Shoffice

Platform 5 Architects have designed the Shoffice for a house in London, England.

"Shoffice (shed + office) is a garden pavilion containing a small office alongside garden storage space located to the rear of a 1950’s terraced house in St John’s Wood with the brief requiring the shoffice to be conceived of as a sculptural object that flowed into the garden space".

"The glazed office space nestles into an extruded timber elliptical shell, reminiscent of a wood shaving, and forms a small terrace in the lawn". The interior is oak lined, including oak flooring, and fitted out with a cantilevered desk and storage. "Two rooflights - one glazed above the desk with another open to the sky outside the office bring light into the work space".

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above information and images.

The Yacht

The French interior designer Frédéric Flanquart recently completed the interior of this 915 square-foot apartment atop a building on the Parisian "Grands Boulevards".

"Following the creation of the Lodt des Innocents, Frédéric Flanquart Interior Architecture and Design have set themselves a new challenge, with the renovation of the Yacht: an 85m2 apartment located on the last floor of a building on the Parisian Grand Boulevards, opened up onto a large passageway, reminiscent of a ship".

"The Yacht features a large entrance, providing access to all bedrooms and the living room. This communal area also opens out onto a passageway, in which the kitchen and dining room are located, both benefiting from a fantastic panoramic view. Both the master bedroom and the guest room boast private bathrooms. Positioned on an angle, the entirety of the Yacht bathes in natural light, creating a wide variation of lighting tones throughout the day". The warmth of the Perigord Walnut furniture is therefore enhanced, working in elegant harmony with oak flooring.

"Noble and refined materials such as Baccarat Crystal, full-grain leather and Macassar Ebony were used during the renovation of the apartment, creating an elegant and contemporary environment. Chrome steel and Burgundy Stone add a hint of masculinity, whilst the play of soft lighting brings a final touch of calm and serenity to this unique location".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Seaside Residence

Stelle Lomont Rouhani architects have completed this seaside residence, located in Southampton, New York.

"An existing non-descript structure, perched above the crest of the dune between the ocean and bay, was thoroughly transformed". Clearly defines volumes, simple, durable, yet elegant materials and details were utilized, instilling a strong connection between the indoors and out.

"An infinity edge pool was placed between the house and bay, bridging the two bodies of water and screening the street. The public spaces were located on the upper floor, extending out onto a series of decks. A wooden cantilevered trellis extends through the house from ocean to bay. The lower floor is separated into guest and owner spaces. The master bath extends out onto a private, louvered deck, allowing ocean and bay breezes while maintaining privacy".

"Highly efficient mechanical and lighting systems, an extensive insulation package, high performance glass and sun shading reduce the structure’s overall footprint. Assemblies, materials and finishes were chosen for their simplicity, sustainability, and low maintenance, coexisting with the sea, sand and vegetation of the site. They include aluminum doors and windows, weathered cedar rain screen siding, matte plaster interior walls and plain sawn oak floors".

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above images and information.

Block House

The Australian studio Taylor + Reynolds has recently completed the Block House project. This two story contemporary home is located in Kew, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

This family home is a homage to the many houses built in the leafy inner eastern suburb of Kew during the 60’s and 70’s. The selection of natural, unadorned materials - particularly concrete blockwork - set the building modestly into the site and street.

"Through contrast in colour and texture, the facade is horizontal by nature, reading as two interconnected bands. The first floor, rectilinear in form and clad in dark stained Western Red Cedar is set upon a secondary form consisting of concrete blocks and render to match".

"A simple rectilinear form is transformed into a dynamic and exciting living space through the interplay of materiality and detail, light and shadow, solid and void. Texture within the block laying pattern is a significant element in the whole; a typically flat and utilitarian material is transformed, becoming a sculptural element delineating the homes’ spaces. Light dances across the blockwork accentuating the depth of pattern through the movement of shadow, creating a feature wall. Timber oak flooring is juxtaposed against the concrete blocks, establishing a sense of warmth and lightness within the home".

"The design is open plan and the living spaces flow freely from one to another. Function is defines through changes in level and materiality. Upon entry, the tiles surface steps down to the kitchen and living room which are delineated through the use of joinery. A full height unit has dual functionality; as an element of the kitchen. Behind smoked mirrored glass the pantry, fridge and bar are concealed. Meanwhile, from the living room, the unit is clad in dark timber veneer and again screening the TV wall unit. The house is orientated to the north with the living area opening out onto the pool and garden creating a wonderful entertaining zone".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Casa G

The Oslo based studio Gudmundur Jonsson Arkitektontor completed the Casa G project in 2009, and is located in Iceland.

"The concept of Casa G is based on reading and feedback to the landscape it exists on. The characteristic landscape situation and view differences distinctively in each direction. Towards south the view to the sea and islands, towards north the characteristic triangular mountain, towards east the glacier and towards west the river and canyon".

"Those elements are the creator of the project, the transitions between the landscape views giving the entrance from the north and the curved plan giving a vitalized focus towards the seaside in south. When turning back the north view towards the mountain is as well enhanced with the widening view due to the fan-shape of the tilting wooden wall. being a mediator between the northern and southern landscape characteristic".

"The guest-wing of the building stretches to the canyon and the river towards west. Thus the building concept is a composition and dialog of views and experiences of the various nature at site".

"The ground floor and basement is covered with the Icelandic  “Blágryti” (bluestone) which is dark greyish-blue with minimal pattern and structure. When mounted without gaps in variety in lengths and depths it gives a homogenic and neutral exclusive floor".

The first floor is covered with broad pre-treated solid oak flooring.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Twisted Cabin

The Norwegian architectural firm JVA has created the Twisted Cabin. This 3,875 square foot contemporary home is located in Kvitfjell, Norway and was completed in 2011.

"High in the mountain, 1000m above the ocean and close to the ski slopes, the cabin reflects the contours in the terrain to make room for a large family on holiday. The cabin has seven floor levels connected differently to the surrounding terrain. These levels give various internal and external views".

"The facades and roof is cladded in larch wood, and the whole interior is mainly in oak wood to give a warm feeling in the wintertime".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

New Edinburgh House

The Ottawa based studio Christopher Simmonds Architect has recently completed the New Edinburgh House project. This two-story contemporary home is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

"The linear composition of this house and site is interrupted by the volumes of lightwells, stairs and courtyard. The resulting interpenetration of views and space along the home result in strong indoor / outdoor connections".

"Heated exposed concrete floors ensure comfort in the presence of large glazed areas. Cabinetry in matte white lacquer and stained ash veneer flow through the interconnected kitchen and dining spaces. Reclaimed white oak boards clad the exterior volumes".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Design for Living Project

The London based studio Daniel Hopwood has completed the Design for Living project in July 2012.

"The 1200 square foot apartment is located on the first floor of a building with a Georgian facade situated close to London’s Regents Park. The apartment overlooks a street lined with late 19th century red brick mansion blocks that have terracotta, stone and render detailing. The space is divided into three rooms, one with an open-plan kitchen leading into a reception room that has 16-foot high ceilings. A mezzanine overlooking the double-volume space has been configured as an additional study area".

"The clients, who enjoy entertaining at their 5400 square foot home in the countryside, had a clear design brief: the relatively small pied-a-terre needed to be configured in a way that would maximise its potential for hosting dinner parties. Design inspirations could be drawn from the late 1960s to complement the clients’ mid-century furniture collection".

"The kitchen was relocated from a room at the rear of the apartment and repositioned into the apartment’s large reception room. This emancipated the small room from its functional use and allowed it to be transformed into a second, albeit smaller, reception room".

"A spiral staircase was removed and replace with aluminium straight-run stairs that have open risers and a simple stainless steel balustrade. Through this links the vertically separated spaces, a sculptural wall in rough sawn oak was designed to further harmonize the arrangement and provide partial privacy for the kitchen and study areas". The reduction of colour and materials creates a pared down appearance through the use of an oak dining table and wide-plank oak floors.

Stockholm Penthouse

This four bedroom, three bathroom and 19 feet high ceiling apartment is located near Humlegården, a major park in Östermalm in Stockholm, Sweden.

"The top-quality apartment lets in a fantastic amount of light through a total of 84 m2 of glass, including 14 skylights, five large dormer window, a Spanish balcony and an amazing seven metres of windows and doors facing the terrace".

"The lift opens into a spacious hall right in the apartment, near a built-in closet and a guest bathroom in subdued colours. A tasteful stairway leads from the hall up to the second level, which has an awe-inspiring ceiling height of almost six metres from ceiling to floor, and large transom windows that maximise light flow".

"The layout is clearly divided into a private and more social sphere. The living room plus kitchen account for almost 90 m2. The private units, which consist of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and storage spaces are separate, but there are connecting rooms that encourage communication and togetherness".

"In addition, the lower floor includes two bedrooms, a guest lavatory with shower, and a Spanish balcony fronting on Runebergsgatan, with a lovely view of the city. This floor also has a lounge area, a spacious bedroom, as well as a fantastic bathroom with a steam sauna".

"Large open areas and spacious rooms, a voluminous eight-metre mezzanine and a high and unobstructed view describe this home. A fireplace, a lift that takes you right into the apartment, a large terrace facing northwest, oak plank floors throughout, spotlights by Flos, waterborne sub-floor heating, (electric coils in the wet rooms), and built in speakers by Lindh. This is an extraordinary home that exudes light and volume from a ceiling height of almost six metres, with glass windows and doors that are just as high and long. This is a perfect layout for both large events and intimate meetings".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Ottawa River House

The Canadian studio Christopher Simmonds Architect has recently completed the Ottawa River House. This contemporary home consists of three levels and is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

"To move through this home on the Ottawa River is to enjoy a carefully orchestrated sequence of encounters with its picturesque natural setting. Views and light penetrate the spatial composition throughout its interlocking interior volumes".

"The starting point for the planning of this house was to identify a place on the site which afforded a view of Parliament Hill, and to locate the principal living spaces there. An elongated entry with a natural cedar planked ceiling brings visitors by way of the southerly courtyard to the very core of the site and the home. The result is a home with stunning views, and which enjoys both an intimate connection with the courtyard and a more expansive connection with the river".

Dark stained, quarter-sawn oak flooring is used alongside white porcelain tile. Cabinets in dark stained ash contrast similarly with the white quartz countertops.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Silverhurst House

Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Architects together with VIVID Architects and Antoni Associates have designed the Silverhurst House in Cape Town, South Africa.

"VIVID Architects prepared the initial concept design for this home, a contemporary reboot of the more classical architectural styles. SAOTA - Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects and Antoni Associates were then appointed to refine & develop the design and oversee the project to completion. The facade is Georgian inspired but the modern aspect of the look is driven by a dynamic of recessed and projecting panels and cubes that create courtyards and terraces that articulate and add interest to what is a highly organised shell. The interiors, by Antoni Associates, are equally sculpted".

"Entering the house, a large light-filled entrance hall divides the two ground-floor wings which consist of a series of living spaces that open out to a private courtyard and the very edgy Franchesca Watson landscaped garden beyond".

"For the design ethic within the house, ultra-slick finishes and a futuristic home-tech edge were chosen. Stripped back ceilings with recessed details cleverly hide curtain tracks and act as a mechanism through which wooden feature walls can disappear out of sight, lending each room a clean crisp finish. Clusters of directional spotlights were selected to add ambience and subtly highlight architectural nuances, such as the floating stairs.

Throughout natural materials are used to add warmth and texture throughout. Stone flooring extends from the main entrance through most of the internal and external spaces giving way to fumed oak floors in the living and dining area, as well as American cedar for the doors and pergolas and Ipe for the pool decking.

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above information and images.

Möllmann Residence

Wannermacher + Möller have designed the Möllmann Residence near Bielefeld, Germany.

"The Möllmann residence is located in a residential area, mainly comprising detached houses, outside Bielefeld. The traditional regional architecture served as a point of orientation for the exterior of the house. In accordance to the barns that are popular for agricultural use in this rural region the residence was designed as a lengthened, rectangular structure with a double-pitched roof without overhang. The masonry facades on three sides in quarry stone also refer to the traditional architecture in rural regions".

"Although the house includes formal references to regional traditions the character of its interior is still consistently modern. The open plan allows the rooms to flow into one another and the complete glazing of the side of the building shell that faces the garden allows the inside to melt into the outside. Numerous built in storage elements, benches and storage rooms provide sufficient storage inside the house to allow the main living ones being kept free of objects for everyday use".

"Reductions to only a few materials and colours - Italian sandstone for the floor, white plaster for walls and ceilings, oiled oak for the benches and glass and grey aluminium for the windows - gives the rooms a soothing calmness. With the support of a minimum of furnishings the architecture develops an ascetic austerity.

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above images and information.

Contemporary Vancouver Penthouse

The designer Robert Bailey has completed a penthouse apartment in downtown Vancouver, Canada. This place is designed as a luxurious space that can be the perfect place to entertain family and friends.

"Situated on the 47th and 48th floors of the Fairmont Building in Vancouver, this 6400 square foot penthouse is an amazing oasis of peace and relaxation. The designer understood the client’s needs immediately due to the previous collaborations and knew this home had to be comfortable and visually quiet".

"This contemporary loft has soft, warm, neutral tones, huge floor to ceiling windows, gorgeous views and a simple, yet sophisticated style". The designer chose to use neutral materials, such as wide plank oak flooring in a bleached style, walnut doors and millwork, taupe stone and marble. Moreover the space is very functional and well divided. There is an open floor plan, the living room and office being separated by a wall which has a stunning painting on one side and hi-tech television on the other side, both of them being centrepieces of each space.

Special thanks to Decoist for the above images and information.

Glen 2961 House

The Cape Town based studio SAOTA has recently completed the Glen 2961 House in collaboration with Three 14 Architects. This three story contemporary home is located in Oranjezicht, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa.

"The clients who lived in an existing house on the property needed to rebuild the house in order to suit the demands of their family. The site on Glen Avenue in Higgovale faces in a Northerly direction, with its boundaries on the South East. Although the wind conditions are tough, the site’s moderate slope allows the design to engage with different levels of the garden adjacent to the areas of the three level lounge".

"The client appointed SAOTA - Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects to complete the design of the new home. The clients bravely followed their architect’s advice to see the bigger picture and re-start on a clean slate. The new home was to respond to the site and garden closely, to allow enough space for the family’s diverse requirements - whilst create separate private spaces within the house, and respond to the fierce winds which seasonally hurtle down Table Mountain yet provide a relaxed, homely character in the spirit of Higgovale".

"SAOTA relied on robust uncluttered finishes of off-shutter concrete for soffits and various walls, painted bagged brickwork, specialised polished concrete topping and oak cabinetry and ceilings. To amplify the sense of openness of the rooms and the gardens, the living rooms have large openings of sliding aluminium doors - this openness is further enhanced by glass handrails to successfully blur the boundaries of interior and exterior. The kitchen remains the focus of the first floor area, and the main outdoor braai terrace is a generous layout with outdoor sitting and dining areas. The upper level of the house - to which one approaches on arrival at the property - accommodates 4 en-suite bedrooms with good views and a large study/library area. The garage screens the courtyards from the street".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Haus am Weinberg

The Amsterdam based architectural practice UNStudio has recently completed the Haus am Weinberg project. This 6,650 square foot contemporary home is located outside of Stuttgart, Germany, between the town and a terraced vineyard.

"The Haus am Weinburg is located in a setting that is at one time rural, yet suburban. The location of the villa affords pastoral views of the stepped terraces of an ancient hillside vineyard on one side and cityscape vistas on the other".

"The inner circulation, organisation of the views and the programme distribution of the house are determined by a single gesture, ‘the twist’. In the Haus am Weinberg the central twist element supports the main staircase as it guides and organises the main flows through the house. The direction of each curve is determined by a set of diagonal movements. Whilst the programme distribution follows the path of the sun, each evolution in the twist leads to moments in which views to the outside become an integral experience of the interior. This is enabled by the building’s load bearing concrete structure which is reduced to a minimum. Roof and slabs are supported by four elements only: elevator shaft, two pillars and one inner column. Through the large cantilever spans, a space is created which enables all four corners of the house to be glazed and column-free.".

"The interior of the Haus am Weinberg is arranged into spaces of varying atmospheres and spatial qualities, with the four glazed and open corners allowing daylight to reach deep into the house. The materialisation of the interior of the house further accentuates the overall atmosphere of light by means of natural oak flooring, natural stone and white clay stucco walls speckled with small fragments of reflective stones".

"Custom made features and furnishings are also integrated to blend with and accentuate the architecture. In contrast, at the core of this light and flowing structure is a multi-purpose darker room, dedicated to music, masculine conviviality, and the hunt. In this room the ceilings and walls have especially designed acoustic dark wood panels which transform from an articulated relief on the ceiling into a linear pattern as they descend the walls and meet the dark wooden floors".

"The volume and roofline of the Haus am Weinberg react and respond directly to the sloping landscape of the site, where the scales and inclinations of the slops which sculpture the vineyard setting are reflected in the volumetric appearance of the house. The design of the garden landscaping extends the organisation of the house, with the garden forming a continuation of the diagonals of the floor plans and each division creating different zones for function and planting"

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Dalene Cabin

This beautiful cabin, which was designed by Tommie Wilhelmsen, is located in a spot which offers privacy along with the view of the sea thanks to its secluded location. Located on the island of Rennesøy, the cabin is laced extensively with floor-to-ceiling windows in its top floor which offer those who reside the perfect view of the blue waters.

The Dalene Cabin opens up towards the south to offer plenty of natural ventilation and sunshine while it uses dark firpannels on the outside. Oak flooring and oak features are used on the inside to ensure the aesthetics of the home are just about perfect.

"Concrete is used wherever necessary, but it seems like the designers have mostly preferred wood with the one used on the outside being more resistant to the rough weather that can hit the region once in a while".

Special thanks to Decoist for the above image and information.

Garage Conversion

Owned by Darren Issac and located in Camden, UK, this bright and beautiful home, once a garage, was designed by Knott Architects to perfectly use every inch of space to make the home look much larger than it actually is.

Downstairs there is a bedroom and a wetroom which is nicely separated by glass screens and a large wardrobe that also acts as a divider. A small office is also present which overlooks the street, whilst also doubling up as a guest bedroom whenever needed.

"A staircase leads to the upper floor and is made of rolled steel with a patina of rust. Fireplace logs are stored underneath the staircase. The calf skin LCW chair and the typographical tramlines poster form excellent additions that bring in an element of vintage outlook to this house".

The upper floor consists of a living room, a dining room and a kitchen area. The floors are made up of engineered oak boards over the top of an underfloor heating system. The bookshelves and the kitchen cupboards have been built into the pitched roof.

Special thanks to Decoist for the above images and information.

Casa YM

The Italian studio Es Arch has recently completed the Casa YM project. The architects have renovated this penthouse located in Rapallo, a city in the province of Genoa, in Linguria, northern Italy.

"The penthouse is located above a block of flats, built in the sixties. The flat area is smaller than the lower floors, due to the façade withdrawing that generates a great terrace, all around the flat. Every room is connected with the exterior ".

"A flat roof defines the volume, closed by a sequence of walls and large windows. A larger quantity of light comes in the interior spaces from these windows, which offers a favoured view on the hills of the up country and to the coasts ".

"The glazed kitchen, that seems polished by water, with glazing lavastone floor, is strict in shapes and refines in materials. Visible through the glazed sliding doors, it’s a quiet presence that change the space of living room, becoming an extension of the latter when the doors are open ".

"The oak floor, chairs, wooden furniture, some walls paint, suspension lamps, take up the colour of sand. Suspension lamps remind naval lanterns, emphasised by the contrast with other more discreet lights, as recessed lamps. Three elements organise the corner with the sofa. Green colour that remind underwater landscapes, the contrast between the different colour of the walls, and the upper bookshelves that change the measure of the wall. These solutions cancel the corner perception ".

"The same ‘sand theme’ characterises bedrooms and bathrooms".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Pearl Valley 334 House

Antoni Associates have designed the interior of the Pearl Valley 334 house for a young family in Cape Town, South Africa.

"A young family re-locating to the Western Cape was looking to change from city living to a more relaxed country lifestyle in which to bring up their young family and settled for the exclusive Pearl Valley Golf Estate located near Paarl, just 30 minutes away from Cape Town".

"The initial architectural footprint for the house was designed by Gauteng based architect, Gardiol Bergenthuin. The owners approached Antoni Associates to create an interior that was modern but with an emphasis on ‘barefoot luxury’ and use of natural materials".

"The house has been designed around a central landscaped courtyard with a reflective pond. On entering the house, one crosses a foyer bridge which is flanked by wet-walls cascading down ribbon-stone clad feature walls. The formal lounge is a large double-volume cathedral-like space with a trussed ceiling which is overlooked by the mezzanine study situated above the formal dining room". The dining area features a horizontal strip-fireplace which has been placed level with the european oak dining table. A feature hooped-glass chandelier cascades over the waney-edge French oak table.

"The family entertainment level flows out onto the front terrace and infinity pool, incorporating a number of entertainment areas such as a TV lounge, an indoor grill and a bar adjacent to the courtyard. Floating steps over the reflective pond lead to the bar area, which has a decked spa overlooking the pool. The bar area is also linked to an outdoor ‘boma’, which is a casual enclosure with seating area around a fire-pit".

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above images and information.

Olive Grove Small House

The New York based Cooper Joseph Studio has designed this small guest house overlooking the Dry Creek Valley near Sonoma, California.

"The house, only 850 square feet, is situated towards the top of an olive orchard. The siting takes advantages of the prevailing breezes and shade, while utilizing an existing open area so that no trees were removed. The goal was to create an energy efficient, compact dwelling where the clients could sit in shady areas, entertain, and enjoy views across the local agricultural lands".

"The house balances soft textures and grey tones with bold dramatic forms and select moments of color. Nestled into a field of (recently planted) lavender, the Small House has an all-seasons tempering microclimate. In addition to the lavender on the south and west, native grasses and varieties of rosemary maintain this native, reductive palette both inside and out".

"The house is organized on three levels that descend with the hillside. The entry level contains a full hallway bath as well as a bedroom with a bathroom and balcony. The mezzanine contains the kitchen and an eating counter, with direct connection to a dining deck at the same level. On the lower level is the living room at grade with an adjacent deck. Floors, steps and wall tile are a soft grey limestone. The woodwork is oak, stained grey with inserts of clear acrylic resin. The resin catches sunlight as it moves across the cabinetry face. The metal is painted steel and the countertops a grey eco-composite".

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Crab Creek House

The Washington based studio Robert Gurney Architect has completed the Crab Creek House in 2009.

"This house, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is built on the foundation of a 1960s post and beam modern house. The foundation was kept in an effort to retain it’s proximity to Crab Creek, an estuary that feeds the Chesapeake Bay".

"Strict environmental regulations prohibited enlarging the pre-existing footprint or adding significant square footage to the house. The house is organised around a linear bar, clad in white stucco".

"From the central spine, additional spaces are articulated as independent volumes, projecting vertically and clad in either wood or metal siding. The spaces are also organized around a swimming pool and views toward Crab Creek. A continuous wall of glass and covered porch heightens the interaction between inside and outside".

"The primary spaces in the house are oriented toward the water views, have high ceilings and are light filled".

Throughout the interior a range of different materials are used including white oak flooring and millwork, black slate, white marble, rusted steel and translucent glass. Additional materials used on the exterior include field stone, bond-formed concrete, bluestone and ground-faced block.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

La Luge

The Montreal-based studio Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes has completed the La Luge project in 2011. This nearly 1,300 square foot single story secondary home is located in La Conception, a village and municipality in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada.

"Mostly dedicated to the enjoyment of Quebec’s winter, la Luge is a secondary home lying in the midst of the forest".

"Nestled on its site, surrounded by dense vegetation preserving the house’s privacy, la Luge integrates a private spa which occupies almost a third of the usable area, adding on to the traditional countryside living spaces".

"While La Luge as a compact scheme meant to accommodate a large number of guests, the house’s spaces can be reconfigured into diverse geometries: using large sliding doors, the users may transform the children bedroom into a playground or a guest bedroom, more of less opened onto the main living spaces".

"The project is made out of two embracing volumes set on different levels - one dark, one light, thus creating distinct spaces, freely merging one into the other".

In this wood shell made of essences of cedar, solid oak and walnut, the atmosphere is soft but bright.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Chalet Brikell

Developed by Pure Concept, this 12,900 square foot luxury chalet is located in the heart of Megève, a commune in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

"Chalet Brickell enjoys the luxury stunning setting at the heart of Megève. The exceptional chalet, with its guest house, blends in perfectly with the smalltown. Situated at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by nature, it seems to have found its natural place. Designed to precise specifications, down to the tiniest detail, it offers the rich sobriety of noble materials, the subtlety of elegant combinations, and a superbly functional space".

"The staircase, like a modern drawbridge, allows access to the large living room. The transparent blend of metal, glass and steel elegantly complements the warm harmonies of antique woods, Pure lines create a comfort that is absolute simplicity. The overall effect is one of a neutral, modest, welcoming refinement that makes the perfect setting for works of art or original shots by renowned photographers".

"The teak terrace, against a backdrop of snow, is the perfect place to relax in the sun. White sets the inside-outside tone and gives a warm comfort to an open-air relaxation area. Custom-made sun loungers, for moments of leisure, adopt a deck-chair look with high-quality yacht-style details".

The master bedroom includes meticulously executed finishing touches and exquisite attention to detail. "The master bedroom owes its beauty to the skills of Italian craftsmen, specialised in the construction of yachts. Walls made of wood meet an oak floor covered with thick rugs, while shagreen leather frames the doorway.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Crabill Modern

The Raleigh-based studio Tonic Design have completed the Crabhill Modern project, which is a two story contemporary home located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA.

"The Crabhills bought the five-acre property near Hillsborough, NC, with the intention of building a simple, modern home in a clearing amidst a lush forest. They wanted the house to disturb the natural environment as little as possible and accommodate local wildlife".

"The architects sited the house carefully to avoid disturbing the natural environment, to maximise natural lighting, and to frame views of forest, including a favourite three-trunked tree".

"To reflect the rural setting, Petarca specified simple, inexpensive materials and references to regional agricultural structures rendered in a modern architecture composition".

"The first floor includes the entry, a spacious kitchen/living/dining room, a studio/music space, and two decks. The second floor includes the master bedroom suite and two bedrooms for the Crabill’s children, who share an extra loft space and bath".

Materials such as oak flooring were used throughout the residence, to add a real natural, yet contemporary feel to the home.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information. 

Domain Road Residence

This new 4 level luxury residence is located in South Yarra, a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The contemporary home features five bedrooms all with en-suites, a 5 car basement and a lift.

"Built to the highest specification, the home is set over four expansive levels and configured to take full advantage of its private South Yarra position and sunbathed Northerly aspect. Featuring bold floor-to-ceiling windows and towering 3.7 metre ceilings, the ground floor comprises a vast open plan living and dining area extending to generous Northern and Western terraces, grand library with designer timber shelving and large kitchen with Miele appliances".

"A sweeping circular staircase leads up to an impressive full-floor rooftop retreat/main bedroom complete with a skylit dressing room and wall-to-wall robes, polished en suite, private bar and extensive outdoor terrace; four further bedrooms with built-in robes and en suites, and separate media room/second living domain. The basement houses a secure car park for five cars, walk-in cellar and multiple storage facilities".

"Equipped with every conceivable amenity and technology, the home features a commercial-grade internal lift which serves all four floors, laundry room, cloak room, two additional powder rooms, zoned heating and cooling, hydronic underfloor heating, C-Bus wiring, advanced security and garden irrigation system". Superlative finishes include Corian and Caesarstone benchtops, double-glazed glass and oak flooring throughout.

Special thanks to HomeDSGN for the above images and information.

Voelklip House

Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects have designed the Voelklip House located in Voelklip, Hermanus, South Africa.

"The brief called for a beach house suitable for a family of four, on a vacant site in Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, RSA. The site is a long thin rectangular subdivision stretching from the sun facing street and mountain side to the undulating tree tops of the milkwoods and fynbos and the coastline on the South".

"The gently sloping site presented the opportunity for a split-level living space allowing lounge, dining to be placed above the bedrooms on the ground level, all enjoying dramatic sea views. The double volume family room and kitchen form the heart of the home and form the connection between the sea facing accommodation and the internal sunny terraces, pool and garden. The main garden courtyard functions as a large wind free and sunny outdoor entertainment environment".

"Materials were selection to enhance the beach-house character of the building while at the same time adding touches of sophisticated detail: white cement screed floors to the public circulation areas; lime washed oak floors to the lounge, dining area and lower-ground floor bedrooms; off shutter concrete ceilings; and external timber decks and pergolas, cladding, screens and shutters providing security, privacy and protection".

Special thanks to Contemporist for the above images.