti
Villa Escarpa By Mário Martins Atelier
May 8th 2013 – Architect Mário Martins, founder of Mário Martins Atelier, has been molding the contemporary structures of western Algrave, Portugal for the past 20 years. Martins latest addition to the Algrave’s rolling landscape is the Villa Escarpa, a rectangular white structure suspended from the hillside that was inspired by the Bauhaus movement. The Bauhaus philosophy was founded on the principal that form should follow function, while all other distractions and decoration should be avoided. Martins relates to this philosophy and wanted the space to be understood for its purity.
The pairing of architect and client could not have been more perfect for the Villa Escarpa. In this case, the client and the Martins shared very similar definitions of “modern” and “statement living”, which gave the architect a clear direction for the design of the home.Martins believes that modern design can be achieved through several overriding principles – clean, straight lines, simple uncluttered spaces and a mix of natural and industrial materials.
The Villa Escarpa hangs from the hilltop, overlooking the crashing waves that smash against the cliffs that line the pretty village of Praia da Luz. The luxurious villa constitutes pure white lines, open floor plans and easy indoor-outdoor flow, combined with an abundance of glass for the owners to admire the oceanfront vistas.
The site of the villa has been landscaped with olive, fig, and almond trees, which were planted to preserve the natural surroundings of the National Ecological Reserve within which the property sits.
As an architectural showpiece, Martins cleverly designed the villa to maximize light and space. The stunning house offers five bedrooms, living areas, stylish kitchen with top appliances, private screening room, games area and a 4-car garage. The main spaces were constructed with glass walls that fully open up to the outside world.
The bottom level of the two-story rectangular home is severed down the center with a rectangular pool. Martins situated the pool in a high traffic location, a logical choice when it comes to the path of the sun, but also a place where the home owners would be hosting parties and entertaining guests.
Martins incorporated the small body of water into the layout of the home by including a series of steps that cross over the pool. Here, party guests would be able to grab a few bites in the open kitchen, then walk across the pool, and onto the terrace to admire the views.
Inside, Martins idea of “modern” is further expressed with a cool and neutral color palate that reflects the pristine atmosphere contrasted sometimes with edgy, unique and bold design accents. Unique and minimalistic furniture pieces are scattered throughout the villa with abstract canvased artwork as a backdrop.
Style, elegance and practicality are embedded into the design, combining crisp architecture, luxurious appointments and functionality that make the Villa Escarpa
Strikingly sleek, this ultra-modern villa redefines the expectations of Algarve real estate by being family-friendly yet über-stylish. Inspired by the streamlined Bauhaus aesthetics, the luxurious villa enjoys pure white lines, open floor plans and easy indoor-outdoor flow, combined with an abundance of glass.
Photography By Fernando Guerra
Sagaponack House, New York
February 6th, 2013 – Architect Paul Masi, Co-founder of New York based firm Bates Masi, spent his childhood summers in breezy Montauk. Masi’s partner, Harry Bates, is a longtime resident of East Hampton, making it fair to say that East Coast elegance runs in their veins. The firm has an impressive portfolio filled with 45 years of authentic and contemporary coastal homes, most recently the Sagaponack House.
The architects approached the design with the idea of sculpting away rather than building out. This subtraction concept manifested into a long boxy wood structure where spaces run the full width of the house with floor to ceiling sliding doors on both sides. If the owners open all of the windows and sliding doors, people passing by would be able to see completely through the home, to the ocean on the other side. Awesome.
The home is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater pond, like a barrier between two bodies of water. Because of the location of the site, coastal and wetland zoning regulations became integral to the design, choice of materials, and layout. Heavy gauge corten steel was chosen because it is low maintenance in spite of being relentlessly sandblasted by the wind.
Cedar siding and screens are finished using a Victorian technique in which the iron sulphate in a blend of white vinegar and iron filings reacts with the tannins in wood, creating an ebony finish that penetrates through the material and will not require refinishing.
The plinth of the elevated house is carved into a series of stepped planters that are further sculpted into the entry steps, mediating the different grades required by flood control regulations. Regulations are limiting, but Bates & Masi used the conditional restraints to their advantage, even creating vegetated roofs further reduce the environmental impact.
The interior spaces are nested within one another. Operable partitions pull out from the walls of the living room, carving out a media room within the living room when privacy is desired. Conversely, with the partitions open, the media room merges with the living room for large gatherings.
The thickness of the wall separating the dining room and kitchen is also cut away, utilizing its depth to accommodate a wine rack that also functions as a light fixture.
The home is built for an adventurous type couple with 4 young sons – meaning the interior finishes needed to be sturdy! The cedar sideboards are a dominant interior element, making its way into each of the spaces.
The bedroom walls and ceilings are covered with the wood, complemented with minimalistic furniture, and can completely open up to the stunning ocean – that is literally in the back yard.
(Photography By Michael Moran)
The Fingal Residence, Australia
January 3rd, 2012 – We recently did a full spread on Farmhouses Al Fresco, where KNSTRCT examined the way farmhouses are evolving with modern architecture. Today’s architects are pushing the boundaries on these countryside homes by transforming them from a simple hay-holding barn, to full blown residences. The most recent to catch our eye is The Fingal Residence by Australian-based JAM Architecture. The dark wood homes is located on the stunning Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, where rolling hills, meet rugged cliffs, all the way to the crashing waves on the shoreline.
The architecture of the home gives a humble nod to the design of old farmhouses with rich color wood slats, and open garage to pull up trucks and tractors, and a large sliding barn door. The architects took these throw-back elements and added a contemporary twist by introducing clean linear lines in the architecture and a minimalistic aesthetic.
Long reclaimed wood steps with flowers, hand-planted in metal baskets, lead the way to the homes entrance.
Above the steps, a white canopy ceiling trails from the outside garage all the way into the interiors making the design cohesive as visitors pass through the frameless, floor-to-ceiling, wood slatted door.
Furniture designer, Ocho’s Acapulco String Chair provides a place to relax while admiring the picturesque view of the rolling hills that lead to the bluffs in the background of the symmetrical pool.
Typical barn house interiors? Not so much, but not that far away! Stark white walls create a canvas for washed wood accent pieces, thick shelving, mid-century dining room chairs, and dark meal birdcages for lanterns.
A long skylight allows for natural light to pour into the kitchen, while the birdcages illuminate the dining room. The public areas of the home are open to one another as the private areas and bedrooms are tucked away to the second level of the house.
Each room is elevated to the second floor and has a magnificent view. The bedrooms continue the minimalistic concept of the home with sparse furniture, wood walls, and a low bed frame.
Because the Fingal Residence does not have very many neighbors, JAM decided to take advantage of the quiet property by allowing the master bathroom to fully open up to nature.
House in Tavira, Portugal
December 12th, 2012 – A new angular home in the south of Portugal has become a man made centerpiece between a family of 400 olive trees. The stark white structure, which appears to be a new build, is actually the remodeling and reconstruction of an existing home that has been covered with a geometric shell-like architectural canopy for temperature control against the beaming sun. Vitor Vilhena, founding architect of Vitor Vilhena Arquitectura, explains that the “architectural concept seeks to create two parcels with separate identities, including one volume with irregular geometry and other volume of regular geometry that communicate through a glass hallway. The surrounding outdoors relate to the terrain, landscape and vegetation.”
Located near the sea in Algrave, Vilhena decided to speak a contemporary language through the form of the home, with references to the vernacular of algarve architecture, then carry that language into the interiors. The interiors of the home are mostly white, with cool grey concrete ceilings. The interior rooms happily fit into the slanted ceilings, as bookshelves and cabinetry take unusual form to tie into the sculptural architecture!
Neighborhood XVII Residence, Israel
December 4th, 2012 – Israeli-based architects Zahavi have just completed a cool contemporary villa on the stunning coastline of Ashdod. The main structure of the 4 bedroom house is built as one large box and dressed with medal cladding, then Zahavi added a white shell like structure around to the box giving the dwelling a more interesting shape.
The all white interiors add an uplifting and breezy feel to the space as it sits directly on the windy coast. Massive glass doors allow the interiors to open up to a teak wood deck which harnesses a swimming pool that has circular windows under the water allowing swimmers to see inside the basement level of the home!
(Photography: Epstein )
The Ocean House, Rhode Island
Casa HS By Studio Arthur Casas, Brazil
October 9th, 2012 – Nestled deep into wild shrubbery on Brazil’s Quinta da Baroneza golf course is Studio Arthur Casa’s newly completed home called Casa HS. Casas gave the 11,000 square foot home a fully transforming exterior! Brazil is celebrated for its moderate weather, and the architect is known best for his impeccable capability of marrying of nature and architecture – it only makes sense to built a home where the walls can spring open and invite the great outdoors in.
The house is compartmentalized into two dividing areas, each area has two levels. One area is designated for the children and guests, while the second area consists of common spaces and the master suite. The common areas is divided from the master suite by having the living room, kitchen, and dining room on the ground floor, and the master bedroom and bathroom with complete privacy on the upper level. The two separated areas of the home are joined by an open square pond with a rising vegetation wall on its side.
The facade is constructed out of perforated metal panels which open and close in the bedroom areas. The perforation adds privacy from the street, but insiders can still take advantage of the surrounding landscapes. The home has a modern aesthetic, but is amazingly warm and inviting with it’s natural brown tones mixed with stark white gallery styled walls. Minimalistic interiors allow for the architecture to be showcased, while equally letting in the views of the natural surroundings, which is better than even the fines piece of canvas.
(FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
House at Costa Brava, Spain
September 14, 2012 – One of Spain’s most beloved architects, Jordi Garcés, has unveiled his latest project located in Girona, Spain. The House at Costa Brava is nestled into the hillside, with a jaw-dropping views of the waterfront, exquisite landscapes, and the local village.
This white stucco home was intentionally placed on the hillside plot of land with a slope parallel to the sea in order to obtain good solar orientation. “Consequently the project is developed linearly, occupying the entire waterfront and the main option consists in extending the house at basement level obtaining the maximum possible length,” project architect Anna Bonet explained
Inside the home you’ll find the white walls complemented with contemporary Spanish decorative accent pieces and a personal library that consumes an entire wall, two levels high, in the dining room. From the dining room, take the stone covered stairs to access the second level of the library, which rests next to a glass floor.
The master bedroom is sprawled out on the ground floor, because of it’s large size Garcés created a wall of doors that open up to become the grand terrace.
Another awesome feature of the home is the roof deck – otherwise known as a sunbathers dream! The stone roof has three large circles which are filled with soil and grass, come springtime, flowers will be sprouting up to make a roof top garden.
(Thank You: Adria Goula Photography)
The Auto Family House, Poland
September 6th, 2012 - The Auto Family House, or as they say in Poland, Dom Autorodzinny, is the latest home whipped up by the brainiac architects at KWK Promes. The new dwelling has some big shoes to fill, being the follow up structure to KWK Promes famed Aatrial House, Safe House, and Standard House, but the Auto Family House is surely making a statement all on its own.
KWK built the home for a car lover and art collector. To accommodate their client’s passion for automobiles, KWK created a long indoor driveway, where you can literally drive up into the home!
The striking stone driveway is built on a rising hill which allows for the driver to park, and enter into the home on the second level.
The home consists of two white structural components, nearly identical, but flipped opposite of one another. The component that houses the indoor driveway blends in with its natural surroundings as it appears to be rising up from a grassy knoll, which turns into its rooftop.
The second component, and main living areas, is the near reverse of the first, except it is fully above ground, giving access to the garden.
(Photography: KWK Promes)
House in Quinta Patino, Portugal
August 31st, 2012 – Frederico Valsassina is said to be a man who has honesty and sincerity towards life and work, a man with architecture in his blood as he is the grandson of beloved architect Raul Tojal. Valsassina approached his most recent project, the House in Quinta Patino, with these ideals in mind as he created a dwelling spot that exemplifies a deep tranquility.
The Lisbon based architect essentially created a simple box-like structure, but managed to make it beautiful! The two story home is roughly 7,500 square feet and is situated on a heavily vegetated piece of land in Estoril, Portugal.
The boxy gray structure has square and rectangular cut-outs which act as windows, patios, and doorways. A large living wall on the patio captures the essence of the home as Valsassina marries nature and architecture.
The wall is overflowing with plant life, and is complemented with a minimalistic stone and wood patio.
The land directly around the home is occupied by a recreational grass soccer field and a long swimming pool, then met by huge trees which surround the site for extra privacy.
At night, the Quinta Patino has a special glowing effect as a carefully constructed lighting system causes the trees to shine, and the structural cut-outs in the home to have a warm and soothing glow.
(FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
Cloud House, Melbourne
For months we have been communicating back and fourth with the team at McBride Charles Ryan, when we got word that the Australian based architecture firm was building a “secret” house in Melbourne – we were instantly intrigued. Until recently, The firm has remain tight lipped about the project, but now we are seeing the full scope of the build.
The Cloud House is a highly captivating addition and renovation to a double-fronted Edwardian house in area of Fitzroy North. The century old home had seen its fair share of renovations through the years, which inspired the owner to leave his own stamp. Enter McBride Charles Ryan, who designed the home in three parts.
The team at McBride Charles Ryan explained that this three part technique allowed “for a sequence of distinct and unexpected episodes, with glimpses previewing oncoming spaces and experiences as you move through the home.”
The owner of the home has a great respect for the neighborhood, therefore a decision was made to keep the street facade untouched. Beyond the facade, the design of the home changes as you move through it, in order to create unexpected experiences. “The spaces within the original structure are largely white in color, united by exotic floral hallway carpet,” the team noted.
“The journey through the space is followed by encountering a disintegrated red-colored ‘box’. This is the kitchen, at the heart of the property, which acts as a bridge linking the major spaces. A cloud-shaped extrusion is the unexpected final space. Following the form of a child-like impression of a cloud it is a playful addition where family and friends can eat and have fun surrounded by the curved form.”
The architects did face the challenge of having setback regulations on the site, but the regulations did not determine the form of the ‘cloud’ structure because it can not be viewed from the street.
The team carried on explaining that “the extrusion creates a dramatic interior language where walls merge seamlessly with the floor and ceiling. The craftsmanship is remarkable throughout; it has a sense of care one typically associates with the work of a cooper or wheelwright. While the geometry is playful, the extrusion is essentially a contemporary barrel vault. It is our hope that this cloud has a ‘silver lining’.”
(Photography: John Gollings)
Isay Weinfeld Designs Casa Grécia, São Paulo
Many architects attempt to integrate nature into their structures, some fall short of this idea, while others succeed. Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld has mastered the marriage of nature and architecture in the Casa Grecia, where an Eco-system of 1,900 square meters of plants exist within the Sao Paulo home.
The Grecia is located on a large corner plot of land with plenty of natural vegetation. Upon approach, the full scale of the house is hidden, instead, the only visible portion of the home is a short concrete structure with a vibrant yellow door. A green Ivy plant climbs up the concrete, giving visitors a little foreshadowing of the plant life inside.
Four connecting structural blocks make up the actual property. The blocks are covered with pebble-blasted concrete plaques at the sleeping quarters, exposed concrete at the office, wood planks at the entertaining areas, and sand-blasted concrete plaques at the dining areas.
The owners of the home wanted to spend lots of quality time with their family and friends within the gates of the property, therefore, they desired various entertaining areas and grand dining spaces for large family style meals. A cozy cinema room, large children’s playroom, a sauna, an underground gym, and a long swimming pool, are some of the features Weinfeld designed to fit the needs of his client.
The elegance of the stunning wood terrace which is met with a lush green lawn is reason enough to order a celebration. The patio is filled with intimate conversation areas which include hand crafted chairs by local artisans, high and low wood tables, and a frame-less glass wall which opens up to expose the meticulously designed grand living room.
Inside, the choices of contemporary chic furniture pieces fit perfectly together. A tree trunk turned coffee table in the living room is an unexpected yet refreshing complement to the minimalistic tufted leather sofa and polished stone end tables. An assortment of vintage trinkets are packed into the floor-to-ceiling shelving unit and warm light glows out from the cream colored glass blown ceiling fixtures.
The location of the house is defined by massive trees that have existed on the plot of land for ages. These trees became an important part of the concept, Weinfeld decided to build small patios and gardens around them. This opportunity to incorporate the old trees and plant life into new architecture became a driving force in the design.
Weinfeld created “pocket” like areas within the home, where the large trees became preserved by the architecture. At one point in the home, a tree and rocks surrounded by glass windows can be seen reaching though the ceiling.
Another similar moment happens when an entire indoor garden of small palm trees and shrubbery bask in sun under a series of square and rectangular skylights. The inclusion of the plants assist in keeping temperatures cool and creates an authentic feeling throughout the home.
The site has a large natural slope which could have been easily eliminated, but Weinfeld ended up using the slope to his benefit and created a pool below street level, which leaves it protected from prying eyes.
The owner of the home has an antique car collection which was in need of proper display and preservation. In respect to his clients passion, Weinfeld created a pebble driveway which leads to a stark white museum-like garage, where the vintage automobiles are protected and displayed behind tempered crystal clear glass.
(Photographs: FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
Casa Vale Do Lobo, Portugal
Vale do Lobo is a golf resort located in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal – an elite course where stunning custom homes are popping up like seasonal flowers. Architect Vasco Vieira, principal of Arqui+ Arquitectura, has just completed Casa Vale do Lobo. The contemporary home is stark white with a mix of wood and glass. An absolute exquisite piece of architecture, but there is no denying the property’s real beauty – the swimming pool. The concrete that holds the water is risen from the ground, and acts as a waterfall to the shallow pond below it. The site of the home is ‘U’ shaped, one side being the home, on the other a wooded deck to relax on and the infinity pool. Though the golf course property sits on a sea side, this epic pool might be enough to keep it’s owners in fresh waters.
(Photography: FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
Casa Xieira II By A2+ ARQUITECTOS
Leiria, a picturesque town in Portugal has deep historical roots, but is a growing modern city on the banks of the Liz River. A2+ Arquitectos, a Leiria based firm, recently completed a contemporary home in the hills of the coastal town. Casa Xieira II consists of two white rectangular structures that sit next to one another, the second structure is slightly off set from the first. The architects created a curvilinear cement shell at the entrance of the home that wraps around the facade, and ends at the front door. Inside, a sophisticated and minimalistic look was dreamed up, with stark white walls, polished oak wood floors, and elongated skylights that stretch over the hallways and allow sunlight to flood in. The design of the Casa Xieira II is an unobtrusive modern addition in this quaint historical town.
(Photography: FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
Casa Corallo,Guatemala
Located in a wooded and mountainous terrain of Guatemala, Casa Corallo stands tall with its forest surroundings. The home, which is designed by PAZ Arquitectura, was built to introduce the language of the architecture into the forest, and the language of the forest into the architecture. Exposed concrete slabs were used in a layering effect as the house rises three floors; while glass, rustic wood, and textured stone make up everything in between.
The entrance of the house is on the third floor, where a wooden bridge snuggled in between two strong trees is the precursor to the oversized reclaimed wooden door. The interiors are everything you would imagine it to be by looking at the exteriors – dark wooden floors, glass shelving, raw concrete ceilings, mid-century furniture, and a custom built fireplace, central in the living room.
The architect noted that while building the house, they tried “to integrate the most of interior architecture with the advantages of the surrounding nature.” This idea became the roadmap for building the dwelling, instead of knocking down trees, the house is built around the trees. A massive trunk makes its way through the living room, while branches reach out into adjacent areas of the home. Glass was used all the way around the home to allow residents to expose themselves to nature, instead of the architecture shutting them off from nature. And lastly, a stunning long patio was built, to sit back, enjoy the sun rays that peak through the trees, and listen to the birds.
(Photography: PAZ Arquitectura)
House S By Keiji Ashizawa Design
With a chalkboard-like façade nestled between sprightly sprouts of bamboo, House S echoes Japanese simplicity. The bamboo is accompanied by old pine and zelkova trees that date back to a time when the property was a samurai residence. Speaking of samurais, Keiji Ashizawa was the design ninja that artfully crafted the dwelling, located in Tokyo. The house is composed of open and airy levels, one stacked on top of the next, each floor complete with a garden. The design assassins elaborate, “The space was considered first in terms of the light from the outside, the flow of air, and the planning of art. Each level, having four clear seasons with different light and feelings.”
(Photography: Daici Ano)
Arthur Casa’s Beachside Villa, São Paulo
The owners of this beachside villa on the coast of São Paulo went to extreme measures to avoid getting gophers in their pristine manicured lawn. They held their grass to a higher standard (literally!), covering their roof in a lush lawn that mirrors the greenery and natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Renowned architect Arthur Casas is behind the seaside escape, and we should mention that there’s not one, but four condominiums. Eco-friendly design elements were considered, notably green roofs, open spans that promote cross ventilation and certified wood finishes and local materials. Every room within the dwellings face the sea, enclosed in gargantuan glass frames and swathed in neutral, earthy tones, the environment mixing with the outside area and becoming a true extension of the beach.
(Photography: iñigo bujedo aguirre)
The Moda Bagno Store, Athens
Moda Bagno and Interni’s store in Athens, Greece looks similar to stacked building blocks. K-Studio created the mesh, metal façade juxtaposed with a cedar framework of wood paneling. The stark white interior is awash in simple elements and an eclectic mix of furniture and textures. Rectangular windows allow for views into and out of the store that showcases designer products. “As cars drive by the exaggerated perspective frames attract and intrigue. Their accentuated perspective allowing for views from a wider range of angles, offering passerby more time to look inside.”
(Photography: Yiorgos Kordakis)
The Malbaie V Residence
The Malbaie V residence by Mu Architecture is Located in the picturesque region of Cap-à-l’Aigle in the heart of Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal based architecture created a stunning dwelling spot to complement the beautiful scenery. The design of the home is rectangular and made of connecting rectangular structures which are covered in planks of wood. Beyond being aesthetically captivating, extensive thought was put into the home by the architects. The team created a garden on the roof using plants native to the local area, they oriented the house in a manner to achieve permanent natural light as well as optimal energy efficiency, and they sought out materials which have a high degree of sustainability. The Malbaie V house is a dream, and we are officially jealous! Sigh.
The Bell Romero House
Australian architecture firm Chenchow Little has just unveiled their latest project down under! The Bell Romero House called for not one, but two mirrored dwellings on the property. Although, a slight variation was added to distinguish the two; the levels of the dwellings are offset. The feature of the home is the design of the roofs which “appears as a series of undulating pitched planes and skylight shafts between the two sidewalls,” Chenchow explained. Going on to state that”the pitched ceiling defines both internal living spaces and external terraces, which along with the luminance provided to the interior by the skylights, blurs the boundary between interior and exterior space.”
The dark facade of the twin homes incorporate solid and translucent horixontal banding to “disguises the location of the split floor plates and windows on the building façade.” The operable louvers also allow the occupants to control solar access, ventilation, and views with an easy adjustment.
Inside, the home is stark white with dark accents, visually connecting the outside with the inside. Modern furniture pieces by furniture factories such as B&B Italia, Knoll Studio, and Flos, grace the presence of the beautiful home to add an extra contemporary touch to the modern space.
(Photographs: John Gollings – courtesy of Chenchow Little)
The Hansha Reflection House
Just Completed: The Hansha Reflection House is reminiscent of a child’s periscope, peeking over a neighbor’s fence. The square, reflective façade juts out from over the garage, it’s peephole looking directly into the kitchen and dining room area. Sitting on the border of a picturesque park in Misakimizube Koen, Japan, the residence used renewable timber coupled with a building technology that utilized a hybrid of mortise and a tenon joint system and steel bracketing. Designed by Studio SKLIM, the interior is minimalistic and sparse, opening up into a expansive double volume spaces in some areas of the house. A hatch in the top floor reveals a courtyard roof deck, perfect for a sunset sake sesh. (Why is it that writing articles always makes us so thirsty for liquid libations?! Maybe we should ‘reflect’ on that….)
(Photography: Jeremy San / Studio SKLIM)
The Pure White House
Spanish interior designer Susanna Cots is the brains behind the Pure White House, a new coastal dwelling in Almuñécar, Spain. The rectangular, stacked home sit perched atop of a cliff overlooking the sea, completely enveloped in natural light. To allow the natural scenery to be the focal point of the home white was used as a dominant element to create a canvas for the stunning backdrop. The designer explained, “The daytime area –dining room and living room- is designed in a way that the exterior seems to enter the house so when seated on the sofa one can almost feel the sea.” The top of the home that houses the main suite is ideal for a relaxing escape! The space has a wide opening for indoor/outdoor access and allows for abundant natural light and air to ventilate through the home. The Pure white House is magical for so many reasons, a place to relax with nature, and enjoy a sun filled day!
(Photographs: Mauricio Fuertes )
Quinta da Baronesa
Quinta da Baronesa looks like an absolute utopia – something straight out of Avatar. Beautifully lush green grass slopes downward, interrupted by an emerging wooden block made from organic sustainable Cumaru and old brick from a former demolition. Studio Arthur Casas created the residence in Sao Paulo, Brazil with the intention of having the house go unnoticed from the street perspective. The rugged typography conceals an angular dwelling below the initial slope. Organic materials create a network of interconnected open areas opening on a horizontal pergola, endless lap pool and lush golf course. Looks like the perfect place for a caipirinha. You know what they say, “When in Rio…”
(Leonardo Finotti III ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHER)
