Swedish architect Anders Berensson has unveiled conceptual plans to convert a pair of disused electricity pylons into observation towers in Stockholm‘s Norra Djurgården national park. (more…)
‘House as a rock’ is a modern dream villa, developed as a private commissioning project in the dunes of the Westlandse Zoom in the South of Holland at the beach. The residents asked for much space, light and a minimalist, modern design. The urban building requirement was for a gable-roofed house and a gutter of maximally 6 metres high.
Instead of a traditional gable roof, we have merged the house and the roof to create a sculptural form that emerges from the dunes like a rock. Each side of the house has its own character: at the eastern side, the roof was extended until 1 metre above surface level, whereas at the southwest, the incised roof reaches up to 6 metres. A cut-out creates a pleasant exterior space and a singular appearance. The southern facade is the most open. The residents wanted to maintain as close a relationship with the water and the beautiful view as possible. The large windows and two sunrooms highlight the transition from inside to outside and render the feeling of living outdoors: regardless of the season.
The serrated dunes that will embrace the house, will bring a sense of privacy at both the northern, eastern and western sides and nestle the villa in nature.
High House is a private residence designed by Dan Gayfer Design in 2015. The home is located in Fitzroy North, Australia. High House by Dan Gayfer Design: “High House is the end product of a significant renovation to a five-metre (sixteen-foot) wide inner city terrace. The owners were intent on taking inner city terrace living to a new level, wanting the convenience of the location without compromising on space, function,..
The access area of this site is a welcoming space as the existing buildings and stone walls convert it in a confined a shady location. As you course along westward, the slope to reach the highest part of the garden is considerable. At this point, stripped of limits, the distant mountains are the only horizon.
The task consisted in converting the agricultural use buildings in a weekend home for a four generation family. Thus, the usual program of a single-family house: living room, dining room, kitchen and five bedrooms, is organized so that each space can be used with a degree of intimacy and independence. To this program was also requested the addition of a library.
The main areas of the house occupy the old corrals – four stony and dark volumes, with very occasional openings, adjacent amongst but with no communication between them, located at different levels and following the slope of the land with North orientation.
The project proposes two fundamental operations: first a new longitudinal axis that cuts across the various existing buildings, like a corridor carved in stone that unites the various spaces. Secondly, two new patios enable natural light to reach the innermost parts of the house.
The work is completed with an exterior dining area and a swimming pool located near the existing barn floor at the upper part of the land, taking advantage of the best views and most advantageous sun exposure.
Throughout the work process the idea of contrast and surprise was always present. An exterior that mimics the stony and massive surroundings is very distinct from the sober and very illuminated interior that offers a delicate unexpected encounter in contrast with the rough brutality of the circumambient.
Maison&Objet 2016: Finnish designer Mika Tolvanen based the simplicity of this umbrella stand on a vintage cast iron model he found at a flea market (+ slideshow). (more…)
Sig Nordal 