Rammed earth retreat in the Surf Coast's hinterland - Geelong Times

This blog post showcases a modern, three-level, three-bedroom beach house located on the Victorian coast in Point Lonsdale, Australia. Designed by builder David McDonald for his brother Peter, Peter's wife Lis, and their children Johanna (15) and Charlie (11), the home serves as a family retreat built to withstand the test of time while offering flexible holiday living. The design emphasizes natural materials, clean lines, and high-quality, durable finishes. The house incorporates several distinctive architectural elements, notably a central lap pool with a 12-person spa and a striking curved rammed earth wall. This eight-meter-high rammed earth wall was a deliberate choice to break away from traditional straight lines, adding a sophisticated, earthy touch to the seaside sanctuary. The construction of this feature required careful planning and heavy machinery, especially considering the pool was already in place. The builder aimed for a strong, contemporary design that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding established vegetation, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. Inside, the home features an open-plan layout bathed in natural light. The kitchen and living area form the central hub, designed for family interaction and direct access to the northern deck and pool. The kitchen boasts European oak for the island benchtop and flooring, complemented by black facades and stainless-steel kickboards, adding a touch of luxury. The dining area continues this aesthetic with a round dining table and sculptural chairs that echo the kitchen island's curves. The entryway is designed to make a bold first impression with its dark and moody aesthetic. Other notable areas include a flexible study space offering stunning views over Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Port Phillip Heads. Hallways feature timber flooring and railings, which, combined with the rammed earth walls, add warmth to the interior. Bathrooms incorporate natural textures with limestone tiles and European oak vanities, while playful lighting fixtures contribute an industrial, modern touch. Bedrooms, such as Charlie's room and the master bedroom, are enlivened with bright elements like Kip & Co bedlinen and an Ikea rug, providing a fun and contemporary feel. The master bedroom also includes a dark dividing wall to separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe. The exterior of the home features Australian hardwood timber cladding, chosen for its sustainability and ability to age gracefully, further contributing to the architectural integrity. Another favourite design detail of the builder is the cantilevered timber staircase that elegantly follows the curve of the rammed earth wall. The project was completed in 11 months, adhering to a pre-Christmas deadline for the family's holiday celebrations, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the builder and his team in overcoming construction challenges to deliver a uniquely designed, durable, and aesthetically pleasing beach house. #RammedEarth #BeachHouse #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableMaterials #FamilyHome #ModernElegance #IndoorOutdoorLiving #PointLonsdale #InteriorDesign

The Desert Wash home, a 6,700-square-foot modern residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was designed by architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative for clients Keith and Becky. The initial challenge for the design was a desert wash that bisected the building site, which the owners initially viewed as a hindrance. However, Kendle embraced this natural feature, transforming it into a central element of the home’s design and ethos. The architect's vision was to create a contemporary residence with minimal site impact, integrating the structure harmoniously into its desert surroundings. The home's design is divided into three distinct parts. The southern section houses the entrance, a guest suite, and an office. This compact volume is connected to the main body of the house, situated to the north, by an enclosed bridge. This bridge is elevated above the desert wash, allowing periodic floodwaters and local wildlife to pass underneath undisturbed. This innovative structural solution not only preserves the natural flow of the wash but also provides unique views and experiences from within the home, making the natural landscape an intrinsic part of daily life. To ensure the house blended seamlessly with its environment, Brent Kendle utilized a material palette and design elements that echoed the desert landscape. Rammed earth walls, constructed from soil excavated directly from the site, are a prominent feature, providing a direct physical connection to the land. This choice of material contributes to the home's eco-friendly credentials and offers natural insulation properties. A neutral color palette further enhances the integration, making the structure feel as if it has emerged organically from the desert. Expansive glazing, including Fleetwood sliding pocket-doors, is used throughout the residence to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. This allows for continuous visual and physical access to the surrounding desert, fostering a deep connection with nature. Outdoor living rooms are strategically integrated into the design, extending the habitable space and providing shaded areas for relaxation and enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Douglas Fir soffits and integral color-synthetic stucco for exterior walls complement the rammed earth, creating a cohesive and visually appealing facade. From various points within the home, such as the open great room and the master suite, sweeping views of the desert wash and the broader landscape are framed. The master bedroom features a corner window specifically designed to capture these views, while a freestanding soaking tub in the master bath is strategically placed beneath another shaded corner window. The interior also features Verano-brushed 12x24 limestone flooring in the great room, which benefits from ample natural light. The kitchen boasts a three-inch Calcutta Prima slab on the range wall and backsplash, adding a touch of elegance to the natural material scheme. Keith, one of the homeowners, noted that the wash, rather than being an obstacle, has become a "freeway" for local wildlife and an endless source of entertainment and educational opportunities for their two young children. The design emphasizes site-sensitivity, respecting the natural topography by nestling into the earth while spanning over the ancient wash, thereby minimizing disruption and maximizing the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural desert ecosystem. #EcoFriendlyHome #RammedEarthWalls #DesertArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernResidence #SiteSensitiveDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArizonaHomes #KendleDesignCollaborative

Surfside House, designed by Andrew Burges Architects, is a compact family home in Clovelly, a beachside Sydney suburb. This project involved converting an existing semi-detached dwelling, where the ground floor was reimagined into bedrooms, and a new open living space was added above. The design responds to the coastal hillside site, suggesting a new neighborhood character through its tower-like form and integrated garden platforms. The ground floor of the Surfside House houses three bedrooms arranged around a central stair and study. The architects utilized overly wide doors to enhance light distribution and extend the perception of space. A main bedroom faces the street, while two children’s rooms at the rear open onto a small garden and connect to each other. This thoughtful allocation of doors creates a sense of continuous space throughout the ground level. To maximize the utility of the small rooms, built-in sleeping lofts were incorporated, providing each child with a private elevated space featuring a small window. The varied ceiling heights on this level, with their bulkheads and thresholds, define distinct areas and manipulate natural light to create pockets of shadow, making the rooms feel discrete even when doors are open. In stark contrast to the ground floor, the first-floor living room is a singular, expansive open space. Large windows offer ocean views and invite breezes, while nearby treetops and new planter beds bring greenery close to the interior. Timber walls and sliding screens contribute to a treehouse-like ambiance. A rear deck extending from the kitchen further integrates planting through built-in garden beds. The kitchen, dining, and lounge areas are unified under a raked ceiling that ascends to a generous corner skylight, making the room feel large and spacious. The kitchen joinery is crafted to resemble bespoke furniture, reflecting its role as the heart of the home for a cooking-focused family. Despite its open plan and large windows, the living room maintains a cozy and inviting atmosphere due to deliberate design choices. Deep reveals around most upper-level windows encourage occupants to sit and converse by the sill. A subtle separation between eating and lounging areas is achieved through a few steps and a low credenza, effectively zoning the space without dividing it. This allows for a sense of containment provided by the timber furniture. The Surfside House stands out in Clovelly, an area that has seen significant development from its original simple cottages to a mix of units, duplexes, and contemporary homes. The state government's "Complying development" planning controls have often led to new constructions that disregard neighborhood character. Surfside House, with its hardwood board cladding, clean roofline, and raised planters, intentionally diverges from the traditional brick cottage aesthetic. Its tower-like form, visible through a gap in banksia trees, is designed to harmonize with the rich vegetation of the eastern suburbs. The timber cladding blends with the giant banksias, and the built-in planters integrate with the tree canopy. This design approach not only revived a dilapidated cottage but also provided a growing family with a functional and aesthetically pleasing home within their community, potentially offering a new vision for neighborhood character and priorities. #SurfsideHouse #AndrewBurgesArchitects #CoastalLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #SydneyHomes #CompactDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign

The Achioté project by Formafatal introduces the first rammed earth structures in Costa Rica, presenting a pair of minimalist villas available for rent in Playa Hermosa. These villas, named Jaspis and Nefrit, appear to float above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, harmoniously integrated into a dense jungle environment. Dagmar Štěpánová of Formafatal led the design and construction, prioritizing sustainability and minimal environmental impact throughout the process. The conceptualization of the villas drew from the distinct energies of their respective locations. The Jaspis Villa, symbolizing jasper and bright aspects, embodies a yin energy, connecting with the sky and ocean, and features a light, sandy color palette. In contrast, the Nefrit Villa, representing jade and darker tones, aligns with a yang energy, establishing a connection to the earth and the surrounding jungle, characterized by a deep red-terracotta hue. Both villas boast cantilevered roofs that extend outward, mirroring the floor plans, to provide essential protection from the sun and various weather elements inherent to the tropical climate. A significant aspect of the villas' construction involved utilizing the very clay soil excavated from the site to create the rammed earth walls. This sustainable approach minimized the need for imported construction materials, contributing to the project's ecological footprint. Once the structures were complete, new tropical plants were integrated into the landscape, further enhancing the natural surroundings. The layered texture of the rammed earth walls is a prominent design feature, visually narrating the construction process. Each villa spans 90 square meters (approximately 969 square feet) and shares an identical size, layout, and orientation. Despite these similarities, their material choices and color schemes are distinct, reflecting their individual energetic inspirations. The central feature of each villa's interior is the bed, which can be enclosed by sliding curtains for privacy and mosquito protection, while frameless glass walls offer uninterrupted views of the natural landscape. An additional bed is available on the terrace for outdoor relaxation. Adjacent to each villa are built-in pools, designed to create an immersive jungle swimming experience. To execute the complex rammed earth construction, Formafatal collaborated with Brazilian specialist Daniel Mantovani of Terra Compacta, who provided training to local craftsmen. The interior spaces behind the beds house the kitchens and bathrooms, designed without doors to maintain an open and fluid connection within the living areas. Custom-made concrete elements, including bathroom sinks, shelves, kitchen counters, and bedside tables, are integral to the design, reflecting a cohesive material palette. The Nefrit Villa distinguishes itself with a darker, more introspective color scheme compared to its counterpart, despite their structural similarities. #AchioteProject #Formafatal #RammedEarth #CostaRicaArchitecture #SustainableDesign #TropicalVillas #EcoFriendlyHomes #JaspisVilla #NefritVilla

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 Ventura, California, beach house, purchased by an LA-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab, formerly a project manager for Sarah Sherman Samuel, to redesign the space. The house, which was the only oceanfront property available at the time, presented a unique design challenge due to its irregular shapes, compartmentalized social areas, and a 'clunky' three-floor layout. Diab's design philosophy centered on celebrating the home's existing geometry, particularly inspired by its swooping entry stairwell. The primary goal was to enhance the sense of flow throughout the three-story structure without undertaking major structural changes. The layout includes guest bedrooms on the lower, beach-level floor, living, dining, and cooking areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab aimed to create numerous "moments" and visual movement to counteract the feeling of simply navigating a series of staircases. Key design elements and strategies implemented by Diab included plastering the walls of a funky stairwell niche to create a soothing, textured aesthetic. This area was further adorned with a sculptural side table and a large decorative clamshell, designed to encourage a momentary pause before guests exit the home. In the guest bedrooms on the ground floor, Diab opted for a hotel-suite ambiance, incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A notable design choice in these rooms involved custom cushioned panels framing the headboard, inspired by Drop It Modern fabric. A black side table, originally an inexpensive find, was spray-painted to elevate its appearance and complement the graphic patterns in the room. The lofted main bedroom initially suffered from a long, narrow configuration, resembling a 'bowling alley' where the bed could only be placed on one wall. To mitigate this awkward orientation, Diab introduced a custom channel-tufted headboard to visually expand the room with horizontal lines. In the kitchen, a new marble countertop and backsplash featuring dark green and gray veining were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The slab yard meticulously book-matched the visible edges of shelves to create a continuous, swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to keep essentials like coffee and mugs accessible for guests. Addressing storage concerns, Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing. Beyond stocking the house with the family's preferred snacks, the project involved building custom cabinets to accommodate surplus kitchen items. Given the homeowners' need to host up to 15 people, Strickland designed extra storage around the dining nook for pantry items and dishes. The curved theme was extended to these cupboards, which were finished with Park Studio hardware, a detail replicated in the bedroom closets. The collaboration with Strickland reportedly brought a sense of calm and order to the home's functional aspects. #HomeRenovation #BeachHouseDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #SpacePlanning #CurvedArchitecture #VenturaCalifornia #JessDiabStudio #StorageSolutions

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 beachside home in Ventura, California, which was purchased by a Los Angeles-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab to revitalize the property, which was initially described as "clunky" with irregular shapes and compartmentalized social areas. Diab's primary goal was to celebrate the existing geometry of the space while introducing a sense of flow and movement, despite the house's three-story layout and numerous stairs, which often made it feel disjointed. The design strategy focused on enhancing the home's inherent curves and improving its functionality without undertaking major structural changes. The house features guest bedrooms on the lower level, living, dining, and kitchen areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab addressed the 'clunky' feel by creating design 'moments' throughout the house, aiming to give the illusion of seamless movement. For instance, a funky stairwell niche was transformed into a calming focal point using textured plaster walls, a sculptural side table, and a decorative clamshell, encouraging occupants to pause and appreciate the space. In the guest bedrooms, located on the beach level, Diab aimed to create a hotel-suite ambiance. This was achieved by incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A custom-cushioned panel, sourced from Drop It Modern fabric, inspired the design of a three-ball side table. This table, originally an inexpensive piece, was spray-painted to mimic a high-end designer item, demonstrating a resourceful approach to budget-conscious design. The lofted main bedroom, initially narrow and awkward, was made more inviting with a custom channel-tufted headboard that introduced horizontal lines, visually broadening the space. The kitchen's design also incorporated the theme of movement and connection to the surroundings. A new marble countertop and backsplash, featuring dark green and gray veining, were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The visible edges of the shelves were meticulously book-matched to create a swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to ensure easy access to essentials like coffee and mugs for guests. Storage was a significant consideration, especially since the homeowners needed to accommodate up to 15 people. Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing to not only stock the home with family favorites but also to design and install custom cabinets. These cabinets, framing the dining nook, provided ample storage for pantry items and dishes, essential for entertaining large groups. The curved theme was extended to the hardware, with Park Studio handles adorning both the kitchen cupboards and bedroom closets, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout the home. #BeachHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CurvedDesign #SpacePlanning #CoastalDecor #StorageSolutions #JessDiabStudio #VenturaHome

Kim and Ben Saari are the founders of Quarry Cove, a glamping retreat on Cherokee Lake in East Tennessee, which opened in Spring 2022. The inspiration for their business stemmed from their travels out west, where they experienced unique off-grid accommodations like funky cabins, hot springs with teepees, and yurts that required hiking to reach. They aimed to replicate a similar experience near a lake, providing guests with the ease and luxury of traditional accommodations while still being immersed in nature, a concept they term 'glamping.' Their goal was to offer amenities such as electricity, running water, showers, towels, and comfortable beds, all within an outdoor setting. Quarry Cove Retreat offers four bespoke glamp sites with bell tents and a micro A-frame cabin. Each bell tent is situated on a private deck and is furnished with a luxury Nectar king or queen mattress on a custom elevated platform bed frame. These tents include electricity, mini-fridges, bedside lamps, side tables, fans, Nespresso coffee makers with condiments and utensils, rugs, wireless phone chargers, flashlights, and a lake map. Each site also features a fire station equipped with a grill and fire pit, with firewood available upon request. Guests have the option to relax under the stars or watch movies in bed. Local pizza delivery is available to the tents, and nearby restaurants and stores provide additional convenience. For communal facilities, the resort provides a bathhouse located between the lake and the glamp sites, featuring two bathrooms, two outdoor showers, and two vanities with sinks, along with provided towels. The retreat is gated for privacy and includes a private parking lot for guests. In the Fall of the previous year, they introduced a micro transforming A-frame cottage on the lake, which includes a Nectar queen-size mattress, mini-fridge, electricity, a small chair, and a Nespresso coffee maker. This unit can open completely for an outdoor experience or close for privacy. It also has a private picnic table, fire pit, and grill station. Quarry Cove strives to offer customized experiences, including multi-family rentals where all four tents and the A-frame can be booked together. They receive bookings 6 to 8 months in advance, often from returning guests, and attract visitors from various states such as Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as strong local support. The retreat also offers specialized items like charcuterie boards, themed tents, birthday parties, and s'more and firewood kits. For lake activities, they provide jet ski, paddle board, and kayak rentals, lessons, and tours. They also offer wake surf boat excursions and lessons, with summer camps available with local wake surf professionals. Kim and Ben Saari moved to East Tennessee four years ago from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Both avid snowboarders and wake surfers, they purchased the old Marble Hall property and over 40 acres on Cherokee Lake, aiming to develop a marina. Ben’s background is in the ski industry, and Kim’s is in real estate. They previously owned and operated a wake surf company called WAKE in Steamboat for over a decade. Their dream of adding a marina was approved by the TVA in 2023, following an extensive renovation of the home and development of the business. Initially, their business plan prioritized the community marina, but due to COVID-19 and approval delays, they pivoted to phase two: the glamping resort with bell tents. This strategic shift allowed them to generate income and establish the resort while awaiting marina approval. This unexpected challenge ultimately proved beneficial, as the glamping resort was fully operational before the marina opened. The marina, approved in 2023, will be added to the resort in the coming spring, offering approximately 18 slips for seasonal rental, boat service, storage, and valet boat services for guests and clients, including overnight slip options. #GlampingRetreat #CherokeeLake #QuarryCove #Glamping #AFrameCabin #WakeSurfing #MarinaDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #OutdoorHospitality

The Desert Wash home, designed by architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative, integrates with the Arizona desert landscape through its site-specific design and material choices. This 6,700-square-foot residence in Paradise Valley, Arizona, was created for a family of four and is named after the existing desert dry wash on the property, a drainage area susceptible to severe flooding. To address this natural challenge and embrace the environment, the home features an elevated glazed bridge that spans the dry wash, transforming a potential obstacle into a defining architectural element. The residence is thoughtfully designed to immerse its occupants in the natural surroundings while offering modern comforts and ample space for entertaining. The layout positions the majority of the home, including the master suite and three guest bedrooms, to the north of the dry wash. The foyer, an office, and one guest bedroom are situated to the south, connected by the aforementioned glazed bridge. This separation and connection allow for varied experiences within the home, highlighting the desert views from multiple vantage points. The material palette and neutral color scheme are deliberately chosen to harmonize the expansive structure with the desert environment. Rammed earth walls are a prominent feature, extending from the exterior into the interior, visually and texturally linking the dwelling to the earth. These walls, combined with extensive glazing, flat steel, and wood roofs with deep overhangs, define the architectural character. The use of predominantly white interior walls creates a bright and airy ambiance, serving as a neutral backdrop for the family’s art collection. Kendle Design Collaborative emphasizes that the Desert Wash home utilizes indigenous materials to delineate its main living spaces. The rammed earth walls literally bring the earth into the interior, providing a sense of rootedness and unity with nature. The design reflects a profound sensitivity to the site, respecting its natural topography and characteristics by nestling the home into the earth and spanning over the ancient wash. This approach ensures that the residence not only coexists with but celebrates the unique qualities of the Arizona desert. #DesertArchitecture #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArizonaHomes #KendleDesignCollaborative #SiteSpecificDesign #ModernHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving

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

The Rammed Earth House, a finalist for the Terra Award 2016, represents a sustainable architectural endeavor in Ayerbe, Spain, designed by Edra Arquitectura km0. The project aims to rekindle community interest in sustainable building practices that are deeply integrated with the local environment, drawing inspiration from traditional Aragonese earthen structures. Its design incorporates vernacular architecture principles concerning orientation, morphology, and the use of locally sourced materials. Technical advancements were integrated into the traditional rammed earth construction method. For instance, straw was added to the earth mixture to enhance its thermal performance. The architects prioritized low-tech, low-energy, and low-impact materials and building systems. Approximately 80% of the building's mass, including earth, stone, and straw, is derived from local sources. A life cycle analysis conducted from 'cradle to gate' indicated a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional construction. This approach underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the construction process. The upper floors of the house feature 45cm thick earthen walls, with timber decks supporting the living spaces. The interior and exterior lime plaster utilized the local "calicostrado" technique. A standardized wooden formwork system was employed, which was continuously mounted and filled, streamlining the construction process. Mechanization was introduced to improve both execution efficiency and economic viability. Interior partitions are finished with local clay plasters, and the floors comprise unidirectional swan timber with pine wooden planks for beam fillings. Thermal insulation is a key feature of the house. The roof is insulated with 20cm of sheep's wool to mitigate heat loss in winter and prevent overheating in summer. Inner wooden floors are insulated with natural cork boards. South-facing windows are equipped with heavy interior curtains and exterior wooden roller shutters to manage solar gain and provide shade. For water management, a cistern buried in the patio collects and reuses rainwater. Heating and domestic hot water are provided by a biomass boiler. This modern earth house exemplifies how efficient vernacular architecture principles can be combined with contemporary techniques to foster a reconnection between humans and nature, contributing to a more sustainable architectural future. #RammedEarth #SustainableArchitecture #VernacularDesign #TerraAward #EcoFriendlyBuilding #LocalMaterials #ThermalInsulation #BiomassHeating

Formafatal, a design studio based in the Czech Republic and Costa Rica, has designed and constructed two identical villas named Achioté on a steep jungled hillside in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. These 95-square-meter villas are located 300 meters above sea level and offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean through frameless glass walls. The project represents the first known implementation of rammed earth construction in Costa Rica. Dagmar Štěpánová, founder of Formafatal, spearheaded the project, serving as the architect, project manager, construction manager, and a co-investor. Her vision was to create sustainable homes with biophilic interiors, where the sharp lines of the architecture would contrast with the lush tropical vegetation, yet the chosen materials and colors would blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each villa's rectangular plan incorporates only three solid exterior walls, meticulously built using rammed clay excavated directly from the construction site. Due to Costa Rica's lack of experience with this specific building technique, Brazilian specialist Terra Compacta was brought in to ensure the quality and integrity of the rammed earth construction. These load-bearing rammed earth walls, combined with structural H-columns, support a monolithic concrete ceiling slab, which is further defined by raw steel channels along the exterior roofline. The remaining sections of the villas are enclosed by floor-to-ceiling, frameless glass panels that can retract into ceiling grooves, effectively extending the interior living spaces towards the Pacific Ocean. The layout of each villa is straightforward, featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These functional areas are enveloped by an open-air terrace, which acts as the primary living space and includes an infinity pool. While the structural form, construction methods, and orientation of the two villas are identical, their interior color schemes differentiate them, reflecting the architect's perception of the site's energies prior to construction. The first villa, Jaspis, embodies yin energy, connecting with the ocean and sky through warm sand-colored hues. In contrast, Nefrit, located 12 meters away, represents yang energy, grounding itself with the earth and jungle through a palette of terracotta and charcoal shades, reminiscent of local soil. The concrete floors in both villas feature distinct non-slip cement screed patterns. Interior fittings merge functionality with aesthetic contrast. The only interior door is a thin sliding fibre-cement panel in the bathroom, while delicate mosquito nets and linen curtains are discreetly installed in ceiling tracks, draping around the beds. Conversely, the bathroom and kitchen counters are integrated into a concrete monolith, and weighty concrete elements like bedside tables and benches draw inspiration from Belgian design principles. Other furnishings, light fixtures, accessories, and art pieces were carefully curated from various international designers, emphasizing originality. This project follows Formafatal's previous collaboration with Refuel Works in 2020 on the nearby Art Villa concrete rental home, which played a pivotal role in Dagmar Štěpánová's relocation to Costa Rica and the expansion of her studio's operations in the region. The project emphasizes sustainable building practices, a strong connection to the natural environment, and a thoughtful integration of interior and exterior design elements. #RammedEarthArchitecture #SustainableDesign #BiophilicInteriors #CostaRicaVillas #ModernArchitecture #InfinityPools #Formafatal #ResidentialDesign #MinimalistArchitecture

This article highlights a luxury family home in Burnside, designed by Medallion Homes, which epitomizes the growing trend of transforming residential spaces into resort-inspired escapes. The design aims to provide a sense of luxurious getaway while maintaining the comfort and safety of home. The project arose from the client's desire for a modern home that seamlessly blends family living with sophisticated entertaining, all while featuring timeless, on-trend finishes. The core concept of the home's design revolves around the swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area, fostering a resort-like ambiance that flows effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. The facade presents a contemporary interpretation of a "barn style," featuring a gable roofline clad in stained oak timber. Sandstone cladding complements these timber elements, including a prominent blackbutt front door with a matte black handle. The interplay of sandstone veneer with darker facade elements establishes a light and dark theme that continues throughout the interior, punctuated by elegant brass accents. Upon entering, straight lay engineered oak flooring guides visitors toward the split-level living areas. Sconce light fixtures enhance the velvety texture of the entrance hallway's feature wall, which incorporates an industrial finish. The kitchen showcases stunning modern cabinetry in Green Slate paint, offering an elegant contrast to the black American oak. The bespoke kitchen, dining area, and wine room evoke the sophisticated atmosphere of a high-end urban restaurant or wine bar. The custom two-pack kitchen is equipped with a hidden larder, state-of-the-art Miele and Liebherr appliances, custom shaker cabinetry, stone benchtops, and brass fittings. This central hub is designed for both formal corporate gatherings and casual family events, supported by a sophisticated wine room. Beyond the open-plan living space, accessed through a sliding barn door, lies the more relaxed, resort-like living areas. A hallway leading to the master suite features floor-to-ceiling picture windows that overlook the swimming pool. The home's layout is strategically wrapped around the courtyard, allowing the master bedroom to offer views of the sparkling water, reinforcing the resort experience. The master ensuite further elevates the five-star aesthetic with brushed brass fittings, tapware, and door handles. It includes an oversized bathtub and a luxurious dual vanity, with floor-to-ceiling tiling, custom vanity and dresser with V-Groove veneer doors and drawers, and custom American oak framed mirrors. Medallion Homes CEO Jordan Katelanis emphasizes that every element of the home was meticulously considered to maximize space, functionality, and natural light. He advises that a well-planned floorplan is crucial for achieving a home of this caliber, ensuring ample natural light and a cohesive flow throughout the living spaces. This thoughtful design approach ultimately delivers a functional family home that does not compromise on style or aesthetics, featuring contemporary trends alongside bespoke elements. #LuxuryHome #ResortStyleLiving #AdelaideHomes #MedallionHomes #ModernDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeEntertaining #SandstoneArchitecture

Nestled within Odessa's Victoria Lakes community, a newly constructed four-bedroom, four-bathroom home by AR Homes by Custom Craft seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the local lakes and wooded landscapes, employing a palette of organic textures, lush greenery, and soothing blue tones to evoke Florida's inherent beauty while maintaining a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. This residence, built on the Grandview floorplan, emphasizes open-concept living, robust storm-safe construction, and cutting-edge smart home technology, alongside versatile spaces for both social gatherings and private retreats. A central feature of this home is the luxurious owner’s bath, offering a spa-like experience. The kitchen is designed to cater to a chef's needs, and a spacious great room serves as the heart of the home. This great room transitions effortlessly into the outdoor living area through 10-foot sliding glass doors, leading to a covered lanai, a dedicated cabana, a swimming pool, and a spa, creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. Interior designer Jill Sunseri, from AR Franchising, Inc., was instrumental in shaping the home's ambiance. She meticulously curated the interiors with warm neutral colors—including creams, taupes, and soft grays—which are accented by strategic bold contrasts and reflective metallic finishes. These metallic elements subtly echo the brightness of the Florida sunlight, enhancing the overall luminosity of the space. The selection of materials such as natural stone, wide-plank hardwood floors, and sculptural accessories contributes to a tactile and visually rich environment. Every surface within the home is deliberately chosen to create a sense of thoughtful design and luxury. The furniture, characterized by its streamlined forms, combined with rich wood tones and dynamic ceiling designs, creates a balanced atmosphere that is simultaneously elevated and relaxing. Sunseri particularly enjoyed the process of selecting artwork and accessories, viewing each piece as essential to the home’s refined and collected appearance. This meticulous curation was pivotal in actualizing the overarching design vision. Ultimately, the residence achieves a delicate balance between elegance and understated style. It is designed to be impressive without being ostentatious, and its generous proportions are tempered with a sense of intimate personalization. This home is not merely constructed to make an impression; it is crafted to foster a deep sense of belonging for its inhabitants. #ARFranchising #ARHomesTampa #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #FloridaLiving #CustomCraftHomes #VictoriaLakes #OpenConcept

In the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, a new architectural project known as “The Great Wall of WA” features a zig-zagging rammed earth structure housing 12 residences. Designed by architect Luigi Rosselli, this 230-meter-long wall is considered the longest rammed earth wall in Australia and potentially the Southern Hemisphere. The design leverages the Earth's natural cooling properties, embedding the homes beneath the rocky red soil to offer protection from the intense heat of the arid climate. This collective housing project, initially conceived as guest houses for a century-old family cattle station, demonstrates the effectiveness and aesthetic appeal of earth-sheltered architecture. It was recognized as a finalist in the Australian Institute of Architects Western Australia architecture awards and won "best housing project" in ArchDaily's Building of the Year contest in 2016. The residences are accented by Cor-Ten steel canopies and are stepped to ensure privacy, with only their verandahs visible from the exterior. These awnings are strategically placed to prevent direct sunlight from entering the interiors through the glass doors. The complex also includes an oval chapel, positioned on an artificial dune overlooking the family cemetery, with its roof matching the Cor-Ten steel canopies of the residences. The back of each guest house leads to a communal meeting area and lounge, featuring a pergola constructed from old drilling pipes. The chapel, drawing inspiration from the Pantheon of Rome, is oriented eastward and includes a glass-covered oculus. Its curved glass windows can be opened to the elements or closed to protect against dust storms. The firm highlights that the 450-mm thick rammed earth facade and the sand dune covering the rear and roofs of the residences provide exceptional thermal mass. This design makes the homes naturally cool in the subtropical environment, offering a significant improvement over traditional corrugated metal shelters commonly found in remote North Western Australia. The construction materials, including rammed earth sourced from local clay pans and pebbles and gravel from the river bed, integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape. The interiors, designed by Sarah Foletta, feature a restrained, natural, and robust selection of materials and furniture, contributing to a comfortable living space naturally cooled by the earth walls and the meter-deep sand hill. The rammed earth construction process involves filling a framework with damp earth and compressing it, resulting in a strong, naturally pigmented, and beautifully striated wall. While rammed earth alone may not offer optimal thermal performance, its combination with earth-sheltering creates a sustainable solution that utilizes abundant local resources and minimizes the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, showcasing an innovative approach to remote Australian architecture. #RammedEarthArchitecture #EarthShelteredHomes #SustainableDesign #AustralianArchitecture #LuigiRosselli #PilbaraRegion #EcoFriendlyHomes #ThermalMass #CorTenSteel

Rammed-earth construction, a technique thousands of years old with origins in China and the Iberian Peninsula, offers numerous benefits for contemporary home building. Examples such as the original rammed-earth sections of the Great Wall and the Alhambra palace in Spain demonstrate its historical durability. This method is favored by Terrell Wong, principal of Stone’s Throw Design, due to its low embodied energy, recyclability, high thermal mass, low energy loads, and non-toxicity. Wong highlights its longevity, stating that a rammed-earth house can last 500 years or more, requiring no painting. These walls function as the structure, insulation, finish, and thermal mass of a building. The construction process involves creating panels approximately 11.5 feet long from a mixture of 20% to 30% clay and sand, with 5% to 10% cement. In colder, wetter climates, a silicate-based waterproofing agent is often incorporated. Walls are built in layers, or lifts, where one foot of material is placed into formwork and compressed to six inches using a pneumatic tamper. The forms, typically made of HDO plywood and lumber, are about 20 inches wide and 4 feet tall. When constructing walls longer than a single panel, a recess on one end of the first panel allows the subsequent panel to interlock, ensuring structural integrity. Conduit for plumbing and electrical wiring must be planned precisely, as these cannot be altered once the wall is erected. Rammed-earth walls are typically dry and load-bearing within 24 hours, exhibiting compressive strength comparable to concrete, usually between 1600 psi and 1800 psi for 2-foot-thick walls. Rammed earth is particularly effective as a thermal mass, absorbing and storing solar radiation during the day and re-radiating it at night. This property helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures and humidity levels, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Many modern rammed-earth homes are hybrids, combining rammed earth with other construction methods like stick or timber-frame walls, or even straw-bale construction for upper floors. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels can also be used for roofs. Wong frequently integrates rammed earth for interior partition walls as well. A case study highlights a single-family home designed by Wong in a rural, woodland setting. This home incorporates Passive House strategies, maximizing the thermal mass of rammed earth, harnessing southern light, and utilizing cross breezes for passive ventilation. The effective natural cooling eliminates the need for mechanical air conditioning, and the house consumes only about 20 kW of heat annually. The exterior walls, composed of 530 tons of material with two 6-inch wythes of rammed earth sandwiching 6 inches of insulation, benefit from locally sourced materials, resulting in exceptionally low embodied energy. Recycled wooden formwork was also repurposed for interior use. Beyond energy efficiency, rammed-earth walls offer soundproofing qualities due to their thickness. The absence of organic matter in the material prevents mold growth, contributing to superior indoor air quality. Sylvia Cook, principal of Aerecura Rammed Earth Builders, emphasizes that the thermal mass benefits are equally significant in both hot and cold climates, stabilizing internal temperatures. The technique remains a fringe method in many regions, including Canada, primarily due to a lack of awareness and specific building codes in North America. While other countries like Australia and New Zealand have formalized codes, in Canada, practitioners demonstrate compliance by showing rammed earth's similarity to concrete or concrete block, often incorporating rebar in colder, wetter climates and recycled polyiso insulation to minimize thermal bridging. The aesthetic appeal of rammed-earth walls is characterized by earth-toned striations, created by adding pigment to the cement and allowing the ramming process to push colors to the visible outermost layer. The amount of material in each layer can be varied to enhance these natural color patterns. While complex designs with curved or angled walls can increase costs due to the labor-intensive nature of the method, Wong has successfully applied rammed earth to affordable housing projects by simplifying the design and formwork. Test cylinders filled with rammed earth are used to measure psi before and during construction to ensure engineering code compliance. #RammedEarthConstruction #SustainableBuilding #GreenBuilding #ThermalMass #EnergyEfficiency #DurableHomes #EcoFriendlyMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign #PassiveHouse

Lauren Liess, a designer, documented her coastal journey in her fourth book, 'Beach Life.' This journey led her and her husband to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where they discovered a neglected 1960s cabin. Despite being involved in another renovation project, they felt compelled to restore this particular cabin. The cabin, one of the oldest in Corolla, a former hunting and fishing village, was built in the late 1960s and was surrounded by mossy live oaks and pines, giving it a natural fit within its forest environment. The cabin had been built by the owner’s parents with an architect who trained under Frank Lloyd Wright, reflecting a thoughtful design that was now unused for years. Liess, driven by her passion for restoring old homes, harbored daydreams about the cabin. When it eventually went on the market, it received more than 12 offers, with some bidders intending to demolish it and build new structures. This prospect intensified Liess's desire to save the property. Despite an initial reluctance to undertake another project in Corolla, the owner's tour and the cabin's history, including its unique architectural lineage and soaring ceilings, evoked a strong sense of commitment in Liess. She recognized an internal pull to embark on another renovation journey. A distinctive feature of the cabin was its original cinder-block fireplace, which Liess envisioned covering in seashells. This project, a long-held dream, involved sketching a wave on the cinder block and embedding collected seashells into brick mortar, creating a dynamic and playful element within the house. Throughout the renovation, Liess aimed to preserve the cabin’s mid-century aesthetic while incorporating rustic, 'camp' details. For example, an oversized linen orb light was chosen to complement the existing rustic wood and folksy furniture, harmonizing the cabin's original character with the new additions. The decision to make an offer on the cabin was driven by a desire to prevent its demolition and preserve its local charm. Liess felt a strong urge to bring her vision of a vintage-inspired, beach-camp lifestyle to life, even without a clear plan for the property's future use. Unlike their usual approach to rehab properties, they had not decided whether to rent it out or sell it. The renovation of what they affectionately named the 'Beach Cabin' proceeded with the goal of making it appear as if minimal changes had been made. Liess allowed the cabin's inherent characteristics to guide her design choices, letting the plans evolve organically rather than adhering to a rigid initial blueprint. The cabin's vintage summer camp atmosphere inspired an earthy color palette of olive green, browns, and rust tones. Liess incorporated various patterns to achieve a charming and curated look. Structural modifications included removing a closet to accommodate a king-sized bed, which was positioned under the original, refurbished awning windows. The attic space was conditioned and became a favorite play area for the children, filled with old treasures and curiosities. A 'Captains Log' wallpaper, depicting a sea captain's entries, added to the nautical theme. The possibility of adding stairs to the attic was also considered for improved access. This renovation underscored the idea that some of life’s most fulfilling endeavors, much like this project, are spontaneous and driven by an intuitive call rather than meticulous planning, encouraging a sense of exploration and 'wandering' in design. #BeachCabinRenovation #LaurenLiess #CoastalDesign #MidCenturyModern #HomeRestoration #OuterBanks #InteriorDesign #VintageInspired #ArchitecturalPreservation