Los Andes House
Situated at the base of the Andes Mountains, the aptly named Los Andes House is a recently completed residential project from Peru based architect Juan Carlos Doblado. The home is a striking modern design, partially embedded into the mountainside at one end and cantilevered outward at the other. The architect integrated a number of key design elements that take advantage of the scenic surroundings while still providing a functional living space. Most notably, nearly all rooms in the house contain floor to ceiling windows or sliding glass doors. This allows constant, unobstructed views of the Andes Mountains, regardless of room. Furthermore, each room provides a unique perspective and view of the landscape. Exterior courtyards complement the sliding glass doors and expand the usable living space. The transition between inside and outside becomes seamless when the expansive glass doors are open, reinforcing the home’s connection to its natural setting.
Silberfisch Modern Houseboat
With the cost of living in large cities constantly rising, the search for viable alternatives is constant. Flo Florian and Sascha Akkermann of design firm Confused-Direction had urban affordability in mind when they designed the Silberfisch houseboat. The house is a thoroughly modern floating home that, instead of occupying a valuable plot of land, is anchored in a body of water. In theory, the Silberfisch would allow residents to remain in a location indefinitely or relocate on a whim. It’s an interesting concept whose acceptance by the general public might be debatable. However, the eco-friendly principles underlying the house are universally appealing. Two of the primary “green” methods used in the house’s construction are a green roof planted with vegetation and the use of reclaimed wood wherever possible. Additionally, the house produces zero emissions. As home prices and eco-friendliness become increasingly critical issues, Confused-Direction’s Silberfisch houseboat may become a realistic option.
New York Times’ T Magzine – Spring Design Issue
T Magazine is now available for viewing online with their Spring Design Issue.
From the Moment: The spring design issue of T Magazine will put you ahead of the curve — in more ways than one. Our cover star is Greg Lynn, champion of “blob” architecture, whose first house was photographed by Raymond Meier. We also take a tour of an artful Manhattan town house that looks as contemporary now as it did the day the owner — who also designed it — first moved in back in 1973. William Shaw profiles Richard Woods, whose faux wood facades have the art world floored. Ambra Medda, the founder of Design Miami Basel, shows why she’s the fairest of them all; Frank Gehry takes us out on his sailboat, Foggy; and Alice Rawsthorn explains how a quirky, seaweed-like room divider became a runaway design hit. And there’s a lot more where that came from. Dive in!
Read Now – T Magazine
Source: The Moment
Tati Lamp
Italian architect Ferruccio Laviani’s latest project for furniture manufacturer Kartell, the ‘Tati’ lamp, is unique in its design and shape. Greatly resembling a mini flat-screen television, the Tati lamp is made out of a fluorescent circlet which is contained inside the TV-like box, and comes in four different variations, which set different moods. Its base, unlike in conventional table and floor lamps, is a neat glassy cuboid supporting the lamp, with the wiring in place. Along with his other creation designed for Kartell, the ‘Bloom’ lamp, Laviani will be exhibiting his designs for public viewing at Milan Design Week 2009.
More images of the lamp after the jump.
Trash House by Randy Palumbo from New York Times
Randy Palumbo is part of a recent wave of artists setting up homes in the California desert. Purchased in 2007, he established a specific set of rules for his recruits in the renovation of this tiny rock cabin and 2 1/2 acre property – do not use anything new. This design concept is a bit removed from the projects he works on out of his Manhattan-based contracting company, 3-D Laboratory. In this new era of “sustainability” and “green” construction, there are numerous products and technologies out on the market that cost an exorbitant amount of money. Mr. Palumbo asks,”what could be greener than building out of trash?”
The audio slideshow accompanying the article at NYTimes, takes readers on a tour of the multiple corridors that make up this fascinating and unique home. A bedroom door is made from old mattress springs covered with scraps of metal. Windows are made from recycled wood and furniture is obtained from yard sales and trash. Living room furniture and the upholstery fabric was purchased off of Ebay. Mortar walls is inset with various glass bottles and plates. A bathroom ceiling is made from old ammunition cases.
The complete article can be found at NYTimes. Images from the audio slideshow can be viewed after the jump.
Carapicuiba House by Angelo Bucci & Alvaro Puntoni
Here is a house the brings together the notion that interior spaces can be just as visible as the exterior. This home/office located in Carapicuiba, Brazil tries to fuse the qualities of home and work together by allowing its functional spaces to be efficient and conducive for both business and living conditions. There are two different areas for the house: the ground (home) area near the street, and another up top (office) that also acts as a roof terrace. You can get through each areas via bridge which is made of steel. The ground level area co-exists with the woods, valley, gardens, and has a pool. The office in the upper area, resembles a tube which can be opened at both sides allowing more views. (Architects: Angelo Bucci & Alvaro Puntoni)
More images of the Carpicuiba House after the jump.
1000 Acres Vodka Packaging by Arnell
1000 Acres Vodka enlisted the talents and services of the Arnell design firm to handle their brand packaging. The result are these beautifully conceived shapes fit for display on any fancy liquor shelf.
About Arnell
Peter Arnell founded Arnell in 1979. Arnell is a world-renowned communications, design and brand creation firm specializing in total solution, from first concept to market. Areas of expertise are product and brand innovation, industrial design, graphic design and packaging design, retail presence, experiential design, identity, advertising, and new media integration.
Source: Daily Icon
O House by Philippe Stuebi Architekten
Upon seeing a house like this, one’s first impression might be the thought of it being some type of sculpture or monument. The O House by Philippe Stubbei however, is a home with a white concrete facade that has circular openings, giving this illusion. Within the structure of this Switzerland abode is an interior that reflects the outside. Mini holes are also evident on the ceilings and walls which hold this really streamlined home together. A mostly white interior, the spaces, rooms, and stairs are very linear and clean. There’s also a 25 meter pool that is situated half inside the house, and the other half outside the house, making it one of the most unique pool areas anyone has ever seen. And if that’s not enough, a car storage area inside the home also sports a gigantic atrium for natural lighting.
See more images of the O-house after the jump.
Eggo House by A69 Architects
The Eggo House by A69 is a self-contained home situated within a garden. For some houses the garden is located in the back area, which most guests will hardly ever see. With the Eggo House, the garden becomes the centerpiece of the home. The ovoid as it is called, gives the dwelling a dominant natural space, rather than a dominant architectural space. Inside, the house contains an independent study, a private zone, terrace, and social rooms. The kitchen is connected to these social spaces, while the dining and living room all have the characteristics of a glassed pavilion. Continue reading to see the rest of the house.
Apartment Interior by K2LD Architects
This Apartment interior was done by K2LD Architects. The warm coffee brown and black color environment features a very minimalist approach in its furniture and overall appearance. The lighting is also very subtle and unique in terms of placement, as it shines partially on the floors throughout the space. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, which makes for a great livable space.
