Dream Homes
Located in No. 1436 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China, the project Tea House was completed by Archi-Union Architects. It covers an area of approximately 300 square meters and the construction was completed on May of 2011. Its location is actually at the backyard of Archi-Union’s office and the construction was from the recovered parts of what was once a warehouse’s collapsed roof.
The interior design was worked out within constricted walls on three sides and the remaining side opens up to reveal the pool. Further restrictions on the architectural layout were made by a mature tree. This design by Archi-Union Architects is an attempt to demonstrate the balance and harmony of interior design by mixing enclosure and openness all at the same time. In relation to this, the design resulted to a pleasant space without going against the logic of construction even under complicated relations.
The building’s layout is actually just a reaction to its environment. The designers created and implemented floor plans that will result to a logically vague quadrilateral hence getting the most of the tea house space. The architectural design has three divisions namely – a covered public area that is oriented towards the open space revealing the pool, the enclosed tea house on the first level and the library also on the first level provided with a small balcony following a triangular space extending around the mature tree.
Apart from these divisions, there are other spaces that are provided with due privacy such as the service room, lounge and the reading room which have been arranged and oriented towards the back of the building. The tea house demonstrates a wonderful transition of space without breaking the connection between the public and private spaces.
The focal point of design is the twisted and nonlinear hexahedron staircase where smooth transitions were created throughout the space. All functional spaces within the interiors of the tea house were connected together by the stair that deals with vertical transport of customers from the ground level to the upper level. In addition, it also acts as an inner courtyard for the reading room and allows for an expansive view of the mature tree.
The entire space for the tea house has been designed in such a way that people will experience something new within the ordinary establishment. The designers transformed the linear space into an expressive form. This created a twist in the story that the architectural design tells from the ordinary tea house to a tranquil space where one can enjoy and relax while being comfortable altogether.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 27 April, 2012
Portuguese architecture firm Frederico Valsassina Architects has designed the Casa Do Lago contemporary home located in Aroeira, Portugal.
Project description from the architects :This house is located on Aroeira’s estate, near the main lake of the Golf Course. The placing and the volume’s disposition of the “Lake House” result from the conjugation between the distance to the adjacent lots and the existing grove. It was wanted a house which could comprise the autonomy of different spaces – social/private, day/night – with the creation of a big terrace near the pool.
Taking part of the lot’s location conditions, whether in terms of topographic settings as from its limits, the house position emphasizes the creation of dominant visual alignments in the direction of the surrounding lake area. In fact, the service areas protect, strategically, the social spaces, occupying the less favourable spots of the placement.
A distribution space, by the entrance, articulates the relation between the private areas and the social space of the house, underlining the interaction between the land’s configuration and the definition of the dwelling’s programmatic scheme.
Betting still on the gradual transition between the interior and the exterior, the terrace assumes itself as a natural extension of the living area, promoting the constant dialogue with its surroundings and the flexibility in the appropriation of the different proposed spaces. On the other hand, the choice of the materials, proper from the region, emphasises once more the search for the integration of the house in the specific context of Aroeira’s urbanization.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 26 April, 2012
The contemporary “Shield House” was designed by Studio H:T in Denver Colorado.
This urban infill project juxtaposes a tall, slender curved circulation space against a rectangular living space. The tall curved metal wall was a result of bulk plane restrictions and the need to provide privacy from the public decks of the adjacent three story triplex. This element becomes the focus of the residence both visually and experientially. It acts as sun catcher that brings light down through the house from morning until early afternoon. At night it becomes a glowing, welcoming sail for visitors.
Photography: Raul Garcia
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 23 April, 2012
Vertice Arquitectos has completed a private dream home – the Beach House E3 located at Palillos Beach in Lima, Peru. We find many challenges in this design by Vertice Arquitectos. First off, the project was developed and built on an irregularly shaped terrain and overall it is not a very easy area to work with. However, it owns a privileged view of the ocean in the lot E-3 from Palillos beach south of Lima.
It is comforting to know that the project took advantage of the slope of the lot therefore building a volume set that worked. It utilized various textures and materials on all three levels without making them look divided. Instead, the whole house appeared as a unit with common design element achieving several space connections from the inside to the outside and vice versa.
The modern home demonstrates the significant requests of the client – availability of the sea view to all rooms, emphasizing the importance of a social area and finally creating a space with utmost privacy, tranquility and independence as expected from a private residence. The volumes are designed according to the different levels created for this modern architecture. It was the beach requirements hence the production of platforms on ground while emphasizing the main volume.
The central area is enclosed on each side to prevent direct solar entry as well as avoid connection with neighboring lands while preserving the heavenly and expansive views of the ocean. The house floor plans were implemented in such a way that the entryway to the main volume is provided for the third level by the wooden bridge. The bridge then crosses a dock and ends up in a floating hall with an open area for sea viewing and entertainment.
On the second level, both the exteriors and interiors are double height and are positioned on a social area ending with a swimming pool providing limitation for the sea. At the rear side of the second level, this is where the yard is located which functions as both social area and play area for children.
The first level is a complete volume on itself despite sharing common design elements that made the house a functioning unit. It is an independent volume and houses 5 bedrooms revolving around a hall. Almost all of these bedrooms have balconies and expansive views of the sea.
The interior design is heavenly but simple enough to connect with nature specifically the beach. The great kitchen is modernistic providing inspiration for kitchen design.
Overall, the layout is inspirational and if you look at that bathroom design – nothing seems to go wrong with this volumetric approach.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 20 April, 2012
The details of this Apartment in Tel Aviv is almost magical and a dream home coming true for anyone who becomes its owner. The principle behind its creation and construction is to show respect for the original architectural style in Tel Aviv and balancing the old and the new in the color scheme as well as smart use of furniture in the process. This modern home is located at the heart of Tel Aviv demonstrating a precise and beautiful interior design as well as architectural design.
The living room and the great kitchen has been created following three concepts namely – apartment style in Tel Aviv, balance between classic and modern and the colorful yet gentle approach all at the same time. The renovation preserved and collected the furniture from the previous apartment.
The house floor plans of this modern architecture were very precise and despite the lack of natural light and obvious neglect of space this particular apartment in Tel Aviv has its own unique potential hence the interior decoration to improve the living spaces on the interiors as well as complement its exteriors. As a result the layout of the architecture as well as the spaces within became bright, beautiful and colorful consisting of four rooms and comfy service area as well as two bathrooms.
There are two main divisions for the apartment including the family area with the kitchen, living room and the work room. The other side consists of two additional bedrooms and two bathrooms with bathroom design that made them a must-see. The entire renovation incorporated bringing down and constructing walls, building new kitchen and implementing new bathroom design.
By following through the balance between the old and new, old tiles within the house were replaced with floor tiles that have higher sensitivity and durability yet keeping the old flavors by printing the tiles with it. The entry way demonstrates both the public and private domain where you will be able to stop, relax, breathe and enjoy the moment. This made the entire domain inspirational inside and out.
The entire house is extraordinary with smart choice of fixtures and furniture. The evolution of the concept towards its implementation is exceptional if not the best. The design scheme is entirely original yet it keeps the combination of classic and modern intact.
The house is very colorful through paints and furniture thus making the most of the potential of the space without compromising on light. As a result the house is now bright and evokes the carefree feeling.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 19 April, 2012
The Black and White project designed by Ensemble & Associes is a dream home that can be described in four words – simple, minimalistic, dramatic and brooding. In its Belgian way, it exhibits contemporary luxury yet somehow it has been tinged by traditional in ways that are subtle.
The classic touch can be attributed to the fact that wood has been utilized in the project. The modern home is oozing with strong elegance and sophistication through the use of black and white scheme. This modern architecture is perhaps the minimalistic design at its most luxurious – you can see it directly by the placement of the furnishings and smart choice of furniture as well as fixtures in the project.
The modern architects at Ensemble & Associes captured the simplistic beauty that they otherwise wouldn’t be done without incorporating the classiness of black and white. They have implemented impeccable house floor plans without compromising the function of a home while providing comfort that one could go home to at the end of the day.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 13 April, 2012
This new 5,800 square foot gorgeous modern home was designed by CCS Architecture firm and is located on a corner lot in Palo Alto, California. Both clients work in the Silicon Valley and have 3 young children. The design is very specific to their close-knit family needs, and their unpretentious life-style. Overall, the house was designed to be very contemporary, but with warm authentic materials and refined details – accommodating casual living.
The flat corner site is divided up by the bent linear configuration of the house into the ‘public’ street sides that wrap the corner and the more ‘private’ interior. A breezeway from the street leads to the entry and the yard beyond, while also dividing the main house from the garage and studio. The second floor bridges over these two which becomes the ceiling of the breezeway.
The lower part of the house has primary walls made of ‘rammed earth’, while the upper floor is framed in wood and steel, and is clad in wood siding plus aluminum panels. Between the two is a ribbon of glass that makes the upper floor appear as if it is floating above the lower.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 12 April, 2012
What an amazing modern home by Mexico-based architecture firm Broissin Architects. The Acill Atem house was inspired by the Palm Spings Kaufmann house designed by Richard Neutra
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 11 April, 2012
The collaboration between KplusK Architects and Deborah Oppenheimer Interior Design resulted to an absolutely breathtaking Beachfront Villa in Cape Yamu. This dream home makes you feel like a royalty and is located within an exclusive Cape Yamu private estate in Phuket along the east coast. The modern home was designed by the Hong Kong based architecture firm – KplusK Architects while the interior design was completed by Deborah Oppenheimer Interior Design. Their collaboration followed the parameters that were set by Jean-Michel Gathy – the master planner of the estate.
This modern architecture sits royally on a 21,581 square feet area for its living space but its built-up area reaches up to 48,437 square feet including the outdoor terrace.
The luxury home is approached by a private driveway surrounded by the water features and unusual landscaping. As you enter the main building, the very first thing that would capture your attention is the artworks hung on the walls of the entrance hall. In addition to the feeling of royalty, the implemented house floor plans emanate a space of tranquility on the living area where entertainment and relaxation can be done.
Posted by JackieAzuela at 11 April, 2012
Seattle-based architecture firm Balance Associates has designed this gorgeous modern home in Big Sky, Montana.
Project description by the architect : The River Bank House sits along the Gallatin River just outside Big Sky, Montana. The clients love to entertain, so the house was set up to create an open and casual atmosphere with a strong connection to the outdoors. The house is oriented toward the best view of the river while maintaining good solar orientation for taking advantage of solar heat gain in the winter and keeping out the hot summer sun. The large roof over the living room serves to shade large areas of glass in the summer, while geothermal heat pumps and high levels of insulation help keep it warm and energy efficient in the winter. In such an extreme climate the house was specifically designed to withstand both extremes of the temperature spectrum.
The house is separated into the main living area and the guest wing. The guest area is designed so that it can be shut off from the rest of the house when unoccupied and set back to a lower temperature when not in use. Additionally, the two wings of the house bend in order to capture the best views of the river and create a protected entry courtyard.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 5 April, 2012
