CRUX arquitectos creates light, flexible living spaces for REI house in spain

Interior courtyards have a long-standing history, originally serving as spaces for shelter, security, and protection, while simultaneously aiming to integrate external elements for comfort and well-being. In contemporary residential architecture, the design of interior courtyards has evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of functionalities and activities, fostering a dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. These modern courtyards are also crucial in incorporating principles of energy efficiency, thermal regulation, effective ventilation, and optimal natural lighting. The design process for interior courtyards necessitates careful consideration of several environmental and geographical factors. These include the specific site location, the surrounding vegetation, prevailing climatic conditions, and the solar orientation of the property. Given Spain's diverse climate—ranging from Atlantic, Mediterranean, subtropical, to mountain climates—interior courtyards in Spanish homes exhibit a variety of characteristics, arrangements, and architectural principles. Despite this heterogeneity, a common feature among them is their enclosure by walls, various types of closures, circulation pathways, or galleries. These elements position the courtyard either as a central spatial organizer or as the quintessential heart of the home, enriching the living experience by connecting residents with nature and the immediate surroundings. This article highlights ten exemplary Spanish houses that showcase the innovative use of interior courtyards. These examples demonstrate how these architectural features effectively provide natural ventilation and ample lighting, while also accommodating diverse uses and activities. Each case study illustrates a direct and meaningful interaction with the surrounding environment and natural elements, underscoring the versatility and enduring relevance of interior courtyards in modern Spanish residential design. The featured projects collectively represent how architectural practices in Spain are adapting traditional courtyard concepts to meet contemporary demands for sustainability, aesthetics, and liveability. Specifically, the article delves into how these ten projects leverage interior courtyards to enhance the quality of life within the homes. The courtyards are not merely decorative but serve practical purposes, such as creating microclimates that mitigate extreme temperatures, channeling breezes for natural cooling, and distributing natural light deep into the interior spaces, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. Furthermore, many of these courtyards are designed to integrate lush vegetation, transforming them into serene green oases that improve air quality, offer privacy, and provide a visual connection to nature. The article implicitly suggests that these design choices contribute to the overall energy performance of the buildings, aligning with modern ecological concerns without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or functional versatility. The selected homes exemplify a conscious effort by architects to harmonize built structures with their natural and climatic contexts, providing models for sustainable and comfortable living spaces across Spain's varied landscapes. #InteriorCourtyards #SpanishArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #NaturalLighting #Ventilation #EnergyEfficiency #ThermalRegulation #ResidentialArchitecture #OutdoorSpaces

Contemporary Mexican architecture showcases a remarkable fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces, a tradition deeply rooted in the country's historical architectural practices and influenced by its climate and cultural values. This design philosophy, which dates back to ancient structures like the palaces of Teotihuacan and colonial apartments centered around loggias, emphasizes seamless transitions between sheltered interiors and open-air environments. Mexican modernists of the mid-20th century, such as Luis Barragán and Enrique del Moral, were pivotal in integrating the International Style with local conditions, viewing gardens as extensions of interior rooms and designing homes that, while appearing private from the street, opened expansively to natural surroundings through courtyards and terraces. More recent architects like Alberto Kalach and Mauricio Rocha have continued this legacy, with contemporary firms developing even more innovative solutions to maximize the landscape. These approaches include large openings, strategic framing of vistas, fully retractable walls, and carefully selected material palettes that enhance the connection to nature. Five examples illustrate this diverse spectrum. Manuel Cervantes's homes near Mexico City exemplify how design can respond to topography. His own home in Amatepec, spread across multiple levels, uses the site's natural slope to create permeability. An existing jacaranda tree forms the basis for an aromatic entrance garden, while a spacious living room with pivotable floor-to-ceiling windows dissolves the barrier between inside and out. Planted inner spaces enclosed in glass offer private natural experiences, and the white brick exterior, clad in ceramic, organically blends with the green environment, allowing the climate to be sensed even indoors. Casa Mague, designed by MCxA in Malinalco, prioritizes existing vegetation. Built in 2020, its design respects the site's abundant trees, weaving a series of flexible, open, and closed spaces around the natural elements, sometimes allowing tree branches to penetrate the structure. This constant interplay between indoor and outdoor maximizes occupant interaction with the surrounding forest, using elements like latticed screen walls and glazed enclosures to blur boundaries. Material choices are also crucial in contemporary Mexican architecture for reinforcing indoor-outdoor continuity. Architects frequently select earthy materials in neutral tones, such as stone and cement tiles, to harmonize interiors with the exterior landscape. Casa Tejocote in Querétaro, designed by González Muchow Architects, uses high walls of pigmented rose-colored concrete to echo the region's colonial heritage and arid landscape. The design prioritizes privacy, with four modules arranged around a central garden and connected by bridges. Precise incisions in the stone walls frame views, creating strong links to the outside, while every space is partially open to a courtyard or garden, reflecting a modern evolution of del Moral's patio-centric prototypes. Fernanda Canales, a prominent female architect, reinterprets the patio as a hallmark of her practice. Her Recreo House (2017) in Valle de Bravo, built with local materials like gray stone, clay tiles, and timber, integrates a central patio as the heart of the home. This focal point connects access, service, and private areas to generous social spaces. The dining and living areas are extremely open, situated between the main courtyard and a large terrace with pool and views. L-shaped resting areas are near a more intimate patio, blending wild surroundings with privacy. Breezeways between bedrooms create covered, interstitial outdoor spaces. Casa Zicatela in Oaxaca, designed by Ludwig Godefroy in 2015, offers a radical paradigm. This compact weekend house, overlooking the Pacific, is almost entirely built from silvery concrete. Conceived as a 'country house by the sea,' its fortified exterior provides protection and privacy while echoing nearby mountains. Inside, open space abounds, resembling a mysterious concrete playground with no conventional indoor-outdoor boundaries. Rooms are arranged around a garden, with an open-air corridor and loggia-like areas, and a central structure housing living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly extending into the courtyard. Steps like a Mayan pyramid lead to a second level observatory, immersing occupants in the vibrant blue sky and surrounding landscape, where concrete walls and wood details contrast vividly. #MexicanArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeTours #DesignInspiration #SustainableDesign

This blog post explores a newly constructed Spanish-revival style home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, completed in 2022, which has been imbued with a strong sense of history and old-world charm through thoughtful interior design. Interior designer Kristen Fiore collaborated with the homeowners, a couple with four children, to blend new construction with traditional aesthetics, ensuring no overly modern elements were introduced. The project spanned five years, during which Fiore meticulously sourced materials, antiques, and unique finds to create a space that evokes the feel of an old-world villa, incorporating Spanish revival, Italian, Moroccan, and Turkish influences. The home features a grand open-plan living area encompassing the kitchen, living room, and dining room. High ceilings are adorned with reclaimed wood beams, hand-scraped by the homeowner and construction team to achieve a distressed, antique look, contributing a rustic and ancient feel. The walls are finished with plaster, creating a neutral, classic, and sophisticated palette. Living room ideas seamlessly integrate with the open-plan design, maintaining an organic and neutral aesthetic. The space is centered around a large pale stone fireplace, flanked by Restoration Hardware sofas and illuminated by zinc pendants from Jamie Young. Kristen Fiore reflects on the project as a significant departure from her typical design approach, emphasizing the value of listening, learning, and applying traditional nuances. This experience, she notes, fostered her growth as a designer and project manager, cultivating an appreciation for traditional design and extensive research. The kitchen, a bespoke creation within the open-plan great room, serves as a social hub for the family. Its uniqueness stems from cabinet door faces and a full butler’s pantry designed by La Puerta Originals, featuring hand-carved, hand-pieced, and stained wood, giving it the appearance of being from another century. Lighting includes Cisco Home island lights and Visual Comfort sconces. The dining area's impactful design is attributed to its central position within the open-plan layout. A multi-stemmed Holly Hunt light fitting is a focal investment piece, creating a 'wow' moment upon entry. An accordion wall allows the indoor space to merge seamlessly with an outdoor loggia and an Italian-style pool flanked by olive trees, providing an al fresco California experience. The outdoor living spaces are equally important, with an outdoor kitchen and a vintage dining table in the loggia, offering a perfect poolside setting. The home also features intimate spaces, such as a cozy nook in the main bedroom with a rounded chimney breast reminiscent of 1920s Spanish revival homes, furnished with reclaimed antique chairs covered in Kravet Couture fabric. The bathroom, a favorite of the designer, offers a warm and relaxed ambiance, avoiding a stark, clinical feel. It includes a black clawfoot tub overlooking garden-style window boxes and views of the lake, complemented by terracotta stone floors that provide an earthy red hue. The overall design successfully fulfills the clients' desire for a traditional, rustic villa that feels like it belongs in Western Europe—a timeless architectural masterpiece and a comfortable, understated luxury family home filled with originality, cultural influences, and high-quality craftsmanship, a rarity in modern new builds. #SpanishRevival #EuropeanDesign #TraditionalStyle #NewBuildHome #InteriorDesign #KristenFiore #Antiques #OpenPlanLiving #LuxuryHome

Gon architects have transformed Casa Flix, a 42-square-meter attic apartment in Madrid's city center, into a flexible, light-filled urban home. Located on the sixth floor of a historic 1900 building near Calleo square, the renovation addressed the challenges of a compact space with a sloped roof and unconventional layout, aiming to maximize space, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The original two-room layout was reconfigured into four distinct, yet visually connected, areas: a bedroom/dressing area, an entrance, a workspace/bathroom, and a kitchen/living/dining room. The apartment's entrance, designed to evoke a ship's interior, features a blue tunnel, a metal shelf, and a circular window, creating a unique transitional space. The central bathroom separates the sink and toilet from the shower, utilizing mirrored panels to conceal plumbing and expand the perceived space through reflections. A glass block wall in the shower ensures privacy while allowing natural light to penetrate. The workspace includes a triangular desk against a green partial wall, complemented by an orange Moustache chair. The kitchen area features pale yellow cabinets running along the higher end of the sloped ceiling, providing storage for kitchen essentials, cleaning products, and even the owner’s clothes. A vibrant blue dining table is positioned beneath the lower part of the ceiling. To enhance natural light and ventilation, additional skylights were installed in the bedroom and living room, creating an airy atmosphere. A transparent glass door at the entrance further contributes to the apartment's openness, allowing light to flow throughout. At night, the glass-blocked shower illuminates, casting a soft glow across the entire apartment. While most of the apartment features a mix of bold colors and white surfaces, the bedroom maintains a serene, minimalist aesthetic by being completely void of vibrant hues. The exterior of the building, with its small, open terrace offering views of tiled rooftops, complements the modern interior. The renovation successfully transformed a drab attic into a dynamic, colorful, and highly functional living space, emphasizing smart design solutions for small urban dwellings. The project highlights the potential for innovative design to revitalize historic spaces, creating contemporary homes that embrace both aesthetic appeal and practical living. #AtticRenovation #MadridArchitecture #ColorfulInterior #SmallSpaceDesign #UrbanLiving #GonArchitects #ModernApartment #ResidentialDesign #InteriorTransformation

Adam Pines and Joey Ricci purchased a Laurel Canyon home in Los Angeles that, despite initial unimpressive Zillow images, possessed a magical quality they felt compelled to reveal. They enlisted designer Sarah Solis to transform the 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom Spanish-style house into a "warm, soft, imprecise" sanctuary. Solis's design focused on maximizing space and creating a cozy atmosphere without structural additions. The renovation began with significant aesthetic and functional changes. Solis replaced existing flooring with reclaimed Spanish Cotto tile, a decision she deemed a worthwhile splurge. To enhance the perception of space in the compact home, she opened up an enclosed stairway by removing a wall and a handrail, creating an illusion of greater breadth without altering the footprint. This strategic approach to design defined many of the project's solutions. Addressing the lack of a formal dining area, Solis incorporated seating into the kitchen island and designated the outdoor space for more formal meals, catering to the clients' preference for loungy, comfortable zones. The living room features a Togo sofa, and a daybed window seat is made even more inviting with an assortment of pillows. In the kitchen, instead of traditional enclosed cabinetry, Solis opted for open shelving, which she noted not only looks stylish but also provides easy access to the homeowners' collection of pots and dishes acquired during their travels. The powder room, a small space, was optimized by installing a wall-mounted copper sink sourced from Etsy, avoiding the space-consuming footprint of a pedestal sink. Portuguese tiles, mixed and matched, were used to create a distinctive backsplash, adding character to the compact area. Upstairs, the home's three bedrooms were designed with an old-world charm. The primary bedroom was given a "sultry" feel and connects to a bathroom featuring a vanity made from the same reclaimed wood used in the kitchen island. Another bedroom is adorned with crinkled linen sheets, inviting relaxation. A standout feature is a guest room with a custom-built bed nook, inspired by Spanish and adobe-style built-ins that Solis researched. This nook proved to be so appealing that Pines and Ricci occasionally choose to sleep there instead of their primary bedroom, describing it as a "recharge station." The renovation, initially projected for three months, extended to a full year due to COVID-related delays. Solis praised her clients' decisiveness, which helped keep the project on track creatively and within budget. She emphasized the importance of trusting one's initial instincts in design, noting that most projects eventually return to the gut feelings experienced at the outset. The home's atrium serves as a central welcoming point, featuring a bench for keys and an olive tree that diffuses sunlight, which Solis ensured would flood the living room by opening up walls and the stairway. The homeowners express deep satisfaction with the final result, particularly appreciating the morning light that illuminates their home, creating an unbeatable energy. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #LaurelCanyon #SpanishStyle #SpaceSavingSolutions #Renovation #SarahSolisDesign #CustomBuiltIns #DesignInspiration

Zooco Estudio, a design firm based in Madrid and Bilbao, undertook a comprehensive renovation of a semi-detached residence located in northwest Madrid. The primary objective was to foster a sense of openness and visual connectivity across the various sections of the house. This goal presented a considerable challenge, given the home's modest size of just over 1,600 square feet, distributed across four narrow floors, including a basement, for a family of three. To address this, the architects devised a central element: a versatile bookshelf that extends through multiple spaces and floors. This all-white shelving unit, visible upon entering the home, adapts its function according to its location and dimensions. At the entrance, it serves as a wardrobe for coats and shoes. In the TV area, it is designed for music storage, and in the dining room, it acts as a display unit for tableware. The bookshelf functions as both a storage solution and a subtle physical divider, maintaining visual continuity between areas such as the entry and dining room. On the main entry level, the shelving system is specifically configured with horizontal components to accommodate jackets and shoes. In the living room on the same floor, the shelves wrap around the walls, extending upwards to the floor above, thereby creating a double-height space that enhances the perception of openness and expands the room's actual footprint. Zooco Estudio highlights that the shelves successfully integrate aesthetics and functionality. Their simple construction and white finish serve as a neutral and bright backdrop, allowing the homeowners' personal items to become the focal point. Throughout the residence, the material palette is intentionally simple and direct, featuring solid oak floors—often arranged in a herringbone pattern—complemented by white walls, ceilings, and the prominent white bookshelves. A notable exception is the staircase, which stands out as a sculptural element crafted from black, folded steel, contrasting sharply in both form and color with the rectilinear white shelves. In a creative inversion, the kitchen deviates from the general material scheme; instead of wood floors, white tile is used, and the cabinetry and shelves are made of wood. This white tile retains the scale of the herringbone pattern found elsewhere but introduces a contrasting texture and color. On the second floor, the white shelving continues, serving a dual purpose as a storage solution and a protective railing. The two bedrooms and bathroom on this level are separated from the hallway by vertically oriented slats, which conceal access doors and contribute to the visual unity of the area. The uppermost floor is dedicated to the master bedroom, where the vertical slats reappear as a partition between the bathroom and sitting area. Skylights are strategically placed above to ensure ample natural light throughout these spaces. In the bathrooms, ceramic tiles replace the oak flooring, covering both floors and walls. The square tiles vary in color depending on the bathroom, maintaining a simple and uncluttered aesthetic. The design successfully creates an open and interconnected living environment within a constrained footprint, utilizing a single, adaptable element to define spaces, provide storage, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. The thoughtful integration of materials and structural elements contributes to a cohesive and functional design that maximizes both visual appeal and practical utility. #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #MadridHomes #ZoocoEstudio #BookshelfDesign #MultiFunctionalFurniture #SpaceOptimization #RenovationProject #ModernInteriors

Max Núñez Arquitectos has designed a greenhouse in Pirque, Chile, that blends modernist principles with innovative construction. The structure, measuring 11.4 x 11.4m, is raised on a plinth, creating the illusion of a floating glass box. This design choice, particularly striking when the interior is illuminated, allows the greenhouse to emanate a misty aura that reflects in an adjacent pool, enhancing its mysterious and sophisticated appeal. The greenhouse's design is a contemporary homage to classic modernist pavilions, drawing inspiration from architectural pioneers like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. However, Núñez diverges from the archetypal flat roof, opting instead for a more historically informed approach that harks back to the early modern era when advancements in glass technology revolutionized industrial and residential architecture. The roof features two barrel vaults constructed from glass blocks, supported by a framework of inverted V-shaped steel braces. This innovative roofing system provides an internal height of approximately 6.3m, accommodating the growth of even large plant specimens. The glass blocks are instrumental in diffusing direct sunlight, which helps to regulate the internal temperature and reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems. An external boiler house is connected to automatically controlled vents within the glazing, pumping in heat as needed. Additionally, a sophisticated system of pipes and nozzles disperses moisture, creating the hot and humid conditions necessary for tropical plants to flourish. In stark contrast to the lush, controlled environment within, the greenhouse is situated in a typical semi-arid Chilean landscape. This juxtaposition highlights the structure's role as a self-contained ecosystem, designed to sustain a vibrant interior realm despite its external surroundings. The choice of raw industrial finishes and materials further emphasizes this function, forming a diaphanous framework that envelops a small slice of the tropics. Núñez's architectural style is characterized by its eclectic formal intensity. His previous project, the Ghat House on Chile's Central Coast, was recognized with the Best New Private House award in the 2018 Design Awards for its sculptural concrete cascades. The Pirque greenhouse, however, represents a distinct shift in scale and its response to topography, showcasing the architect's versatility and ability to adapt his vision to different functional and environmental contexts. The project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of art, science, technology, and style within the typology of a glasshouse, offering a refined space for botanical collection, cultivation, and display. #ModernistArchitecture #GreenhouseDesign #GlassArchitecture #ChileanArchitecture #MaxNúñez #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #ResidentialArchitecture

This article highlights the transformation of a 1930s apartment in Madrid's Chamberí district by design studio Plutarco, led by Ana Arana. Originally a series of dark, confined rooms, the 140-square-metre space was redesigned to be vibrant and functional, catering to the owners' passion for cooking and entertaining. The clients' unconventional request for a large, open kitchen, which is not typical in Spain, was central to the renovation. Despite initial concerns about food smells, Ana's team developed an effective solution that integrated the kitchen seamlessly into the living and dining areas. The renovation involved a complete overhaul, removing walls to create an open-plan L-shaped living/dining area that wraps around the kitchen. The apartment now includes two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a third bathroom that functions as a utility room, discreetly housing a washing machine and cleaning supplies. Ana Arana viewed the challenge of carving out distinct zones within a compact footprint as an opportunity for creative problem-solving, emphasizing that restrictions often lead to innovative design solutions. Her approach focused on manipulating light, color, and materials to achieve an uplifting atmosphere. The design scheme is characterized by a painterly quality, drawing inspiration from artists like Miró and Mondrian. This is evident in the use of rainbow-bright furniture, art, and unexpected color accents, such as lilac cabinetry under the kitchen counter. Playful elements, including tomato-red 'Ekstrem' chairs by Terje Ekstrøm and nougat-like terrazzo flooring, are balanced with subtle refinement to create rooms that are both visually appealing and comfortable for living. The overall aesthetic conveys a sense of fun and approachability. Bold, vibrant colors are a recurring theme throughout the apartment, notably in the coral-pink and sky-blue bathrooms. These exuberant hues are strategically contained and grounded by black fixtures and fittings, which Ana describes as a neutral element that provides a sense of unity. This contrast between vivid colors and structured black lines evokes the artistic styles of Joan Miró and Piet Mondrian, where primary colors are sharply defined on a canvas. Despite its contemporary and fresh appearance, the home maintains a connection to its Spanish roots through its functional design. Ana emphasizes that the most Madrilenian aspect of the apartment is not its aesthetics but its functionality, particularly its emphasis on communal living and entertaining. She notes that in Madrid, people prioritize gatherings and family dinners, often willing to sacrifice living room space for a larger area dedicated to parties. The apartment successfully balances these cultural values with modern design, creating a space that prioritizes food, friends, family, and fun. The renovation, detailed in ELLE Decoration March 2021, showcases Plutarco's ability to transform a traditional property into a bold, functional, and joyful home tailored to its owners' lifestyle. #MadridApartment #SmallSpaceDesign #ColourfulInteriors #OpenPlanLiving #ModernRenovation #SpanishDesign #PlutarcoStudio #InteriorDecorating #FunctionalDesign

This article highlights four distinctive home design projects by various architectural firms, showcasing innovative approaches to residential living spaces. Each project demonstrates a unique blend of creativity, functionality, and personalized style, reflecting contemporary trends in interior and architectural design. The first featured project is by Itch Società d’Architettura in Milan, focusing on the transformation of early-20th-century attic apartments and duplexes. These residences incorporate clever interventions such as a daylight-ushering glass rooftop extension that opens onto a balcony, enhancing natural light and outdoor access. The design also emphasizes refined color blocking, which serves to animate and add character to otherwise understated interiors, utilizing original wood-slat ceilings crisscrossed with steel beams as a foundational element. Next, Ubalt Architectes in Paris presents a conversion of a 1970s computer data center into a live-work unit on the outskirts of the Marais district. This project boldly reimagines the typically grayscale office environment with fearless design choices. Notable features include vertical blinds, a vibrant jolt of tinted Plexiglas cladding structural steel, and a unique staggered terrazzo jardiniere. This jardiniere, accessed by a surrealist pool ladder, ingeniously extends the terrace greenery into the interior space, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Office S&M;, an emerging London practice, contributes a remodeled lower level of a Victorian town house in Islington. Their design is characterized by a playful and vibrant aesthetic, incorporating joyous tropical colors and tinted mirrors that introduce warped views, adding a whimsical dimension to the space. Custom built-ins, designed with peaks and arches, reference the surrounding architecture and evoke a playhouse-like charm. A strong emphasis on sustainability is evident through the use of reclaimed materials, such as countertops made from melted-down plastics and pendant lights crafted from recycled crushed brick, giving new life to previously existing elements. Finally, Rowland+Broughton showcases a contemporary three-story family home in Aspen, Colorado. This residence is a crisp composition of natural and refined materials, including soap-finished larch, bleached oak, charred pine, and black steel. Situated adjacent to a meadow and surrounded by evergreens, spruce trees, and Gambel oaks, the home integrates seamlessly with its natural environment. Interior highlights include a sculptural spiral staircase featuring LED-lit treads and a hand-carved Pele de Tigre marble fireplace, a collaboration with the Haas Brothers, which serves as a central artistic statement within the home. These elements collectively define a sophisticated and modern living space deeply connected to its serene surroundings. #ResidentialDesign #CreativeHomes #InteriorArchitecture #HomeRenovation #MilanDesign #ParisianLiveWork #LondonTownhouse #AspenHome

This article highlights a 3,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles, along with its 400-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), designed by Shanty Wijaya and James Mulyadi from the firm Allprace. The design incorporates a soft interpretation of Catalan Modernism, also known as Modernisme, while honoring the home's original Spanish-style architecture, which is prevalent in the neighborhood. Unlike traditional Catalan Modernism, the design eschews elaborate stained-glass windows and mosaic-tiled exteriors in favor of a subtler approach. The residence maintains key characteristics of California-Spanish homes, such as an earthy color palette and smooth archways. However, the designers introduce distinct elements in the floors and ceilings to create visual interest and tension. For instance, the family room features a barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, a bathroom showcases groovy Bibiena Variegato terracotta floor tiles, and the entry steps are adorned with a round Lucite baluster. These details intentionally shift focus from eye-level elements to the upper and lower architectural features. Wijaya shares several design insights from the renovation. The majority of the home's ceilings and walls are finished with European plaster, with some painted surfaces. The dining room, centrally located, acts as a focal point, featuring wallpaper with a detailed nature-landscape pattern in a neutral hue that aligns with the Catalan Modernism theme. Color is used impactfully, particularly in a bathroom where midnight port zellige tiles create a moody atmosphere. The texture and color of these tiles complement the wood ceiling and wall, adding depth to the space while keeping eye-level elements muted. Natural light is also thoughtfully integrated; in the guest bathroom, skylights complement a window, casting shadows that highlight the terracotta floor and add drama to the simple plaster walls. The ADU significantly enhances the property's value and functionality, offering flexibility for use as a guesthouse, office, or income-generating Airbnb. Throughout the main house, curves, arches, and geometrical designs are consistently applied, as seen in the round, curvy marble bullnose vanity in a bathroom, ensuring design cohesion. The barrel-vaulted ceiling serves as both an artistic element and a focal point, beautifully framing the view of the pool and complementing the cabana's ceiling, thus strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. Regarding the budget, the biggest splurges were on high-quality finishes, including lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and flooring. Conversely, a bio-ethanol fireplace in the living room represented a significant cost-saving measure. Wijaya particularly favors the Lucite stair baluster and the curved barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, intending to reuse these unique, art-like details in future projects. #HomeDesign #SpanishStyleHome #CatalanModernism #ADUDesign #InteriorRenovation #ArchitecturalDetails #TerracottaTiles #NaturalLight #CustomFinishes

This article highlights 20 distinct residential projects that exemplify the integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, a highly sought-after feature for homeowners. The concept emphasizes maximizing space for entertainment and relaxation, providing harmonious connections with nature through elements like large windows, sliding glass doors, and open-plan layouts. These designs incorporate ample natural light, greenery, and picturesque views, transcending architectural boundaries across various settings, including modern country houses, chic city apartments, and luxurious beachfront villas. The article serves as an updated compilation of notable indoor-outdoor living designs. The featured homes showcase diverse approaches to this design philosophy. For instance, a Tropical Modernist Miami Home by Strang Design utilizes aluminum louvers and floor-to-ceiling pocket doors to create a fluid indoor-outdoor experience, tailored for a Brazilian family on an oak grove. Daniel Joseph Chenin's cinematic desert dwelling, Fort 137 in the Mojave Desert, draws inspiration from early Vegas settlements, using travertine floors and stucco ceilings to frame views of the arid landscape. In São Paulo, FCstudio's Casa Bento prioritizes outdoor living with a custom garden, firepit, and dipping pool, catering to a couple's desire for entertaining in a subtropical climate. Bobby Niven’s Scriptorium in Scotland, a tiny concrete structure for writer residencies, blends art with the environment, demonstrating how small spaces can also foster a connection to the outdoors. Thomas Melhorn's Florida home, inspired by Wabi-Sabi philosophy, integrates the design with its coastal surroundings, featuring a gently curved roof that mirrors the dunes and materials reflecting the local environment. Further examples include an equine-friendly oasis in Ecuador's Andes Mountains by Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos, which connects the home and stables, making some areas accessible to horses. Cini Boeri's vacation houses in Sardinia, resembling brutalist tents, are perched on a rocky shoreline, showcasing pioneering female architectural design that interacts with the rugged landscape. A serene home by Olson Kundig and Erica Colpitts Interior Design in North Vancouver, British Columbia, reimagines a mid-century structure to embrace the surrounding forest and rural British aesthetic. Hawk & Co.'s California coastal oasis features striking interiors and expansive views, with a design that nods to Napa Valley's rustic-industrial style. Pascali Semerdjian Architects' sustainable home in São Paulo incorporates extensive greenery and carefully curated interiors to reflect the city's modern style and connect with nature. The projects also include sculptural house designs by Standard Architecture in Los Angeles, which blend American vernacular architecture with modern pools and expansive oak interiors. T.K. Chu Design Group’s meditative home in Suzhou, China, integrates with the historic Couple Gardens through expansive windows and biomorphic furnishings. Aidlin Darling Design's soaring home on a Bay Area precipice is resolutely modern yet feels rooted in its rugged setting, designed to offer shelter from harsh elements. Zarysy's lake house in Poland reimagines the cabin aesthetic, drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings with raw materials and green forest hues. Laidlaw Schultz Architects’ Laguna Beach beauty offers contemporary intervention in a 1960s dwelling, maximizing Pacific Ocean views. Andreas Bründler transforms a 19th-century carriage house in Basel, Switzerland, into a family home with plenty of indoor-outdoor living spaces, framing views with a curved buttress and sliding glass walls. Another award-winning high desert retreat by Aidlin Darling Design in Coachella Valley is thoughtfully sited to preserve the boulder-strewn landscape. Abramson Architects and Magni Kalman Design's lush Beverly Hills abode features an expansive courtyard as its central heart. Studiohuerta’s residence in Cabo San Lucas works in concert with elements, using local materials and traditional building strategies for a modern sculptural form. Finally, Dylan Farrell Design's Sydney home renovation boldly stimulates the senses with quirky shapes, colors, and a dining room that opens to the outdoors, creating modern spaces for a young family. #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableDesign #ModernHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #LandscapeIntegration #InteriorDesignTrends #GlobalArchitecture

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

The "PETS & HUMAN - Positive House" project, designed by Studio ruizvelazquez, was completed in 2023 in Madrid, Spain. This architectural endeavor, featured in Casa Decor 2023, aimed to create a harmonious living space that caters to both human and animal residents, emphasizing biophilia and positive interaction between species. The design concept revolves around integrating nature and natural elements into the urban context, transforming a domestic interior into a vibrant ecosystem. The project is specifically a single-family home with a focus on organic and sustainable architecture, adopting a tiny-house approach. The core philosophy behind the "Positive House" is rooted in biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants more closely with nature. This is achieved through a deliberate selection of natural materials, forms, and sensory experiences. The objective was to enhance the well-being of both humans and pets by fostering a calming, stimulating, and healthy environment. The design promotes a sense of peace and natural beauty, moving away from traditional static interior design towards a dynamic, evolving space that mirrors the outdoors. Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, with a strong emphasis on ecological responsibility. The house incorporates sustainable materials and construction techniques, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with the broader trend in architecture towards eco-conscious building and living. The tiny-house typology further supports this by optimizing space and resources, promoting a more minimalist and efficient lifestyle. The project utilized a range of manufacturers and materials to achieve its vision. Notable brands involved include Geberit, Saloni, ABB, Axor Design, BANG & OLUFSEN, Cement Design, Drypets, Ecoclay, Ecoplen, and Estufamania. These choices reflect a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and often, sustainability. The interior design, managed by Marta García Ríos, and technical engineering by Almudena de Toledo Congosto, under the leadership of Héctor Ruiz Velázquez, ensured that every detail contributed to the overall biophilic and pet-friendly design. The "Positive House" exemplifies an innovative approach to residential architecture, where the needs and sensory experiences of all inhabitants, including pets, are meticulously considered. It represents a forward-thinking model for urban living that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and a deep connection with the natural world, even within a compact footprint. #BiophilicDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PetFriendlyDesign #TinyHouse #MadridArchitecture #ResidentialInteriors #OrganicArchitecture #StudioRuizvelazquez #CasaDecor

The article explores the increasing trend of custom-built homes designed to deeply reflect the homeowners' unique hobbies, habits, lifestyles, and aspirations. It highlights various examples of newly constructed residences that integrate personalized features, from specialized storage solutions and accessibility considerations like elevators to bespoke artistic elements such as custom murals and wallpaper. This focus on personalization ensures that each home serves as a distinct extension of its occupants' lives. One featured home, built by Stonewood for empty nesters seeking an "Up North" feel near the Twin Cities, exemplifies luxury and natural integration. By combining two Lake Minnetonka lots, the design maximizes privacy and incorporates traditional elements like stone arches, cedar shingle siding, and custom iron handrails, all chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The interior boasts extensive millwork, unpolished brass, and blackened hardware that will gracefully patina over time. Custom wallpaper in each room contributes to a unique narrative, while ample windows frame lake views. The home also incorporates forward-thinking materials and systems, including geothermal heating, superior insulation, and low-maintenance exteriors, achieving a blend of timeless design and modern sustainability without sacrificing beauty. Another project by Nor-Son Custom Builders demonstrates a "Mixed Media" approach, blending rustic charm with modern sophistication. This home features a juxtaposition of materials, with steel and metal accents alongside natural timber and stone. The exterior combines natural stone, brick, and cement board siding, while the interior showcases a three-story stairwell with metal railings, wrapped in brick, and reclaimed oak flooring. Reclaimed oak beams in the great room complement a concrete fireplace and countertops in the kitchen. A notable detail is the owner's suite headboard wall, crafted from reclaimed walnut sourced from trees removed from the building site, further emphasizing the integration of natural and repurposed materials. Gonyea Custom Homes' model home, initially showcased in the Parade of Homes, redefines the concept of a "model" by focusing on realism and attainability rather than a generic template. Strategically placed to leverage a preserved wetland, the kitchen is at the front, allowing the great room and dining area to enjoy scenic views. A unique staircase design includes a mid-level loft for versatile use as a music room, office, or sitting area, and a dedicated kids' space maximizes functionality. The home incorporates various colors beyond white, such as a soothing tan in the kitchen, and features unique light fixtures, custom wall paneling, and artisan tile work. Earth tones and curved, organic shapes like arches contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance. Streeter Custom Builder's "Old Romantics" project on a lakeside property blends classical aesthetics with whimsical, personal details. The East Coast–inspired exterior, with its stone and symmetry, gives way to an interior filled with character. A porthole window into the pantry and Grecian-patterned vent covers add antique charm. A hand-painted verdure mural in the dining room conceals a hidden jib door leading to a blushing pink china closet, adding an unexpected touch of whimsy. Custom tiling in the kids' shower with a "No Diving" motif and a pull-down world map at the kitchen table further reflect the homeowners' personalities and travel aspirations. Landschute's Cape Cod-inspired lakefront property, designed with two equally important "front" sides due to its lake visibility, focuses on classic style and extensive outdoor living. Gables, dormers, gray shingles, and white windows create an approachable, luxurious aesthetic. The home features multiple porches on both the front and lakeside, along with a boathouse, creating abundant spaces for relaxation and enjoying the waterfront. OA Design+Build+Architecture's "Coloring Outside the Lines" project emphasizes the connection between built and natural environments. The exterior features durable PVC decking with a cedar look, contrasting with stark panels and channel. The color palette, including a copper roof, blue and beige panels, and orange highlights, creates a complex yet calming impression. Inside, the primary suite showcases urban forested burl maple and Russian olive in the vanity, a Turkish quartzite counter resembling petrified wood, and hand-carved sinks with kimono patterns. A "rust wall" in the mudroom, designed to look like Corten steel, meets a spalted birch bench, celebrating the natural beauty of materials in various stages. Ron Clark Construction and Design's "Small But Mighty" walk-out rambler in Ridgewood Ponds targets downsizers who desire high-end finishes and ample space for entertaining. It features big windows, a cathedral vault with arched trusses on the main level, and a lower level designed for parties with a stone fireplace, wet bar, and billiards room. The design incorporates trends towards more color, layered looks, millwork, and stained cabinetry. A clever apothecary-style built-in at the stairs conceals functional doors behind decorative drawer fronts. Custom One Homes' "Life, Styled" project was tailored to a health-conscious couple's specific needs, including a chef’s kitchen, double island, and generous bedrooms. A dedicated wellness retreat on the lower level, complete with a workout area, infrared sauna, and adjacent outdoor hot tub, provides a private sanctuary. An elevator was included for longevity, ensuring the home can adapt to their changing needs over time. A sunroom connects the interior to the deck and outdoor kitchen, and the backyard features multiple entertainment areas, water features, and lounging zones, designed as an extension of the indoor living spaces. Howard Homes' "Natural Selection" project, designed by Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design, focuses on simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature. The secluded home uses natural materials like a dramatic natural fir ceiling and a soapstone slab island. The color palette draws from the surrounding landscape, featuring whites and muted greens. Adaptability is key, with a main-floor office that doubles as an overflow bedroom via a hidden Murphy bed. The homeowners actively restored natural prairie grass and created a large garden, with all interior finishes and wood window sashes chosen to frame the natural views like art, reinforcing the idea of homes becoming a personal reflection of their owners' lives and habits. Finally, Bronder Construction’s cabin, designed by Rehkamp Larson Architects, on a central Minnesota lake, embodies "Cabin Fever" with Scandinavian flair and year-round functionality. Despite its narrow peninsula location, every room offers water views. The design prioritizes private indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, with a deep overhang porch featuring a fireplace and ceiling heaters to extend its use through seasons. Durable, polished concrete with heated floors on the first level and warm wood cladding throughout the main floor create a cozy, Scandi-inspired atmosphere. A remodeled bunkhouse and renovated storage shed with a rooftop deck provide flexible spaces for smaller groups, quiet reading, or remote work, catering to the post-COVID trend of balancing togetherness with individual space. #CustomHomes #InteriorDesign #Architecture #HomeBuilding #LuxuryHomes #PersonalizedSpaces #SustainableDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

Architects Clara Reynaldo of CR2Arquitetura and Lourenco Gimenes of FGMF designed their own family home on a challenging 4x30m narrow plot in São Paulo. The primary challenge was to integrate the entire house program within the limited space while ensuring sufficient natural light and ventilation. Their solution involved extensive research, drawing inspiration from compact Japanese and Dutch home designs. The final design, which took three years to complete, strategically incorporates a central garden. This garden is cut into the constructed volume, creating three façades that are generously bathed in natural light. This approach was crucial for maximizing illumination and ventilation within the narrow confines of the plot. The house is structured into two main blocks, positioned on either side of this central courtyard. These blocks are interconnected by a corridor on the ground floor and a mesh footbridge on the first floor. The larger, front-facing block houses the primary living areas, including the kitchen, sitting room, and bedrooms on the upper level. The smaller, rear block supports the front structure and contains service areas, circulation paths, an office, and a TV room. An unconventional design decision was to place the kitchen facing the street, allowing the living room to be oriented towards the private central garden. This choice transformed a potential obstacle into a design opportunity, emphasizing the kitchen's form and integrating it spatially into the home. To further enhance the spatial integration and perception of openness, the architects innovatively sunk the kitchen by 75cm into the ground. This created an elevated corridor that runs alongside it and leads directly into the living room. The interior and exterior of the house maintain a monochromatic palette with clean, white, light-reflecting surfaces. This choice, combined with large openings facing the courtyard, contributes to the illusion of a more expansive space than its actual dimensions suggest. The project also prioritized the use of recyclable materials. The overall result is a bright and airy home that efficiently utilizes every part of the narrow plot. This design demonstrates how thoughtful architectural solutions can overcome significant site constraints to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable living environment, effectively making the small space feel larger and more connected to nature through strategic use of light and spatial relationships. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #SãoPaulo #UrbanHousing #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #NarrowPlotHouse #ArchitecturalInnovation

The "Calx Sustainable Houses" project, designed by Pezestudio, involves the construction of two interconnected houses located approximately 40 kilometers south of Lima, Peru, in front of the Pachacámac Islands. The project was commissioned by a group of four individuals: a filmmaker, a psychotherapist, an anthropologist, and a dancer, who desired a shared living space near the Los Pulpos spa to enjoy the beach environment together. The design of the houses is deeply influenced by their spectacular natural setting, characterized by the rich biological diversity of the marine-coastal ecosystems surrounding the Pachacámac Islands. This location, coupled with the existing topography, guided the architectural approach. The houses are conceptualized as two distinct blocks, strategically arranged around a central patio. This central courtyard serves multiple functions: it accommodates various plant species, fostering a connection with nature, and crucially, it ensures that all rooms within both houses receive ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and living comfort. The architectural execution emphasizes simplicity and elegance, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built structures, local materials, and the surrounding landscape. The choice of materials and design elements aims to integrate the houses seamlessly into their environment while providing modern amenities. The houses are designed to offer a unique vertical journey through their different levels, culminating in a rooftop area. This rooftop features a swimming pool, offering residents a prime spot to relax and observe the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, further enhancing the experiential quality of the homes. The project was completed in 2021 and covers an area of 560 square meters. Gonzalo Cáceres Dancuart is credited for the photography, capturing the essence of the design and its integration with the Peruvian coastline. Manufacturers involved in the project include MADERALIA and iBambú, suggesting a focus on wood and bamboo materials, which aligns with the "sustainable" aspect highlighted in the project's title. The structural engineering was handled by Jorge Avendaño, and Marisa Mujica was responsible for the ATREZZO, indicating attention to detail in the interior styling and furnishings. The project's location in Lima, Peru, underscores its regional architectural context. The emphasis on natural lighting, ventilation, and the use of local materials points towards sustainable design principles. The layout around a central patio promotes a sense of community between the two houses while maintaining individual privacy. The vertical design and rooftop amenities maximize the use of space and capitalize on the scenic views, offering a luxurious yet environmentally conscious living experience in a unique coastal setting. This project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can respond to specific client needs and environmental conditions, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional residences. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #SustainableDesign #CoastalArchitecture #Peru #Lima #Pezestudio #NaturalLighting #Ventilation #LocalMaterials