Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

A bar in Tuscany

Posted on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 by midcenturyjo

It’s Saturday night. What are you doing? I thought you might like to join me for an aperitivo by the sea. Perhaps we’ll stay for dinner. Yes let’s do dinner as well. I know once we get to La Macchia in the Maremma area of Tuscany we won’t want to move on. The design and renovation of this 16th century farmhouse by Milan-based architectural and design studio Quincoces-Dragò & Partners.

 

Tepoztlán Lounge

Posted on Thu, 20 Sep 2018 by KiM

I’m not sure which I prefer – this structure, the pool, or the fact that this is in Mexico. Architecture by Cadaval & Solà-MoralesTepoztlán is a small town nestled between rocky cliffs located to the South of Mexico City. Located in this incredible context and surrounded by an astonishing landscape, the Tepoztlán Lounge is the first building completed of a larger project that includes a series of bungalows of different sizes and designs, which can be rented by years, months or days. The lounge is set to be a central communal space for leisure in nature, and is located in the perimeter of a stunning lawn. The project is a balance between interior and exterior, a construction of an in-between condition, an inhabitable threshold, which becomes the main space of the project; the limits between the open and the contained space merge to produce a single architectural entity.

The design establishes three separate living quarters designed in accordance to the three intended uses of the space. The first holds an open bar with a kitchenette, together with restrooms and dressing rooms; the second is a play area for children that can also be used as a reading room when temperatures drop at night; and finally the largest container is the living area – an enclosed, tempered and comfortable space for conversation, TV, etc. 

While the three built containers give continuity to the central space by means of their use and space, the adjacent patios qualify it, while providing diversity and idiosyncrasy to open space. The design of the swimming pool is part of this same intervention, and responds to the desire to characterize the spaces. Its formalization resonates with the layout of the lounge, while incorporating by its nature the possibility of a multiplicity of ways of using water.

Architect on Site: Eugenio Eraña. Collaborators: Tomas Clara, Manuel Tojal. Structural Engineer: Ricardo Camacho Photos: Diego Berruecos, Sandra Pereznieto

Farmhouse in Palamós

Posted on Mon, 17 Sep 2018 by midcenturyjo

Original materials, historical features (the towers date back to the 16th century), a mix of antiques and a bold contemporary touches. I love the charm. I love the fun. I love the careful consideration that has gone into the restoration of this Spanish farmhouse by London-based interior designer Ana Engelhorn.

 

A modern Hamptons barn

Posted on Mon, 17 Sep 2018 by midcenturyjo

I don’t know about your part of the world but here in Australia “Hamptons” can be a dirty word. There is a group of people who will paint any piece of old furniture white, toss in a mix of coastal influences and load the look down with disparate blue and white china and throw cushions. Rugs will be striped, pineapples and parrots may or may not appear (an Australian touch perhaps?) and the only deviation from the universal blue and white palette is the occasional soft grey (usually painted over old kitchen cupboards). Then there are those who despise this faux Hamptonization of the local vernacular architecture. They believe the Hamptons look looks best in, well, the Hamptons … where meanwhile there is a change afoot. This modern barn home (yes actually on Long Island) by Michael Del Piero breaks the stereotypes. No clichéd blue and white, no beachy-keen tchotchkes or striped cotton rugs. Instead there is a wonderfully airy and bright home, richly textured, approachable and sophisticated, simple yet beautiful and as for the outside space … the perfect spot to spend your summer. A new Hamptons look I wouldn’t mind being adopted in other parts.

 

 

This industrial loft-y home in Montreal’s Mount Royal neighbourhood is the home and workspace of architect Natalie Dionne and her family. It’s brilliant U-shaped design allows the urban environment to be blocked off and for the outdoors to be enjoyed in peace. I love courtyards!!  And with lots of sliding and garage-style doors, it brings the outside right in. In this climate, this is a unique feature that makes this a really special home.