Displaying posts labeled "Concrete"

Like a cave, rock on rock with primordial forest and majestic mountains. Luxuriously monastic and elegant in its simplicity. Serene yet strong. Raw and masculine. Scree, rock and gravel. Warmth, shelter and style. High country with Lake Wakatipu as view. The Mountain Retreat, Central Otago, Queenstown by New Zealand architectural firm Fearon Hay. Edgy and awe-inspiring.

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Talk about hiding your light under a bushel! If turning your back on a busy inner city street and looking inwards is your thing then how about this Surry Hills, Sydney house by Anthony Gill. Minimalist interior doesn’t mean minimal style. The original house sits back from the neighboring terraces. Courtyards at either end. Sliding gate entry. It’s all about polished concrete, light, clever storage. Love the massive concrete kitchen bench. It’s a hard faced house in a tough part of the neighbourhood sitting in the gritty street. Hiding its beauty.

A smile twitched across her lips as she started to climb the stairs to bed. The loft was perfect. She couldn’t believe that it was now her home. She had worked hard to make it happen. The open space, her carefully curated classic furniture, the artwork, the hard edged industrial vibe with just enough creature comforts…. Was that an alarm she heard? Time to get up already? Oh Jo you have been dreaming again! The Oriental Warehouse Loft by Edmonds + Lee. Sweet dreams indeed.

Ever imagined what heaven looks like? Maybe just a little bit like New Zealand. And when the scenery is so spectacular then Te Kaitaka, a retreat located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka in the South Island is the perfect design solution. Inspired by folded paper it is by architects Stevens Lawson. Te Kaitaka has just been announced as NZ Home of the Year, the third win by Stevens Lawson. Their’s is a quest in design to respect the site, to explore the genius loci and the cultural values.  “Architecture of humanism and spirit.” So true.

Sometimes it’s either black or white. You either like it or you don’t. It’s either hard and cold and impersonal or it’s clean and slick and modern. It’s monumental or monstrosity. Sometimes it’s also just a little grey. Although I couldn’t move in and be truly happy there  are elements of this Melbourne home that I really like. The gardens, the concrete floors, the art, the space. Then the little voice in my head goes”nooooo… not for me”. Does it tick the boxes for you or do you want to close the door on it? I’ve been real estate stalking again. The link is here while it lasts.