Courtyard Architecture by Studio Junction
Architects Christine Ho Ping Kong and Peter Tan, the couple behind architecture firm Studio Junction, designed and built this combination live/work space in Toronto after a long search in 2001. Originally a contractor’s warehouse and storage yard, the couple chose to start with the most basic structure they could find to allow themselves maximum creative freedom when designing their future home and office. The result is a dwelling that, from most exterior angles, still looks distinctly industrial. Inside, however, multiple open air courtyards create bright, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for a family of four. Stone flooring and wood on nearly every other surface foster an organic atmosphere inside, contrasting the industrial surroundings and cinder block exterior walls. A new glassed in pavilion sits in the former storage yard and houses the day to day operations of Studio Junction.
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TV Easel by Restoration Hardware
If you always wanted an easel but don’t fancy yourself much of an artist, Restoration has a solution for you: the TV Easel. An excellent alternative to a media center or table-top, the solid hardwood piece holds flat-screen televisions up to 60” and has integrated component storage, which means all wires can be kept hidden and secure. And unlike a media center, this ebony finished easel looks good without the tv–it is also suited to display artwork and mirrors. Available at Restoration Hardware–catalog and web only.
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Villa Astrid by Wingardh Design
Strict Swedish building codes set the parameters for the design of Villa Astrid, a home by Wingardhs Design, located on a rocky hillside in western Sweden. The home fulfills the requirement of 3.5 meter eaves and steeply sloped roofs, but does it in a distinctly modern manner that embraces the natural state of its site. The L-shaped home is placed diagonally against the hillside, and appears to slice into the terrain of the site. In fact, just the opposite is true, and instead the terrain becomes a prominent interior feature, with jagged yellow stone protruding into different living spaces. The stone’s most dramatic use is in the master bathroom, where an entire wall is composed of rock, creating a cave-like atmosphere.
Outside, the home is clad with copper panels with a dark natural patina that contrasts the landscape. The walls have an insulated concrete core, allowing the interior of the home to remain comfortable. The position of the house against the hill creates a protected exterior space onto which the primary living spaces open.
Villa G by Saunders Architecture
In Bergen, Norway, local resident Thomas Pfeffer partnered with Canadian architect Todd Saunders to design Villa G, a home situated on the southwest coast. A monochromatic white exterior allows the home to blend into its surroundings during winter months and visually distinguish itself during summer months. Whitewashed wood adorns the exterior, with planks of varying widths providing visual interest upon close inspection. The white theme is carried into the interior as well, where it is complemented by bright furniture accent pieces and large scale artwork.
When he initially approached Saunders, Pfeffer had a specific list of features he wanted integrated into his home. It was important that audio and visual equipment and its accompanying media storage be incorporated seamlessly without intruding visually into interior spaces. Pfeffer explains, “We knew that we wanted a house with clean lines without any visual noise and clutter.” The clean line theme is continued throughout the home, with elements such as the stair taking center stage. The stair rises in the center of the home and is constructed from a single piece of 1 cm thick steel weighing over 2000 lbs. Pfeffer’s specific objectives and close working relationship with the architect created a home tailored specifically to his family where he expects they will, “live for a very long time.”
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Blairgowrie Court Residence by Frank Macchia
In lieu of the strict linear geometry used to design most modern homes, Australian architect Frank Macchia chose to combine curved elements with rectangular volumes to create the Blairgowire Court Residence in Melbourne. Macchia’s use of curves is most prominent in the home’s front elevation, where two tall, gently rippled walls act as the axis around which several boxes are arranged. The contrasting shapes and a varied material palette create a layered, visually dynamic exterior whose presence is undeniable. Once inside the home, curves manifest themselves more subtly. The curved walls visible from the exterior occasionally protrude into living spaces, while an organically shaped soaking tub pierces a wall in the master bathroom. The juxtaposition of different materials and textures continues inside too- wood, stone, concrete, tile, and glass all adorn different surfaces throughout the home. Outside, heavily vegetated water gardens and a lap pool combine with a patio and rooftop deck where residents enjoy views across the bay.
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Petrovic Residence by Bojan Simic Architecture
A two story glass atrium flanked by symmetrical living spaces serves as a wholly modern addition to a traditional Victorian residence in St. Kilda, Victoria. Designed by Australian firm Bojan Simic Architecture, the addition references Victorian design principles, but interprets them through a modern language. Its symmetry, for example, pays homage to the strictly symmetrical plans implemented in Victorian homes. On their website, the firm describes the soaring atrium as a “time passage symbolically linking the early 20th century with the early 21st century.” Inside, a curvilinear vaulted roof and modern furnishings eschew any historical references. The spaces on either side of the atrium open fully onto a sprawling deck via glass panels that slide out of the way.
Villa Drusch by Claude Parent
French architect Claude Parent, whose work lies equally in written theory and physical structures, designed Villa Drusch, a home which embodies his “theory of oblique architecture.” Built in Versailles in 1963, the home is a literal embodiment of his theory. Constructed primarily of concrete, Villa Drusch appears to be a home turned on its side, a bold architectural move which still evokes interest today. Living spaces are encased in aluminum-framed glass, which naturally lights the open interior. A staircase inside follows the slope of the exterior structure, leading to a second level where the ceiling, contrary to the rectilinear exterior, curves dramatically inward. Most surfaces inside are also cast from concrete.
Samsung Fridge Concept
For a fridge that looks as cool as the items that will go in it, look no further than this Samsung Concept Fridge by GRO Design. Unique in design and construction, the futuristic looking refrigerator features door hinged functions to be installed both for vertical and horizontal alignments. Vertically, it’s practically a post-modern sculpture. Horizontally, it looks more like a piece of furniture and could be ideal as a television stand or tablescape.
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Swedish Mill House by Wingardhs
In Malma, Sweden, the Mill House was designed and constructed as a modest vacation getaway where its inhabitants can indulge in the Swedish traditions of bathing and the sauna. Designed by architecture firm Wingardhs, the space is dominated by the sauna and requisite dressing/undressing areas. Water is a recurring theme throughout, with ponds bordering all sides of the home, and a pool for post-sauna bathing at the rear. Traditional Japanese design permeates both the interior and exterior of the home, with sliding glass doors, wood clad walls, and a translucent gable at one end of the bedroom. Dining and sleeping functions take a backseat in this vacation abode, which promises to provide its owners with as much tranquility as they desire.
Catskill Mountain House by Audrey Matlock
Simple rectangular forms and fluidity between interior and exterior spaces characterize the Catskill Mountain House by Audrey Matlock. Prominent exterior features include white framework which extends past the home, tying the stepped exterior terrace to the glass-walled body of the house. A large cast concrete wall anchors the north side of the home and shelters the terrace, pool, and outdoor fireplace from a rocky slope on the opposite side. Within the home, uses transition from public spaces near the pool to increasingly private spaces at the other. Regardless of use, full height glazing allows for panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains from most rooms. The interior employs a mostly monochromatic palette of black, white, and gray. Heated and polished concrete floors underlie run the length of the home, complementing slate accent walls and ebony stained ash cabinetry.
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