Rammed-earth walls make up a beautiful retreat hidden in the Zhejiang mountains

Morphlab, an architecture studio, has unveiled the 'shift-ing earth' project, a residential design located within a dense forest in India. The design aims to integrate with its natural surroundings, fostering a dialogue between the built environment and nature. The architects at Morphlab developed an algorithm to respond to site-specific parameters such as sun exposure, wind patterns, and scenic vistas. This approach allows for the generation of various design alternatives, all rooted in the central concept of a structure that rotates around a prominent tree, with its spaces dynamically shifting and stacking to interact with the immediate context. The residential structure is strategically designed with water features encircling all living and outdoor areas. This design choice provides a cooling effect and enhanced comfort, particularly beneficial in the tropical climate of the region. A stone pathway guides visitors through lush greenery and over a water body, leading to the main entrance. The entrance features a minimalist Corten steel door that transitions from the exterior to the interior. Upon entering, the sound of cascading water creates a serene and therapeutic ambiance, leading down to a partially underground pool area that opens to the sky. The living spaces are positioned to overlook the pool, where water from the front of the house continuously flows, physically and experientially connecting the exterior and interior spaces. A portion of the pool area incorporates natural rock formations discovered during the excavation process, preserving an element of the original landscape. The bedrooms are situated towards the southwest, aligning with prevailing wind directions to facilitate natural ventilation and minimize the reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Central to the project's sustainable ethos is the preservation of an existing tree, which serves as a pivotal element around which the house is organized, thereby reducing the environmental impact of construction. The building's walls are constructed using rammed earth, a sustainable technique that utilizes soil excavated from the site. These walls visually evoke sedimentary rock layers, reflecting the passage of time. Corten steel panels, chosen for their oxidizing properties, provide protection for the upper-level bedrooms, which are directly exposed to the elements. Conversely, the living areas are designed to be open and offer expansive views of the surrounding forest. The design philosophy embraces an inside-out approach, where the raw, core materials used in construction are also celebrated as the finished textures, highlighting their inherent qualities and promoting a sense of authenticity and connection to the earth. #RammedEarthArchitecture #SustainableDesign #TropicalArchitecture #IndianArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #Morphlab #WaterFeatures #CortenSteel #BioclimaticDesign

The article details the renovation of the Retreat at the Olive Grove, a 4,200-square-foot property near Little Rock designed to function as a vacation rental for groups. Kal and Becca Swarna, the owners and operators of Simplified Hosting, purchased the three-story house two years ago. The property features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a great room with a fireplace, a library, and a den, and offers panoramic views of its seven-acre surroundings. The renovation, initially projected for three months, extended to a year due to unforeseen challenges and a deliberate decision to enhance the property's quality as a future rental. The Swarnas aimed to create a unique space by moving away from conventional design, focusing on the home's existing features and integrating new elements. Becca Swarna, drawing on her design expertise and Kal Swarna's construction skills, spearheaded the transformation. The initial phase of the renovation addressed the front entrance, which was previously a mudroom with an unwelcoming door. They replaced the original door with 8-foot French doors to establish a more grand and inviting entry point. Throughout the house, additional lighting and lamps were strategically installed to create a warmer and more welcoming ambiance for guests arriving, potentially after dark. Inside, the home boasts 20-foot-tall ceilings, and while some walls were removed to open up spaces, others were retained to provide distinct areas for privacy and relaxation. Becca's design philosophy centers on selecting one inspirational piece per room and aligning the decor with it. For the Retreat at the Olive Grove, the entire renovation drew inspiration from the olive tree, influencing both the aesthetic and color palette. Considering the target demographic of large groups, the kitchen was outfitted with high-end appliances, including a FiveStar stove featuring six gas burners, a griddle, a grill, and dual fuel ovens. A large window was installed over the sink, allowing the cook to enjoy the outdoor views. Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa paint was chosen for the walls to create a balance between modern aesthetics and a warm, inviting atmosphere. In the primary bedroom, the back of the living room fireplace was updated with a modern Ambe corner fireplace, complemented by comfortable seating and luxurious bedding. Becca's passion for color and texture, honed during her time in India, influenced material selections. A significant investment in the renovation was the installation of durable and timeless bamboo flooring throughout the house. The primary bathroom underwent a complete overhaul, with a focus on dramatic tiling. A particularly notable feature is the expansive double shower, which was extended to 98 inches to fit the wall, eliminating the need for custom ordering. Becca initially presented the idea of a shiny black herringbone tile pattern for the back wall to Kal, acknowledging its complexity. Despite the challenge, Kal meticulously measured and laid the tile, resulting in a perfectly executed design. To balance the boldness of the black herringbone, a more neutral mixed white tile was used for the remaining walls. All tiles were sourced from Bedrosians. Outdoors, the focus was on enhancing the seven-acre property with attractive seating areas. New decking and several balconies were added to encourage guests to enjoy the natural surroundings. A fire pit, built with brick edgers, and patio lights were installed to extend outdoor enjoyment into the evening. Becca emphasizes practical tips for home renovation: choosing a focal point, adding ample lighting, selecting paint colors that resonate with the space, and allocating part of the budget for unexpected costs. She also suggests incorporating pops of color like mustard yellow, navy blue, and Rosemary green by Sherwin-Williams. The Swarnas’ venture, Simplified Hosting, leverages their combined talents to revitalize existing spaces, offering properties that aim to provide a sense of relief and comfort upon entry. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VacationRental #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #OliveGrove #LittleRock #SimplifiedHosting #ModernHome

This blog post details the process of updating existing concrete pool decks with decorative concrete overlays, as practiced by Richardson's Concrete Effects in Sacramento, California. Mark and Gina Richardson, who have 15 years of experience in the concrete overlay business, highlight the benefits of this service, including home renovation and cost-effectiveness. Approximately half of their business comes from pool deck overlays, often combined with patios or walkways, especially for older concrete surfaces. The typical residential pool deck overlay project, spanning 600 to 2,000 square feet or more, usually takes about five days to complete, though this can vary based on size, necessary prep work, and weather conditions. The process begins with thorough cleaning using a 3,500 psi pressure washer to remove any old coatings. Following this, any damaged concrete is removed and repoured, and cracks are addressed by opening them with a concrete saw and filling them with epoxy. For the overlay mix, Richardson utilizes SGM stampcrete combined with a modified polymer resin, which is crucial for ensuring a strong bond to the existing concrete. This mixture is then applied in two layers: an initial thin, 1/16-inch base coat, followed by a thicker 1/4 to 3/8-inch decorative coat. The decorative coat can be stamped to create various textures using Proline stamps, or finished with a smooth trowel or broom, depending on client preference. The article notes that Richardson carries about six to eight popular stamp textures. After the overlay has dried, it is stained using Semco stains, applied with techniques such as spraying, brushing, or sponging. To ensure client satisfaction, a sample board is created from the actual overlay material and stained with chosen colors, allowing homeowners to visualize and approve the final look before the entire deck is colored. Gina Richardson, a chemical engineer, assists in this color selection and antiquing process. Sealing is the final critical step, designed to protect the overlay and maintain its appearance. Richardson recommends solvent-based Elitecrete sealers for pool decks due to their UV stability and resistance to pool chemicals, including those used in saltwater pools. To prevent slipperiness, anti-slip beads are incorporated into the sealer. It is important to mix the beads evenly into the sealer to avoid inconsistent application. Maintenance involves annual pressure washing and resealing every three to four years for residential decks, or every two years for commercial applications. The article concludes by addressing a common concern regarding pool contamination during the process. If a pool is not being updated, the water level is reduced by half, and a pool float is used to catch any drips, avoiding the need to cover the entire pool. This approach ensures a clean and effective application process. Decorative concrete overlays offer contractors extensive creative opportunities through various stamping, staining, and patterning techniques. #DecorativeConcrete #PoolDeckOverlays #ConcreteResurfacing #ConcreteMaintenance #ConcreteStaining #ConcreteSealing #ConstructionTechniques #HomeImprovement #ConcreteRepair

Di Frenna arquitectos designed Espacio Kaab, a residential project situated adjacent to the historic Nogueras hacienda in Colima, Mexico. This hacienda, initially a sugar production site in the early 1700s, later became associated with the family of internationally acclaimed artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo in the 1940s and continues to be a significant landmark within the community. The architectural design of Espacio Kaab thoughtfully addresses its historical context, providing views towards the hacienda as a nod to its location and integrating design elements influenced by the property's rich past. Faced with the challenge of building in an area steeped in history, cultural significance, and architectural heritage, Di Frenna arquitectos embraced the site's unique characteristics. The design of Espacio Kaab consciously interacts with the hacienda, framing specific vistas towards the historical grounds. The project also incorporates more tangible references to the hacienda's influence, utilizing ancient construction techniques and materials originally employed in the complex. This approach fostered community involvement in Comala, leveraging ancestral knowledge in crafts developed by Rangel himself, such as ironwork and woven reed ceilings, which infuse the residence with a distinct identity. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the captivating natural environment, characterized by arid vegetation, cacti, stones, and earthy tones, creating a sense of immersion and contrast with the region's typically vibrant flora. The architectural layout was developed organically with the landscape, offering a spatial solution that responded to the terrain's specific requirements and nuances. The guiding principles throughout the design process were to respect the topography, adapt to the setting, and achieve harmony with the environment, resulting in a home that feels seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. The project blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces through strategically placed patios, terraces, contained gardens, and unique views of the river and canyon. The core design concept aimed to create an environment where the boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve, allowing the natural colors and textures of the surroundings to blend with the building's palette. This is exemplified by the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor, enabling occupants to walk barefoot across natural stone floors without a perceptible change in environment. To achieve this, the architects employed a primary palette of raw, natural tones. Materials were often sourced locally from Comala, notably the rammed earth used for walls. Other distinctive finishes, such as the eggshell-colored chukum stucco, reflect ancient Mexican construction techniques. The incorporation of local palm wood, river stone, woven carrizo ceilings, and artisanal blacksmithing further reinforces the connection to the land and the local craftsmanship championed by Rangel. While honoring these traditional elements, the design also introduces modern techniques and innovative structural solutions, bridging historical crafts with contemporary architectural practices. Espacio Kaab is a collaborative effort, with Matia Di Frenna Müller and Mariana de la Mora Padilla leading the project team. The residence serves as a testament to integrating historical context, local craftsmanship, and environmental sensitivity within a modern dwelling. It demonstrates how traditional materials and building methods, combined with innovative design, can create a home that is both deeply rooted in its place and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainable and harmonious living. #MexicanArchitecture #RammedEarth #Chukum #LocalMaterials #HaciendaDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DiFrennaArquitectos #ColimaMexico #ResidentialArchitecture