Centrala

Aleksandra emailed us the other day with the following: "I would like to share with you an apartment project realized in Warsaw, Poland. I have never seen any polish design at your blog and when I found "softbox" I couldn't resist. I had to write to you. It is about 70 square meters apartment, which instead of walls have curtains made from the same material that airbags are made of. Those curtains divide the apartment into bedroom, workroom etc. I think it's interesting and beautiful design. The central part of the apartment, called "hardbox" contains among others the kitchen and bathroom and is custom made out of old furniture. The company which designed it is called Centrala, designers are Kuba Szczesny & Gosia Kuciewicz." I really enjoy featuring creative living spaces on the blog so a big thanks to Aleksandra for wanting to share this one.

Here are more photos of Centrala's work I found on their website.

Sander Architects

"Sander Architects seeks to find a balance between poetry and pragmatics. Starting with essential elements: environment, program, site restrictions, we encourage forms to develop which satisfy these basic needs while embracing the possibility of the poetic." And it's true! Beautiful sensitive and creative designs that are also at the forefront of green design.It's all about the power of light and space, site and spirit. I've concentrated on mainly interiors here but a visit to Whitney Sander's design firm's website reveals so much more including detailed explanations of each highly crafted building.

Clare Cousins Architects

Wonderful modern homes designed by Melbourne architectural and interior design studio Clare Cousins Architects. I love the use of unusual materials and colour particularly the turquoise colour blocking. These are great examples of integration of internal spaces with the outdoors, so important in climates like Australia's. It's all to do with sympathetic orientation, materials and building design. No McMansions here, just stylish contemporary dwellings that are not only comfortable family homes but break out of the cookie cutter mentality. I've included some of their commercial work too. Such clever ideas, the shelves, the simple paper lanterns.

Nonya Grenader

After devouring the portfolio of architect Nonya Grenader,, I am inspired to grab a crowbar, tear down my house and rebuild it. Let me show you what I'm talking about. This first house is 500 sq. ft. It was refitted with a new core of bath, kitchen, and mechanical elements. The scruffy patchwork ceiling and floors give the place so much character. Most people would have repainted. I LOOOOOVE IT!!!

The next one is the Extra Small House designed for one or two people. It is 500 sq. ft and had a budget of $25,000. Storage and services were placed along the west wall so that the living space could remain uncluttered. Great use of raw materials.

More of Nonya's work because I just can't get enough....

If I were a house .....

Long time readers will remember a series of posts I did featuring rooms that spoke so much to me that I could see myself not only in them but as them. I had the same longing to "be" a place when I first saw this Creekside Guest House by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. The firm is well known and respected for their consideration of place and user, the meaning and sensibilities, the possibilities and sensitivity. Their portfolio is diverse as is expected from a large firm but it is this simple yet refined building which not only addresses but embraces its site that took my breath away. I love it. I want to live in it. Take the time to view their work particularly their residential, renovation and adaptive reuse projects. They are truly a gifted firm.