Displaying posts from April, 2012

This next project by architect Alia Bengana is quite different from the previous one. It’s a 450 square metre home in Algiers, designed to preserve the existing greenery as much as possible: thus the main entrance located along a stone wall which penetrates inside a double-height space, is carried out by climbing stairs directly in line with a palm tree which is viewed in its entirety through a glass wall. All the entrances of the houses have been designed as paintings open to the surrounding nature, framed by palm trees, orange trees or yuccas. I love it when architects pay this much attention to the beauty of the surroundings and frame the views within the structure. Brilliant.

Alia Bengana is a French architect from Algiers currently based in Paris who kindly sent us photos of a few of her unpublished projects to share with our readers. This first project is the complete refurbishment and division of a 195 square metre Parisian apartment into 2 separate apartments. This is great – I dig the mid-century/modern/vintage feel, that marble bathroom is heavenly and helloooooooo herringbone floor!

If my last stalking home left you cold with its unsympathetic, icy and bland extension (you were cruel in your comments) then perhaps this North Carlton house might be just what you were hoping for. It’s another “mullet” house. That’s a new term I heard for this type of renovation. Like a mullet hairstyle or dress. Short/small in the front and long/large in the back. This house though…. oh the boho meets contemporary style vibe. And a great kids house too. I would love to see this one shot magazine style. Those wide angle photos and artificial lighting are so unflattering. Link here while it lasts just don’t pass out when you see the price

Beachside living with a contemporary vibe. A touch of ethnic chic, lots of warm natural materials against clean whites. Crisp and fresh like the sea air. No seaside cottage cliche here. Hand crafted materials, found objects, organic elements. The perfect retreat. Beth Dillard of Notre Maison in Rosemary Beach, Florida.

P.S. Check out her blog too.

I could really use a break from the chaos of everyday, and when I came across this home captured by one of my all-time favourite photographers Jordi Canosa I was momentarily transported to a gorgeous villa in Barcelona. A place where wonderful memories could be made and relaxation is essential – how could you not feel at ease in a place like this?

(Previous posts of Jordi Canosa’s work here)