Displaying posts labeled "Concrete"

Rising up like a sturdy weed in a pavement crack. A spindly, winding shoot of a building reaching for the sun between the city structures. An ultra-compact concrete vertical house over 3 levels in what was previously a parking space for 2 cars, six by seven metres. And when you have wound your way to the top what is your reward? A perfect small garden with very large view. Small House by Domenic Alvaro.

Views that go on forever anchored by the raw textures of concrete, rock and timber. Dramatic volumes defining open plan living areas. Bespoke furniture and high end finishes. Stairs that take you on a tactile journey. A pool terrace that taunts the view and a master bedroom suite that rivals any 5 star resort. Sensual and sensational, definitely a statement home. You’ll find me on the terrace indulging in the view and some rays. De Wet 34, Bantry Bay, Cape town by SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects & OKHA Interiors.

I’m in awe of this stunning home in London that was recently renovated thanks to the talent of DOS Architects. Our client’s brief was to open up and extend the lower ground floor whilst also extending the second floor and modernising the whole of the house. Our intervention included the lowering of the lower ground floor whilst also allowing bigger openings towards the rear of the property and therefore increasing the natural light into the building throughout. The result is an integrated, utterly liveable home marked by clean, modern finishes which only complement the noble backdrop of this classic Victorian townhouse.

Perched on the water’s edge on an island south west of Stockholm is the H-House by Arkitektstudio Widejdal Racki (whilst practising as Arkitektstudio WRB). Like the Surfers House in a previous post, the building is about reacting to the changes in the weather. Roll open the windows, enjoy the open courtyards, bask in the summer sun and take in the view but when the wind blows and the temperature drops there are covered, protected areas and an outdoor fireplace.

Surf’s up and so is my pulse. Beautiful white boxes punctuated by large expanses of glass, the house is by Sweden’s Arkitektstudio Widejdal Racki (work completed while the firm was Arkitektstudio WRB). Open it up to the beautiful site or close it up and shelter inside when wild weather rolls in. Casual, stylish and perfect for a surfing weekend. What am I saying? Just surfing? You would find me just sitting on the patio being hypnotised by the ever changing sea.