Barrel-Vaulted Ceilings Cap an Architect’s Off-Grid Retreat in Mexico

This article details the transformation of a four-bedroom California bungalow on Sydney's Lower North Shore, owned by designer Jennie Cadman of Periwinkle Interiors. The renovation was undertaken to accommodate her growing family, which includes her husband and four children, aged between two and 12. Despite having completed a renovation on their previous home nearby, it proved insufficient for their needs, prompting the family to acquire this bungalow in 2018. The property was appealing due to its 'great bones,' featuring high ceilings, spacious bedrooms, a predominantly single-level layout, and a generous backyard. Previous owners had also effectively utilized the attic space, converting it into an additional bedroom and a family room. However, the bungalow presented challenges, particularly its dark and inefficient floor plan in the 1990s addition. This section included a bedroom and laundry overlooking the garden, a space Jennie felt was better suited for a living area. A significant issue was the lack of kitchen bench space, compelling Jennie to prepare meals on the stovetop. To address these functional shortcomings and improve the home's flow, the family engaged architect Adam Hampton of Hampton Architecture in 2019. Their primary goals were to design a new extension with a living area that maximized garden views, reconfigure the misplaced bedroom, and incorporate an ensuite for their eldest child, who needed a private bathroom. Today, the renovated home features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that occupies almost the entire left side of the house. A distinct sitting room is situated between this open-plan space and the entry, while the main bedroom suite and family bathroom are located to the right of the entry. The children’s bedrooms now overlook the backyard, and the pitched roof of the upper level houses a study and a family room. The kitchen, designed as the central hub, connects seamlessly to the new living room and the backyard. A notable architectural feature of the extension is its pitched roofline, which mirrors the original front facade and achieves an impressive height of approximately 4 meters, enhanced by skylights, to create an expansive and airy feel. Innovative design choices include a 1.4x1.1-meter cool room in place of a traditional fridge, providing an efficient way to store groceries. Jennie also specifically requested that all storage be below bench height, accommodating her stature. In the dining area, French doors were added, opening onto a deck overlooking the front garden and pool, with a sheltered sitting area beneath. Windows in the children’s bedrooms were enlarged, and the attic family room gained a balcony to further integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The main bedroom was reconfigured to enlarge both the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The interior design, largely overseen by Jennie, showcases a bold navy blue palette, particularly prominent in the sitting room through artworks and soft furnishings. This is contrasted with vibrant pops of red and orange, seen in a Knoll ‘Womb’ chair and a patchwork kilim in the dining area. Jennie intentionally created a contrast between formal and informal spaces, with the casual living room being bright and airy, and the sitting room designed to be darker and more intimate. Texture plays a crucial role, with materials such as a linen modular sofa, linen curtains, timber floors, tongue-and-groove joinery, a concrete plinth, and a marble coffee table in the family room. The main bathroom features smooth marble, while the kitchen employs dolomite for benchtops and splashbacks, complemented by walnut veneer and brass finishes. Jennie identifies the sitting room as her favorite space, appreciating its cozy and enveloping atmosphere. #CaliforniaBungalow #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalExtension #OpenPlanLiving #NavyInteriors #CathedralCeilings #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving

Patrón, the premium spirits company, has created a luxury guest house, La Casona Guest House, at its Hacienda Patrón Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. This exclusive facility serves as a first-hand brand experience for VIPs, media partners, and customers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the history and craft of Patrón tequilas. The guest house integrates art, architecture, local design, and Hispanic heritage, reflecting the brand's creation process. The project was a collaborative effort between Patrón’s architectural department and three local firms: Joaquin Homs Studio for interior design and interior landscaping, GVA architects for general landscape, and Grupo CASGO for construction management. The 20-room guest house, not open to the public, features dining and entertainment areas, a full-service bar, and conference facilities, offering world-class hospitality. Designed in a traditional Spanish Colonial style, La Casona incorporates architectural details from 1800s Spanish, French, and Italian designs to acknowledge their historical influence on Mexico. These traditional elements are seamlessly blended with modern design to achieve a cohesive, updated aesthetic. Joaquin Homs, who was deeply involved in the project, noted the correlation between the historical hacienda economic systems and the labor-intensive tequila distillation process. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, engaging over 2,000 local townspeople in creating almost all interior and exterior design elements. The design team implemented bioclimatic architectural processes to suit the local climate and pay homage to historical hacienda design principles. Features such as 16’ 6” high ceilings and strategically angled windows ensure optimal natural lighting and ventilation. Custom lighting systems compensate for variations in natural light throughout the day. The main building’s statement chandelier, crafted by local artisan Ernesto Cruz, features recycled glass and reclaimed wood with working bees on agave plants, symbolizing the importance of agave bees in tequila production. Other lamps and sconces are handmade from forged iron, metal, copper, hand-blown glass, and ceramic tile by local Mexican artisans. Attention to detail extends to the furnishings and fabrics, which are custom-made. Mattresses are custom-sized, and linens are locally sourced. All furniture is custom-designed, echoing early 1900s Mexican character while being modernized with various textiles. Wallpapers from Italy and France, textiles from Mexico and the U.S., French linens, and sustainable silk and grass fiber wallpapers are used throughout. Peter Leder, Patrón’s head of hospitality operations, highlighted the intention to convey Patrón’s legacy as a modern company rooted in heritage. Sustainability is a key aspect, with features like water recycling, rain absorption and well replenishment, red clay walls for climate and acoustic protection, LED lighting, and the use of cacti and semi-desert vegetation for reduced water consumption. Local materials such as Cantera (limestone), marble, onyx, clay tiles, and red bricks are utilized for their natural, reusable, durable, and biodegradable qualities. La Casona exemplifies a growing trend in design, where modern elements harmonize with old-world styles to create warm, inviting, and livable spaces, making commercial hospitality venues feel more like homes. #SpanishColonialDesign #ModernFlair #GuestHouse #MexicanArchitecture #LuxuryTravel #SustainableDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #BioclimaticArchitecture #InteriorDesign #PatronTequila

In the Valle de Bravo, Mexico, architect Bernardo Chavez Peón designed Los Durmientes, a weekend retreat for a family of five. This project, Peón's first residential endeavor since establishing his Mexico City practice in 2019, aims to integrate the home seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The region, characterized by evergreen woodlands, experiences subtle seasonal changes that deeply influenced the architectural approach. The clients expressed a desire for a space that felt more like a tent than a traditional house, emphasizing their wish for a profound connection to the site itself. Peón’s primary intention was to blur the lines between interior and exterior, particularly in the common areas. A significant focus of the design was a distant view where fog settled between two overlapping hills, creating a captivating display of light and shadows. The expansive living room, considered the heart of the home, is oriented to maximize this vista, offering an alternative to television by encouraging observation of atmospheric shifts like sunlight, rainfall, and mist movements. Other interior spaces strategically frame parts of the landscape or fully open up to invite the temperate climate indoors, fostering a continuous interaction with nature. The material palette further reinforces this immersion. Chavez Peón opted for locally sourced materials, including stone and dark-tinted pine for the structure, Santo Tomás marble for bathroom details, and a combination of wood and Mexican volcanic rock for the floors. This choice was deliberate, reflecting the belief that nature provided the ideal color scheme, and foreign materials would disrupt this harmony. From a distance, the home presents a refined yet organic appearance, as if emerging from the earth or being gradually embraced by it. The varied textures of stone and wood in the façade suggest a timeless quality, hinting at graceful aging even though the project was completed in 2021. The interior spaces are richly textured, mirroring the exuberance of the outdoor scenery. Lavish textiles in muted tones are complemented by accent pieces made from woven palm or terracotta. While some light reflects off warm white furnishings, much of it is absorbed by the darker architectural surfaces, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The home was conceived as a gathering place for the family and their friends and relatives, offering an escape from urban life. This focus on hospitality led to the addition of a sixth bedroom during the design process to accommodate more guests. Private areas, including bedrooms, feature a noble austerity, balancing minimal furniture with ample natural light and varied textures. The culinary facilities include two full kitchens, one indoors and one on a terrace, connected by a vegetable garden. The dining area is also divided to cater to different group sizes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to create a unified ambiance for larger gatherings. A striking feature of Los Durmientes is its swimming pool, situated at the base of the overlapping hills. This simple black rectangular pool, which includes a jacuzzi, serves a sculptural purpose when not in use. Its dark, still water reflects the changing sky, functioning as a piece of land art. The pool is visible from all main areas of the house, allowing residents to observe the movement of clouds on its surface, and when submerged, to feel an intimate connection with the earth. #MexicanArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #NatureImmersion #SustainableMaterials #ValleDeBravo #ModernRetreat #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Herchell Arquitectos designed Casa Patio, a split-level residence in San Sebastián del Oeste, Jalisco, Mexico, that allows the owner to rent out a portion of the home while maintaining privacy. The design is configured in an H-shape to preserve two existing avocado trees on the site, which stand over 20 meters tall. These trees inspired the creation of central courtyards that integrate with nature. The owner's living spaces, comprising four bedrooms and bathrooms, are situated on the ground floor, encircling the main courtyard. All these rooms open directly onto this lush central area. Due to the steep terrain, the courtyard is terraced into multiple levels. Herchell Arquitectos incorporated exposed walkways and stairs, leveraging the region's favorable climate. The kitchen and dining room are enclosed by sliding glass walls, and the living room features a fireplace that is accessible from both the interior and exterior. An independent rental property is located on the upper level, accessible via a spiral staircase on one side of the house. This upper level contains four additional bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. This setup is described as a "boutique hotel concept," allowing the homeowner to rent out these four rooms independently without compromising their private living space below. The windows of the rental units face away from the central courtyard, ensuring the privacy of the owner's ground-floor living areas. Herchell Arquitectos aimed to challenge conventional living standards and how inhabitants interact with their spaces daily. The primary structure of the house utilizes steel, but local materials were prioritized for cladding and interior finishes. Local clay bricks form the majority of the ground-floor walls, while charred pine boards cover the upstairs volume. Fast-growing reeds were used for several ceilings, imparting an artisanal aesthetic to the interiors. This project reflects a trend in Mexico where new developments are designed to accommodate both tourists and local residents, exemplified by a Cancún residential project that combines short-term rentals with traditional leases. The photography of Casa Patio is credited to Herchell Arquitectos. #MexicanArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #BoutiqueHotelConcept #ResidentialDesign #HerchellArquitectos #Mexico #SustainableMaterials #SplitLevelHome

Zozaya Arquitectos has completed Casa Piscina del Cielo, a residence perched on the coastal slopes of Mexico’s Pacific coast, serving as both a home and an integral landscape intervention. The project's design was significantly influenced by the site’s unique topography and existing ancient boulders, which the client requested to be incorporated into an unconventional and paradigm-breaking structure. The entrance to the home is defined by strong geometric forms and stone surfaces, guiding visitors through large doors into a central courtyard. During excavation, massive natural rocks were uncovered and subsequently preserved in their original positions, transforming them into sculptural monoliths that anchor the home’s layout. From this central stone courtyard, Casa Piscina del Cielo expands, featuring a main living space sheltered beneath a towering palapa. This thatched canopy allows the area to remain open on all sides, welcoming sea breezes and abundant natural light. The living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly flow into one another, forming an expansive communal space that feels both open and protected. Service areas are strategically positioned to one side, ensuring they do not disrupt the continuous flow of the primary living spaces, which extend onto a covered terrace equipped with a pergola, grill, and bar, offering unobstructed views of the horizon. One of the most notable features of Casa Piscina del Cielo is its swimming pool, which cantilevers 27 meters (90 feet) beyond the cliffside. This pool, suspended dramatically over the coastline and the ocean below, incorporates a square glass window in its floor. This architectural detail provides a unique underwater view of the surf, creating the illusion of floating between the sea and the sky, and thus giving the project its distinctive name and character. The interior design, overseen by DRDS, draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, emphasizing restrained detailing and furnishings that harmonize with the site’s textures. Adjacent to the courtyard, a cinema and office space are situated next to a guest suite that opens onto its own private terrace. On the most secluded lower level, the main bedroom and a gym are located, both offering views of a tranquil terrace that frames distant ocean panoramas. From this sheltered vantage point, the striking silhouette of the suspended pool above becomes an intrinsic part of the coastal scenery. Taller Entorno was responsible for the landscape design, which thoughtfully integrates plantings and pathways into the terrain, ensuring the house appears to emerge organically from the hillside rather than imposing upon it. This approach establishes a continuous connection between the natural slope, the rugged stone formations, and the constructed elements of the residence. The material palette curated by Zozaya Arquitectos reflects regional authenticity, incorporating woven palm for the palapa and interior ceilings, parota wood for its warmth, and chukum plaster to evoke the surrounding earth. The use of exposed concrete, steel pergolas, and wood decks creates a dialogue between traditional local craftsmanship and a style that borders on brutalism. The home also incorporates passive design strategies and water recycling systems, contributing to its sustainable performance. Overall, Casa Piscina del Cielo represents a harmonious blend of innovative architecture, natural integration, and luxurious living on Mexico's Pacific coast, embodying a unique response to its challenging yet beautiful site. #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalHome #InfinityPool #MexicoArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LuxuryResidence #LandscapeIntegration #ModernArchitecture

TAC Taller Alberto Calleja designed Casa Kani Ini, a seaside retreat situated on a 4,500 sqm plot in the El Vigía sector of Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The project aimed to create a comprehensive living space for a family while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, the design strategy involved fragmenting the total built area into several strategically distributed independent structures, rather than constructing a single, massive building. This approach ensures enhanced privacy, optimal ventilation, and a stronger connection with the natural landscape. The social and recreational areas of Casa Kani Ini are housed within a continuous nave, which is supported by a mixed structure of wood and concrete. This nave is oriented directly towards the beach and the Pacific Ocean, maximizing views and natural light. It features a single-sloped roof and a flat slab section that supports a rooftop area. This elevated rooftop serves as a contemplative space, offering new perspectives of the surroundings and enriching the visual and sensory experience from a higher vantage point. A central green water courtyard forms the core of the house, acting as a transitional element and a natural distributor between different spaces. This courtyard maintains a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the property while also providing privacy and enhancing natural airflow. The bedrooms and service areas are organized into six independent modules, positioned at the rear of the property in a staggered layout. This arrangement physically isolates the various functions, with these solid volumes connected only by circulation bridges. This fragmentation of the built mass across the site facilitates a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into its coastal setting. The design of Casa Kani Ini fosters a dynamic interplay between the architectural forms and the natural environment. The strategic placement of independent volumes, combined with the use of natural materials like wood and concrete, contributes to a balanced and respectful intervention in the landscape. The project prioritizes natural ventilation and open spaces, ensuring that the inhabitants can fully experience the coastal setting while enjoying privacy and comfort. The overall scheme reflects a thoughtful consideration of site conditions and client needs, resulting in a retreat that is both functional and deeply connected to its unique Mexican coastal location. #ResidentialArchitecture #SeasideRetreat #MexicanArchitecture #WoodAndConcrete #SustainableDesign #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrivacyAndOpenness

This article showcases "Casa Tres Patis" (House of Three Patios), a remarkable villa in Albons, Girona, Spain, designed by Twobo Arquitectura. The design draws inspiration from the classical villas of nearby Empúries, embracing a timeless Mediterranean typology characterized by an enclosing wall, a central sky-lit patio, and rooms organized around it. The house's footprint spans 2,690 square feet. The villa features two roughly plastered walls that encompass the property, providing protection from northern winds and ensuring privacy from external views. These walls, however, are strategically oriented to foster openness from within, offering residents framed vistas, a sense of shelter, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Voids integrated into the enclosing wall create lines of sight throughout the property, a design choice that pays homage to architects like Le Corbusier and Sigurd Lewerentz, known for their meticulous attention to windows, frames, and apertures. The core of the villa's design revolves around three distinct patios, each evoking the spirit of a Roman villa. The first patio functions as a 'village square,' shaded by a tree that imbues it with natural vitality. The second patio features a pool, designed to resemble a reflective pond and surrounded by vegetation, referencing the impluvium of a Roman domus – a shallow basin used for rainwater collection and climate regulation within ancient Roman homes. The third patio is a fragrant garden, reminiscent of a monastic cloister, filled with aromatic plants. These elements – the walls, patios, and their spatial arrangement – collectively create an intimate and joyous atmosphere, coupled with a sense of grounded tranquility. The selection of concrete as the primary building material underscores ideas of endurance, and its application in the colonnade pillars, which delineate the patios, subtly alludes to the presence of ancient ruins. The living spaces are arranged within three independent pavilions that are envisioned as light, open structures in constant dialogue with the natural world. This architectural approach embraces a 'nomadic' spirit, mirroring the rhythms of life. The interior design further incorporates modernist influences, evident in the choice of furniture, light fittings, wooden paneling on ceilings and select walls, and an open-tread staircase. The pavilions' clean lines and semi-exposed structure contribute to this modernist aesthetic, alongside a design philosophy that celebrates the inherent properties of the chosen materials. The house is characterized by its permeable and diaphanous elements, including ceramic latticework, glass, steel, and wood. These materials facilitate the free movement of breezes, light, shadows, and sound throughout the property, leading the architects to describe the building as being constructed more of air than of solid matter. #SpanishVilla #ModernArchitecture #CourtyardHome #BreezeBlocks #TwoboArquitectura #GironaDesign #MediterraneanTypology #ConcreteDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

PPAA, a Mexico City-based architectural studio, has completed a guesthouse project for the Danish homeware brand Vipp in Todos Santos, a town located on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The project marks Vipp's expansion into the hospitality sector. The design emphasizes a harmonious integration with the desert landscape, utilizing pale rammed-earth for both its aesthetic qualities and thermal efficiency. The guesthouse's architecture aims to convey a sense of longevity, appearing as if it has always been an integral part of its environment and is designed to evolve gracefully over time. The structural composition of the guesthouse consists of three distinct square volumes: a primary residence and two guest accommodations. These volumes are strategically arranged around a central courtyard, positioned at each corner and staggered to conform to the natural, gentle slope of the site. This careful placement ensures that each space maintains a degree of privacy while remaining connected to the broader landscape. The design creates a balance between providing shelter from the desert climate and embracing natural elements like ventilation, light, and scenic views. Interior spaces are characterized by their openness, extending onto expansive, stepped terraces. Semi-external living and dining areas are thoughtfully protected by the robust rammed-earth walls. The guest bedrooms feature sliding screens made from the woven branches of the Palo de Arco tree, allowing them to open directly onto the central courtyard. This material choice further enhances the natural integration of the structure. Each of the three volumes is topped with an additional terrace, shaded by fabric canopies supported by metal frames. The largest of these rooftop terraces incorporates a circular swimming pool, which is envisioned as a prime viewing platform for contemplation. From this vantage point, the surrounding landscape, encompassing the desert, ocean, and sky, unfolds in a manner that is both vast and intimate. The material palette primarily features the pale-coloured rammed-earth walls, left exposed throughout the structure, complemented by local stone and wood. The guesthouse is furnished with pieces specifically created by Vipp, further enhancing its bespoke character. PPAA, established in 2018, has a portfolio that includes a mass-timber office building in Querétaro, Mexico, and a concrete villa overlooking Lake Zurich in Switzerland, showcasing their diverse architectural capabilities. The photography for the Todos Santos guesthouse project was undertaken by Anders Hviid. #PPAA #RammedEarth #Guesthouse #MexicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #Vipp #CoastalArchitecture #DesertArchitecture #Terraces

The "Patio House" project, designed by herchell arquitectos, is located in San Sebastián del Oeste Centro, Mexico, and was completed in 2022. The house occupies an area of 715 square meters and was photographed by Lorena Darquea Schettini, with Miguel Hernandez Michel as the lead architect. The project's core philosophy centers on challenging conventional living standards and offering an experiential escape from urban daily life. The architectural design of the Patio House prioritizes integration with nature, featuring central patios and exterior corridors supported by steel columns. This design aims to create a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and the natural surroundings, inviting residents to engage with an unknown and refuge-like experience. The emphasis on nature is evident in the inclusion of gardens and courtyards, which are integral to the living spaces. The house incorporates a variety of materials, primarily wood and brick, which contribute to its aesthetic and structural integrity. The design features large windows and open facades that allow ample natural light and views of the exterior. Interior spaces showcase exposed beams and columns, highlighting the structural elements as part of the design narrative. The floor plan, including both ground and upper levels, indicates a thoughtful arrangement of rooms around the central patio concept, promoting an open and fluid living environment. The house also includes elements such as stairs with handrails and various living areas, suggesting a multi-functional and comfortable residential space. The project's design aims to evoke a sense of detachment from the typical urban experience, providing a serene and immersive environment. The use of specific materials like wood and brick, combined with the strategic placement of patios, reinforces this intention by blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The house is categorized under residential architecture and houses, reflecting its primary function while also highlighting its unique design approach. Overall, the Patio House by herchell arquitectos represents a contemporary approach to residential design in Mexico, focusing on challenging traditional living paradigms and creating a deep connection between the inhabitants and the natural world. The project's architectural elements, material choices, and spatial organization all contribute to its overarching goal of providing a distinctive and enriching living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #PatioHouse #MexicanArchitecture #HerchellArquitectos #SanSebastianDelOeste #WoodAndBrick #NaturalIntegration #ArchitecturalDesign

This article details the creation of a unique resort-style home in Bali for Alexander Jovanovic, designed by the A2Kreasitama (A2K) team. The project addressed the challenge of an irregularly shaped plot of land, which ultimately inspired the central octagonal foyer, serving as a functional meeting point and a symbolic compass for the house. The design aimed to merge the characteristics of a resort villa, emphasizing natural airflow, with the functionality of a traditional home where spaces could be fully enclosed. To achieve this dual functionality, the A2K team incorporated aluminum glass doors that can be fully opened to allow natural ventilation while also being tightly sealed to prevent insect intrusion. Strategic placement and height of the house were crucial in maximizing natural airflow, effectively eliminating the need for air conditioning. The home's location in Dreamland – Pecatu, Bali, allowed for the integration of Balinese contemporary design elements, starting with intricate wooden carvings at the main entrance. The octagonal foyer, inspired by Taoist cosmology, was intended to bring balance and stability to the irregular landform. The interior of the foyer features white granite tile floors, a sleek console table with a painting, and a contemporary chandelier above a central round table. From the foyer, access is provided to two bedrooms through oversized solid wood doors, and a glass door opens to the swimming pool. The guest bedroom is situated to the left, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors, while the master bedroom on the right offers direct access to a green-stone swimming pool and a private wooden parquet patio. The master suite includes a walk-in closet connecting to a Balinese semi-outdoor bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub, a solid wall finish, and a stonescape garden, enhancing the private resort-like ambiance. An outdoor whirlpool is located between the master bedroom and the main pool. The guest bedroom also has an open terrace for entertaining or enjoying sunsets, and its bathroom is equipped with a glass wall shower and a small garden leading to the swimming pool. All bedrooms are finished with wooden parquet floors and adorned with solid wood and natural stone accents. An eye-catching contemporary staircase, constructed from steel and solid wood with frameless glass railings, leads to the upper levels. A high synthetic rattan ceiling above the staircase not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also demonstrates a clever use of local materials. The living and dining areas are uniquely positioned on the upper floor to offer magnificent views during daily activities, cultivating a recreational, resort, and tropical atmosphere. The living room, encased by transparent glass doors and solid wood columns, is a focal point of the house. It includes a solid wood dining table with an integrated teppanyaki-style stove for entertaining. Above the dining room, an attic serves as a relaxing space and provides access to a rooftop with panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and the airport runway, ideal for social gatherings. The lower ground level accommodates a service area, laundry room, and a spacious garage with a carport that can function as a versatile multi-purpose space. Given the owner's background in the hospitality business, the A2K team meticulously designed the home to offer luxurious comfort and a distinct resort feel. The public and private areas are clearly delineated, and the designer used scale effectively to maximize space and apply hospitality industry standards to a private residence. For example, the octagonal foyer's atrium was designed to be larger than typical for a home of its size. The innovative design on the 505 sqm plot successfully integrated various functions to cater to the owner's lifestyle, resulting in a truly unique resort-style home. #ArchitectureInterior #ResortStyleHome #BaliDesign #A2Kreasitama #SustainableDesign #BalineseContemporary #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Interior designer Simon Hamui's latest project is a penthouse in Monterrey, Mexico, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic of a New York loft. The design harmoniously blends panoramic city views with a dark and atmospheric interior. Hamui, known for his custom millwork and celebration of Mexico's traditional design methodologies, created a space that caters to the art-collecting residents. The design thoughtfully integrates bookcases along the periphery of the space, extending into the master bedroom to showcase the couple's art collection, complemented by a monochrome palette. Privacy is a key consideration in the apartment's interior design, achieved through the strategic use of sliding doors to create distinct areas for visiting children. Custom-made, irregular-shaped locks on these doors ensure a seamless integration with the surrounding bookcases and walls, enhancing the sense of seclusion. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a central feature, bringing the exterior views into the open-plan layout, which is furnished with both standalone and integrated pieces designed by the Simon Hamui team. The entryway makes a striking first impression with a central table adorned with hollowed acrylic and tarnished silver leaf, illuminated by a Studio Drift 'Fragile Future' light installation. This imposing entrance leads to a studio, service quarters, and the main living areas. In the living room, a custom fireplace is flanked by grey granite cladding, softened by linen-like textures, and anchored by a grand antique marble coffee table. This arrangement creates a luxurious contrast with the bar area, which features cristallo, quartzite, grey parchment, and tarnished silver. The kitchen is outfitted with white marble countertops and illuminated by two silver pendants from Apparatus. Throughout the penthouse, Hamui's signature style is evident in the meticulous custom millwork and the selection of dark woods and leathers, contributing to a welcoming and atmospheric ambiance. The design not only showcases the residents' art collection but also creates distinct private zones within the open layout, all while framing the expansive city views. The project represents a sophisticated fusion of contemporary design principles with a deep respect for local craftsmanship and the natural environment. #MexicoPenthouse #SimonHamui #InteriorDesign #NewYorkLoft #CustomMillwork #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollecting #ModernDesign #MonterreyArchitecture

In Old Havana, a boutique hotel known as A|S Residence offers an intimate lodging experience, blending contemporary design with historical elements. The project is the result of a two-year restoration by Havana-born dancer and musician Sandy Solano Diahave and Dutch fashion designer and artist André Visser. The hotel, formerly a baroque 19th-century mansion, is situated in a city recognized for its diverse architectural heritage, encompassing Spanish colonial, Art Deco, and 1950s styles, many of which face challenges from environmental factors and economic conditions, despite their UNESCO protection. The A|S Residence comprises five suites and four junior suites. The restoration aimed to maintain the original character of the building while integrating modern design. This approach is evident in the preservation of architectural features such as towering five-meter-high ceilings, exposed brickwork, stripped doors, and woodwork. Original elements like carved columns, intricate ironwork, Carrara marble, and handmade floor tiles were meticulously conserved and serve as a foundation for the interior design choices. The interiors are curated with a mix of influences. Rooms feature Italian lighting and are adorned with Cuban art alongside Visser’s abstract canvases. The furniture selection includes modernist pieces, such as Barcelona lounge chairs, complemented by items crafted by local artisans. The blend of European and Cuban design sensibilities creates a distinctive atmosphere within the residence. Beyond accommodation, A|S Residence engages with the local community through its ground-floor establishment, HAV Coffee. This space functions as both a cafe, serving Cuban coffee and brunch, and an art gallery, showcasing works by emerging local and international artists. The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace that offers views of Havana. This area is available for activities like yoga sessions and dance classes, and it also serves as a tranquil spot for guests to relax with a drink after exploring nearby attractions. The hotel's capacity is limited to ten guests, and it enforces a policy of no children under 16, contributing to its quiet and exclusive ambiance. The location of A|S Residence provides convenient access to significant landmarks and vibrant streets in Old Havana, including Obispo and Mercaderes Streets, Belém Convent, Plaza Belém, the Capitolio, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and the Gran Teatro de La Habana. The thoughtful restoration and design of A|S Residence contribute to the preservation of Havana’s architectural legacy while introducing a contemporary hospitality experience. #HavanaHotels #BoutiqueHotel #CubanDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #OldHavana #InteriorDesign #ArtAndCulture #TravelCuba

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

CRU! architects, a Sao Paulo-based architecture firm, completed the Guesthouse Paraty, an eco-conscious social building project that aimed to minimize environmental impact and provide employment and training opportunities for the local community. The guesthouse, situated in Brazil's tropical climate, was constructed using natural and locally sourced materials, including red earth excavated from the site, and tree trunks and bamboo from the surrounding forest. This approach not only reduced the building's carbon footprint but also fostered local economic development. The design of Guesthouse Paraty incorporates passive solar principles to ensure natural cooling, an essential feature given its location. The building, measuring nearly 37 square meters, is designed for flexible use, functioning as short-term lodging, a workspace, or a children's play area. Its compact layout includes a double bed, a lofted single bed, and a convertible futon in the living area, providing three sleeping accommodations. The open-plan living space is integrated with a small cooking area and a dining table. To prevent the guesthouse from feeling confined, the architects incorporated expansive glass walls that allow abundant natural light and offer views of the surrounding landscape. A glazed entrance further enhances this connection to the outdoors, opening onto a sheltered outdoor living space. The project's commitment to sustainability is evident in its material selection and construction methods. The walls are made from rammed earth, and the roof is a green roof, topped with locally sourced black earth and plant matter. The formwork used for the rammed earth walls was repurposed for the roof structure, exemplifying a circular economy approach. Bamboo columns support the roof, and a massive granite rock, existing on the site, was integrated into the bedroom wall, further grounding the building within its natural context. Key design features for climate control include overhanging roof eaves and the green roof, both of which work to mitigate unwanted solar heat gain. All windows are operable and strategically placed to facilitate cross-ventilation, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air and natural cooling. Insect screens are installed on all windows to provide protection from mosquitoes, enhancing comfort without relying on artificial methods. The Guesthouse Paraty project showcases a holistic approach to sustainable architecture, combining local materials, traditional building techniques, and modern design principles to create a functional, environmentally responsible, and community-benefiting structure. #EcoFriendlyArchitecture #GreenRoof #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #LocalMaterials #PassiveSolar #CommunityProject #BrazilianArchitecture #CRUArchitects

MA House, designed by architects Eduardo Cadaval and Clara Solà-Morales, is situated in Tepoztlán, a pre-Hispanic village south of Mexico City known for its natural environment and as a cultural retreat. This project functions as a holiday home, with future plans for it to become the owners' primary residence. The design emphasizes a strong connection between the structure, the surrounding landscape, and its inhabitants, achieving this through a combination of geometric forms and strategic material use. The house features monumental construction using volcanic stone and concrete. Its two diagonal peaks mirror the incline of the rocky mountains flanking the site, integrating the building into its natural surroundings while establishing a distinct architectural presence. To maximize the relationship with the outdoors, framed windows open up mountain views to the interior. Covered patios are strategically placed to intersect diagonally across the square plan, connecting three distinct 'pavilions' under a single, solid concrete roof. This layout creates natural outdoor living spaces that are integrated into the home's circulation. The primary construction material is locally sourced volcanic stone, which authentically links the house to its environmental context. The architects selected this material for its low maintenance and cost-effectiveness, despite the inherent challenges in using it structurally. The walls are 40cm thick and bear the entire load of the house, highlighting the principle that every element serves a functional purpose, rather than being mere decoration. This structural use of volcanic stone was a significant technical challenge for the design team. In addition to volcanic stone, the roof is constructed from waterproof concrete, which the architects chose to leave exposed without any additional finishes. This decision further reinforces the economical and functional approach to materials, allowing the raw beauty and inherent qualities of the construction elements to define the aesthetic. The diagonal patios and the sloping roof contribute to dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, adding to the house's visual interest and its connection to natural cycles. The interior design was a collaborative effort, with one of the clients contributing to the scheme. Double-height windows are prominent, specifically designed to prioritize views of the mountain range. The layout, comprising three pavilions linked by covered patios, facilitates a fluid experience between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bedrooms are oriented to face the mountain views, enhancing the residents' connection to the landscape. The exposure of raw materials internally defines a natural and authentic atmosphere within the home. Overall, MA House exemplifies an architectural approach that prioritizes structural integrity, material authenticity, and an immersive relationship with its natural setting. The design by Cadaval & Solà-Morales successfully navigates the complexities of integrating a modern structure into a sensitive landscape, utilizing local resources and thoughtful planning to create a residence that is both visually striking and functionally robust. #MexicanArchitecture #VolcanicStone #CadavalSolaMorales #SustainableDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #Tepoztlan #LandscapeIntegration #HolidayHome