Guemes Island Bunkhouse / SHED Architecture & Design

Meandre, a Russian architecture firm, has developed a novel single-family house called 'Shelldom' located in the northern countryside of Spain. This design redefines traditional house layouts by inverting the typical space-planning approach. Instead of rooms branching off a central common area, the 'Shelldom' features a common corridor that encircles all rooms, which are conceptualized as separate, shell-shaped dwelling cells. This innovative layout ensures enhanced privacy for the bedrooms, as their windows open exclusively into an internal garden space. The transparent design of other rooms, such as the living and dining areas, incorporates glazing on all sides to maximize natural light. The orientation of the suites is specifically engineered to receive morning sunlight, while the living and dining areas are designed to capture evening sun. A key aspect of this layout is that while the common corridor offers direct access to a central courtyard, individual rooms do not, further contributing to the privacy of the internal spaces. The architectural design of 'Shelldom' arises from a blend of functional requirements and bioclimatic considerations, resulting in a distinct and memorable aesthetic. The exterior facade is characterized by a geometry of simple lines and arches, visually articulating the internal functions of the house. Each room is topped with a dome roof, which serves multiple purposes: it expands the internal volume, allows for increased penetration of natural light, and contributes to the unique silhouette of the structure. This project was submitted through Designboom's 'DIY submissions' feature, highlighting its innovative nature in residential architecture. The design philosophy behind 'Shelldom' prioritizes privacy, natural light, and a unique aesthetic derived from its functional and environmental integration. The house's distinctive form and innovative space-planning layout offer a fresh perspective on contemporary living in a countryside setting. #MeandreArchitecture #ShellShapedHouse #SpainArchitecture #InnovativeLayout #ResidentialDesign #BioclimaticArchitecture #NaturalLight #DomeRoof

Shelley Craft, co-host of The Block 2021, has unveiled her new beach house, named Pacifico House, located in Byron Bay. The property, acquired five years ago by Craft and her husband Christian Sergiacom, was formerly the site of a whaling station from 1954 to 1962. Craft's vision for the home was to move past the site's grim history and create a contemporary, light-filled 'forever home' that reflects Byron Bay's industrial heritage rather than a typical coastal aesthetic. The design ethos of Pacifico House focuses on 'restrained luxury' and practicality, incorporating industrial elements while maintaining comfort and environmental sensitivity. Craft emphasized the importance of air circulation and natural light in the home's design. This was achieved through the strategic use of raked ceilings, louvred windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors, contributing to the spacious and airy feel of the interior. The house features high ceilings, which Craft believes command attention upon entry, and open-plan living spaces designed for entertaining. The material choices include Gyprock Supaceil plasterboard for the ceilings and Gyprock Superchek plasterboard for many interior walls, highlighting Craft's attention to products that enhance comfort and liveability. The residence comprises five bedrooms and four bathrooms, showcasing a blend of style and functionality. A unique feature of Pacifico House is the 'surfclub change room,' which is clad in Cemintel Barestone in Graphite and Gyprock Aquachek. This room is equipped with two shower heads and a built-in timber bench, serving as a practical space for rinsing off after swimming in the pool or returning from the beach. This design choice underscores the home's integration with its beachside environment and the family's active lifestyle. The overall design successfully balances an industrial aesthetic with the relaxed atmosphere of a beach retreat, creating a cool, comfortable, and environmentally conscious family home. #ShelleyCraft #ByronBay #BeachHouse #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PacificoHouse #TheBlock #SustainableDesign

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt

The Rivergum Homes' new Bondi design, part of its Coast and Country collection, is presented as a cost-effective and relaxed coastal escape, suitable as either a weekender or holiday home. The design emphasizes simplicity and features a unique floorplan comprising two rectangular pavilions joined by a glass breezeway. The exterior boasts charming, beachproof weatherboard cladding, reminiscent of old coastal homesteads, while the interior adopts a contemporary boathouse aesthetic with a raked ceiling and scissor truss roof. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday design offers 120.72 square meters of total space, intentionally kept small to function as a cozy entertaining space for relaxation. The design's small size is highlighted as impressive when executed correctly, particularly with the entry serving as an architectural focal point. The Bondi is designed to evoke the social atmosphere of beachside living, with a pavilion-style floorplan that includes a dedicated resting wing and a dedicated living wing, separated by a breezeway. The living pavilion features a 2.7-meter ceiling that pitches upward to a high raked ceiling with V-joint lining boards, creating a barge boat-like ambiance. The separation of living and sleeping areas is a deliberate design choice, allowing for quiet rest away from the hustle and bustle of daily activities, aligning with the relaxed living patterns typically sought during holidays. This L-shaped floorplan creates a significant decking area between the pavilions, serving as an outdoor entertainment space and an extension of the living area. The home design allows for an optional outdoor entertainment deck centrally located between the pavilions, enhancing connectivity. To the left of the double-door entry are the three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a compact laundry, all featuring mirrored wardrobes. To the right, a large open-plan living pavilion, approximately 9m x 6m, integrates a well-appointed L-shape kitchen, dining area, and lounge. Notable design elements include a series of tall, narrow windows, strategically positioned off-center in areas like bedrooms and bathrooms to optimize space and privacy. The separation of bedrooms from the central entertaining hub ensures privacy for both young families and more mature occupants. The interior finishes are a key highlight, particularly the kitchen with its low corner windows, the ceiling, black routed doors, and sleek light switches. Classic lighting choices and floor-to-ceiling tiling in the bathrooms and laundry further enhance the aesthetic. The bathrooms, showcased with white handcrafted subway tiles and mosaic Carrara Bianco floor tiles, are designed for timeless elegance. The cool white and soft grey interior palette is accented with black fixtures and fittings, with bursts of rich berry, forest green, and blush tones in the decor providing warmth and visual interest. This interior aesthetic is described as a modern, sophisticated interpretation of the traditional coastal homestead. The display features Rivergum's premium specifications, including optional upgrades such as Silestone benchtops, high-end appliances, a feature ceiling, a freestanding fireplace, and 2-Pac inset panel joinery doors. The design also considers family comfort, allowing for easy surveillance of children playing on the deck or in the backyard from central areas. #HomeDesign #CoastalLiving #HolidayHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RivergumHomes #BondiDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ModernCoastal

Modular housing is gaining popularity across America, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary construction techniques. A prime example is the Lake Muskoka Boathouse, an 870 square foot prefabricated home situated on the shores of Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. Designed by the Torontonian architecture firm MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, this charming lake house seamlessly integrates a traditional boathouse façade with eco-conscious construction. The architects, known for their expertise in prefab modular buildings, have created a home that is both cozy and spacious. The design emphasizes natural textures through the extensive use of wood, glass, and other organic materials, which contribute to an interior that is consistently filled with natural light and fosters a strong indoor-outdoor connection. This design approach positions the house as an ideal retreat for spending full summer days by the lake. The exterior of the Lake Muskoka Boathouse features a distinctive gabled roofline and a combination of vertical and horizontal wood siding. Ample windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and offer expansive views. The house's exterior design is characterized by its rustic appearance, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Natural materials are integrated into the architecture to create a cohesive look, with exterior walls painted in warm brown tones and shingle siding made of cedar in a similar color. Large windowpanes and transparent doors invite sunlight indoors, providing breathtaking views of the lake and the vibrant forest. Black-colored trim around the windows complements the shingle siding, adding a cohesive design element. A central chimney, visible on the roof, serves as a visual marker for the building. The combination of stone and wood siding further enhances the aesthetic appeal, blending the prefabricated family home with the natural beauty of the lake environment. Inside, the modest 870 sq ft prefab lake house features an open-plan layout for the primary living area. A prominent exposed wooden-beam ceiling and a stone fireplace serve as focal points. The living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining room, creating a continuous space ideal for hosting and social gatherings. The large, expressive wooden beams of the ceiling contribute to the rustic style and create an illusion of greater space within the compact home. The architectural design is further enhanced by timber beams that intertwine with the window panels, offering picturesque views of the lake. Despite its modest size, the clear geometry of the house contributes to a spacious feel. Wood paneling on the walls and ceilings provides a cozy, cabin-like ambiance. The stone fireplace acts as a central attraction, complementing the natural color palette used throughout the room. This prefabricated house is designed for individuals seeking a natural living environment with a warm and familiar atmosphere, offering a quick assembly process with minimal environmental impact. #PrefabHouse #RusticArchitecture #LakeMuskokaBoathouse #ModularHousing #EcoFriendlyConstruction #NaturalMaterials #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableLiving