KENGO KUMA: The Starbucks
March 16th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
One of the things I most loved about Japan was unexpectedly discovering the most spectacular contemporary buildings sitting on quiet corners.
I love the work of many Japanese architects – to me, they set the standard. However, for this post, I wanted to portray the wow factor I’m talking about. As in “Wow… I went to buy a cup of coffee and the Starbucks looked like this!”.
This Starbucks, situated in Fukuoka in Southern Japan, is on a street that leads to one of the most major shrines in Japan, Dazaifu Tenmagu. Traditional 1 – 2 story Japanese buildings line the street. Architect Kengo Kuma sought to harmonize with this townscape by creating a fluid space through the use of an intricate woven system of sticks.
Here, the architect alludes to the traditional use of wooden post-and-beam structures in Classical Japanese Architecture and the system of joinery where wooden edges and pegs are used to secure joints (without the use of metal fasteners for primary structural roles). Also characteristic of Japanese architecture, the structure itself is the main element of the architectural design (it is not hidden within walls but exposed to express form and pattern).
Kengo Kuma’s expressive use of space reminded me of what architecture can do. Working in interiors has its rewards, but I must say, seeing his projects gets my heart racing, mouth watering and quite frankly, makes me miss architecture.
For more of Kengo Kuma’s brilliant work click here!
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Marbella House by A-CERO
March 6th, 2012 § 3 Comments
Okay, so I’ve been magnetically attracted to the Mediterranean lately (but then again, who doesn’t love it?). While happily browsing the internet I came across images of the Spanish firm, A Cero’s, exquisite Marbella house.
On the exterior, linear planes clad in horizontal bands of stone fly over reflective ponds filled with river stones. Large irregular black-tinted windows appear like the openings to sacred tombs. And, both by night and by day, the entire place is strategically lit to accentuate the architecture.
On the interiors the minimalism continues with neutral tones and finishes accentuated by statement pieces like the amazing kitchen chandelier. In the rock garden, there are 3 spectacular root sculptures from Luminaire.
Beautiful.
CHARLES STREET TOWN HOUSE by Messana O’Rorke
February 25th, 2012 § 2 Comments
This 1853 Greenwich Village house recently got a facelift and new bones. Yep, the historical façade was restored according to the books while the interiors were gutted and reinforced with a new steel structure that allowed for a more open layout.
Observe the small details that make the interiors like the cove lighting where the ceiling meets the exterior walls, the flush threshold between the bathroom and wood flooring, and the gorgeous rectilinear sinks.
The offset fireplace is a charming minimalist move in the bedroom.
And, I love this white marble backsplash with grey veining climbing up the walls.
For more on this project visit:
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My New Home: THE DEN
January 22nd, 2012 § 3 Comments
I’ve started 2012 in a new home! We closed January 3rd, moved in January 4th and slept here for the first time on the 5th. It’s now been almost 4 weeks. Naturally, the more time passes by, the more ideas pop into my head for what the spaces can become.
First of all, I realize I have completely contradictory tastes. There is the minimal modernist in me that came from my days in architecture school. There is this love for everything natural and vernacular from my childhood in Rio de Janeiro. There is this inexplicable love for nostalgic and old things that I believe can be traced from my love for history and travels abroad. There’s also my feminine side that’s attracted to shiny, soft and pretty things like silk, cashmere, crystal, flowers, colors, and ornate patterns.
How do I mesh all those things into 1 home? Well, I’m guessing it might be a bit tricky, but it’ll be a fun challenge.
Today I used my den for the first time. I now have a white Parsons desk, a reading lamp and a camel leather office chair. I want to paint one wall with chalkboard paint (an idea I’ve been drooling over for sooo long) and place the Distressed Wood Bookshelf from West Elm immediately adjacent to it. In front of the bookshelf I want to create a cozy reading spot with a beautiful leather butterfly chair, a fluffy pillow and a floor reading lamp. The desk area will have two Parsons desks with Ikea Besta cabinets above and under-cabinet task lighting.
So here’s my take on creating a modern vintage vibe (a marriage of my loves) while providing all the necessary storage for my den.
Hope you like!
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ALEMANYS 5 by Anna Noguera
July 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I’ve always been in love with new architecture that interjects with old architecture to create another being. In these buildings the charm and history of the past still remain while the appearances of modern design make the old relevant and fresh through it’s new interpretation.
Barcelona based architect, Anna Noguera converted this 16th century house in Girona into two holiday apartments. In the dining seen in the photo above the thin steel casing framing the opening and the contemporary furniture beyond is a perfect example of this harmonious marriage. Below, the beauty of the placid rectilinear pond next to the ancient stone wall is so simple but elegant. The project is an exercise of balance between time and materiality.
Photos from Article @ Dezeen Mag
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PROJECT FEATURE: Casa BOX
June 29th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Project Feature vol. 1
This 387.5 squared ft getaway on the shores of Sao Paulo was designed by Brazilian architects Alan Chu and Cristiano Kato as a maid’s quarter . The petite treasure of a building was featured in the 8th Brazilian Architecture Biennale in 2009.
This often forgotten programmatic space was given a new importance in the Casa Box. The upper bedroom juts out from the large boulder adjacent to it as the kitchen grows organically below. The structure is at once modern and contextual with the use of linear forms and natural materials such as stone and wood. In this not-so-humble abode the simplicity of the design establishes its elegance and beauty. Oh, and did I mention the view?
(Photography by Djan Chu)
