Casa Zufferey by Nunatak Sàrl Architectes
In the midst of a quiet vineyard in Wallis, Switzerland, Casa Zufferey by Nunatak Sàrl Architectes emerges as a dark modern monument. The nearby L’Ardévaz Mountains are a prominent visual force and the inspiration for the shape and exterior materials adorning the home. The long, ascending roofline mimics the slope of the mountains and the black slate tiles recall the material nature of the landscape. The wood structure of the home was fabricated off-site and transported to the vineyard and assembled per the architect’s instructions. The unorthodox exterior appearance is only alluded to on the home’s interior with angled windows at either end and dramatic ceiling slopes. Otherwise, a concrete slab floor, fir plank ceiling, and tall white walls complete the uncluttered interior. The overhangs created by the home’s shape create exterior patios and covered parking at opposite ends.
See more after the jump.
Westwanda by Tag Front Architecture
A raw stamped concrete façade at the street belies the accommodating modern interior of the modestly sized Westwanda House by Tag Front Architecture, located in Beverly Hills. The lowest level of the home is blank and uninviting, but the architecture progressively transitions to a translucent, glass clad upper level. The interior spaces follow the exterior transition, with garage and utility spaces occupying the windowless lower level, bedrooms on the middle level, and living and dining spaces on the bright, open plan upper level. Recessed patios lie adjacent to the living and dining areas, expanding usable square footage and providing residents with views of the surrounding hills and approaching visitors. The interior uses a restrained color scheme, utilizing white walls, dark wood and stone flooring, and bright red accents.
See more images of the Westwanda House after the jump.
10 Grangegorman Villas by ODOS Architects
10 Grangegorman Villas, a residential development by ODOS Architects, was recently bestowed the honor of best house at the Irish Architecture Awards 2009. The urban infill project is an unapologetically modern home that responds to the restraints of its city site. The interior volumes of the home are clearly expressed through the exterior elevation, with three distinct levels defined by horizontal structural lines. A motorcycle workshop and garage occupy the ground level, and living spaces are located in the two upper levels. At the ground level entrance, occupants are immediately greeted by staircase that spans all three levels, creating visual continuity between spaces. The middle level contains bedrooms, and the top level is configured as an open-plan living and dining space. Full height glazing creates a bright, naturally lit interior. The glazing and exterior privacy screens make the house appear lighter and less imposing when viewed in its architecturally traditional context. A terrace on the highest level and partially covered patio at the rear extend living space to the exterior.
See more images after the jump.
Crate & Barrel Fulton Collection
Streamlined and paired with industrial materials, modern rustic moves further away from it’s vintage-influenced, cluttered roots with Crate & Barrel’s new Fulton collection. Solid teak and reclaimed teak veneer paneling and faux oxidized industrial black metal frames create an aesthetic usually considered too sophisticated for a mass retailer. Unfortunately, the collection is limited to media and office pieces, because it would be great tto see the aesthetic carried into a bedroom set. Available in-store and online.
More images of the media after the jump.
El Uro House in Mexico by 7XA Taller de Arquitectura
Designers at 7XA Taller Arquitectura carefully considered the final site of this modern home in El Uro, Mexico. They ensured that the two-story glazing that adorns the rear of the home had a breath taking view of the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains. The home’s impressive presence relies heavily upon a dramatically cantilevered upper level and a white roof plane that visually detaches itself from the lower mass of the house. A large concrete patio lies beneath the upper volume, sheltered from the sun, and a pool directly abuts a wall of windows, creating the impression that it continues vertically. Inside, marble flooring throughout, clean white walls, and soaring two-story volumes create a palatial atmosphere for inhabitants
See more images of the El Uro House after the jump.
Cassilhaus by Ellen Cassilly and Frank Konhaus
NY Times did a piece on Frank Konhaus who collaborated with his wife, architect Ellen Cassilly, to design and build their home atop a bluff in Durham, North Carolina. Oddly enough, in an effort to express his design ideas to his wife, he constructed a model of the rectilinear home from Play-Doh. However, he claims that the final product is exactly as he envisioned it. Dubbed “Cassilhaus,” the home is composed of two multi-level structures connected by a bridge in which a 900 square foot art gallery is housed. The gallery was an integral element during the three year design process, and Konhaus says that the space links their lives and art “in a very overt way.” Elsewhere in the 4100 square foot home, double height living areas, strict geometric linearity, and thoughtfully placed windows continue the gallery atmosphere.
Read the whole article at NY Times.
See more images of the Cassilhaus after the jump.
Casa en la Cala Galiota by Joan Riera + Francisco Barceló
Joan Riera and Francisco Barcelo designed this minimal home in Cala Galiota. From the street, onlookers are greeted with a blank stucco privacy wall, garage door, and dark recessed entry door. Upon entering the front courtyard, however, the nature of the home shifts noticeably. A lush green lawn, shaded patio, and slatted windows create a tranquil inner atmosphere, which is carried into the interior. Rich wood floors complement the understated décor inside, with daylight streaming in from the numerous windows. The slatted windows are carried onto the rear elevation, where they compose nearly the entire façade. The slats create dramatic shadows and strategically shade the interior throughout the course of the day, providing passive climate control.
More images of the home after the jump.
AUX level by Outline
Italian firm Outline is known for high-end speakers, but the Aux Level Speakers are perhaps the firm’s most diverse–with the ability to be used as shelves, angled slightly off the ground, or attached to a variety of bases, as well as coming in an assortment of colors and finishes (including custom leathers). Beginning at $2500 and topping out with the $3000 edition, designed by artist Roberto Muscinelli (who used fireworks and paint to achieve its distinct look), the speakers offer extraordinary sound in a customizable package.
More images after the jump.
Villa Okto by Touzet Studio
Okto Villa is a modern luxury property comprised of three separate buildings on a private island in Miami Beach, Florida. Designed by Touzet Studio, the 20,000 square foot home overlooks prestigious Biscayne Bay. The square footage is divided among a main house, a guest house, and a staff/maid’s quarters. The home pairs basic white stucco volumes with dark wood screening elements and Florida’s signature blue-tinted glass. A dramatic central stair case is one of many focal points throughout the house; its organic curves gently flow from one level to another, providing respite from the straight lines found elsewhere in the house.
See more images of the Villa Okto after the jump.
Modern Outdoor Furniture by LOLL Designs
Outdoor furniture takes a modern leap forward with Loll, producer of complementary geometric, durable all-weather pieces. Taking design cues from the Adirondack chair, Loll’s furniture–made out of HDPE, a ” superior grade recycled high density polyethylene”–manages to bridge the traditional with the ultra-modern, thus creating an aesthetic perfect for nearly any setting, particularly with the incredible variety of colors offered. Available online at Loll.com
See pieces from the Loll collection after the jump.
