Interactive floor plan: Capilla del Retiro, Chile

The Chilmark Guest House in Massachusetts, designed by Charles Rose Architects, is a compact guest cabin spanning 800 sq ft. It is situated on a steep slope overlooking a clearing and Vineyard Sound, with its design focused on maximizing views through large windows and balconies, creating an open and light-filled atmosphere. The house features two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, positioned at opposite ends, and a shared kitchen and dining area. Additional living spaces include a cellar, porch, and roof terrace. The selection of natural materials such as pigmented concrete, stone, copper, cedar, and fir for the exterior, and teak, mahogany, and cork for the interior, enhances the connection to the outdoors and the building's delicate character. The article also showcases several other examples of compact, nature-integrated homes. The Sol Duc Cabin by Olson Kundig Architects in West Washington demonstrates a balance between openness and resilience. Its design allows for expansive views of the wilderness, while robust steel panels can seal the structure, providing a bunker-like defense against severe weather. The cabin is elevated on four steel pillars to prevent flooding, and its interior, warmed by leftover wood, features a simple layout with living and kitchen areas on the lower level and a bedroom on the mezzanine. A covered balcony provides a sheltered space to enjoy the surroundings. Pobble House, designed by Guy Holloway Architects and located in the Dungeness headland, is characterized by three distinct volumes clad in larch, Corten steel, and cement. A glazed sliding door in the open-plan living area connects directly to the outdoors, retracting completely into wall pockets. The interior design emphasizes neutral tones and discreet furnishings, ensuring the focus remains on the sparse natural landscape. The house, capable of accommodating up to ten guests, is constructed with a timber-frame, synthetic waterproofing, and durable exterior cladding, designed to age gracefully and integrate with its natural environment. Fonte Boa House in Portugal features a white rendered façade, reflecting local architectural traditions, with strategically placed windows to optimize internal views. Its concrete pad foundations minimally impact the landscape. The interior employs a simple palette of white walls and timber floors, complemented by integrated furniture to maintain a clutter-free space. Notable design elements include a frameless glass façade in the living room offering dramatic views and a glass lobby at the entrance facilitating a smooth transition from outside to inside. The semi-sunken carpark with concrete retaining walls provides a buffer from the main road, and a hallway on the first floor, with a pitched ceiling, resembles an art gallery. The Houl, a net-zero carbon dwelling in Dumfriesshire, reinterprets the traditional Scottish 'longhouse'. Designed by Simon Winstanley Architects, it sits on a west-facing slope overlooking the River Ken valley. This lightweight steel and timber-frame structure is clad in untreated cedar, allowing it to weather naturally. Its low-slung design, with long monopitched roofs, follows the hillside's contours. The house incorporates PassivHaus standards of insulation and a reflective thermal membrane to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The main living areas are oriented to capture valley views, while ancillary spaces are recessed at the rear, demonstrating a commitment to both environmental sustainability and aesthetic integration with the landscape. Finally, the Wood Cabin by Atelier St, nestled in the pinewoods of the March of Brandenburg, presents a fairytale-like appearance with its dark wood façade, pitched roof, and small chimney. The exterior is clad in dark brown glazed pinewood, contrasting with a white-painted interior. Large picture windows illuminate the space, and a ladder leads to a gallery level. The cabin includes a custom-built pinewood kitchen, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. #ResidentialArchitecture #GuestHouse #CabinDesign #SustainableArchitecture #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

The article presents Campodels House, a concrete structure in the Bündner mountains near Chur, Switzerland, designed by artists and architects Pascale Wiedemann and Daniel Mettler. This building serves as a sober second home, emphasizing a pared-down interior to draw attention to the site's natural light and spaciousness. Its unique design allows for two families to reside there, with an interlocking staircase ensuring privacy and minimal awareness of each other's presence. The location, nestled in a popular mountain region close to renowned destinations like Davos, Lenzerheide, St. Moritz, and Zurich, offers abundant leisure opportunities, leading the architects to intentionally keep the physical structure simple. This approach aligns with the 'Swiss Box' school of residential design, characterized by minimalist aesthetics and functional efficiency. The house features a pure and unadorned concrete shell. Its doors and window openings are framed with wood, exhibiting minimal detailing. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass walls provide access to recessed external balconies, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior color palette is largely restrained, with the exception of a polychromatic accent in the basement entry area and lacquered wardrobe doors in each apartment, adding subtle touches of vibrancy. Each of the two four-room apartments, one on the ground floor and the other on the first, is sparsely furnished. They incorporate minimally detailed Strato kitchens and expansive open spaces, creating a multi-aspect main living area that encourages a focus on the surrounding environment and the architectural details. The design maintains a long diagonal dimension by keeping the living space and kitchen open to the stairwell, promoting an open and connected feel within the apartments. Each apartment includes two bedrooms that branch off the main living area, offering a functional layout for its occupants. The deliberate simplicity in design, both in structure and interior finishes, aims to highlight the natural beauty of the location and the quality of light within the space. This architectural project exemplifies a modern residential approach that prioritizes integration with nature and a minimalist lifestyle, providing a serene retreat in a picturesque mountainous landscape. The choice of materials, particularly concrete and wood, contributes to the dwelling's robust yet refined aesthetic, harmonizing with its alpine surroundings. The overall intent is to create a living environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, serving as a testament to the effectiveness of restrained design in a natural setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #SwissDesign #ConcreteHouse #MinimalistInterior #AlpineLiving #PascaleWiedemann #DanielMettler #ChurSwitzerland #ArchitecturalFeatures

Lote Studio has designed and constructed Casa CG, an elevated residence located on the coastal edge of Punta Hueso in Chile's Coquimbo region. The architectural design by Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García and José Ignacio Ferreira centers on a grid-based structure composed of nine distinct parts. Eight of these sections, forming the outer perimeter, are crafted from wood, while the ninth, central section is a concrete spiral staircase that functions as the main entrance to the home. The entire structure is raised off the ground, a deliberate choice that minimizes disruption to the underlying plants and soil, allowing natural elements like wind and sunlight to move freely beneath the house. This elevated position also grants the residence expansive scenic views in all directions, particularly of the Pacific Ocean. The primary framework of Casa CG utilizes laminated wooden beams, which are strategically connected to the central circular concrete core. A layered system supports the main floor, starting with larger wooden beams, followed by smaller beams placed atop them, and finally, horizontal wooden purlins. This intricate system effectively conceals the spiral staircase from an immediate view upon approach. Upon ascending the central concrete spiral staircase, visitors arrive at a small hallway. From this point, the interior layout is divided into distinct public and private zones. The public area encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, each occupying one of the three designated wooden sections. The private quarters, comprising a bedroom and a bathroom, are situated within two other wooden sections. A core philosophy of simplicity guides the design of Casa CG, extending from the interior spaces to the exterior. This design ethos culminates in a balcony, which is integrated into the remaining three wooden sections. This balcony offers residents and guests uninterrupted panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is specifically oriented to provide optimal views of the sunset over the water. The elevation of the home and the careful placement of the balcony emphasize a connection with the natural surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience of the coastal environment. The construction predominantly features wood and concrete as the main materials. The central concrete core bears the majority of the structural load, while the wooden elements define the rest of the building's form and aesthetics. The innovative system of beams and purlins ensures the stability of the raised floor while significantly reducing the environmental impact on the site. The deliberate nine-section grid organizes the interior spaces into a coherent, boxy shape, with the circular concrete core serving as a distinctive focal point and entrance marker. The spiral staircase acts as a symbolic and literal transition, connecting the ground to the elevated living spaces and subtly hinting at the natural vistas awaiting those inside. #CasaCG #LoteStudio #ChileanArchitecture #ElevatedResidence #WoodAndConcrete #SpiralStaircase #CoastalDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PuntaHueso

The Sebastopol Residence, located in northern California, is a residential project designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. Completed in 2009, this house was custom-built for two graphic designers and is situated on a steep slope amidst rolling hills, carefully positioned between two mature redwood trees. The design prioritizes an east-west orientation to maximize views and natural light. The primary concept behind the residence is a long, rectangular, single-level wooden box. This structure not only accommodates the essential living and sleeping areas but also integrates a studio that serves as a garage and a dedicated pool area. The architectural approach responds thoughtfully to its immediate environment. The north elevation is designed to open up extensively to the surrounding landscape, providing expansive views of the natural scenery. In contrast, the southern side of the house is more enclosed, offering privacy and protection from a nearby road and the property's driveway. The material palette contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior is clad in cedar, complemented by a metal roof, while the interiors feature Douglas Fir ceilings and decking, sheetrock walls, and ipe flooring. Despite its modest size of 1,700 sq ft, the Sebastopol Residence achieves an airy and spacious feel through its open-plan arrangements and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This is largely accomplished through the strategic use of large openings, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature. This design not only enhances the sense of openness but also provides an ideal backdrop for the owners to display their art collection. The architects articulated their design philosophy, stating that upon first encountering the site, they were particularly impressed by the 'large bowl-shaped meadow that sloped down in the direction of the view' flanked by mature redwood stands. This observation led them to the conclusion that the house should 'span across the bowl to claim the view and connect to the land at either end, anchored by the mature stands of redwoods.' This intent underscores the design's deep respect for and integration with its natural surroundings, making the landscape a central element of the architectural composition. The Sebastopol House exemplifies a harmonious relationship between modern living and the California landscape, where thoughtful design allows the residents to fully engage with and appreciate the beauty of their environment. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CaliforniaArchitecture #ModernHome #SustainableDesign #TurnbullGriffinHaesloop #SebastopolResidence #OpenPlanLiving #LandscapeIntegration

The Sebastopol Residence, completed in 2009, is located among the rolling hills of northern California and was designed for two graphic designers by San Francisco-based architects Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. The house is strategically positioned on a steep slope between two redwood trees, with an east-west orientation maximizing natural light and views. The design concept is a simple, long, rectangular, one-level wooden box that integrates living, sleeping, and a studio space that also functions as a garage, alongside a pool area. The northern facade of the residence fully opens up to the expansive landscape, allowing residents to embrace the surrounding natural beauty. In contrast, the southern side is more enclosed, providing privacy and protection from a nearby road and driveway. The material palette includes cedar cladding, a metal roof, Douglas Fir ceilings and decking, sheetrock walls, and ipe flooring, contributing to a warm and homely ambiance. Despite its modest size of 1,700 sq ft, the open-plan layout and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces through large openings create an airy and spacious feel, ideal for showcasing the owners' art collection. The architects were particularly influenced by the site's natural features, noting the mature redwood stands flanking a large, bowl-shaped meadow. This observation led to the decision to design the house to span across the meadow, thereby claiming the scenic views and connecting the structure to the land, anchored by the existing redwood trees. This approach emphasizes the integration of the residence with its natural surroundings, making nature a central element of the design. Key features of the Sebastopol Residence include its thoughtful orientation, which capitalizes on the site's views and natural light, and its material choices that enhance the connection to the environment. The design prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functional living, offering a practical yet elegant solution for its inhabitants. The studio's dual purpose as a garage highlights the efficient use of space within the modest footprint. The extensive use of glass and large openings blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, fostering a continuous interaction with the Californian landscape. This residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern architecture with the serene natural setting, tailored to meet the specific needs and lifestyle of its inhabitants. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CaliforniaArchitecture #ModernHome #TurnbullGriffinHaesloop #SustainableDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalFeatures

The 'Spiral' House, a modern extension to an old French countryside residence, showcases Powerhouse Company's design approach to integrating new architecture with existing structures. The project is located in Burgundy's rural landscape on a 13,000m2 property, centered around an original farmhouse. The extension adds 200sqm to the property, primarily to accommodate new guest rooms for the family. The design is characterized by its 'spiral' form, where an arm of the extension extends from the main house's upper floor, twisting down to the ground. This creates a loosely defined inner courtyard between the long volume of the extension and the existing farmhouse. The architectural challenge addressed in this project was the coexistence of the old and the new. Powerhouse Company opted for a bold, yet well-considered design that contrasts with the traditional architecture of the original farmhouse. The extension's form facilitates a dialogue between the structures, rather than a direct mimicry. The client was actively involved in the design process, leading to a high-ceilinged, elongated structure featuring glass walls on one side to maximize openness and connection to the surroundings. The lower end of the extension houses a living room and library, providing additional communal space for the main residence. The more private upper end contains two guest suites, ensuring privacy for visitors. An internal staircase runs parallel to the extension's inner outline, accommodating its gentle inclination and maintaining the fluid, organic feel of the design. The patio, formed by the spiral's curve, serves as a subtle homage to the region's traditional 'Clos' courtyards, which are common in local enclosed vineyards. This patio also functions as the complex's main entrance, skillfully blending the old and new sections of the property. The elevated volume of the extension helps to seamlessly merge the interior spaces with the external garden and the surrounding parkland, enhancing the sense of integration with nature. The extension by Powerhouse Company is designed for both openness and a skillful combination of indoor and outdoor environments, making it an integral part of the overall complex. The design visually and physically connects guests with the natural landscape of Burgundy, fostering an immersive experience. Additionally, the project successfully links the historical elements of the farmhouse with contemporary architectural design, aiming to make guests feel fully incorporated into the family's life and the home's history. The blend of functionality, aesthetic contrast, and respect for the site's context defines the 'Spiral' House as a notable example of modern architectural intervention. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #ModernExtension #FrenchCountryside #PowerhouseCompany #SpiralHouse #ArchitecturalDesign #Burgundy #InteriorExteriorIntegration

This blog post details the radical transformation of an old house and barn in Charrat, Valais, Switzerland, into a single-family home by Clavien Rossier architects. The project involved a significant overhaul, retaining only certain original elements like the cellar and existing levels, while demolishing a substantial portion of the old structure to make way for a contemporary design. The architects introduced a striking geometric clean shape to the renovated building, integrating functional elements throughout the design. A key alteration was the replacement of the original pitched roof with an ochre-tinted concrete volume, which now sits atop the building. This change contributes to the home's distinct aesthetic. Further modifications included making the upper-level walls thinner and enlarging window openings to maximize natural light ingress. The windows feature angled walls, which create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interior spaces, adding to the home's unique character. The internal arrangement deviates from traditional layouts, with the architects opting for a corridor-less plan. This design strategy relocates circulation paths towards the building's exterior outline, along the external walls, which results in the top floors' rooms not being fully separated from each other. This open-plan approach fosters a sense of continuity and spaciousness. The first floor of the transformed residence is dedicated to communal areas, designed for family interaction and gathering. In contrast, the top floor houses the bedrooms, each strategically positioned to offer framed views of the surrounding Swiss mountains through large windows. This integration of the natural landscape into the living experience is a prominent feature of the design. The exterior of the house, clad in stone, complements the novel interior layout, creating a cohesive and visually appealing structure. The project showcases a thoughtful blend of preservation and modern architectural intervention, resulting in a unique and functional family home that stands out in its setting. The design by Clavien Rossier architects exemplifies an innovative approach to renovation, where historical context meets contemporary design principles to create a distinctive living space. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SwissArchitecture #ClavienRossier #Renovation #ContemporaryHome #InteriorDesign #Valais

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga offers a unique accommodation experience nestled within the natural landscape of Taronga Zoo Sydney. Guests can choose from a range of thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering distinct views and amenities. The retreat emphasizes luxury facilities combined with sustainable practices, ensuring a comfortable stay that also considers environmental impact. All accommodations feature spacious king or twin bedding, climate control (air conditioning and heating), elegant custom furniture, and sustainable amenities free from single-use plastics. Complimentary high-speed WiFi and flat-screen TVs are standard, providing options for relaxation amid the sounds of the Taronga sanctuary. The Bushland Room provides views of iconic Australian bushland, with native birds and flora visible from the windows. Packages for this room type typically include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant, complimentary access to Taronga Zoo Sydney, and free parking. These rooms accommodate a maximum of two adults and one child, with options for interconnecting rooms for larger families with children aged 10 and over. Amenities include a king-size bed, an open-plan ensuite with a shower, a mini-bar menu, a pull-out trundle bed (suitable for children up to age six upon request), and a baby cot (also upon request). The Animal View Room offers direct views of the Wildlife Retreat's Sanctuary, a lush habitat where Australian animals reside just outside the window. Similar to the Bushland Room, packages include a Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast, zoo access, and parking. Room capacity and amenity details mirror those of the Bushland Room, including the availability of interconnecting rooms for families. The emphasis is on providing an immersive experience, bringing guests closer to the wildlife. For those seeking panoramic vistas, the Harbour View Room presents stunning sunrise views over Taronga Zoo Sydney, extending across Sydney Harbour to include the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The package inclusions for Harbour View Rooms are consistent with the other room types. These rooms also accommodate up to two adults and one child, with family-friendly options for interconnecting rooms. All standard amenities, such as the king-size bed, open-plan ensuite, and sustainable products, are provided. For an elevated experience, the Treetop Suites are the most spacious accommodation option, featuring panoramic views and an open-plan ensuite with a freestanding bathtub. These suites are designed for ultimate comfort and include the same package benefits as the other rooms. Treetop Suites can accommodate a maximum of three adults or two adults and one child. In addition to the standard amenities, they boast a custom king-size bed and the luxurious addition of a bathtub. The Wildlife Retreat also provides Accessible Rooms, specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. These four rooms include bathrooms and shower facilities suitable for wheelchair access. The N'Gurra Lounge and Me-Gal Restaurant also feature fully accessible toilets. The Sanctuary and Wollemi Tour are wheelchair accessible, and guests can obtain an accessible Zoo Map to navigate the zoo's paths. Accessible Rooms can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and one child, offering a king-size bed and a single roll-away bed upon request, alongside all other standard room amenities. #WildlifeRetreat #TarongaZooSydney #LuxuryAccommodation #SustainableTravel #AnimalViewRooms #HarbourViews #TreetopSuites #AccessibleAccommodation #ZooStay

Architects Clara Reynaldo of CR2Arquitetura and Lourenco Gimenes of FGMF designed their own family home on a challenging 4x30m narrow plot in São Paulo. The primary challenge was to integrate the entire house program within the limited space while ensuring sufficient natural light and ventilation. Their solution involved extensive research, drawing inspiration from compact Japanese and Dutch home designs. The final design, which took three years to complete, strategically incorporates a central garden. This garden is cut into the constructed volume, creating three façades that are generously bathed in natural light. This approach was crucial for maximizing illumination and ventilation within the narrow confines of the plot. The house is structured into two main blocks, positioned on either side of this central courtyard. These blocks are interconnected by a corridor on the ground floor and a mesh footbridge on the first floor. The larger, front-facing block houses the primary living areas, including the kitchen, sitting room, and bedrooms on the upper level. The smaller, rear block supports the front structure and contains service areas, circulation paths, an office, and a TV room. An unconventional design decision was to place the kitchen facing the street, allowing the living room to be oriented towards the private central garden. This choice transformed a potential obstacle into a design opportunity, emphasizing the kitchen's form and integrating it spatially into the home. To further enhance the spatial integration and perception of openness, the architects innovatively sunk the kitchen by 75cm into the ground. This created an elevated corridor that runs alongside it and leads directly into the living room. The interior and exterior of the house maintain a monochromatic palette with clean, white, light-reflecting surfaces. This choice, combined with large openings facing the courtyard, contributes to the illusion of a more expansive space than its actual dimensions suggest. The project also prioritized the use of recyclable materials. The overall result is a bright and airy home that efficiently utilizes every part of the narrow plot. This design demonstrates how thoughtful architectural solutions can overcome significant site constraints to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable living environment, effectively making the small space feel larger and more connected to nature through strategic use of light and spatial relationships. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #SãoPaulo #UrbanHousing #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #NarrowPlotHouse #ArchitecturalInnovation

Estudio Diagonal Architects has designed the '3x3 Retreat,' a minimalist dwelling situated within the rainforest near La Unión city in southern Chile. This tiny house exemplifies a harmonious integration of radical geometry with the organic environment, aiming to enhance rather than disrupt the natural beauty of its surroundings. The cabin serves as a comfortable and intimate dwelling for daily use, thoughtfully designed to blend with the rainforest. Its location was strategically chosen on a slope overlooking the Radimadi river, providing panoramic views of the wild nature and the soothing sounds of the water. The 3x3 Retreat's program is structured into 'three acts.' The first is the terrace, conceived as a communal space for visitors to engage in barbecues while immersed in the forest environment. The 'day floor,' or first floor, comprises the kitchen, dining room, and living room, featuring a double-height front window that offers expansive views of the rainforest. The 'private floor,' or second floor, houses the sleeping area and bathroom, accessible via a ladder. This ladder design not only conserves space but also provides an added layer of privacy for the occupants. The retreat's name, '3x3,' directly refers to its plan dimensions of three by three meters (9.8 feet squared). The elongated structure extends 4.8 meters (15.75 feet) above the forest floor, incorporating a mezzanine that overlooks a lofty ground level. The double-height ceiling on the ground floor contributes to an exaggerated sense of verticality within the compact space. The architects prioritized the use of common, inexpensive building materials, specifically standard pre-dimensioned pine wood. Local construction techniques were employed and intentionally left exposed, celebrating their inherent durability and sustainability. This approach underscores the project's commitment to both environmental responsibility and authentic local craftsmanship. Measuring a total built area of 15 square meters (161 square feet), the project was completed in 2020. The design, spearheaded by Estudio Diagonal Architects, seeks to provide a tranquil and secluded oasis where individuals can disconnect from daily routines and appreciate the natural splendor of the rainforest. The intentional integration of simple forms, natural materials, and respect for the site's topography results in a structure that feels both modern and deeply connected to its ecological context. The 3x3 Retreat represents a model for sustainable, minimalist living that prioritizes immersive experiences within nature. #TinyHouse #SustainableArchitecture #RainforestRetreat #ChileanArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #TimberConstruction #EcoFriendlyHome #CabinArchitecture #NatureIntegration

Paul and Dedrea Gray, co-owner of the Richard Gray Gallery, embarked on a significant home renovation, moving from a vintage lakefront apartment to a larger, architecturally distinctive space in Chicago. Their new home was located in the converted 1972 corporate headquarters of Montgomery Ward, a 27-story high-rise designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect behind New York City's World Trade Center. The couple sought specific features in their new residence, including high ceilings, abundant natural light, a balcony, and unrestricted layout possibilities, all within a dense urban environment with strict building codes. New construction, loft conversions, and other renovation options did not meet their criteria until they discovered the potential of the Montgomery Ward building, attracted by its expansive floor plates, glass curtain walls, and 11-foot commercial ceiling heights. They secured an L-shaped penthouse a year and a half before the conversion project began. The Grays prioritized a layout that supported their lifestyle over merely accommodating their art collection. Paul envisioned public spaces that were both formal enough for large gatherings and intimate for daily living, while Dedrea insisted on natural light in every room. Joy Meek, a principal at Wheeler Kearns Architects, faced the challenge of designing within an L-shaped unit, one section of which lacked external glass due to a structural corner of the building. Meek's solution centered a 30-by-40-foot living area within the apartment, with three bedrooms positioned along the glazed side of the L. The shorter arm of the L housed the kitchen, dining room, and a den in a shotgun arrangement, with the den and dining room kept open to the living room to draw in natural light from the central space. While considering their decorative options, Paul Gray was particularly impressed by the minimalist yet warm interior design of the St. Paul Hotel in Montreal, which featured an alabaster hearth reminiscent of a Jaume Plensa sculpture. He contacted the hotel's designer, Ana Borrallo, a Spanish-born, Montreal-based interior designer. Borrallo, surprised by the contact, later met with the Grays, finding a shared aesthetic, particularly her appreciation for Plensa's work, which had influenced her hotel design. This common ground solidified their collaboration. Borrallo's mandate included materials and furnishings, but she also implemented two key architectural changes. She reconfigured the kitchen and den, swapping their locations so that the kitchen, a heavily used space, would benefit from direct daylight and balcony access. Additionally, she replaced solid walls between smaller rooms with bronze-tinted glass, enhancing light distribution and maintaining an open feel. The interior decor was designed to complement the art collection, utilizing a subdued palette of off-whites, grays, and taupes with greenish undertones. Furnishings were selected for their streamlined design and flexibility, such as modular Poltrona Frau leather sofas and custom-designed table/benches made from reclaimed Douglas fir, allowing for easy reconfiguration. Contrast was introduced through textured elements like velvet and lambskin pillows and selective red accents. The Grays' experience in their new home led them to value "cubic footage" as a critical factor in creating impactful spaces. #OpenFloorPlan #CondoConversion #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #ModernLiving #ChicagoRealEstate #MinoruYamasaki #AnaBorrallo #RichardGrayGallery