Displaying posts labeled "Modern"

Individual designs that fit individual needs. Sustainable, contemporary, with an emphasis on local materials and respect for site. Two projects from GASS Architecture Studios, located in Johannesburg & Cape Town, South Africa. The first, Westcliff Pavilion is a steel framed structure located on a ridge in Johannesburg. The two bedroom dwelling lightly touches the ground while its floating stone wall is a play on the local stone building materials and the notion of wall as sturdy and grounded. All in all a beautiful modernist box that sits softly in its surrounds.

The second project is the renovation of a flat in the Johannesburg suburb of Killarnery. Working within the existing constraints of the building but celebrating the beauty of its wall of windows, it is the new kitchen, though, that is a triumph. Oak and black tile ground the room and play against the light bright views from the windows.

This property that I also found on Savills UK site knocked my socks off. I have always dreamed of having a house on a lake, where it’s built so that it’s floating over the water. This home is exactly that. It’s set on 6.39 acres in Killearn, a village in West Stirlingshire and the surroundings are gorgeous. This contemporary home is over 3400 square feet, was designed by McInnes Gardner Architects and completed in 2006. Wowzers – to have all of those massive windows looking out onto the water and that beautiful property, and to not have to disturb the view with curtains. What a dream! Oh – and the pond is 2,5 acres and is stocked with rainbow trout. Dinner is served? 🙂 Details here.

…coincidentally to bring you some more real estate stalking! 🙂 Have no fear, this time I’m taking you to the UK. I was having a looksie around the properties offered by Savills UK (I find UK homes so fascinating – such creative architecture and interior design) and came across a few that caught my eye.

This first property is located in Sion Hill, near Bath (one of three UK World Heritage Cities). It’s a modern home built in 1985 that has undergone a recent transformation by current owners. The exterior is clad in dark vm-zinc, and I love the look so I am taking note as I am always on the hunt for intriguing exterior housing materials for my future home. All the living areas have solid American white oak floors with polished concrete in the kitchen/utility with under floor heating – YES! I really love this home – inside and out. I think it could use a bit of warming up with the furnishings but WOW what I could do with these spaces!! Details here. (A peek at another home after the jump)

Now for that little peek at another I mentioned. It’s a cute (but pretty spacious at 1504 sq ft and 100 sq ft of terrace) and recently refurbished ground and first floor maisonette with private entrance, located behind Bryanston Square. I think it’s charming, and I am smitten with the kitchen (love the idea of wall spotlights all around to light up the entire work surface) and outdoor terrace that I would spend SO much time enjoying. Details here – OOPS it’s now sold!.

Back in the summer of ’08, Jo blogged an interior design and architecture firm called Dowling Kimm, headed by Julie Dowling and Morissa Kimm. It seems these days the firm is called Dowling Studios and is the partnership of Julie and her twin sister Leslie, with Julie based in California and Leslie in New Jersey. The following homes I think are all located in California and are so gorgeous! These ladies have a serious liking of modern homes with massive overhanging roofs and slathered in timber. Simple yet stunning. Less is more and taller is better here.

Carolina Escada and Patricia Landau are the talent behind architecture and interior design firm Escala Arquitetura, based in Rio de Janeiro. Whether their clients are into contemporary, retro or modern design, they’ve got it going on. I must mention that I am head over heels in love with the sofa in the photo above. Classic lines with modern upholstery in my favourite colour.