Bookbox loft

The folks at mode:lina, a Polish architectural firm, emailed with another project they completed recently that I had to share (see previous posts here and here).
Our client unconsciously dictated to us the design.
"We love open space and flexible solutions, but we need cosy rooms and privacy as well."
"We love to be noisy; talk loudly while eating, listen to loud music etc. but at the same time J. Is an early bird and I'm a night owl and we are both light sleepers."
"We love and owe a lot of books, clothes, shoes and other cool stuff but but we have only 70 m2."
"Oh, did I mention, that we just can't stand the sound of slamming doors?"
To fulfill all the requirements we decided to divide 70 m2 flat into 4 zones that can be easily opened and closed with sliding doors. This solution provides privacy and acoustic barrier as well as flexibility in use of space. Central zone includes kitchen with dining room and a mysterious black box. The dark cube integrates the wardrobe, small library, working desk and a small kennel. 3 other zones are: living room, walk-in closet, bathroom / bedroom.
Early bird and night owl live in peace.

The cube is brilliant.

Click to read more ...

Crocodile Rocks

Unique Home Stays is a UK based company that offers accommodations in some of the most luxurious and grandest private houses in the UK and overseas. They have a little bit of everything, from castles to water mills, beachside havens to woodland hideaways. One of my favourite homes is called Crocodile Rocks, located in Elie and Earlsferry, Scotland. It's a Victorian beach house (such a quirky combo) that is completely modernized, and featured a really cool collection of artwork that I'm smitten with. Fresh and funky, this would be an amazing home to rent with a group of friends for a week-long party and sun and lots of frolicking on the beach. *sigh*
(Images © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com 01637 881942)

  

Click to read more ...

The best of both worlds

One minute I love modern...and the next minute I love rustic. Every now and then I come across a home that has both, but this home is pretty much the extreme of what is modern and rustic. It is located in Jaffa, Tel Aviv and from what Google translator told me, it is at least a century old and has been restored and modernized. I am taken with the juxtaposition of the stone arches with the polished concrete floors and sleek cabinetry and furnishings. (via Mimdap)

  

Click to read more ...

The screened living room

A couple weeks back Maureen shared with us a home featured in the Modern Home Tour in Austin. This time it's a home from the Outdoor Living Tour that is a DREAM!
As described by the architect (Cass Cheesar Architects): One of the main objectives of this project was to celebrate sustainable design while making the elements esthetically intriguing. The cypress rain screen was allowed to gray in it's natural time and the steel was left to create a seal of rust. Another objective was to site the project so the clients could experience the urban nature of their backyard while maintaining a small carbon footprint.
He called it The Screened Living Room. How I wish I had the space for something like this in my yard. WOW!! (Photos by Andrew Chan)

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz (again)

I have been a HUGE fan of interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of BNOdesign since I stumbled upon his website back in '07. I've blogged some of his projects in the past (here, here and here) and it's about damn time I blog his latest works. His designs can border on bizarre, but they're always fun, funky and bold - either completely bathed in shades of white, or wild colours like pink and turquoise. I think it's a hoot that he uses birds, feathers and fur often in his spaces. You need some talent and ballz to make those items work and not have the result be completely trashy.

Click to read more ...