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White washed … comfortable & unfussy

As the end of summer approaches here in Sydney Australia , I can’t help but look upon this project of Marilena Rizou’s and wish I was there. Set on the Greek coast and in sympathy with traditional architecture, the interiors display a languid and desirable way of life. White washed walls and exposed timber beams set the stage for comfortable and unfussy furniture finished in...

The glass house

Located on the waterfront of Tokyo in Ten-nousu wedged between office buildings sits a home that reflects beauty both inside and out. Semi hidden behind a veil of glass bricks the wall offers glimpses of gardens beyond the facade. Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP the once office building was renovated to provide a peaceful home within a busy city. The glass wall not only...

the cliff face house

The Cliff Face House designed by Fergus Scott Architects reminds me of a house that I once lived in Kirribilli, our house like the cliff house hugged the sandstone rock face and looked out over the Harbour. Sandstone and the Harbour represents quintessential NSW much like blue-stone and the Yarra river represent Melbourne . Located north of Sydney overlooking Pittwater Harbour &  Ku-ring-gai Chase National...

Design Duo Gilles et Boissier

The gilt mirrors, imposing artwork and oversized light fitting create somewhat of a novelty within the dashing white interior of the apartment of French design duo Gilles and Boissier. The white palate of the space enhances the architectural history of the apartment while setting the stage for a restricted yet luxurious interior and even though the design is understated it certainly doesn’t lack...

Max Architects … Brighton’s Golden Mile

A family residence in Melbourne’s coveted bay-side Brighton's Golden Mile commissioned for the brother-in-law of one of the directors of Max Architects was always going to be tricky, working for family. However the construction process was further enriched by way of  involvement of a third brother-in-law as the builder, Jard Constructions... one can only imagine the negotiations on this build! The underlying design criteria for this...

Lauenen Residence by Studio Seilern

Located in a small Swiss village the brief for the chalet asked to provide two distinct apartments. Studio Seilern set about by splitting the chalet into two interlocking L-shapes, two distinct residences which share one common entrance. The two apartments could also be reconfigured into one large residence, with minimal reconstruction if need be. All materials are kept in their rawest and most natural form,...

Chick-a-Dee

In 2006 multi-talented Dutch designer Louise Van der Veld and the Chick-a-Dee smoke detector took out the Mooi uit de brand design competition thanks to the product’s unique blend of design, innovation and social relevance.  But it’s the Chick-a-Dee’s vital safety role that really places this product at a unique intersection of whimsy and safety. This high pitched little bird packs a warning call like...

Uma Casa by Andre Luque Architects

Uma Casa located in Camacari Brazil designed by Andre Luque Architects was created with a commitment to build around the natural terrain removing only one small tree from the plot preserving the natural vegetation. When excepting house guests the owner did not want her personal privacy compromised so the house is distributed in two separate blocks which is something I can relate too as an...

Leather + Steel by Studio Seilern

London based Studio Seilern Architects combined two twin terraces behind historic facades to create one large family home that presents absolute design excellence.The house is composed of one main body of three stories to the street and a two-story extension to the rear garden. The terraces being located in a conservation area provided a challenge for Studio Seilern meeting conservation criteria and materializing the vision...

Russian Delight by Marina Gisich

This Russian project by Marina Gisich brings together an astonishing art collection and chic design into one dynamic space.  By far, the incredible light feature in the entry hall with its organic, ethereal and almost whimsical form stands out as quite unique and situated as it is directly  opposite as people walk in, sets the tone for the rest of the apartment. Through out the...