Incredible: an overflow pool that "hangs" from the 10th floor of a hotel in Dallas

With Memorial Day marking the official start of pool season, this article offers a comprehensive guide to transforming above-ground pool areas into resort-like outdoor spaces. It highlights that while above-ground pools can be more challenging to design around than in-ground options, various elegant solutions can make them aesthetically pleasing and functional. The article presents 22 ideas, tapping into the expertise of landscape design professionals. One suggestion is to add a gravel border around the pool, a practical choice that ensures good drainage and, when combined with potted seasonal plants, softens the pool's edges while adding color and texture. For those who enjoy entertaining, integrating the pool with a deck extension from an existing patio can create a larger, warmer, and more functional space for sunbathing and gatherings. Decorative elements like small tiles can give an above-ground pool a mosaic-like appearance that glitters in the sun, elevating its visual appeal. Building a deck around the pool not only provides a convenient spot for relaxation and cannonballs but also makes the entire landscape appear more cohesive and intentional. Adopting a minimalist design, such as a sleek white-tiled reflecting pool, can ensure the above-ground pool complements the overall elevated aesthetic of the home. Incorporating fragrant flowers around the pool's perimeter adds beauty and whimsy, though care must be taken to prevent chlorinated water from damaging the plants. For a monochromatic, resort-like feel, choosing white stone pavers, white tile, white wood for the deck, and a white privacy fence can make even small backyards feel expansive, reminiscent of a Greek getaway. To conceal the pool's sides and enhance the yard's beauty, planting a mix of native shrubs, grasses, and flowers creates a colorful border. If space or budget for chaises is limited, adding simple, light seating and side tables can still create a comfortable relaxation area that is easy to store. For families with rambunctious children, maintaining a simple grass lawn around the pool prevents damage from splashes and keeps maintenance easy. For a more natural transition, covering the pool's sides with large decorative stones can seamlessly integrate it into the landscape, especially if the stones match other elements on the property. If the budget allows, an above-ground infinity pool can be installed, particularly effective on sloped properties where the pool and seating can be strategically placed to align with distant views. Matching planters made from the same stone as the pool can add both beauty and functionality, providing extra resting ledges for drinks and snacks. Stone pavers are highly favored by designers for creating a resort-like ambiance around the pool, offering a refined alternative to lush grass. Building the pool directly up to the house, especially on sloped terrains, improves accessibility and prevents tracking mud indoors. Covering visible pool material with wood matching the deck creates a warm, cohesive look. Working with a sloped yard by excavating a flat area for the pool rather than flattening the entire space is also a smart design approach. Coordinating the pool's aesthetic with an outdoor fireplace and seating area creates a comprehensive outdoor entertainment zone. Installing a brick walkway ensures clean feet when transitioning from the pool to the house, while a thin gravel border aids drainage. Finally, eliminating grass entirely and paving the area around the pool can create a clean, mud-free environment that integrates seamlessly with the pool’s design. #AboveGroundPool #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #PoolDecor #PatioIdeas #HomeImprovement #SummerDecor #GardeningTips

The Treyam Resort, located in the Gulf of Aqaba in Saudi Arabia, is set to redefine luxury travel with its focus on environmental preservation and innovative design. This upcoming resort, developed by NEOM, aims to offer a high-end vacation experience while minimizing its ecological footprint. Unlike traditional resorts that often alter the landscape, Treyam will be suspended in the air, with contact points only on either side of a lagoon, ensuring less disruption to the natural environment. A central feature of the Treyam Resort will be the world's longest infinity pool built on a bridge. Measuring an impressive 1,476 feet in length, equivalent to four football fields, this pool will offer guests panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba and the surrounding lagoon. Situated 118 feet above the water, the pool is designed to provide a sensation of "floating on air," offering an immersive experience of the natural surroundings. This unique pool design is a testament to NEOM's commitment to combining innovative architecture with sustainable practices. The resort will feature 250 rooms, each designed with glass ceilings and glass floors. This architectural choice is intended to maximize views of both the sky and the lagoon, allowing guests to experience the natural beauty of the area throughout the day and night. The design suggests a single-story layout for each unit to enable these unique ceiling and floor views, offering an unparalleled connection with the environment. Treyam caters to a diverse range of guests, offering activities for both adventurous spirits and those seeking relaxation. Adventurous guests can partake in various land and sea activities, including sailing, diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, waveless surfing, mountain biking, and hiking. For guests prioritizing wellness and relaxation, the resort will provide extensive technology-enhanced health and wellness offerings, alongside luxury spa treatments. The resort also promises gourmet dining experiences and a variety of beverages. A core principle guiding the development of Treyam, and other NEOM resorts, is environmental stewardship. The project emphasizes giving back to the environment rather than exploiting it. A significant portion—95%—of the land acquired for the resort will be dedicated to conservation efforts. This commitment includes protecting historical sites, such as a Roman shipwreck and Al Muwaylih Fort, and preserving the habitats of native species like the green sea turtle and the sooty falcon. NEOM's broader conservation goals for the region include establishing 12,500 square miles of protected areas, saving 148 native plant species, planting 100 million trees by 2030, restoring 1.5 million hectares of habitat, and creating the world's largest coral garden. These initiatives aim to demonstrate that luxury tourism can coexist with and contribute to environmental sustainability, with a goal of attracting five million visitors by 2030 who appreciate this eco-conscious approach to travel. #LuxuryTravel #InfinityPool #SaudiArabia #SustainableTourism #NEOM #EcoResort #ArchitecturalInnovation #GulfOfAqaba

The "Casa To" hotel, located on Mexico's Pacific coast in Puerto Escondido, is a nine-suite establishment designed by architect Ludwig Godefroy. The hotel aims to provide a "discreet oasis" for its guests, drawing inspiration from various architectural and cultural sources while prioritizing simplicity in its design. The materials and color palettes used throughout the hotel are informed by natural textures and tones found in the surrounding environment. Key design elements for the hotel's striking vaulted ceilings were derived from two historical hydraulic works: the 6th-century Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and the 19th-century Hornsey Wood Reservoir in Finsbury Park, London. These historical structures provided conceptual cues for the architectural form. A prominent feature of Casa To is its covered infinity pool and solarium, where large circular openings are cut into raw concrete walls, allowing guests to swim through them. The blue of the pool water offers a visual contrast to the surrounding material palette, which itself is influenced by the modernist buildings of Le Corbusier. The hotel's suites are situated in a volume adjacent to the pool and terraced solarium. Six ground-floor rooms offer access to gardens, while three upper-level rooms include a terrace and an outdoor bath. The interior design of Casa To is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings, specifically a Madagascar Blue Bismarck palm tree (Bismarckia Nobilis) that was originally on the site. The chosen color scheme incorporates natural concrete and stainless steel tones, complemented by turquoise, yellow, blue, and green nuances. For the hotel's furniture, Godefroy collaborated with expert carpenters from the Puebla, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca regions. This approach ensured custom-designed pieces with a human touch, such as bamboo elements created by Tiago Solís Van Beuren, which introduce warmth against the concrete structure. Both Godefroy and the hotelier advocate for consciousness and sustainability as integral aspects of modern luxury living. The hotel implements a Fairtrade model for purchasing furniture, enabling guests to acquire these pieces. Environmentally, Casa To includes a water treatment plant for reusing wastewater in its planted areas, utilizes solar panels for energy storage, and maintains a strict zero-plastics policy. #HotelArchitecture #MexicanDesign #LudwigGodefroy #SustainableDesign #InfinityPool #ConcreteArchitecture #LeCorbusierInfluence #OaxacanCraftsmanship #PuertoEscondido

The art collective rAndom International, known for their interactive and experimental works, has unveiled a monumental outdoor installation titled 'Tower: Instant Structure for Schacht XII' at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen, Germany. This performative structure, a towering shower, cycles an impressive 30,000 liters of water per minute. The choice of location is particularly significant, as the world heritage site requires approximately 6 million cubic meters of water to be pumped out of its former mines annually to maintain the structural integrity of the entire region. The installation ingeniously harnesses this native resource to fuel its ambitious design. This marks rAndom International's first outdoor installation, following their highly successful 'Rain Room' project, which similarly featured large quantities of water in an architectural context. The 'Tower' creates an ephemeral, yet intensely loud, man-made storm, leaving a palpable film of moisture in the surrounding air. The controlled and structured application of such vast amounts of water animates the space, transforming the static architecture of the former industrial site into a dynamic, experiential environment. The project aims to explore new possibilities for engagement with and access to historic industrial spaces that were not originally designed for human or social interaction. It creates a striking juxtaposition between the simulated, temporary architecture of water and the solid, permanent buildings of the coal mine complex. 'Tower: Instant Structure for Schacht XII' was commissioned by Urbane Künste Ruhr for the RuhrTriennale 2013. The installation offers a unique sensory experience, allowing visitors to witness and interact with the immense power and movement of water on a grand scale. The constant flow and visible presence of water highlight the ongoing ecological and structural relationship between the site and its natural resources. By transforming a necessity—water removal from the mines—into a captivating art installation, rAndom International brings attention to the hidden processes that sustain such industrial heritage sites, while simultaneously offering a fresh perspective on architectural possibilities and the interplay between natural elements and constructed environments. The artwork's powerful visual and auditory components, combined with the tactile sensation of moisture, create an immersive experience that challenges perceptions of space, structure, and nature within an industrial setting. It invites contemplation on the history and future of such sites, and the potential for artistic intervention to reveal new layers of meaning and engagement. The installation ran daily from 10 AM to 1 AM until October 6, 2013, offering a temporary yet impactful transformation of the Zollverein complex. #ArtInstallation #InteractiveArt #WaterArt #Ruhrtriennale #ZollvereinCoalMine #OutdoorInstallation #EphemeralArchitecture #PublicArt #RandomInternational

This article highlights nine of the world's highest and most impressive rooftop pools, offering a glimpse into the luxurious and adventurous experiences they provide. These pools are predominantly found in supertall residential towers and skyscrapers, showcasing how amenities in modern architecture are reaching new heights, literally and figuratively. Each location offers unique features, breathtaking views, and significant design achievements. The One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai features "The Link," a connecting structure between its two towers. This houses the Tapasake Pool Club, which boasts the UAE’s longest infinity pool, stretching nearly 394 feet at 328 feet in the air. This pool is accessible to resort guests and by reservation, serving as a prominent entertainment and leisure spot. Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, designed by Moshe Safdie, has been a major attraction since its 2014 opening. Its 57th-floor Skypark hosts the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, exclusively for hotel guests. Situated over 650 feet high, it measures an impressive 495 feet, equivalent to more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools. The St. Regis Zhuhai in China, occupying the top 31 floors of the 72-story Zhuhai Tower, provides guests with two pools and views of the Macau Peninsula. The outdoor sky pool, completed in 2017 and designed by RMJM, is 17 feet long and located on the 71st floor. W Hong Kong, housed within the Cullinan twin towers by architect Wong & Ouyang and opened in 2008, offers one of the city's highest rooftop pools. Its WET pool on the 76th floor is 692 feet above ground, presenting extensive views of the city and Victoria Harbour. SLS Dubai distinguishes itself with two rooftop infinity pools on its 75th floor. These pools provide expansive views of the Burj Khalifa, offering a unique setting for swimming or relaxation. The Privilege at SLS Dubai venue, located 1,066 feet in the air, is open to both hotel guests and non-guests via a purchased pass. Miami's Aston Martin Residences, a 68-floor structure completed recently, features an infinity pool on its 55th floor. This pool offers views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, contributing to the building's sailboat-inspired design, which includes cabanas and a Sky bar and lounge on its "deck." In Nanning, China, the Guangxi China Resources Tower holds the title for the world's tallest outdoor pool. Designed by Goettsch Partners, this pool on the 71st floor is 1,060 feet above the city, providing 180-degree panoramic views. Brooklyn Point in New York offers residents access to the highest residential infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by KPF and completed in 2020, this 68-story tower features a pool 680 feet above ground with views of the Manhattan skyline. The surrounding area, designed by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, includes a sundeck, outdoor dining, and spaces for movie screenings and stargazing. Finally, the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in Thailand features a rooftop infinity pool on its 33rd floor, over 410 feet above the city. This pool is reserved for guests staying in the 34 upper-level suites, offering 360-degree views of Bangkok. #RooftopPools #LuxuryTravel #Architecture #UrbanDesign #InfinityPools #Dubai #Singapore #China #HongKong #Miami #NewYork #Bangkok

The article showcases ten sculptural floorstanding basins designed to enhance bathroom aesthetics with a high-end hotel ambiance. Floorstanding basins are presented as a method to introduce a distinctive contemporary edge to bathroom designs, catering to clients seeking an individualized appearance. Duravit’s White Tulip collection, designed by Philippe Starck, features a freestanding basin inspired by a blooming tulip. It is available in white high-gloss ceramic, with an option for Duravit’s WonderGliss coating, measuring 500mm in diameter and 900mm in height. The collection also includes a round washbasin with a coordinating vanity unit for storage. The BetteLux Oval Couture washbasin from Bette offers a unique comfortable feel, constructed from enamelled titanium steel and upholstered in waterproof fabric. This fabric is offered in Carbon, Elephant, and Ivory, while the basin itself is available in eight gloss and six matt colors. It measures 550mm in diameter and has a matching fabric-covered bath option. From RAK Ceramics, the RAK-Petit collection, by Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, includes a freestanding basin with a sleek cylindrical shape. This collection is intended to bring high-end hotel style to smaller spaces like cloakrooms or en suite bathrooms. The basin is presented in Alpine White, measuring 360mm wide and 900mm tall. The Khorus freestanding basin, crafted by Glass Design from VetroFreddo solid surface material, features a contemporary shape. Its dimensions are 600mm depth, 410mm width, and 900mm height. It comes in six artistic finishes: Silver Leaf, White Gold Leaf, Glossy or Matt White, and Glossy or Matt Black, aiming to add luxury to the design. Artelinea's Dicroico collection, designed by David Vercelli, comprises a freestanding basin made from four slabs of stratified glass. It combines geometric shapes and triangles, offering a contemporary and colorful piece. The basin measures 416 x 416 x 850mm and is available in transparent and white, designed to interact with light. Kast's Aura Pedestal floorstanding basin is made from durable concrete, forming a contemporary pill shape. It features fluted surface details contrasted with a smooth texture at the top. Available in Blush, the Aura measures 700mm in length, 350mm in width, and 870mm in height, and is part of a series of patterned basins. Ideal Standard's Tipo-Z basin, from the Atelier Collection designed with Palomba Serafini Associati, is a singular ceramic piece with a continuous, flowing look, lacking separation between basin and pedestal. Measuring 740mm, it is available in monochromatic finishes: White, White Silk, Black Gloss, and Black Matt, with one- and three-taphole variations. Roca’s Beyond collection offers a floorstanding model combining practicality and style, with a sleek length and a smooth rectangular, slightly oval basin. It is available in six finishes: White, Matt White, Beige, Coffee, Pearl, and Onyx. Measuring 450mm depth, 500mm width, and 880mm height, it includes an integrated shelf for toiletries. RAK-Sensation collection from RAK Ceramics presents a seamless, sleekly outlined basin with a smooth oval bowl, pictured in Alpine White. It measures 900mm high, 550mm wide, and 460mm deep, and includes an overflow hole. An option with RAK-ProTek ceramic glaze is available for enhanced hygiene and ease of cleaning. Glass Design’s Flower Evolution freestanding basin, made from VetroFreddo solid surface, features a nature-inspired flowing shape. It measures 700mm at its widest, 460mm deep, and 900mm high. It is offered in nine finishes, including Gold Leaf 3D, Silver Leaf 3D, Ferrari Red, and various combinations of Matte or Gloss White and Black, White and Matte Gold, or Matte Dark Inox and White. #BathroomDesign #FloorstandingBasins #LuxuryBathrooms #SculpturalDesign #HighEndInteriors #Duravit #RAKCeramics #Bette #GlassDesign #Kast #IdealStandard #Roca

Dubai, renowned for its architectural marvels and luxurious lifestyle, features a selection of infinity pools that offer unique and extravagant swimming experiences. These pools are not merely recreational facilities but are designed to provide breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of exclusive indulgence. The article highlights six prominent infinity pools in Dubai, each offering distinct characteristics and luxurious amenities. First on the list is the Aura Skypool, located on Palm Jumeirah at an impressive height of 210 meters, making it the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool. This pool provides an unparalleled experience of floating above the city, with uninterrupted views stretching from the Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery while relaxing on sunbeds with cocktails, immersing themselves in the grandeur of Dubai's skyline. Next is High Society at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, situated in Business Bay. This infinity pool is characterized by its minimalist aesthetics and an exclusive atmosphere. It offers a prime vantage point for viewing Downtown Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa. The pool's design ensures that the water appears to merge with the sky, providing a sophisticated retreat where guests can enjoy champagne and luxurious surroundings. Tapasake at One&Only One Za'abeel presents an infinity pool with a distinct Japanese Zen influence. It combines exquisite Asian aesthetics with luxurious facilities, offering views of the city. The pool environment includes relaxing music and subtle Japanese lanterns, complementing the experience. After a swim, guests can enjoy gourmet sushi and fresh cocktails, enhancing the overall sense of a perfect getaway with a culinary touch. The Address Sky View features an iconic infinity pool known for its direct views of the Burj Khalifa. This pool is frequently photographed due to its stunning perspective, where the pool's edge appears to blend with the horizon, creating a direct visual connection to the world's tallest building. The setting balances luxury with urban vibrancy, providing excellent poolside service, gourmet snacks, and elaborately crafted cocktails. Cloud 22 at Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah sets a high standard for luxury. This infinity pool is described as a floating heavenly oasis, offering exclusive cabanas, premium loungers, and a palm-fringed pool beach. It provides unparalleled views of Dubai and the ocean, creating a private tropical paradise ambiance for guests seeking the ultimate luxurious experience. Finally, Sal at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab offers an elegant infinity pool atop the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. This pool is synonymous with total extravagance, surrounded by white loungers and elegant cabanas. As the sun sets, the pool water reflects golden and pink hues, and guests are treated to impeccable service and gourmet delights. These infinity pools collectively represent Dubai's commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and unique experiences, allowing visitors to literally swim above the city's horizon. #Dubai #InfinityPools #LuxuryTravel #HotelAmenities #PanoramicViews #ArchitecturalMarvels

This article delves into the design and construction of a unique twisty, floating staircase for a ground-level maisonette in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The unit, distinguished by its 14-foot high ceilings and a private terrace, is an anomaly in New York City apartments. INC Architecture & Design, renowned for projects like 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and the TWA Hotel, was responsible for the entire creative scope of the property, acting as executive architect, design architect, and interior designer for all units, including this particular maisonette. The firm identified an opportunity in the ground-floor unit, which is categorized as a retail-level space due to its high ceilings, to incorporate an elegant staircase that complements the large, windowed patio doors. The design challenge involved creating a staircase that would allow maximum natural light penetration while navigating strict building codes. The team aimed for a less intrusive design for the stairs, railing, and treads to ensure the room remained bright. The staircase, roughly one and a half stories high, required precise coordination due to its complex geometry; the orientation at its base differs from its top. A key hurdle was the building code requiring a landing every nine feet of staircase rise. To address this, the design team implemented a creative solution by turning the staircase three times, thus incorporating three landings of consistent size for aesthetic purposes. This intricate design process was described as "the tightest puzzle you've ever seen." The staircase's structure features a four-by-six black steel tube as its stringer, the backbone supporting the treads. The railing comprises tempered glass and a black anodized aluminum C-channel that neatly covers the edge. Beyond the architectural elements, Jean Lin, cofounder Drew Stuart's partner and owner of Colony, a furniture design gallery, meticulously furnished the maisonette for its new tenant. The interior design process considered the staircase as a central focal point, influencing choices for lighting fixtures, art placement, and the utilization of negative space to enhance the overall experience of moving through the home. The article also outlines practical strategies employed during the project. Extensive pre-planning was crucial for the floating staircase, which relies on hidden anchors, especially in concrete buildings where embed plates must be coordinated well in advance. Budget constraints led to design revisions, including switching from a two-stringer design to a single stringer, which not only saved costs but also resulted in a lighter aesthetic. Creative problem-solving was essential for meeting building codes, such as making treads exceptionally thick to ensure the gap between floating stairs was smaller than a four-inch diameter sphere. The project utilized multiple vendors for different components like the staircase and flooring, necessitating careful coordination to match cosmetic details, such as ensuring the stair treads harmonized with the wood floor finish despite originating from various sources. #FloatingStaircase #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #BuildingCodes #GreenpointBrooklyn #Maisonette #INCArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SpaceOptimization

This blog post highlights ten extraordinary swimming pools from various locations around the world, presenting them as must-visit destinations for travelers seeking unique aquatic experiences. Each pool is detailed with its specific features, location, and the distinct ambiance it offers, ranging from natural geothermal baths to architecturally stunning man-made structures. The selection begins with the Grace Hotel's Infinity Pool in Santorini, Greece, which is notable for being the largest infinity pool on the island. It provides expansive views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic landscape of Imerovigli, enhancing the scenic beauty of the Greek isle. Next is the Bondi Icebergs' Open Air Rock Pool in Sydney, Australia. This iconic seawater pool, located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, is described as a landmark for both locals and tourists, offering a historical swimming experience since its establishment in 1929. In Algarrobo, Chile, the San Alfonso del Mar's Seawater Pool stands out for its immense size, measuring 3,323 feet long. It functions as a large aquatic playground where visitors can engage in various water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and even sailing, all while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. The Cambrian Hotel's Heated Pool in Adelboden, Switzerland, offers a contrasting experience with its warm 32°C water. This pool, connecting indoor and outdoor sections, is presented as an ideal spot for relaxation after skiing or hiking, providing views of the snowy Swiss Alps. Iceland's Blue Lagoon's Geothermal Spa Pool is included for its unique setting within a volcanic rock landscape. The pool's bright-blue geothermal seawater provides a mineral-rich spa treatment, with the added potential of witnessing the Northern Lights. Ubud Hanging Gardens' Twin-Tiered Pool in Bali, Indonesia, is recognized for its distinctive dual-layered, cascading design. It offers an illusion of floating above the dense rainforest canopy, making it a prominent feature of Bali's luxury accommodations. Italy's Grand Hotel Tremezzo's Floating Lake Pool in Lake Como presents a 'water-on-water' experience. This azure pool is situated directly on Lake Como, allowing guests to admire the alpine scenery of the Grigne mountains while enjoying a luxurious swim. In Fiji, the Glass Cube Lap Pool at Laucala Island offers an ultra-luxury experience. Located within a 2,000 square meter lagoon-style pool, the glass cube provides a unique setting for lap swimming, surrounded by tropical palms and overlooking a pristine white beach. The One & Only Reethi Rah's Serenity Pool in the Maldives is featured for its tranquil design, giving the impression of an endless stretch of water where the pool is nested within another pool, and then within the ocean itself, suggesting a layered aquatic environment. Finally, the Marina Bay Sands' Rooftop Infinity Pool in Singapore is highlighted as a well-known attraction. Positioned 57 floors high, this 150-meter-long platform offers panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a luxurious experience that attracts visitors globally. #LuxuryTravel #InfinityPools #SwimmingPools #TravelInspiration #GlobalDestinations #LuxuryHotels #UniquePools #GeothermalPools #ResortPools

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

NEOM, the ambitious mega-project funded by Saudi Arabian authorities, is steadily advancing with the unveiling of its latest luxury resort, Treyam. This development is part of NEOM's grand vision, which encompasses 10 distinct regions, with the initial phase of the futuristic city projected to be completed by 2030. Treyam follows other announced projects such as Gidori, a luxury golf course, and the floating port city of Oxagon and Sindalah islands. Treyam is conceptualized as a luxury lagoon resort, uniquely designed to integrate the desert landscape with the ocean. It features a luxury harbor, a serene lagoon, and a coral-rich shoreline, creating a distinctive environment. A central component of Treyam will be a 250-room luxury resort, offering a range of high-end amenities. These include sophisticated spas, comprehensive wellness centers, and a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, aiming to provide an exclusive experience for its guests. The most striking feature of Treyam is its 450-meter-long infinity pool. This pool is significantly longer than many notable structures, for instance, it is almost five times the length of the Old Bridge in Florence, Italy. The design integrates the pool into a bridge structure that will connect two distinct sides of the resort, making it both a recreational facility and a major architectural element. The overall NEOM project is estimated to cost an astonishing $1 trillion. This vast sum is allocated across its various components, with 'The Line', a horizontal skyscraper city and flagship region of NEOM, accounting for over $500 billion of the total budget. This implies that the remaining nine projects share the balance, with approximately $55 billion allocated to each, underscoring the immense scale and financial commitment behind this futuristic urban development. NEOM's continuous announcements of new regions and resorts like Treyam illustrate its commitment to developing a hyper-modern and luxurious destination. These projects aim to establish new benchmarks in urban planning, luxury tourism, and sustainable living, blending advanced technology with unique environmental designs. The integration of cutting-edge architecture with natural elements, such as the desert and ocean, highlights NEOM's innovative approach to creating a future city. #NEOM #LuxuryResort #Treyam #SaudiArabia #InfinityPool #MegaProject #FutureCity #LuxuryTravel #DesertOasis

A striking modern mansion in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has entered the market for $12.9 million. This residence, designed by Gustavo Rodriguez, deviates from the typical Mediterranean architectural style prevalent in the area, offering a distinctive, angular exterior with perforated panels that evoke the appearance of waves, resembling a sculpture. The property is located in South Florida, an area known for luxury real estate. The interior of the 11,193-square-foot estate features five bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Guests are welcomed by a grand foyer with impressive 25-foot ceilings and a glass-suspended staircase. The main living area is highlighted by a metallic blue double-height fireplace, providing a focal point and a splash of color. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with custom invisible cabinetry and high-end Miele appliances, along with a large island that integrates a dining table. An glass-encased elevator provides convenient access to the second floor. This upper level includes a loft-style den overlooking the living area below, two guest bedrooms with en-suite baths, a children's room, and an additional kitchen. A notable amenity is the custom movie theater, furnished with nine seats and a 16-foot screen, ideal for entertainment. The mansion also boasts a private gym and a stylish home office complete with a library wall. The primary suite offers a luxurious retreat, featuring separate his and her closets and dual bathrooms. The outdoor spaces of the mansion are equally impressive. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open to a backyard dominated by a 75-foot spillover saltwater infinity pool. An outdoor shower is available for convenience. The property is set within 44,000 square feet of meticulously maintained Japanese-inspired landscaping, creating a serene and private tropical oasis. Chad Carroll of Compass holds the listing for this property. This listing is part of a broader trend of high-value homes for sale in desirable locations. For instance, other recent luxury real estate news includes Lily Allen and David Harbour listing their Brooklyn townhouse for $8 million, a $15.5 million Manhattan apartment in a historic Madison Avenue building, and San Diego County's most expensive home, a $50 million beachfront estate in Del Mar. These properties, like the Palm Beach mansion, highlight unique architectural designs, extensive amenities, and prime locations, catering to a discerning clientele seeking exclusive living experiences. #PalmBeachGardens #LuxuryRealEstate #ModernMansion #InfinityPool #HomeTheater #PrivateGym #FloridaHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #HighEndLiving