ian strange wraps historical building in poland with 600 sq meters of gold wallpaper

In 1788, the Enlightenment society Felix Meritis, Latin for 'Happy Through Merit,' constructed its namesake clubhouse on an Amsterdam canal. The building, designed by Neoclassical architect Jacob Otten Husly, served as a hub for members to study various disciplines like music, natural sciences, drawing, commerce, and literature, embodying the rational principles of Enlightenment thought through its Corinthian-style facade and geometrically shaped rooms. A century later, after the society's dissolution, the building underwent several transformations, serving as a printing factory, the Dutch Communist party headquarters, and a 1960s cabaret, yet it remarkably maintained its architectural integrity despite wear and tear. In 2014, Amerborgh, an investment firm with a focus on the arts, acquired the landmarked Felix Meritis. The company aimed to repurpose it as a cultural center, leveraging its renovated spaces as event venues to support various programs. Tasked with revitalizing the 50,000-square-foot interior, i29, led by co-founder and partner Jeroen Dellensen, sought to bring the historic building 'into the now.' Their approach involved respecting the original architecture while infusing contemporary design elements to appeal to a younger demographic. This restoration project necessitated a careful balance between preserving historical aspects and introducing innovative designs. Working alongside MATH Architecten, which managed structural renovations, i29 co-founders Jeroen Dellensen and Jaspar Jansen focused on cultivating the individual character of each space. They found inspiration in the building's original use by the Felicians, who organized it by departments, allowing each room to retain its distinct function and story. The building's layout, divided by a five-story wooden staircase, comprises 11 staggered levels. A key requirement from the city was the meticulous restoration of two historically significant areas: the oval Concertzaal, renowned as one of Europe's premier small classical-music halls, and the Zuilenzaal, a colonnaded reception room. In the Concertzaal, where Beethoven's Ninth Symphony premiered in the Netherlands, a chromatic analysis revealed the original wall color between the pilasters was a brown-tinted beige, which was reinstated to restore the room's serene ambiance. To accommodate modern musical performances, i29 incorporated discreet, pivoting wall panels that optimize acoustics and conceal electronic equipment. MATH seamlessly integrated new mechanical systems within the existing structure, rendering them invisible in the auditorium. For the majestic Zuilenzaal, i29 opted for a more minimalist approach, stripping back boiserie and stabilizing cracked wood columns, leaving the room largely in its found state. This 'un-Photoshopped' authenticity required carefully dismantling and reassembling fragile woodwork to integrate modern ventilation and sound systems, making the Zuilenzaal a highly sought-after venue. i29 introduced significant visual diversity in the remaining rooms, utilizing color and texture as primary design tools. They incorporated crisply geometric, often mirrored, built-in cabinetry and furniture to create a striking contrast with the classical surroundings, thereby giving these spaces a unique identity and importance comparable to the historic rooms. The main entry is flanked by a reception area and Felix, a 100-seat restaurant. In the reception, custom tufted-shag wall coverings reproduce an 18th-century etching of a Felician meeting, offering a historical greeting to modern visitors. The restaurant's walls are adorned with woven textiles depicting Amsterdam's skies, immersing diners in a Dutch landscape. The Shaffyzaal, a domed, oval room above the Concertzaal, was once a physics lab and later a popular nightspot. Named after performer Ramses Shaffy, its acoustical perforated-steel panels feature an ombré effect, fading from deep to pale blue, evoking its psychedelic past. Jansen emphasizes that this contrast between contemporary and historical elements invigorates both. In the attic Koepelzaal, exposed timber roof beams lend a modern angularity. Dellensen highlights the firm's narrative approach, embedding stories within the design to add depth to the interiors. In the Teekenzaal, formerly the drawing studio, translucent fabric rectangles suspended from the ceiling diffuse light and symbolize the paper used by the Felicians, bringing the spirit of the Enlightenment to life. #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #HistoricalPreservation #AmsterdamLandmark #CulturalCenter #NeoclassicalArchitecture #i29Design #FelixMeritis #RestorationProject

Atelier CL3 Studio's 'Apartments Filipovice' in the Jeseniky region of the Czechian highlands showcases a contemporary interpretation of traditional local architecture. The complex comprises two residential buildings, each constructed on monolithic rectangular foundations and featuring a classic wooden gable roof. The exteriors are clad in locally sourced larch shingles, a material chosen for its ability to naturally darken and blend seamlessly into the mountainous landscape over time. This use of larch shingles is a modern homage to the facades of traditional local barns and residential buildings. A key design element is the vibrant mosaic of colored loggias and windows that punctuate the otherwise natural larch cladding. One building incorporates blue accents, while the other features yellow, creating a distinct visual contrast. The studio highlights that the 'crystalline shine of the colored glass mosaic, together with the strictly square windows of the same frame color, define the character of the buildings.' This approach marries traditional material usage with a playful, modern aesthetic through the strategic application of color and geometric forms. The construction of 'Apartments Filipovice' prioritizes traditional materials relevant to the Jeseniky region and Czech culture. The buildings are erected on strip foundations, with residential sections composed of a hybrid of sand-lime brick walls and reinforced concrete ceilings. The interior design shifts towards a more contemporary and minimalist style. Shared spaces feature vibrant blue and yellow staircases set against a clean white backdrop, providing a modern yet cohesive look. The bedrooms, while simple in their design, aim to evoke the rustic charm of a barn, offering scenic views of the surrounding pastoral landscape. A significant aspect of the project is its commitment to self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. Each building is designed to minimize its reliance on external utilities. The primary heating system utilizes a groundwater heat pump, reducing energy consumption. Common areas are equipped with air recuperation systems to maintain air quality and energy efficiency. Water is sourced from the property's own well, supported by dedicated water-supplying equipment. Furthermore, wastewater is managed through a domestic sewage treatment plant, with the cleaned water absorbed directly back into the ground. These measures demonstrate a thoughtful integration of sustainable practices within the architectural design. The project, completed in 2020, covers a total built area of 598 sqm (299 sqm per building) with a gross floor area of 1,132 sqm + 1,110 sqm on a plot size of 2,375 sqm. Key collaborators included Domoplan as the client, TPS projekt for technical installations, Huryta for statics, and Tomáš Slavík for photography. Other specialized contributions came from Zdeňka Maggio for fire safety, ATEH Lighting for lighting, Velux for roof windows, Kubeso for fanlights, Matrix for windows/wooden frames, and Vladimír Hlobil for facade and roof covering. The 'Apartments Filipovice' represents a successful fusion of traditional architectural elements with modern design principles and sustainable technologies, offering residential spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious within their natural setting. #CzechArchitecture #MountainApartments #AtelierCL3 #LarchCladding #SustainableDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #TraditionalModernFusion #ColorfulFacades #JesenikyRegion