Bauhaus-Style Cape Cod House Gets A Guesthouse by Hariri & Hariri

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, an architecture studio, designed a guesthouse as an extension to a private home situated on a secluded island in the Pacific Northwest. The main residence, constructed in 2012 by the same studio, is located on a 24-acre property on Henry Island, part of the San Juan Islands archipelago off the coast of northern Washington. The site is accessible by boat, with the main home nestled in a lush meadow overlooking a shallow bay. Upon acquiring the property in 2016, the new owners commissioned the studio to add structures that would complement the island's natural environment. The resulting guesthouse offers a flexible space for extended stays by family and friends. Its rectangular layout includes a main living area and two bedrooms, spanning 125 square meters. The design harmonizes with the architectural style and materials of the main home while maintaining its own distinct character. The guesthouse is positioned uphill from the main residence, ensuring both a connection and a degree of privacy. Its construction into a gentle slope allows for a partial cantilever, where one end is anchored into the earth and the other extends above ground. This design approach minimizes environmental disturbance and provides unique characteristics for each of the two bedrooms. Each bedroom offers a different view: one overlooks the bay, while the other provides intimate views of the surrounding forests, fostering a sense of coziness. The material palette for the guesthouse includes Douglas fir, cedar, glass, and steel. Large sliding glass doors, designed to pocket into the walls, open on two sides, creating an immersive experience that connects visitors with the island's sights, smells, and sounds. This feature allows the living room to function as a “covered porch,” establishing a serene yet protected indoor-outdoor environment. #GuesthouseDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #BohlinCywinskiJackson #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #DouglasFir #HenryIsland #ArchitecturalInnovation

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

This article discusses the new Bondi Beach House, a residential project designed by MPR Design Group, which showcases a sophisticated architectural approach to beachfront living. The design emphasizes a strong connection between the interior spaces and the expansive ocean views, seamlessly integrating the natural beauty of Bondi Beach into the living experience. The house features an open-plan layout that promotes natural light penetration and cross-ventilation, essential elements for a coastal environment. Material selection plays a crucial role in the house's aesthetic and functional performance, with a focus on durable, low-maintenance materials that can withstand the harsh coastal climate while maintaining a luxurious and contemporary feel. Large expanses of glass are strategically employed to maximize the panoramic views, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living areas. The architectural concept for the Bondi Beach House centers on creating a tranquil oasis that responds to its immediate surroundings. MPR Design Group has meticulously crafted a dwelling that not only offers breathtaking vistas but also provides privacy and comfort. The exterior facade is characterized by clean lines and a modern aesthetic, with a palette of natural finishes that harmonize with the sandy shores and blue waters of Bondi. Landscaping around the property is designed to complement the architectural style, incorporating native plants that are resilient to coastal conditions and enhance the overall visual appeal. The interplay of solids and voids in the building's massing creates interesting architectural forms and provides shaded outdoor spaces, essential for enjoying the Australian climate. Inside, the house exudes a sense of understated elegance and functionality. The interiors are characterized by a refined material palette, including natural stone, timber, and high-quality finishes, contributing to a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere. The spatial arrangement is carefully considered to optimize flow and functionality, with living areas seamlessly transitioning into dining and kitchen zones, ideal for entertaining. Bedrooms are strategically placed to offer privacy and capture specific views, ensuring every inhabitant can enjoy the stunning surroundings. State-of-the-art home automation systems are integrated throughout the house, providing modern conveniences and enhancing the living experience, from climate control to lighting and security. Sustainability principles are also subtly incorporated into the design, reflecting a commitment to environmentally conscious architecture. Passive design strategies, such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, are employed to minimize energy consumption for heating and cooling. Water-efficient fixtures and fittings are installed, and consideration is given to rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling systems to reduce water usage. The long-term durability and lifecycle of materials are also key considerations, aiming to reduce the environmental impact over the building's lifespan. The Bondi Beach House by MPR Design Group stands as a testament to contemporary coastal architecture, offering a harmonious blend of luxury, functionality, and environmental consideration. In essence, the Bondi Beach House represents a sophisticated response to its prime beachfront location, delivering a residence that is both visually stunning and highly livable. MPR Design Group's attention to detail, from the overall massing to the selection of interior finishes, creates a cohesive and exceptional architectural statement. The design successfully balances the desire for expansive views with the need for privacy, crafting a home that feels both open and intimate. It exemplifies a modern Australian lifestyle, characterized by a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a desire for high-quality, sustainable living spaces. This project contributes to the architectural landscape of Bondi Beach, setting a benchmark for contemporary residential design in coastal areas. #BondiBeachHouse #MPRDesignGroup #CoastalArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign #OceanViews #ModernArchitecture #SustainableDesign

Wendy and Cleve Meredith, drawing inspiration from their New England background, undertook a significant renovation of their 1930s Cape Cod-style home in Atlanta. The house, which had remained largely unaltered for decades, presented a unique opportunity for an update without expanding its original footprint. Wendy, an interior designer, collaborated with Atlanta architect Brad Heppner to refresh the property, beginning with its curb appeal. Subtle yet impactful changes were made to the exterior, including repainting the brick a warm light brown to blend with the surrounding trees. A new cedar-shingled roof, a flared awning over the front door, and black shutters on the dormer windows were added, enhancing the home's architectural definition. Inside, the objective was to improve living spaces without increasing the home's size. The kitchen, despite retaining its original square footage, now appears more expansive. Much of the kitchen, along with an adjacent pantry and breakfast area, was reconfigured to maximize space planning. Existing scalloped-niche and Shaker-style cabinetry was ingeniously adapted to conceal a refrigerator and pantry. Custom cabinets throughout the kitchen were designed to be slightly oversized, with upper cabinets deepened by 2 to 3 inches to accommodate larger items, and lower cabinets equipped with drawers for easier access. A wooden plank backsplash was chosen over tile to maintain a seamless, old-fashioned cottage aesthetic. A central, space-saving pocket door now connects the kitchen to the dining room. The dining room itself was updated to evoke a sense of history without feeling overly formal. The upper walls were painted the same gray as the kitchen island, creating continuity between the adjacent spaces, while creamy horizontal wood planks were installed below the chair rail. The original hardwood floors were refinished to their former beauty. Wendy selected a round table and antique chairs, upholstered in simple linen and checked fabrics with a delicate scalloped edge, to foster a welcoming atmosphere. A family heirloom, a 13-arm meeting-house chandelier, serves as a distinctive focal point. The former back porch, previously housing a washer and dryer, was transformed into an essential butler's pantry, extending the kitchen's functionality. This area features wood-plank walls, a quaint and practical brick floor, a walnut countertop for added patina, and open shelving to display bar items. A former bedroom was converted into a sitting room, now offering direct access to the newly designed courtyard through French doors. The backyard, originally with a small brick patio, was re-envisioned as a lush courtyard to provide more living space and a garden retreat for the Merediths and their two corgis. A new garage/carriage house anchors the back of the yard. The hardscape includes a picket fence, bluestone tiles, and a pea gravel drive and path, softened by a green-and-white-themed garden. This garden is thoughtfully planted with camellias, a tea olive hedge, hostas, hydrangeas, and ferns, ensuring year-round greenery and blooms. A unique personal touch was added with a quarterboard displaying the name "Glory Cottage," a nod to Nantucket tradition and a symbol of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. #CapeCodCottage #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorMakeover #KitchenRemodel #CourtyardDesign #TraditionalHome #ArchitecturalDetails #GardenLandscaping

James Hardie offers a comprehensive suite of exterior building solutions designed to meet diverse architectural and design needs. Their product range includes cladding, bracing, flooring, and interior lining systems, all engineered for durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation. A key focus for James Hardie is providing homeowners and building professionals with options that combine high performance with design flexibility. The company's cladding solutions are particularly noteworthy, featuring various profiles and textures that can mimic natural materials like timber or render, while offering superior resistance to weather, fire, and pests. These products are developed with the Australian climate in mind, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. The Colorbond® steel fascia and gutter system, for example, is highlighted for its robust construction, aesthetic integration, and resistance to corrosion, available in a wide array of colours to complement any architectural style. This system is designed for quick and straightforward installation, contributing to project efficiency and reducing labour costs. James Hardie also provides innovative flooring solutions, such as the Secura™ Interior Flooring and Secura™ Exterior Flooring. These products are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and are suitable for a variety of applications, from bathrooms and laundries to balconies and decks. The Secura™ Interior Flooring, in particular, offers a solid, squeak-free substrate that is ideal for wet areas and can accommodate various finishes. Its water-resistant properties and enhanced acoustic performance make it a preferred choice for residential and commercial projects alike. For structural integrity, James Hardie offers bracing solutions that comply with building codes and provide essential structural support for walls. These systems are designed to be integrated seamlessly with their cladding and framing products, ensuring a cohesive and strong building envelope. The interior lining systems, on the other hand, provide a smooth, durable surface for internal walls and ceilings, ready for painting or other decorative finishes. Beyond product offerings, James Hardie emphasizes its commitment to supporting homeowners and building professionals through every stage of a project. This includes offering resources such as design guides, installation manuals, and technical support to ensure successful outcomes. The company's focus on research and development allows for continuous innovation, introducing products that not only meet current market demands but also anticipate future trends in construction and design. Their solutions are often presented as a way to create durable, beautiful, and low-maintenance homes, reflecting a holistic approach to exterior and interior design. #JamesHardie #ExteriorSolutions #BuildingMaterials #Cladding #Flooring #Construction #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #ProductInnovation