One of my favorite projects for 2014 so far has been the Fall House in California by Fougeron Architects. It is crucial for a house with a view to make use of every part of that beauty. This is exactly what the architects did. Simple interiors, yet fully open spaces to an extraordinary setting.
Photographs: Adam Letch & Elsa Young
Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl True Architects (SAOTA) known as one of the leading architectural firms in the world, has just completed a wonderful villa in Johannesburg, South Africa. Just when you thought they can’t do a better job, the outdid themselves with this breathtaking property known as the 6th 1448 Houghton ZM project.
Architecturally, residences in South Africa have similar layouts in terms of a U-Shape architecture surrounding a central courtyard comprising the swimming pool and access to various parts of the house. This project was no different. What differentiates this particular residence is the fact that the interior design firm Antoni Associates and SAOTA both collaborated perfectly where you feel none overpowered the other. In many projects we see the focus may be on the architecture but the interior is usually dealt with minimally. Here there are details, various use of materials and interior finishes which I thought is what made the project feel more complete.
A number of bespoke furniture pieces were designed by OKHA Interiors, a company they usually work with, while other pieces were from well known brands such as Minotti.
Designed by Laidlaw Schultz Architects, this architecture wonder is the result of the beautiful combination of concrete, wood, painted bricks, glass, and beautiful white striated marble. It is lovely how the exterior is reflected into the interior of the house. The same materials and colors used on the facade continue to the interior but with more emphasis on the warm finishes such as walnut wood, fire, and a large orange carpet.
On the exterior however, the emphasis is more on the glass, concrete, and the beautiful pool. This continuity in use of the materials is what gives this residence its balanced feel.
Architectural icon after the other, A-Cero never refrain from keeping us in awe with the amazing sculptural designs they present. I am really impressed recently with Spanish designers and their works.
The design impact of this Open Box House, as they named it, can not be missed, the open spaces, the minimal use of colors yet strong volumes are what characterized it. The residence is located on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain and the design is inspired by Spanish sculptor Jorge Oteiza.
The interior spaces are overlapping and overlooking each other. A large mirrored partition serves as a background for a long fireplace, a glass bridge hangs over the living area and is adjacent to a large bookcase.
Natural light is plenty, tiles used are large grey ceramic tiles, furniture used is mainly from Fendi Casa. In the photo above you can see the Elisa chairs by Fendi Casa and the Canova console in black lacquer finish. The sofa is called Domino, also by Fendi Casa.
“Funky” is the new “trendy” when it comes to modern casual seating these days. With fashion houses, well known designers, and brands entering the furniture world, statements and designs that stand out are only natural. Roche Bobois introduced their “ Mah Jong” modular seating in the 1970s by Hans Hopfer . After working with Kenzo maison and Missoni home on several fabirc finishes, this year Roche Bobois decided to work with Jean Paul Gaultier . Roche Bobois presents its vintage Mah Jong sofa, in a new “bleu blanc rouge” look as opposed to the very colorful fabrics of Missoni and Kenzo. Personally I loved this years edition of this sectional. In addition to the Mah Jong, Jean Paul Gaultier worked on numerous items as part of his collaboration with Roche Bobois. The Mah Jong sectional, like modernism itself, has never gone out of fashion.
Another very attractive, modern, and hip sofa is the Confluences designed by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset. “Confluences may be considered to be a trailblazer in terms of the new trend for ‘counterforms’ as characterized by the interwoven yin-yang or puzzle-type effect. It will be just as pleasing to lovers of radical design, pioneers searching for a sofa which is totally different from any other, as it will to all those who are seduced first and foremost by the freedom of posture and unheard-of conviviality offered by its colorful, unbridled compositions.” You can get in monochromatic colors as shown or play with the colors and composition.Confluences was introduced by Ligne Roset during the 2009 Imm Cologne Fair.
Powered by WordPress
