Home Decor
Home Design
Kengo Kuma
Tokyo
Shun*Shoku Lounge was recently completed by Kengo Kuma and Associates in Tokyo, Japan. The 1000 square foot creative space functions as an information booth and public relations informal office for Gurunavi, a company which puts all its efforts to establish connections between top-class (gourmet) restaurants and people who grow a passion for exclusive and sophisticated food. The interior, a little bit edgy and unconventional reflects perfectly Gurunavi’s values and the interesting approach to food education.
Lead architect Kengo Kuma reenvisioned the entire space, using only stacked plywood. The unpolished material defines the interior from one end to the other: from shelving units to stairs and desks, every item is made of raw stacked wood. The visual effect is absolutely stunning! The lounge serves fresh smoothies and healthy snacks. What’s really interesting is also the fact that the place houses exhibitions focusing around rare ingredients and seasonal food. Hats off to the creative team behind this great project!
Austin
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A house originally built in 1940′s, in a historical neighbourhood in Austin, Texas, was renovated by Miró Rivera Architects to meet the current expectations of the owners. During the 1980′s, the venue did suffer some less inspired transformations, which were not reflecting exactly the true nature of it. What the clients wanted was to “get back to the 40s”. “MRA’s goal was to restore the exterior of the house in this historic neighbourhood while transforming the interiors to bring in light and provide a better connection with the exterior. A simple material palette was used to maintain a balance between the traditional aspects of the original house and the modern updates required by this family of four.”
The contemporary renovation implied bringing a series of modern updates into the scene. A new swimming pool was built from scratch while the garage was reconstructed, transforming the second floor into a personal gym. The house itself became more open, luminous and uncluttered. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors add a sense of transparency interconnecting the environments. Stainless steel is one of the main metal finish on the interior of the house: from stair handrails to appliances and shelves – it’s everywhere. Finally, the walls were painted in white to maintain a clean and balanced space (that doesn’t distract) for the owner’s art collection.
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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.
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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.
