Displaying posts from August, 2022

Inês Bordado Ferrão and Sónia Caldeira Ferrão of Lisbon-based landscape architecture firm Oficina dos Jardins create magical outdoor spaces that are so beautiful with their raw, unstructured approach. This is a random assortment from several of their projects. (Photos: Hugo Santos-Silva, Francisco Nogueira, Fernando Guerra, Yuki Sugiura)

A few weeks ago I went to lunch with a group of managers from work and one of them who happens to be very French, was talking about how beautiful les Îles-de-la-Madeleine are, or as the English folks call them, the Magdalen Islands. I had somehow never heard this this small archipelago before, located in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (and while part of Québec, the islands are in fact closer to the Maritime provinces and Newfoundland). A crazy coincidence that about a week ago while I was perusing the portfolio of Montréal architecture firm La Shed (that I am admittedly obsessed with) I came across a project in their portfolio called Les Rochers, located on the southernmost island of the Magdalens, called l’île du Havre Aubert. La Shed designed a single family home and guest house in this spectacular setting. Inspired by the traditional gabled house, the architects are proposing a contemporary version whose asymmetrical shape is a nod to the Maison des Îles and its drum. Each in their own way, the two residences integrate the drum into the home, unified in a single volume. The interior architecture of the two residences is imbued with the aesthetics of seaside houses. The interior design is meticulous, but remains sober. The guest house is like a holiday home reminiscent of the rusticity of fishermen’s huts, the atmosphere is relaxed. The main house is larger and more refined. The line work is rich and delicate, giving depth and texture to the interiors. Architects create a balanced language for soothing interiors.

Original character with a sympathetic update, antiques mixed with modern pieces, considered curation and a love of colour and pattern. You can’t get much better than that. Oh yes you can! A practical yet pretty laundry to top it all off. The Pickwick Project by Indianapolis-based Anissa Zajac of House Seven Design.

” Inspired by the homes of local fishermen, they designed a set of 3 cabanas: one for the living room, one for the kitchen, a third for bedrooms, connected by wooden walkways put on the sand. Suduca & Mérillou used traditional local materials: straw, wood, bamboo, lime. ‘We wanted to create a pure atmosphere, light and relaxing. Special care is given to the terraces runs much of the holiday life. Inside, the walls are whitewashed, beams in a monastic whiteness. Materials raw and poor, straw, reed, string, raffia relay around vintage pieces of Calder, Gio Ponti, Royere and Lurcat.”

This beach house in Portugal by Daniel Suduca and Thierry Mérillou of Galerie Saint Jacques may seem like a reworking of a simple fisherman’s cottage but don’t be fooled. This rough luxe getaway is overflowing with style and all those fabulous vintage treasures by Calder, Gio Ponti, Royere and Lurcat.

Built in 1903 during the most prosperous time in Mallorca´s modern history, Mon Cor was an architectural marvel that set the benchmark for 20th century living. Today, over 100 years later, our design & development team pursues an unrelenting challenge; to respect this rich heritage while transforming the property into a heartfelt home that sets the benchmark for 21st-century living. After passing through an unassuming courtyard, we arrive at the main garden with its central swimming pool (heated, salt water), dining area, and plentiful sunbathing spaces. This home has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, private garage, wine cellar….and is absolutely stunning. Renovated and for sale via Archie and Monty Berrow of Berrow Projects.