Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Modern Countryside Residence in South Korea: Living Knot


Polymur Architecture have recently completed the development of a highly modern residence, situated in a rural agricultural village of Gangneung. The project is described as a modern interpretation of a traditional Korean villa with linear volumes to maximize the contact with external spaces. Its name- Living Knot- suggests the junction of the two main volumes, emphasized by the use of different materials.

The residence is not just divided visually, but also functionally: “The two rings of volumes sharing the circulation space of the house separate the private living spaces and the more public area within the house. In the design process, the interaction between them produces a certain indeterminacy which triggers spontaneous use of space.” Each interior is characterized by a large amount of openness, one of the main features “borrowed” from the traditional Korean villa design. [Photographs: Kyungsub Shin]

Enchanting Eco-Friendly Home With Gorgeous View Over the Pacific Ocean


The sunny California weather, the beaches, the fun and all the “glory” make people think that if there’s a paradise, this how it’s supposed to look like! With such a lovely view comes a lovely house. And if you manage to have a lovely house nearby the Pacific Ocean, with the breeze knocking on your windows, feeling the sand under your feet in the morning, when you go for a relaxing walk, then you’re a happy individual.
We are presenting you a home that respects the theory exposed above, that not only is located in Montecito (Butterfly Beach) but also is built from eco-friendly materials, being a sustainable LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certified home. This eco luxury home was designed by  Maienza-Wilson Interior Design + Architecture.


The house is composed of three different blocks: the main house, the garage and the swimming pool house. On the top of the garage and the swimming pool, green grass has been planted. The main house is surrounded by a wooden deck that basically connects it to the swimming pool house (the ideal spot to enjoy a good book and a bitter-sweet icy cocktail.
The interior is breezy and connected to the exterior through wooden flooring. The sliding windows allow a better air circulation and a more relaxed environment. Neat and elegant, everything respects a certain “sandy-beach” design line, with warm shades of beige, white and brown. At the upper floor, you’ve got a wonderful view over the Pacific. Well, what do you think of this home, do you like it?

Awarded Contemporary Home With Beautiful Garden in Toronto, Canada


The Toronto Residence designed by Belzberg Architecture received the 2013 Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence award. Very modern, and breezy, the stratified home showcases different types of materials for each of its layer, creating a very interesting contrast (plasters blends with zinc cladding, wood and stones). The house takes advantage of the natural rich surroundings. The flawless transition between environments is emphasised through floor-to-ceiling windows and open spaces. “Large portions of glazing along with clean lines and simple volumetric proportions underscore the client’s interest in creating a space with an effortless flow between interior and exterior; in a climate that is not always conducive to this type of habitation.”


The home with its gorgeous garden inspires relaxation. There’s a terrace where you can just sit with your mug in the morning, drinking your coffee while planning your day. Private, yet airy, the Toronto Residence is the type of home that combines perfectly nature and the cozy home ambience while revealing sharp and pleasant contemporary notes. The interior is characterised by a graceful décor, with a complex wooden staircase serving as a main attraction point.