Displaying posts labeled "Concrete"

A Spanish villa located in a pine forest in Valakampiai a district in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.  Not quite what you are expecting?  Interior designers Gabija Pažarskytė and Karolina Juodeškaitė of Dizaino Virtuvė have been inspired by the Mediterranean for this four storey house nestled amongst the trees. A materials palette of  concrete, rattan, stone and ceramics recalls Spain while for me the standout features are the cast iron tiles and statement blue spiral staircase rising from the foyer to the first floor. Handcrafted timber beams, a thatch roof, stylish sauna area and the very first squat toilet we have featured on the blog complete the highlights. 

Photography by Kernius Pauliukonis

This is a captivating example of how to warm up a concrete shell and how to create cozy zones from a very open concept layout. This penthouse renovation extends across the four top floors of this Maastricht residential tower “Polvertoren’. The tower originally built in the 60s as accomodation for hospital staff has been completely renovated inside and out. A completed reworking of the floor plan on each level meant that each of the spaces connect in a way suited to the lifestyle of the owners. A brief from the clients referencing the tv show Mad Men, designer Jean Prouve and hotels across the world as sources of inspiration set the tone and style of this detailed renovation. Original features such as the formed concrete walls have been restored and left exposed to sit harmoniously against a mix quality new and natural materials. Designed by Nicemakers.

“Curiosity and experimentation are two fundamental principles directing the studio’s approach to shape, texture and color, while always unifying spacial constraints to give birth to unique environments.”

Yes it’s true Paris-based interior design firm Batiik Studio are curious and experimental in their approach to the rooms they create but that doesn’t mean their work is slapdash and half baked. It’s the fine details that stand out for me here. The pattern in the concrete floor, the waves in wood and concrete in the bedrooms and the way they meet other surfaces, the lighting, the shelving, the table. I could go on and on. It’s all in the details.

Photpgraphy by BCDF Studio 

A juxtaposition of a concrete bunker with an expansive view of Sydney’s Pittwater, of solid and void, light and dark, rough concrete and smooth timber. A cool cave on a hot Australian day. Khayalethu Residence by Triibe in collaboration with CHROFI.

Jo shared the 17th century, 3,300 sq ft Milan palazzo of designer Vincenzo De Cotiis a few years ago and I recently stumbled upon it again and because it truly is one of the most exquisite homes I have ever seen I wanted to share it again. This is what taking the time to peel back years and years of layers can get you. And when you leave it raw and untreated, it is absolutely magical and something to be revered for years to come. (You can read more about it here and here)

Photos: Simon Watson, Joachim Wichmann