Wednesday, 30 November 2011

HERBST ARCHITECTS - TIMMS BACH HOUSE

I dare not comment as this is pure perfection! 

Except to mention that I think I might have found some new favorite architects.... all the way over in New Zealand

WEEKEND GETAWAY - DRAWINGS 3



 

My previous post refers (House B8) and having been so inspired by it, I have spent the past couple of hours drawing and came up with my own rendition of a 'guest unit' which will somehow be attached via courtyard/ terrace to the main unit.

Please forgive the rough sketches....  

So the idea was to have a slightly separate guest unit for when friends or family are visiting.  I am an early riser and love the brightness and promise of early mornings.  Having guests visiting - and more often than not I hope to have guests - I won't want to be waking them up in the somewhat early morning hours. 

This unit allows for guests to have their own space and privacy, it can sleep 5 (the sleeping area to the back has a bunk bed above for a child) Most of my friends and family have children, and this will allow a cosy stay for a handful of nice people.  Own bathroom, and built in storage - plus wide benches where one can relax and take in the scenery, leading onto the mini courtyard/ terrace. (benches marked in white and separated by the purple area:  which is a mini kitchen unit finished in Cemcrete Satincrete (waterproof cement finish), with mini fridge, coffee maker and an alcove with shelves)

On the terrace we have a tree growing out of the surrounding extended area and some hanging chairs on either side.  Space for a small table and a bench on the terrace, and we're all set for a great stay!  I think perhaps a hammock in the garden under a shaded canopy would add a nice and relaxing touch...

Next would be the main unit - but perhaps I leave that for another day....

I love hearing any comments or feedback, so please do say hello - a love it, or hate it! I won't mind, and I'm open to new ideas or suggestions too

HOUSE B8 BY 56.02

House B8 is located in Huentelauquen, Chile and designed by 56.02 (Mauricio Bruna-Fruns, Ursula Oliva, Alejandro Gandarillas, Pablo Muñoz) with the total area of the house 91 sqm.
The photographs are taken by Alejandro Gandarillas.  

"All the “wet” areas and the BBQ are condensed in a one wall/volume that runs through the entire south facade, this decision helped to create more flexible spaces.

One of the main goals was to expand the constructed area, without increasing the original budget assigned to the house, to the related activities and situations that would be developed considering the owners life style. In order to achieve this, an articulating interior patio was proposed with the same dimensions of the standard module that is used in the house entry. This operation allowed the formation of an open outdoors space, protected from the wind and also a terrace, located with the same orientation as the mentioned outdoors space, towards the exterior. The compilation of all things transforms a 50m2 house into a 91m2 total.

As a third decision, to divide the different spaces, the boundary material selected was sliding glass panels. These elements have the possibility to move, generating an interior-exterior limit that can be controlled by the user as he wishes to. This sliding operation allows to create different spaces, in addition to that, the onsite furniture plus the non existence of partition walls, results in a house where the divisions and subdivisions are only applied trough these glass panels and furniture."

I just love the simplicity of this design and how comfortably it sits in its natural environment.  I imagine the wooden panels on the facade will quite well over time, and leave a lovely greyish-brown finish (or maybe not).  It seems quite simple, but I imagine a lot of thought has gone into this space - firstly as there were some budgetary concerns and secondly to bare in mind the natural conditions of the site (ie coastal with strong winds at times)

The separate guestroom with en-suite shower room allows some privacy for visitors, and yet not totally secluded - something I have not quite fully figured out for my own space - how to incorporate a separate guestroom - still part of the main space.  And House B8 has really got my creative juices going again!  Hurray!  

The central courtyard really pulls the whole design together, allowing beautiful views from all rooms.  My plot has a very similar landscape and vegetation - and has uninterrupted views of a nature reserve - sadly no ocean views.... but it will be a holiday home, so I'm happy with a natural open space to look out onto.  I do like the wooden cladding - the idea is growing on me - but then again I also like the idea of a more weathered white-grey cement paint with a slightly mottled finish (and it's very low maintenance which is a big plus) and perhaps some distressed and aged wood incorporated somewhere.  I will keep the garden natural so it will flow over the dirt road and into the nature reserve uninterruptedly.  I might add some wildflowers scattered here and there as the area is known and popular in springtime with visitors from wide and far!

Here's a link to the picturesque little town of Darling

Anyone with ideas of how to incorporate all these things into my dream holiday home .... I'd love to hear from you!

I've gathered images and content from the following websites.....


Tuesday, 29 November 2011

HOUSE IN SAKA BY SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE

Another interesting recent project from the Suppose Design Office in Tokyo. I particularly like the floating concrete stairs as you enter the house via a small courtyard.  I also like the variety of enclosed courtyard spaces with some greenery and life.  Beautiful natural finishes- glass, wood and concrete.

The singular tree growing from one of the courtyards creates a central feature and can be seen from various rooms as well the bathroom.

I still prefer having big glass windows looking out onto the world outside - but I can appreciate their architecture and approach is an inward focus and to exclude the outside world in this haven of a home.

I am always inspired by the work of the Suppose Design Office and cannot wait to see what amazingness they'll be creating next!

via http://www.dezeen.com/

Monday, 28 November 2011

Thursday, 24 November 2011

FESTIVE CHEER

With only one month to go till Christmas time - these beautiful images is definitely getting me in a more festive mood.  I love the row of little trees in glittery bases, such prettiness.  And such a gorgeous fireplace!

Elegant photography by Line Klein of the beautiful home of Tine K.

OLIVE AND JOY

Some more beautiful cushions and styling from Olive and Joy

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

DROP LIGHT BY DOOLIGHT

DROP LIGHT
 DROP LIGHT MINI
 
 The ‘Drop Light’ is a brand new concept which brings us total freedom to create the interior mood via our lighting. The ‘Drop Light’ is cordless, heatless and limitless. It consists of rechargeable lights, or ‘drops’, which can be utilized as individual lamps; therefore, you can locate them anywhere in your home, adjust their intensity and create limitless moods. The ‘Drop Light’ will enrich and enliven your home life.

The ‘Drop Light’ can be used anywhere in the home. It will gently brighten the night for your baby or young child, create a romantic mood for you and your partner and protect your family from complete darkness during a blackout.

You can turn the light on/off by simply touching the edge of the hanger. If you touch and hold the edge of the hanger, the brightness will increase and decrease in intensity – allowing you to set the mood. When you find the right mood, simply move your hand away and the adjustment will be complete.  The power and brightness control interface is identical when the drops are separated from the flower base too.

When you move the drop away from the base, the drop continues the light so you can even utilize it as you might a torch. The drops’ battery lasts for up to 10 hours after just a couple of hours of charging, which also makes it useful for overnight use, perhaps one as a night light in your child’s bedroom and the rest as mood lighting at a dinner party that runs late.
You don’t have to worry about being very careful with the ‘drops’ as they are made from highly flexible silicon, which can even be molded into different shapes.

The ‘Drop Light-mini’, which uses only a single ‘drop’, is an alternative for smaller and more intimate settings. This lovely little lamp can be located in doorways or on tables to enrich and enliven your home life. It works in just the same way as ordinary lighting when the drop is on the leaf base. However, thanks to the highly efficient rechargeable battery inside the drop, the drop hanging from the leaf base charges irrespective of whether or not the light is in use, so you can separate it from the base and use it as a portable lamp at any time.

These lights have not yet launched in Europe, but watch this space as I hope to have some good news before the year is out!  I really cannot wait to own a couple of these!

Original and beautifully designed by Doolight

Saturday, 19 November 2011

INSPIRATIONAL SPACE

I'd very much like to find some more images of this space - I love the little raised seating area to the back, very cosy indeed.

Does anyone know where/ who it is by?

Found via Pinterest

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

SCRAPWOOD WALLPAPER BY PIET HEIN EEK

Gorgeous wallpaper designs by Piet Hein Eek - perfect for a feature wall or an entire room to give it that wintry Scandinavian feel I'm so drawn to lately.  The first image is most certainly my favorite.  Which do you like most?

Piet Hein Eek first developed an interest in old materials after restoring a cupboard for his sister; he thought the old wood looked nicer than the new. He has built his business around old materials, saving these discarded pieces of wood and working outside of the circuit of mass production. Piet Hein Eek's work is sold in numerous galleries worldwide. He has exhibited at such venues as the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Milan Furniture Fair, Italy; and Cïbone, Tokyo. Now for the first time, his work is realized in wallpaper and available to a wider audience. There is no pattern in Scrap Wood wallpaper, and it has over 10 square feet of unique planks. It is printed on heavy-duty wallpaper with paper top-layer and membrane backing colorfast and washable with a soft cloth.

Sold Exclusively at The London Shop (Tom Dixon)

SMALL RUSTIC HOUSE IN URUGUAY

For a seaside getaway I really couldn't ask for more.  

Breathtaking views through vast windows- check.
A well contained yet small living space- check.
Whitewashed interiors, and simple rustic elements- check.
Where life is about taking it easy, taking it slow, taking it all in.... and last but not least.... take in the outdoors- check!
Located in the dunes of Cabo Polonio on the eastern coast of Uruguay this house is small, fitting only two people.  Basic building materials were used, like those of all the houses in Cabo Polonio.

Also the interior is simple with whitewashed walls and floors. The main color is white with accessories in earthy tones. True to the spirit of the inhabitants in the area, the house remains without electricity using lanterns and candles.  A 'holiday home' in the truer sense of the word!

via THE STYLE FILES one of my favorite interior blogs around

Saturday, 12 November 2011

MONTAUK LAKE HOUSE BY MURDOCK YOUNG ARCHITECTS



"Designed to accommodate a growing family and close friends, this lake-front compound includes a 4,500-square-foot main house with 50-foot lap pool, an 1800-square-foot three-bedroom guest house, and a barn. An aggregate of smaller, informal living spaces carefully composed to disguise the bulk of the building and create a variety of views and experiences, each structure centers on a great room open to the northern water views and the southern sun and breezes. The structures combine modern design with the local gabled vernacular of cedar shingles and white-painted wood: large expanses of glass, painted pine board walls, exposed structural trusses, gray-painted pine floors, and driftwood-clad storage elements that subdivide the interiors" Robert Young Architecture 
  
What a beautifully designed and inviting space and I love the idea of various components carefully linked together to create such a wonderful home to share with family and friends.
I love the kiddies room too with the bunk beds and bright polkadot rug. 
All the subtle hues and colours and use of natural products creates a carefree environment to enjoy the picturesque scenery and natural beauty.

Montauk Lake House was designed by Murdock Young Architects and completed in 2007.

via

Friday, 11 November 2011

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Remember to make a wish today, remember to be grateful, remember to always shine!
A great week-end to all... 

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

WEEKEND GETAWAY - DRAWINGS 2

The idea here was to create a small week-end getaway - with an internal courtyard, which can be accessed through oversized glass doors, which will allow the entire space to be open.  A fluid inside/outside space so to speak. The courtyard would be at a slightly lower level, with sleeper steps on two sides. 

The bathroom can be accessed from two sides.  The sleeping area is very spacious and overlooking the courtyard, as well as the nature reserve to the South/ West.  Both kitchen and living areas open up onto the courtyard - and will have uninterrupted views of nature through oversized glass windows.

A polished concrete terrace with a built in bbq will be on the N/W side of the entertainment areas, with a single tree growing through it.   (Not shown on this drawing)

In SA safety is still of some concern, and even though in this small town, its predominantly still only petty crime - I felt the need to create a safe space - with an enclosed outdoor area.

I need to add a guestroom and guestbathroom for when bigger families or groups will stay.
One option could be to drop the sleeping area by about one meter and adding an additional space above it.... but not sure.  I quite like the simplicity and openness of this drawing as it is.  It could even be a tad smaller perhaps.

My inspiration was drawn firstly from a Japanese design:  F-White House by Takaro Yamamoto Architects located in Tokyo, Japan; and secondly from the Ruy Texeireia images in my previous post.