Via Lattea – Glow in the Dark Furniture
Italian furniture manufacturers Meritalia present their original sofa collection to the public, named ‘Via Lattea’. Created by Mario Bellini for Meritalia, ‘Via Lattea’, made out of recycled fibers, is an attractive, avant-garde air-filled sofa collection which glows in the dark, helping to make your living room stand out from the rest when the lights are turned off. According to the Meritalia website, ‘Via Lattea’ is “a project that goes against the general trend and is in constant evolution, based on the use of substances and materials that are alien to the traditional world of padded furniture.”
See more of the Via Lattea set after the jump.
IJburg House by Gabriëls Webb
Located on Ijburg Island, the aptly named Ijburg house is a recently completed project from Amsterdam-based architecture firm Gabriëls Webb. The home is located in the midst of an architecturally progressive development, but manages to break the trend of closed, vertical homes that tend to be imposing and unwelcoming at street level. Volumes cut away at its corners paired with liberal use of glass and transparency gives it a character distinct from its neighbors. The home’s plan allows a family to live using a system of private and public spaces- a children’s “zone” on the lowest level contains a kitchenette and full bathroom, while the main level contains communal spaces, and the upper level houses the parents’ studio space. Residents can either co-occupy the main level or retreat to their respective private areas. Private and communal spaces are indicated through the use of materials on the home’s façade.
See more of the house after the jump.
Lakeview Residence by Locati Architects
Located in rural Montana, the Lakeview Residence is perched on a hillside, surrounded by scenic, heavily wooded property. Designed by Montana based Locati Architects, the home provides impressive views of the nearby mountains. The architect made an effort to ensure the interior of the Lakeview Residence was tied to its natural surroundings with extensive use of natural materials. Providing a warm, inviting retreat from the snow covered mountains was also a priority in designing the interior. Consequently, most surfaces in the home are either wood or stone. Floors, ceilings, and structural members are constructed from wood of varying species and tones. Stone types and colors are also mixed throughout the interior, covering floors, accent walls, and fireplaces. The overall effect is a hospitable, textural environment fitting of its context.
See the rest of the house after the jump.
House of Diffusion by FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects
The House of Diffusion, designed by FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, is a residence in Shiga, Japan. It is a striking, white composition that uses intersecting square volumes as its primary design element. The House of Diffusion is the complement to the architects’ House of Inclusion which shields its inhabitants from the exterior and is focused on an interior courtyard. The House of Diffusion foregoes an interior courtyard in favor of carefully censored views of its surroundings. Windows are placed specifically to afford inhabitants views of the landscape, but block views of the immediate neighborhood. The house’s name is also a result of its interior arrangement which uses flexible interior spaces which are “neither single nor too much divided.” Rooms are able to change definition and overlap one another.
See more of the House of Diffusion after the jump.
Villa 1 Home by Powerhouse Company
The Villa 1 Home, designed by architecture firm Powerhouse Company, is a thoroughly modern home set in the woodlands of Holland. Standing in marked contrast to its natural surroundings, the transparent volume is a product of client demands reconciled with strict local zoning codes. Holland’s zoning forced Powerhouse to embed part of the house underground and position the airy upper portion above. The lower level contains the garage and bedrooms while the upper level contains public living spaces and additional bedrooms. Thanks to the private location, a majority of the home’s walls are glass, affording views of the forest. The view and solar orientation were major factors in determining the home’s design. Its solar orientation allows maximum sun exposure during the cold season and minimizes solar gain during the warm season. The interior of Villa 1 is a sparsely furnished environment punctuated by curved, wood-clad masses that house bathrooms and utilities.
See more images of Villa 1 after the jump.
Bate-Papo Stool
The Bate-Papo Stool from designer Flavia Pagotti Silva is a low, casual seat inspired by stools used in the Brazilian countryside. Its curved metal frame supports four plywood disks anchored by ball joints and joined by pliable fabric. The result is an organically shaped stool that conforms to its user. In Portuguese, the phrase “bate-papo” refers to informal conversation among acquaintances and the stool was designed to facilitate this type of casual interaction. The Bate-Papo stool is now available at the Moma store.
Push Button House 1 by Adam Kalkin
Adam Kalkin’s Push Button House 1 demonstrates how industrial products can repurposed as architectural elements, or as entire homes. The Push Button House was originally displayed at Art Basel Miami in 2005, and uses a standard shipping container as the structure of a home. Kalkin’s concept uses hydraulic power to lift and lower the sides of the shipping container, vastly expanding the usable living space. His design incorporates bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. Though not actually viable for use as a home, Kalkin’s Push Button House is one of many shipping container concepts that utilize an object that might otherwise lie dormant.
More images of the house after the jump.
Belgravia Property by Rigby & Rigby
The latest project from luxury UK developer Rigby & Rigby is an extensively renovated 3900 square foot home located in London’s Belgravia district. The historic structure seamlessly merges classical architectural elements with modern interior furnishings. The blending of styles and eras creates an environment that respects its historic vernacular while remaining firmly rooted in the 21st century. One of the most notable features of the residence is the exquisite detailing and woodwork throughout. Special attention was paid to the restoration of the home’s original moldings and architectural embellishments. The home also unobtrusively incorporates the latest lighting, audio, and security systems. Paired with custom wood floors, furniture, and cabinetry, the home’s interior is a striking fusion of past and present.
See more images of the Belgravia Property after the jump.
SANCAL Maxie Chair by Enrique Marti
Presented at the Milan 09 Exhibition, the SANCAL Maxie Chair is an austere new piece of modern furniture designed by Enrique Marti. According to Marti, the chair embodies a “less is more” philosophy through a limited material selection and a simplified interpretation of traditional chair design. Reminiscent of Marcel Breuer’s classic Wassily Chair, the Maxie Chair utilizes a 12mm steel rod frame. The frame supports a seat and backrest constructed from either plywood or aluminum and upholstered in the buyer’s choice of fabric or leather. Furthermore, the chair’s use expands into commercial and institutional applications with its inherent ability to stack.
See more images of the Maxie Chair after the jump.
Old Stone Highway Home by Berg Design Architecture
The Old Stone Highway House, located in East Hampton, New York, is an ecologically conscious home designed by Berg Design Architecture. The firm touts it as their “modern interpretation of the Long Island Agricultural Vernacular.” Its overall shape and butterfly roof structure were inspired by a nearby 17th century barn. A concentrated effort to make the house as environmentally friendly as possible also impacted its design. To achieve their goal, Berg Design utilized a number of different building products and design methods. They include geo-thermal heating, radiant floors, structural insulated panels, and a roof with a non heat absorbing finish. The house was also oriented on the site to best take advantage of solar gain and block sun when appropriate. The result is a contemporary, 2200 square foot family home that minimally impacts its site.
See more of the Old Stone Highway House after the jump.
