green courtyard anchors hybrid home and office within concrete structure in bangkok

The article details the design of a 2-BHK dwelling in Bangkok, conceived by Boondesign for a bachelor seeking a serene and meditative living space. The architect, Boonlert Hemvijitraphan, drew inspiration from the surrounding natural elements to create a home that blends seamlessly with its environment. This approach led to the dwelling being named 'The Blind House,' reflecting how imperceptible natural elements are mirrored in its design. The home is positioned between a lush knoll and the sky, creating an organic integration with its surroundings. Its foundation is carved into the landscape, with portions burrowed into a grass-clad dome that houses a garage and a shrine, connected to the main residence by a raw concrete tunnel. The entrance features a lofty metal door leading to a cobblestone atrium and a sweeping wooden deck, which ushers visitors into the main living area. The interior of the home emphasizes openness and natural connections. The main entrance opens into an open-plan living and dining area, characterized by wall-to-wall sliding doors. These doors, when fully opened, merge the indoors with the outdoors, reinforcing the design's commitment to nature's impermanence. The aesthetic features an ochre palette, pared-back finishes, and earthy grains, complemented by subdued spotlights that direct attention to the green views outside. The master bedroom, located on the first floor and accessed via a sleek wooden staircase, is designed with deep, dark tones. This choice minimizes the room's presence, allowing the focus to shift to the mountain-esque garden visible from outside. The bedroom's design prioritizes calm and tranquility, aligning with the client's preference for a peaceful retreat. The material palette here is simple and understated, incorporating concrete, wood, steel, and soft linen. A significant element of the home's design is the use of water, particularly a gleaming pond in the back garden. This pond, deliberately placed on the south side of the house to leverage local wind patterns for cooling, serves as a boundless mirror reflecting the sky. Hemvijitraphan explains that this feature symbolizes both the absence of water and the impermanence of the sky, embodying his design philosophy of incorporating shapeless and formless elements that create reflections rather than being directly seen. The overall design emphasizes a harmonious blend of architectural structure with the natural world, creating a tranquil sanctuary for its inhabitant. #Bangkok #ZenLiving #NatureInspiredDesign #Boondesign #EarthyColors #SlidingWindows #SeamlessIntegration #TranquilSpace #OrganicArchitecture

The Star House, a 6,600-square-foot single-family residence in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, designed by Atelier Gratia principal Grace Ming-En Chang, presents a unique blend of fortress-like protection and open, airy living. This inward-gazing structure was conceived to offer a sense of refuge amidst the dense urban environment. From the street, the home appears as a faceted concrete monolith, providing a robust and private exterior. However, once inside, the design reveals an open and airy layout centered around a private courtyard. Every room in the residence benefits from a view of this central sanctuary through full-height glass walls. Many of these glass panels are designed to slide open, providing direct access to decks or balconies, thereby seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoor spaces. The focal point of the courtyard is a ground-floor Zen garden, which pays homage to Japanese aesthetics and culture, reflecting the homeowner's past residency in Japan. Chang explains that this garden utilizes geometric principles to symbolize an idealized vision of heaven. A striking feature of the Zen garden is a single, sculptural pine tree that emerges from the center of an infinity-edge reflecting pool. This pool is also home to koi, adding a dynamic and tranquil element to the space. An iris-lined path gracefully leads from the courtyard to the backyard, which is lushly forested with bamboo and ferns, further enhancing the connection to nature. The integration of greenery extends to the rooftop, where the landscape transitions into a more wild and free-form style. This rooftop garden is described by Chang as a “gesture of giving back to nature.” A prairie of tropical grass covers the roof, playing a crucial role in the home's environmental performance. This grass is irrigated using recirculated rainwater, contributing to water conservation efforts. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the rooftop vegetation serves a functional purpose by helping to block the harsh sun, thereby cooling the interior temperature of the home. The lawn is interspersed with various shrubs and fragrant native flora, including rosemary, jasmine, and lantana. These plants have not only beautified the space but have also quickly attracted local wildlife, turning the rooftop into a haven for butterflies and birds, thus creating an unexpected oasis within the urban landscape of Kaohsiung. The project was a 2022 Best of Year Winner for Residential Landscape, highlighting its innovative design and successful execution in blending urban living with natural tranquility. The design exemplifies how architectural planning can create a serene and private environment within a bustling city, using thoughtful landscaping and a strategic layout to achieve both aesthetic beauty and functional benefits. #AtelierGratia #ZenGarden #ResidentialLandscape #TaiwanDesign #CourtyardHouse #SustainableDesign #UrbanOasis #ArchitecturalInnovation

The "MN House" by Sata Na Architect, completed in 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, exemplifies a design philosophy centered on integrating art into daily living. With a total area of 305 m², the residence is conceived as an "Art Gallery Home," where architecture serves as the canvas for the strategic display of artwork throughout various spaces. This approach aims to tell the story of the homeowners' lives through their curated art collection. The design prioritizes tranquility and privacy, particularly given its urban surroundings. To achieve this, the house incorporates solid white walls that enclose the property, creating a secluded environment and limiting external views to specific, necessary points. This architectural decision establishes a clear boundary between the private artistic sanctuary within and the external chaos of the city. The layout of the MN House is divided into three distinct zones: public, semi-private, and private, each catering to different levels of interaction and activity. The ground floor, designated as the public area, is characterized by its open-plan design and high ceilings. This level features an expansive double-volume living room, a dining area, and a kitchen, all designed to foster a sense of spaciousness and connectivity. The public zone serves as the primary space for social gatherings and daily family interactions, with its open layout facilitating an unhindered flow between functions. The integration of various materials like wood, glass, and concrete defines the aesthetic and functional aspects of these spaces, contributing to an atmosphere that is both elegant and livable. The semi-private zone, located on the mezzanine level, includes additional living spaces that offer a more intimate setting compared to the ground floor. This area features a working space, a library, and guest bedrooms, providing versatility and comfort. The design of the mezzanine allows for visual connectivity with the main living area below while maintaining a degree of separation, offering a balance between communal and personal space. Natural light penetration and thoughtful spatial organization are key elements in this zone, ensuring comfort and utility for both residents and visitors. The private zone, situated on the upper floor, is exclusively dedicated to the family's personal retreats. This level houses the master bedroom and additional private family rooms, each designed with an emphasis on comfort, privacy, and serene aesthetics. Access to these upper levels is facilitated by an open staircase, which acts as a central design feature and a circulation element. The staircase allows natural light to permeate the interior, enhancing the brightness and openness of the home. This architectural element also connects the different zones both visually and functionally, contributing to the overall coherence of the design. The material palette of the MN House includes concrete, wood, and glass, chosen for their aesthetic qualities and functional properties. Concrete forms the structural backbone and provides a minimalist, contemporary backdrop. Wood, used for detailing and flooring, introduces warmth and texture, contrasting with the coolness of concrete and adding to the home's inviting ambiance. Glass elements, such as large windows and doors, are strategically placed to maximize natural light and offer controlled views, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining privacy. The external white walls, in addition to providing privacy, create a clean, gallery-like facade that reflects the artistic concept of the home. Throughout the MN House, artificial lighting is meticulously integrated to complement the natural light and enhance the interior design. Recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, and strip lights are used to illuminate artwork, highlight architectural features, and create varied moods within different rooms. The choice of furniture and interior finishes further reinforces the artistic theme, ensuring that every element contributes to a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing living environment. The MN House stands as a testament to how architectural design can serve as a vessel for personal expression and a curated lifestyle, transforming a residence into a living gallery for its inhabitants. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #ArtIntegration #ModernArchitecture #ThailandArchitecture #Bangkok #SataNaArchitect #PrivateResidence

The "Forgetting Time House" project, completed in 2022 in Singapore by Wallflower Architecture + Design, aims to evoke a sense of timelessness and nostalgia, reminiscent of carefree childhood days. The design focuses on creating spaces where inhabitants can relax and disconnect from the pressures of modern life. This architectural endeavor seeks to integrate natural elements and thoughtful design to achieve a serene and tranquil living environment. The house is a contemporary take on residential architecture, emphasizing an open and airy feel that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Key design features include large windows and courtyards that allow ample natural light and ventilation, crucial for the tropical climate of Singapore. The use of materials like wood contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, while strategic placement of gardens and verandas offers shaded areas for relaxation. The architecture is characterized by clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, enhancing the feeling of calm and simplicity. The structural engineering was handled by GCE Consulting Engineers, and MEP consultation by ALLZ Consulting Services, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. KH Lim Quantity Surveyors managed the cost aspects, and Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte Ltd was responsible for the landscape design, highlighting the importance of integrated indoor-outdoor living. The project incorporates various high-quality manufacturers for different components. Cosentino provided surfaces, Gessi and Bette supplied bathroom fixtures, and JUNG contributed electrical switches and systems. Lighting solutions were provided by Ares and FLOS, while Kone was responsible for elevator systems. OLIVARI supplied door hardware, and Villeroy & Boch provided additional sanitary ware. These choices reflect a commitment to quality and durability, ensuring the house's longevity and comfort. The overall design team included Robin Tan, Sean Zheng, Yong Mien Huei, and Shazila Noh, who collaborated to bring the vision of a tranquil, timeless home to fruition. Photographs by Marc Tan Shengyi capture the essence of the "Forgetting Time House," showcasing its exterior, interior, and the seamless integration of living spaces with nature. Images highlight various architectural details, such as facades, gardens, courtyards, windows, and handrails. Interior shots feature living rooms with exposed beams, bathrooms, and staircases, illustrating the coherent design language throughout the property. The building's layout and material palette work in harmony to create an environment that encourages relaxation and reflection, fulfilling the project's objective of offering a retreat from the fast-paced modern world. The house is categorized under residential architecture and specifically as a house project within Singapore. The project's emphasis on natural light, ventilation, and connection to the outdoors is a response to its specific geographical context. The design provides residents with a comfortable living space that is both visually appealing and environmentally conscious. The interplay of architectural forms and natural surroundings helps to foster a sense of peace and a slower pace of life, aligning with the concept of "forgetting time." This residential design exemplifies how contemporary architecture can create spaces that are both functional and deeply evocative, promoting well-being and a reconnection with fundamental human experiences. #ResidentialArchitecture #SingaporeDesign #WallflowerArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #NaturalLight #CourtyardHouse

The "Bare House," a 2,152-square-foot residence located in Herzlia, a city north of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Coast, exemplifies innovative indoor-outdoor living. Designed by architects Tamar Jacobs and Oshri Yaniv, founders of Jacob-Yaniv Architects, for their own family, the house prioritizes open space and fluidity, aiming to integrate the surrounding fruit trees into the living experience. Unlike traditional designs that rely on large glass windows for seamless transitions, this home features a distinctive architectural approach where the roof is lifted off the walls, creating an opening along the perimeter. This design choice establishes a continuous connection between the interior and exterior environments, allowing the inhabitants to enjoy glimpses of the outside and benefit from natural light and breezes. The architects' primary inspiration stemmed from the lush green surroundings, the availability of ideal daylight, and the western breeze originating from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. These elements were foundational in shaping the house's layout and material choices. The design incorporates ceiling beams that physically separate the roof from the walls, further enhancing the open-air feel. A clerestory window encircles the entire perimeter, providing constant visual access to the exterior landscape. To maintain a sense of continuity and aesthetic coherence, exposed concrete breeze blocks and a concrete roof are utilized throughout the structure. The Bare House is thoughtfully organized into three distinct functional areas. One section is dedicated to the children, another to the parents, and the central space serves as the main living room. This central living area is strategically positioned to overlook a decked patio and the garden, effectively blurring the lines between inside and out. The architects envisioned the lounge as functioning like a courtyard—an enclosed garden that extends the outdoor environment into the very heart of the house. This design philosophy creates an immersive experience, allowing residents to feel deeply connected to nature while enjoying the comforts of their home. The use of concrete as a primary material not only contributes to the home's modern aesthetic but also reinforces the sense of continuity and integration with its surroundings. The deliberate choice to lift the roof and incorporate clerestory windows, rather than conventional large panes of glass, represents a unique and effective strategy for achieving a true indoor-outdoor living experience. This design maximizes natural ventilation and light, while also offering a distinctive architectural expression that responds directly to the site's environmental advantages. The Bare House stands as a testament to how architectural innovation can create a harmonious relationship between built structures and their natural contexts, offering a serene and interconnected living space. #ConcreteHouse #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HerzliaArchitecture #JacobsYanivArchitects #ModernDesign #SustainableLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #ResidentialArchitecture

We Design Studio's latest Bengaluru project, dubbed "The Otla House," offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Indian home, prioritizing climatic factors and homeowner lifestyle. Located at the end of a winding driveway, the residence presents an unassuming grey and brown exterior amidst lush foliage, reflecting the principal architects Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh's design philosophy of restraint and austerity without compromising spatial richness. The clients, having grown up in colonial homes featuring central courtyards, specifically requested a design that echoed these architectural roots. In response, the architects conceived a home centered around a large courtyard and perimeter verandahs, an approach they describe as a "post-modern" take on a quintessential tropical Indian dwelling. The central courtyard acts as the home's focal point, connecting all living spaces and serving as the nucleus for daily activities. Public areas, including a formal dining space and a double-height living room that extends to the back garden, are situated on one side of the courtyard. Conversely, more private zones, such as bedrooms, a study, and a family room, occupy the other side. Walkways encircle the courtyard, facilitating visual connections throughout the house and allowing residents to observe each other's activities while also providing tranquil spots to enjoy the filtered sunlight from the louvered roof. This motorized louvered roof is equipped with a sensor that automatically closes it during rain, otherwise remaining open to allow ample sunlight into the heart of the home. A seating cluster within the courtyard offers an open connection to the sky, suitable for enjoying Bengaluru's moderate climate from sunrise to sunset. Verandahs play a crucial role in the home's passive solar design, acting as buffers that mitigate excessive heat gain in the internal spaces. Functionally, these verandahs expand the indoor living areas; for instance, an alfresco breakfast table is placed in the verandah adjacent to the formal dining area, and outdoor seating is provided in the verandah connected to the living room. This deliberate integration of light, varied volumes, and a continuous connection to the outdoors contributes to the home's crisp and airy ambiance, despite its substantial footprint. Shah and Parikh, alongside project architect Devyani Negi, applied a restrained material palette throughout the residence. The internal flooring predominantly features a light terrazzo tile. All doors and windows are crafted from recycled Burma teak wood, while select walls and ceilings are finished with cut-polish concrete. This neutral base of white, grey, and brown allows for vibrant accents introduced through tapestries, upholsteries, area rugs, and the homeowners' extensive collection of accessories and artworks. A corner bedroom stands out with its tall roof, warm wooden flooring, and teak wood veneer ceiling, creating a cozy atmosphere. A spacious sofa behind the bed offers views of the private lawns, meticulously designed by Anita Sarma, Zaker Rehman, and Saikat Bhattacharjee. The home successfully balances quiet intimacy with exuberant expansiveness, offering spaces that open to the outside world for interaction while also providing secluded retreats for introspection. #BengaluruHome #CourtyardDesign #Verandahs #WeDesignStudio #IndianArchitecture #TropicalModernism #SustainableDesign #BurmaTeak #ArchitecturalDigest

The article highlights the growing trend of backyard offices, which offer a convenient and efficient solution for professionals seeking to separate their work and home lives without the hassles of commuting. This concept provides a dedicated workspace just a short walk from the main residence, eliminating traffic, reducing commuting costs, and offering an alternative to renting external office spaces. The piece showcases several innovative designs that cater to various aesthetic and functional preferences, demonstrating how these structures integrate into a modern lifestyle. One featured solution is the WorkPod by Ecospace, a contemporary and visually appealing backyard office designed for design enthusiasts. It is equipped with integrated office technology to support productivity while maintaining a sleek appearance. Another notable design is the Archipod, recognized for its distinctive spherical shape. Despite its compact exterior, the Archipod offers a surprisingly spacious interior and blends harmoniously with garden landscapes, creating an inviting work environment. The article also introduces dmvA’s Blob VB3, an egg-shaped unit with versatile utility. This unique structure can serve as either an office or a living space, distinguished by its playful, marshmallow-like appearance. For those prioritizing productivity and sustainability, the OfficePOD is presented as an efficient workspace solution. This unit is constructed using a high percentage of recycled and recyclable materials, emphasizing environmental responsibility. It also features a low energy consumption design and superior insulation, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly work setting. Additionally, the article showcases a small recording studio designed by Piet Hein Eek for entertainer Hans Liberg. This structure offers a modern reinterpretation of a traditional log cabin, featuring an exterior composed of numerous logs covering a plastic and steel frame, marrying rustic aesthetics with contemporary construction. Finally, the customizable Garden Studio by UK company in.it.studios is highlighted for its adaptability. This insulated unit can be tailored to include various amenities such as heating, lighting, power outlets, and even a bathroom or kitchen, making it a highly functional and self-contained workspace. These diverse examples illustrate the increasing demand for and innovative approaches to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing backyard office solutions, catering to the evolving needs of remote workers and those seeking a better work-life balance. #BackyardOffice #HomeOffice #RemoteWork #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableDesign #WorkLifeBalance #GardenStudio

This blog post highlights ten exemplary buildings that seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living through the use of courtyards. Each project showcases a unique approach to this architectural feature, demonstrating its versatility and benefits across various contexts and design philosophies. First, Hiiragi's House in Japan, designed by Takashi Okuno, centers around a beloved family tree within a courtyard. This design ensures that the significant tree is visible from every room, creating a constant connection to nature and family heritage. The courtyard acts as the heart of the home, providing both visual access and a tranquil focal point. Next, MIA Design Studio's The Drawers House in Vietnam utilizes plant-lined courtyards and hanging greenery to open up the family home while maintaining privacy. The design, composed of three single-story segments, strategically places these green spaces to offer outdoor access and a sense of openness without compromising seclusion, crucial in dense urban environments. In Seattle, MW Works' Laurelhurst Residence, an update to a 1960s home, features a garden courtyard as its primary focal point. The architects removed internal walls to create a more open layout, making the courtyard visible from the living room and other areas, thus blurring the lines between the interior and the natural surroundings. DCPP's Casa Campestre 107 in Mexico City is a T-shaped house that incorporates two courtyards—one at the front and one at the rear. All downstairs rooms open directly onto these paved stone courtyards, enhancing natural light and ventilation while providing private outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Bak Gordon Arquitectos transformed a traditional Lisbon house into two apartments for different generations of a family, separated by a secluded shared courtyard. This design not only provides privacy for each living unit but also creates a communal yet intimate outdoor space for the residents to enjoy. Amin Taha Architects reconfigured a 1950s terraced house in London's Bayswater by adding a courtyard garden. Lightwells extend down to the central courtyard, illuminating the underground spaces and bringing natural light deep into the building, a common challenge in urban terrace housing. dRMM's Maggie's Oldham Centre in the UK, a cancer care facility, incorporates a courtyard with undulating glass walls that descends from the stilted wooden structure. This accessible courtyard garden, reached via a wood and steel staircase, provides a peaceful and therapeutic outdoor environment for patients and visitors. Mariposa1038 in Los Angeles, designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, introduces a curvilinear courtyard within a multi-story apartment building in a densely populated neighborhood. This open-air, landscaped courtyard features an integrated bench and doubles as a rainwater-collection system, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits in an urban setting. Finally, The Guild in Jakarta by RAW Architecture, led by Realrich Sjarief, is a geometric house built around a rectangular central courtyard. This building serves as both Sjarief's studio and a library dedicated to architectural works. The courtyard acts as a central organizing element, bringing light and a sense of tranquility to the workspace and library. #CourtyardArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #UrbanHousing #ModernArchitecture #PrivacySolutions #GreenSpaces

Studio Arthur Casas has designed Ibaté, a 21,000-square-meter residential building in the Moema neighborhood of São Paulo, presenting a monolithic structure of exposed concrete softened by extensive vertical landscaping. The building is characterized by its human-centric approach, offering one spacious unit per floor to ensure both privacy and openness. Key design elements include optimal cross-ventilation, careful solar orientation, and large, inviting terraces. The tower's exterior features a raw aesthetic, with its concrete frame fully exposed. The facades are crafted from ribbed, warm-toned concrete, deliberately left unclad and unpainted to highlight the material's inherent character. Integrated within this concrete grid are vertical planters, which not only visually soften the building's robust, sculptural form but also contribute to temperature regulation and better integrate the structure with its tropical surroundings. This thoughtful incorporation of greenery underscores a commitment to blending architectural presence with natural elements. Each apartment, spanning 450 square meters, occupies an entire floor and is accessed via dual elevator cores. Studio Arthur Casas has meticulously organized the interior layouts to clearly delineate public, private, and service areas while ensuring seamless transitions between them. The units are encircled by perimeter terraces, effectively extending the living spaces outdoors. These terraces feature a dynamic design with staggered planters that vary from floor to floor, preventing visual monotony and enhancing the building's organic appearance. Large glass openings and brass-finished aluminum guardrails complete the elegant envelope of each unit. A distinctive aspect of Ibaté's design is its approach to the street interface. Unlike typical urban developments in São Paulo that often employ heavy gates and walls for security, Ibaté embraces an open, public-facing design. The ground level features a glazed enclosure that acts as an inviting threshold to the city, fostering a connection with the urban environment. This landscaped plaza is furnished with seating, a steel sculpture by Túlio Pinto, and communal amenities such as a pool and elevator lobby, promoting interaction and a sense of community. The interior finishes of Ibaté complement the raw concrete with the warmth of wood, glass, and brushed metal. Technical installations are discreetly hidden behind wooden panels, preserving a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The interiors are further enhanced by a curated selection of furniture from renowned Brazilian designers, including Jorge Zalszupin, Guilherme Wentz, and Arthur Casas himself, creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary design. Sustainability is a core principle in Ibaté's construction and operation. The building incorporates solar panels for pool heating, a graywater system for water reuse, and electric vehicle charging points. The strategic use of cross-ventilation and dense vertical greenery significantly reduces the reliance on air conditioning, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The overall design reflects a holistic approach to residential architecture, emphasizing material honesty, environmental integration, and a high quality of life for its residents. #ResidentialArchitecture #VerticalGardens #ConcreteConstruction #SaoPauloArchitecture #SustainableDesign #StudioArthurCasas #UrbanIntegration #ModernDesign #LuxuryApartments

The 'Atrium House' by VIA. Architecture, located near the village of Lung Tin Tsuen in Hong Kong, presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese architecture, focusing on shared living. This project is situated in an area known for its historical houses, incorporating vernacular aesthetics with modern design principles. Key elements include curved brick walls, timber accents, overlapping roofs, and redefined Chinese courtyards, creating an efficient and aesthetically pleasing living environment. The design draws inspiration from the silhouettes of traditional courtyard houses, employing principles of order and symmetry to organize the spatial layout into sequential layers. VIA. has developed a narrative of 'light moments' throughout the house, where colors symbolizing dawn, day, dusk, and night are subtly integrated to differentiate various functional zones. The entrance features solid timber gates flanked by handcrafted brick walls, with bricks meticulously rotated to create a rippling effect. Upon entering, visitors encounter a 'shadow' feature wall in the foyer, composed of hundreds of hand-stacked, teardrop-shaped metal plates. These plates mimic traditional roof tiles, with some also functioning as mailboxes for residents. From the foyer, the design guides movement towards the central courtyard, which hosts the club facilities. Here, contemporary brick pavilions are arranged around a central pool, forming a continuous loop of indoor and outdoor spaces connected by narrow pathways reminiscent of ancient Chinese hutongs. The VIA. team collaborated with local craftsmen and heritage specialists to utilize traditionally proportioned blue bricks, resulting in unique curved facades and open brick patterns that manipulate light. These pavilions offer cultural and leisure amenities, anchored by a tea salon that provides views of the surrounding mountains. Greenery and landscaped areas further integrate the courtyard, fostering a sense of tranquility. From an aerial perspective, the overlapping roofs of the pavilions serve as large planters for trees, offering a distinct visual experience for occupants on upper levels. Inside the Atrium House, the interiors continue to reference Chinese heritage through specific architectural details. The banquet space features a dramatic stepped ceiling designed to emulate rice terraces, mirroring the varying depths of the planters on the pavilion roofs. Pivoting windows establish a connection between the interior and exterior, generating contrasting shadows and mosaic patterns on the floors while allowing for adjustable privacy. The spaces are enhanced by curated elements, including contemporary furniture and hand-painted ceramics. The chess pavilion displays sculptural works and LED-lit landscape pieces by artist Andrew Luk, which reflect the forms of traditional siheyuan residences. VIA. also designed custom signage for each activity zone, crafted from stacked metal sheets with bespoke Chinese lettering, reinforcing the project's blend of tradition and modernity. #AtriumHouse #VIAArchitecture #HongKongResidence #VernacularArchitecture #CurvedBrickwork #ChineseCourtyards #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDetails #SharedLiving

Atelier Janda Vanderghote designed a garden house in Wondelgem, Belgium, intended to function as both a workspace and a compact dwelling. The 860-square-foot structure, built by Menno Vanderghote with structural engineering by Pascal De Munck, is characterized by its open and flexible plan, which maximizes a sense of spaciousness. The core of the design is a central concrete column, which branches out like a tree, supporting the building and eliminating the need for numerous interior load-bearing walls. This innovative structural approach allows for expansive glass facades that offer unobstructed views of the surrounding garden and a neighboring park. The project prioritizes integration with nature, transforming the original garden of grass and fir trees into a green extension of the adjacent park. The plot is designed to be permeable, with plans for increased greenery in the future, fostering a harmonious connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The architects chose simple, honest, and robust materials to achieve a sense of sober simplicity and tranquility, aligning with the functional and aesthetic goals of the space. Initially conceived as a woodworking studio, the dwelling currently serves as a temporary residence during ongoing construction on the main plot, demonstrating its inherent adaptability. The flexible layout ensures that the garden house can accommodate various future uses, ranging from a dedicated workspace to a guesthouse or even a primary dwelling. The large window overlooking the garden and the clear sightlines through to the park are critical elements in creating the illusion of a much larger space than its actual footprint. The architectural firm, Atelier Janda Vanderghote, emphasizes the simple and clear structural layering, which contributes significantly to the feeling of openness. The concrete support structure, with its splayed arms emanating from the kitchen area, cleverly redistributes the load, allowing the perimeter walls to be almost entirely glass. This design choice not only floods the interior with natural light but also blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, drawing the natural landscape into the living areas. Photographed by Johnny Umans, the project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to small-scale architecture, where structural innovation facilitates an unencumbered floor plan and a strong connection to nature. The selection of durable and unpretentious materials further reinforces the design philosophy, creating a building that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, offering a versatile space that can evolve with the occupants' needs. #backyardHouse #flexibleSpace #concreteColumn #architecturalDesign #WondelgemBelgium #AtelierJandaVanderghote #minimalistDesign #sustainableArchitecture

This article details the construction and design of a new three-bedroom modern Japanese-style house located in Lennox Head on the NSW north coast, built by video editor Raquel Banks and builder Jack Nyboer of Nobo Build. The project, which took approximately two years from design to completion, features a single-story layout with two courtyards and a self-contained studio, thoughtfully integrated into its natural surroundings overlooking a nature reserve. The house's design centers around maximizing daylight and connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces through dual north-facing courtyard gardens. The central courtyard serves as a communal outdoor space ideal for entertaining, while a more private rear courtyard, adjoining the main bedroom, includes a plunge pool and outdoor shower, creating an adult retreat. This innovative layout ensures that every area of the home enjoys a view of the garden, fulfilling Jack's initial vision for the property. The exterior of the home features charred jarrah-clad walls, utilizing the Japanese shou sugi ban technique for timber preservation, which also provides a raw, maintenance-free aesthetic that contrasts with the brighter interior. The interior palette, selected by Raquel, emphasizes warmth and coziness through materials such as spotted-gum veneer kitchen cabinetry, travertine benchtops and bathroom tiles, and polished concrete flooring. This neutral base allows for personalization through soft furnishings and contemporary artworks by local artists, which introduce summery and playful colors. Collaboration was a key aspect of the project, with long-time friends architect Hayley Pryor and landscape designer/carpenter Rhys Heggie contributing their expertise. Hayley Pryor was instrumental in proposing the two separate courtyards and the detached studio. The construction itself was largely a hands-on effort by Jack and Rhys, involving long days but ultimately resulting in a home that surpassed expectations. Material choices throughout the house were inspired by the landscape, featuring organic and simple finishes selected for their textural and tonal qualities. The kitchen combines spotted gum cabinetry with overhead MDF cabinets in Moss Grey, complemented by a travertine benchtop. In the bathrooms, travertine flooring and custom-made spotted-gum mirrors reflect the natural theme. The landscape design incorporates Australian native plantings such as coastal pigface, kangaroo paw, and banksia and blueberry ash trees, thriving in the local climate. The living zone boasts a soaring raked ceiling and louvered windows that facilitate cooling breezes and cross-ventilation, especially during warmer seasons. Expansive glazing throughout the home frames views of the lush courtyards. Though the couple has since sold the house, they express immense pride in their first joint project, emphasizing the journey from an initial idea to a tangible home and the value of teamwork. #JapaneseStyleHome #CoastalLiving #CourtyardDesign #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #MaterialPalette #LennoxHead

The Menara Etiqa building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, showcases a significant integration of green infrastructure within a modern urban development. This 38-story office tower, developed by Etiqa Life Insurance Berhad, serves as a contemporary and sustainable workspace in the affluent Bangsar residential suburb. The building's design emphasizes green building principles, aiming for dual green building accreditations: a Green Building Index (GBI) Gold rating and a GreenRE Platinum rating. The project incorporates various green features, notably a striking living wall that covers approximately 1,000 square meters. Located on a 1.15-acre site adjacent to Dataran Maybank and the Bangsar LRT Station, the Menara Etiqa project utilized an unconventional top-down construction methodology due to its tight positioning between existing commercial towers and a live light rail train line. Veritas Architects, as part of VERITAS Integrated Professional Services (VIPs), adopted environmentally responsible design practices, including the use of cost-effective green materials to address concerns about additional expenses typically associated with green features. The VIPs approach integrates architecture, landscape design, and environmental consulting services to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable design. The building's sustainability strategy includes energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and fixtures, renewable construction materials, and sustainable site development. A key element of its design is a simple daylight harvesting strategy that optimizes existing building solutions without increasing development costs. This strategy addresses glare from direct sunlight and the bright tropical sky, contributing to the building's energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The most visually prominent green feature is the living wall, which wraps around one corner of the parking podium. This green facade is designed to promote biophilia and serves as a distinct visual identity for the building. To accommodate the building's unique angles and create a seamless aesthetic, proprietary VersiWall® GP (VGP) 2060 Trays Mounting Panels were installed at an angle on the corners. Aluminum panels, measuring 3m by 1.3m, were used to form the vertical green wall mounting base, allowing for easy maintenance of each tray from behind via access from the multi-storey car park. A total of 1,200 VGP Trays were used for the 1,000 m² green wall, featuring 34 species of plants selected for their suitability and longevity in external green wall environments. The irrigation system for the plants is highly efficient, with piping feeding into each individual tray. Irrigation pipes are sectioned into zones to maximize efficiency and facilitate maintenance, delivering both water and fertilizer directly to the plants. Each VGP tray includes a baffle plate and reservoir to distribute and store excess water, ensuring consistent plant health in the tropical climate. Additionally, anti-lift arms and multi-point mounting features significantly reduce the risk of dislodgement, even during high wind speeds of up to 108 km/h, highlighting the durability and thoughtful engineering of the system. The water reservoirs in each VGP Tray allow for water re-use through capillary action, further enhancing the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the building. The diamond-shaped design and crystal grey curtain wall of Menara Etiqa, combined with its green-rated features, establish it as a symbolic landmark in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing visual continuity and providing shade and screening for the parking podium through shimmering PVDF coated aerofoil louvers. #GreenArchitecture #LivingWall #SustainableDesign #UrbanGreening #KualaLumpur #GreenBuildingIndex #GreenRE #CommercialProperty #VERITASArchitects

This blog explores innovative home designs that integrate indoor gardens, showcasing how properties can achieve lush green spaces even without traditional backyards. The concept of indoor-outdoor living is redefined through examples from various architectural projects worldwide. One featured home is the Wall House in Biên Hòa, Vietnam, designed by Creative Architects CTA. Situated near the Đồng Nai River, the house was conceived to 'breathe' and preserve the existing garden on the land. It comprises eight distinct living spaces surrounded by unfinished walls that allow for air circulation, crucial for Vietnam's tropical climate. Three 'breathing walls,' constructed from hollow bricks, facilitate natural light and ventilation while filtering out pollution and maintaining privacy. An indoor garden serves as a visual extension of the outdoor greenery and mitigates environmental impact on the living space. The communal areas are on the ground floor, with bedrooms and a shared study upstairs, the latter opening to a void connected to the garden below. In Glamorganshire, UK, a sustainable rural home designed by LOYN+CO Architects is built into a hillside. This energy-efficient residence, completed in December 2020, replaced an older dwelling to maximize views of the Welsh countryside. The homeowners, keen gardeners, requested a practical home that could bring the outside in. The entrance leads to a soaring atrium featuring a three-storey indoor garden, supported by an irrigation system and requiring 20 tonnes of soil. This indoor jungle, planted by the homeowners, provides a central focal point and allows for year-round gardening, including plants that would not survive outdoors in the UK. The staircase is flanked by cork and preserved moss walls, which absorb noise, insulate, and purify the air. Christos Pavlou Architecture's 'The Garden House' in Nicosia, Cyprus, emphasizes urban gardening's potential to improve city living conditions and mitigate global warming. The house features two rectangular cubes separated by a green courtyard, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. A 79-foot-long glazed sliding door allows the house to open up to the courtyard. The main garden is also connected to a public green space, benefiting the neighborhood. The garden is central to the home's design, with every room offering garden views, and a planted area under the stairs maximizes space. 60% of the ground floor is planted to attract bees, and a first-floor terrace boasts a living roof, providing additional green space and views. Vertical Oasis in Singapore, by HYLA Architects, addresses the challenge of building on a busy road while ensuring privacy. The main spaces are built around a courtyard garden, featuring a double-height living room and dining area that open to a stunning courtyard with two pools, a koi pond, and a towering tree. A glass roof and anodized aluminum trellis protect the interior from rain and sun, provide shade, ensure privacy, and promote ventilation. The master bathroom also includes a planted area, creating a rainforest-like showering experience. Wall House in Khaldiya, Kuwait, by AGi Architects, initially appears fortress-like but reveals a vibrant interior. Designed from the inside out, it replaces traditional walls with glass and greenery. The ultra-modern property features a protective outer shell that encloses a series of atrium gardens. The ground floor's open-plan living area is surrounded by lush greenery, with trees extending to an open-air terrace. Many bedrooms also have private oases. Upper-floor common rooms extend to discreet balconies, ideal for entertaining. Perforated screens provide shade, and the greenery grows across different levels of the home. 66MRN-House in Singapore, designed by ONG&ONG;, is a Zen-inspired home that maximizes nature views and blends interior and exterior spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass and abundant greenery. The house is divided into two sections, with the focal point being an open-air atrium featuring a reflective pool and delicate trees. This 10-foot-wide void extends from the ground to the third floor, ensuring cross-ventilation and natural light. Glass picture windows on the first floor offer courtyard glimpses, and numerous terraces with artificial grass further blur indoor and outdoor boundaries, including a rooftop deck with planted trees. Casa MCNY in Sao Paulo, Brazil, by MF+ Arquitectos, is designed for Brazil's tropical climate, featuring an open-plan living space with retractable, perforated doors for an indoor-outdoor experience. The house integrates with its environment and includes an open-plan lounge, dining area, kitchen, and four bedrooms, all connected to the outdoors. A highlight is the indoor garden spanning the living room, behind sliding glass doors, filled with tropical foliage complementing the wood, natural stone, concrete, and Corten steel materials. The kitchen transforms into a gourmet balcony, and a second terrace leads to a swimming pool. Finally, the Three Gardens House in Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait, also by AGi Architects, addresses the arid desert climate by creating outside spaces usable year-round. It features three distinct gardens on different floors: the Wet Garden on the ground floor with native plants, a pool, and fountains, surrounded by social spaces; the Summer Garden 13 feet below street level with a large pool for evapotranspiration and air circulation; and the Winter Garden on the roof, covered by a "perforated skin" of anodized aluminum for shade and privacy. These gardens are connected by exterior staircases, with the aluminum screen extending to some exterior walls, allowing sunlight and providing shelter for indoor vegetation. #IndoorGardens #SustainableArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #ModernHomes #GreenLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #TropicalArchitecture #EcoFriendlyDesign

PVT House, designed by Cote Architects, is situated in a tranquil residential area of Vỹ Dạ Ward, Hue City, Vietnam. The house benefits from its proximity to a lush garden, providing extensive open views, abundant natural light, and a serene, fresh atmosphere. The design prioritizes integration with nature, ensuring that the living spaces feel connected to the outdoors while maintaining privacy and comfort. The project covers an area of 390 square meters and was completed in 2024. The architectural team was led by Hoang Viet Hung, with contributions from Nguyen Ba Vuong, Vo Thanh Thuy, Le Van Hoang Hai, and Vo Doan Hung. Structural engineering was handled by Nguyen Minh Hoang, while Dien Quang Hue was responsible for lighting design. MEP and HVAC consulting were provided by COTE Arch. Key manufacturers involved in the project include AutoDesk, Eurotile, INAX, and Kenwin. The house features prominent use of concrete as a primary material, which contributes to its modern aesthetic and structural integrity. The design likely incorporates large windows and open-plan layouts to maximize the inflow of natural light and views of the surrounding garden. The emphasis on natural light and ventilation aligns with sustainable design principles, enhancing the living environment and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling. Photographs by Hoang Le capture the essence of PVT House, showcasing both its exterior and interior spaces. The exterior photography highlights the house's facade and window placements, suggesting a thoughtful approach to balancing openness with privacy. Interior shots often feature dining areas, living spaces, and bedrooms, emphasizing the interplay of light, shadow, and material textures. The use of beams in the interior design indicates a focus on structural expression and spatial definition. Architectural drawings, including site plans, floor plans for multiple levels, sections, elevations, and an axonometric view, provide a comprehensive understanding of the house's layout and design philosophy. These illustrations detail the spatial organization, circulation paths, and volumetric relationships within the building, offering insights into how the architects addressed the programmatic requirements and site conditions. The project reflects contemporary residential architecture in Vietnam, often characterized by a blend of modern design with local climatic and cultural considerations. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #VietnamArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #NaturalLight #SustainableDesign #ModernHome #HueCity

Anonym Studio, based in Bangkok, transformed a 30-year-old structure next to their workplace into a peaceful residence known as 'the 96/1 house' in Thailand. The initial intention was to retain the building's exterior to maintain neighborhood aesthetic harmony. However, poor cross-ventilation necessitated a complete interior overhaul, leading to the removal of internal walls and false ceilings. The redesign focused on aligning the space with the architects' lifestyle and preferences. On the ground floor, the renovation aimed to create a unified living area by introducing a double-height courtyard featuring a skylight. A five-meter-long white counter island was integrated as a central horizontal element, providing balance to the verticality of the courtyard. This deliberate arrangement of elements around the courtyard was intended to foster communication between distinct spaces, imbuing the void with a subtle, unspoken message. For the second level, the master bedroom and bathroom were relocated to enhance connectivity. The master bedroom, originally having only a small window, posed a challenge regarding potential claustrophobia. To counteract this, the architects raised the room's height by aligning the false ceiling with the slope of the gable roof. This adjustment not only revealed the room's authentic geometry but also contributed to a mesmerizing energy within the space. The bathroom was designed as an extruded barrel vault, mirroring the arched decorations on the dwelling's exterior. The intersection of this barrel vault with the gable ceiling introduced a sense of mysterious depth while simultaneously expanding the master bedroom's area. Additionally, the architects integrated the staircase and storage system into the barrel vault's form, showcasing a cohesive design approach. The project highlights a thoughtful interplay of linear and curved geometries throughout the residence, contributing to a tranquil living environment. The foyer is adorned with a bench, rocking chair, and various artworks, benefiting from a skylight that allows diffused light to enter. A practical arched opening was incorporated into the counter base on the ground floor to facilitate easy movement for the residents' pets. Black lacquered flooring extends from the staircase to the second floor, creating a visual contrast with the warm lighting reflecting off the curved barrel ceiling. The project also included a materiality board and an axonometric drawing to illustrate the design details. This residential project, named '96/1 House,' was led by Phongphat Ueasangkhomset and Parnduangjai Roojnawate of Anonym Studio. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the renovated area spans 150 square meters. The project was submitted through designboom's 'DIY submissions' feature, allowing readers to share their work for publication. #AnonymStudio #ResidentialArchitecture #BangkokDesign #InteriorRenovation #LinearCurvedGeometry #SkylightDesign #CourtyardHouse #ThailandArchitecture #ArchitectsOwnHome