A sense of historical permanence is always attached to an ancient material like brick…Even more so when an extensive remodeling of a two century old brick house is in need to be done! That’s Old Bearhurst. A converted nineteenth century farm building once used for drying hops is now enriched by a wooden extension to accommodate a client’s growing family. Continue reading →

The Ijburg House is a minimalistic style house in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The building is a part of a modern block-building row, the main elevations of which are finished in different styles and materials.

Our house is settled between 2 brown-colored buildings and contrasts them by the snow-whiteness of its elevation. The virgin white plane has a transparent window void on the ground floor level. This huge window-lacuna includes the entrance door and goes up with an inclination angle opposite to the angle of the stair flight, which is visible through the window. Such a facade composition is not just a minimalistic design but an interesting art installation. Continue reading →

When the light strikes over the deepest darkness… Guidance and clearness stand as the most precious values of light even in the architectonic phenomenon! The Orangery testifies such a noble act of liberation. A south London house was “exorcized” from a darken condition that once had turned it into a heavy gloomy place to live.

A new small extension with a total area of 56 sq. m. brought some enlightenment to all its inhabitants! How? In a very distinct way… Continue reading →

Sometimes I see a house and start loving it immediately just because of single feature… In the case of this summer house, located in Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Tuscany, Italy, such a feature was the travertine cladding of the outer walls. Some might say this is not a sufficient reason to mention this house, but I’m already smitten… Continue reading →

In Tokyo, Japan, there’s a modern building, for two families, stacked in a very narrow site – It’s incredible! I’m talking about a house that is nine meters high, but less than two meters wide in the skinniest part of its whole volume. House K testifies the infinite creativity and capabilities of Japanese Architects to transform less to so much more… Continue reading →

Can you picture a house with a facade full of distinguishing symbols? In Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, there’s an exquisite example of such an unusual concept that is both powerful and original! House 77 is a three story building (with a total floor area of 232 sq.m.) placed between two existing houses in a very narrow and deep site. Continue reading →

A box in box… A usual concept for architects mainly used to solve various challenges. In Tokyo, Japan, a concrete house explores this unique conceptual solution. A three story building with a total floor area of 99 sq. m. plays a curious volumetric game with two different “boxes”. One proclaims a heavy appearance being firmly rooted into the ground while the other aspires a lighter suspended condition. It’s almost like concrete and glass working as Siamese twins! Or simply a reminiscent image of a drawer pulled out from a box… Continue reading →

Living in a traditional farm with all the modern comfort – Isn’t this the most amazing combination of all? In Soglio, Switzerland, a vacant structure previously used as a barn has turned into an exquisite single family house.

However, I can assure you that this fine building transcends all the usual solutions of redevelopment… Craftsmanship stands as a distinctive symbol of the magical merge between traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Continue reading →

This is not a tea- or garden house project! Surprised? This is a rest stop at the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route. This wonderful place is located in Norway and – yes! – it lies amidst the famous land of fjords and mountains of incredible beauty. If you have never been to the fjord land, here is one more reason to be inspired for such a journey. Continue reading →

Did you ever hear about Seal Rocks in New South Wales, Australia? It is a small coastal settlement famous for its many premier surfing beaches… A little paradise on Earth, perfect for leisure and relaxation! The project that I’m about to present is a fine example of how to synchronize architecture and nature in a very efficient way.

Seal Rocks House 4 is a holiday home with a building area of 219 sq.m. developed on a single floor. The conventional domestic program was simplified and optimized to obtain the perfect adjustment between site and construction. There’s just one bathroom, a big outdoor shower and one living space… but plenty of room on the hammock deck or on the day bed. Outdoor spaces are clearly transformed into daily living spaces… Continue reading →