home design

Chalet Béranger by Noé Duchaufour Lawrance – A Piece of Heaven in the French Alps

by laser on February 5, 2012

in home design

The mountains offer endless sources for imagination and rejuvenation. We have a natural attraction to these enormous structures and formations. These landscapes and their unique energies inspire many architects, too, in creating something extraordinary. Today we are going to take you to the gateway of heaven, to the French Alps and visit the heavenly Chalet Béranger. If you have an appetite for heights, fresh air or just want to see a stunning home then you will love this place.

The chalet was finished in December 2011 and was created based on the plans of furniture designer and architect Noé Duchaufour Lawrance. It is located in the small French commune of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville that is part of the world famous ski area Trois Vallées (Three Valleys).

At first you might think that the building is just one of those many alpine chalets that are standing nearby looking up and down on the amazing mountains and valleys. The traditional exterior is a bit misleading and doesn’t say too much about the carefully designed interior. But once you step into this gigantic home – that totals about 530 square meters – you enter into a world of sophisticated design. All the details, furnitures, déco elements and textures are unique and far from conventional. Some objects were created by Noé Duchaufour Lawrance himself. Everything inside was inspired by the surrounding scenery, the valleys and mountains.  If you are looking for a rustic and woody atmosphere then this is not your place – the dominant color is gray and concrete is the most frequently used material throughout the chalet. The five contemporary bedrooms with en suite bathrooms are located on one of the three floors of the building. If these rooms are not enough, then the guests can also be accommodated in the detached 100 square meter barn area. This space comes with two lounge areas, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The architect and designer has done a great job and created a unique area for social gatherings too. A huge, cozy living room is the central point of the chalet where the family and guests can come together and sit around the heavenly fireplace. On cold winter days or hot summer nights one can relax in the jacuzzi area or have some fun in the game room as well.

We honestly believe that Chalet Béranger is absolutely stunning in every way. There are plenty of amazing architectural pieces around but this one is truly an exquisite place.

The Balonne River House designed by Fulton Trotter Architects, Clean and Green

by Ascent on February 3, 2012

in home design

The Balonne River in Saint George, Queensland, Australia is now adorned with an ultra modern, yet quite homey 5 bedroom work of art. The environmentally friendly Balonne River House was designed by Fulton Trotter Architects.

The house is broken into three distinct sections, each with a separate purpose. Closest to the river is the master wing. This section features the master bedroom, master bathroom, study, and nursery. The living wing is home to the ultra modern kitchen which boasts exposed air ducts and curved countertops. Also contained in the living wing is the formal space and family space. In the last wing of the house is additional bedrooms, baths, and a full sized guest room. There is even a lovely covered deck that provides wonderful views of the surrounding nature while keeping you out of the hot sun.

Since the house is located in such a remote location, a requirement was that it be self-sufficient. This home actually acquires all of its own water and processes its own waste. To accomplish this there is a twenty thousand liter rainwater tank with filtration system and a waste water treatment system. If that’s not enough, the treated waste water supplies the garden with nourishment to the plants.

Drew House Promises a Luxury, Wild and Unforgettable Camping Experience

by laser on February 1, 2012

in home design

Most of the time when we go for a hiking or camping holiday the accommodation has a secondary importance. Going back to the wild nature and returning to our roots are the biggest driving forces when we undertake such adventures. We can easily give up some everyday luxury and comfort – at least for a couple of days.

In the sub-tropical Queensland, Australia, near the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef, there is unique camping spot that doesn’t require your sacrifices. The Drew House promises both luxury stay and closeness to the wild and raw nature, thanks to its amazing planning and architectural solutions. Designed by Australian office Simon Laws Anthill Construction, the holiday home was created for an artist family for complete relaxation and rejuvenation.

The unusual building structure is located in a beautiful setting south of the city of Gladstone, on the east Australian coast at the very start of the Great Barrier Reef. There are many elements and great ideas about the Drew House that will probably inspire you. The prefab, tube-shaped sleeping and living pods along with the bathhouse were first built in Brisbane – about 500 km from the spot – and were transported only later to the site.  Family gatherings and social events are encouraged by the roofed structures that link together the pods with the huge outdoor living and dining spaces. Plenty of minimally finished wooden materials – for example Australian hardwood timber – were used excessively throughout the luxury campsite. Yet, this unique place is not just about comfort and luxury – it is very environment-friendly, down-to-earth and almost completely self-sufficient holiday home. The electricity is powered by the Sun as well as the hot water; rainwater is collected in tanks and a community water recycling system has been installed also.

Indoor and outdoor spaces create a special atmosphere for perfect family holidays nestled amongst amazing scenery and sub-tropical climate. The Drew House is a great example for living in harmony with our nature.

‘Wood Old House’ by Tadashi Yoshimura Architects Preserves the Traditions

by laser on January 27, 2012

in home design

Japanese people are proud of their centuries-old traditions and unique architectural style. When it comes to home design they like to play with the contrasts and combine the old elements with the new. Pure design, perfectionism, simplicity and functionalism are equally important for them.

About 40 km from the Japanese metropolis, Osaka towards East lies another big city called Nara. Not so many people know that this town used to be Japan’s imperial capital long-long time ago. There is another reason, however, why we visit this place today: we present a great renovation project from Tadashi Yoshimura Architects.

The project work – named as Wood Old House – focused on a restoration and redecoration of an old traditional wooden townhouse, that was built about 180 years ago. During the transformation of the old house and adjacent buildings and garden area, most of the old elements have been replaced. Apart from the main structure and façade, one cannot see the original characteristics anymore.

The huge porch with a striking wooden table is one of our favorites. This area is a gateway to the lovely garden area and also functions as a bridge and connector: it connects tradition and modernism.

The architectural office made their clients – a young couple and their children – very happy and created an amazing living space of 139 sqm, that radiates balance and harmony. This is truly a peaceful island nestled in a big bustling city.

Wind Dyed House is a Japanese Dream

by Ascent on January 26, 2012

in home design

The Japanese architecture has always been a point of inspiration for many people and places around the world because some of the things they create are just so spectacular. Today we’re going to be taking a look at an example of that with the new Wind Dyed House.

This house was created by Japanese architect Kazuhiko Kishimoto and overlooks the ocean cliffs in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan. Because of the way it all has been designed the house almost feels like it has been embedded within the terrain because of the low-lying nature of it. This also allows for the least amount of impact possible on the environment.

Each floor of the house has been made up of different materials to give the residents a different perspective to the outside. The stone floors and plastic coated concrete walls that are featured on the first floor make a great impression and are accented by soft shadows created by the outside landscape through the paper screens. The open-air living space is a great touch as well that just about anyone should be able to appreciate.

 

 

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