Friday, 19 November 2010

Cologne Conversion by BeL Associates








Originally built to house railway workers, this turn of the century apartment building in Cologne, Germany was recently converted into a single family home by BeL Associates. Dramatic use of penny tiles highlight the otherwise restrained pallet of painted surfaces and concrete. I am particularly keen on the shower tucked under the eave - a really endearing quirk. Spotted first on THE BRICK HOUSE, then on Dezeen. See more at BeL Associates.

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

Stable Acre by David Kohn Architects















First spotted on Remodelista, this residential project in Norfolk, England is intended to evoke feelings both of ruin and of reconstruction. The architects adopted the existing brick pavilion of a largely ruined 19th century stable to serve as the main entryways. The use of painted brick, cast concrete, and an abundance of light make for a surprisingly bold contrast. And in taking on the challenge of "growth" in a home, promoting the structure to evolve over time, Kohn seems to have created a new sort of timelessness. For more, visit David Kohn Architects.

Thursday, 4 November 2010

Stair Drawers!

Spotted on Dwell, I was just reminded of the stair drawer phenomena. While I'm not entirely sold that it's the best way to go for storage (drawers are a lot of work and relatively likely to fail, compared to cabinets accessed from the side), I am still eager to try it out myself. Now I just need to find a place to climb up...

West Village Studio by MESH Architectures







First spotted on Remodelista, this small but unusually satisfying studio in NYC's West Village sports "a balance between modern lines and raw, vintage materials." Rough-hewn floor boards and neatly integrated shelving speak to the happily medium feel of the overall design. See more at MESH Architectures.

Monday, 1 November 2010

TH house by Baqueratta











Spotted on Design Boom, via NOTCOT: A residence in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan by Baqueratta architects. According to the architects, the broad intention of the design is to "frame" spaces, from inside and out. With that in mind, the pairing of large windows, skylights, and courtyards have a very simple implication: Viewer and subject. See more at Design Boom or, for Japanese speakers, Baqueratta.

Beach House by James Huniford





While trawling through Remodelista's archives I rediscovered this Long Island beach house by James Huniford. While a former partner at Sills-Hunfiord, James' design of this restrained space is decidedly more modest than the firm's other, high-profile projects. The white walls and unpainted wood panels create a definite club house feeling, while a few upper-crust furniture pieces (see: Donald Judd dining set) bring a bit of diversity. See more at Huniford.