The Evert House / VPA Architects

PVT House, designed by Cote Architects, is situated in a tranquil residential area of Vỹ Dạ Ward, Hue City, Vietnam. The house benefits from its proximity to a lush garden, providing extensive open views, abundant natural light, and a serene, fresh atmosphere. The design prioritizes integration with nature, ensuring that the living spaces feel connected to the outdoors while maintaining privacy and comfort. The project covers an area of 390 square meters and was completed in 2024. The architectural team was led by Hoang Viet Hung, with contributions from Nguyen Ba Vuong, Vo Thanh Thuy, Le Van Hoang Hai, and Vo Doan Hung. Structural engineering was handled by Nguyen Minh Hoang, while Dien Quang Hue was responsible for lighting design. MEP and HVAC consulting were provided by COTE Arch. Key manufacturers involved in the project include AutoDesk, Eurotile, INAX, and Kenwin. The house features prominent use of concrete as a primary material, which contributes to its modern aesthetic and structural integrity. The design likely incorporates large windows and open-plan layouts to maximize the inflow of natural light and views of the surrounding garden. The emphasis on natural light and ventilation aligns with sustainable design principles, enhancing the living environment and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling. Photographs by Hoang Le capture the essence of PVT House, showcasing both its exterior and interior spaces. The exterior photography highlights the house's facade and window placements, suggesting a thoughtful approach to balancing openness with privacy. Interior shots often feature dining areas, living spaces, and bedrooms, emphasizing the interplay of light, shadow, and material textures. The use of beams in the interior design indicates a focus on structural expression and spatial definition. Architectural drawings, including site plans, floor plans for multiple levels, sections, elevations, and an axonometric view, provide a comprehensive understanding of the house's layout and design philosophy. These illustrations detail the spatial organization, circulation paths, and volumetric relationships within the building, offering insights into how the architects addressed the programmatic requirements and site conditions. The project reflects contemporary residential architecture in Vietnam, often characterized by a blend of modern design with local climatic and cultural considerations. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #VietnamArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #NaturalLight #SustainableDesign #ModernHome #HueCity

The Rathnelly House, an Edwardian-era semi-detached dwelling located in midtown Toronto, underwent a comprehensive and formally expressive renovation by Studio VAARO. The project aimed to significantly enhance functionality, spatial fluidity, and overall living space while meticulously respecting the existing footprint of the building. The clients, a professional couple with a young child, sought both practical and aesthetic improvements, including an increase in usable floor area, elevated ceiling heights, and expanded storage solutions. The design objective was to create a welcoming and distinctive environment that balanced open communal areas with private, secluded spaces. Extensive structural modifications were key to achieving the desired transformation. These interventions allowed for a fundamental reordering of the interior spaces, resulting in an expansive plan that added 140 m² (1,500 ft²) to the home, effectively increasing its functional area by almost 60%. This substantial expansion was carefully integrated to maintain the architectural integrity of the original Edwardian structure while introducing contemporary design elements and improved spatial arrangements. The renovation focused on creating a harmonious blend of old and new. While the external appearance maintained deference to its Edwardian heritage, the interior was reimagined to meet modern living standards. This involved careful consideration of material selection, lighting, and custom built-ins to optimize both aesthetics and utility. The design team, led by Shengjie Qiu and Liam Hall, under the office leadership of Aleris Rodgers and Francesco Valente-Gorjup, worked to ensure that every aspect of the renovation contributed to a cohesive and functional living environment. The expanded floor area facilitated the creation of more generous common areas and private zones. The increased ceiling heights contributed to a sense of openness and airiness throughout the house, improving natural light penetration and overall ambiance. Storage solutions were integrated seamlessly into the design, addressing the clients' need for practical organization without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the interior. The project’s success lies in its ability to marry the historical character of the Edwardian house with a modern, adaptable, and significantly enlarged interior that caters to the evolving needs of a contemporary family. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #EdwardianHouse #TorontoArchitecture #StudioVAARO #StructuralInterventions #ModernLiving

The Villa Veth, designed by Rotterdam-based 123DV Architects, is a contemporary residential structure located in Hattem, a wooded suburb of Zwolle, Netherlands. This project adheres to the studio's characteristic design philosophy of creating pristine white buildings situated within natural, verdant landscapes. The villa is notably positioned above a utility room and a car-port, with a direct staircase providing access to the entrance hall. The architectural design emphasizes functionality and aesthetic integration with its surroundings. The lower level, which includes the utility room and car-port, is subtly rendered in a dark color to help it blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The primary living spaces and bedrooms are situated on the first floor. This floor features an L-shaped arrangement of private areas, encompassing two studies, a music room, four bedrooms, and a master suite. These private quarters are intelligently separated from the main living area by an internal wall of integrated cupboards, offering both privacy and efficient space utilization. The main living space of Villa Veth is characterized by its bright and open design. It is enveloped by seamless, curved glass walls that offer expansive views of the exterior wooden decking and the surrounding trees, fostering a strong connection between the interior and the natural outdoor setting. The entire first floor is unified by a polished concrete floor, which creates a sleek and continuous surface throughout the space. Elements such as the integrated kitchen worktop, prep area, and breakfast bar are designed to appear as if they are floating, contributing to the villa's modern and minimalist aesthetic. The dining, cooking, and sitting areas form a single, spacious, south-facing zone. This large open-plan area is complemented by an over-sailing rectangular roof, which provides shaded and covered sections for the wraparound terrace. This design choice extends the usable living space outdoors, allowing residents to enjoy the terrace in various weather conditions. The kitchen itself is described as sleek and contemporary, aligning with the overall modern design of the villa. The master bathroom also reflects this contemporary design language. Ellie Stathaki, the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*, reviewed the villa. Her expertise as a trained architect and established journalist, with a focus on global architecture and leading architects, provides a credible perspective on the design. The article highlights Villa Veth as a significant addition to the modern residential architecture scene in the region, showcasing 123DV Architects' commitment to purist design, functional layouts, and harmonious integration with nature. #VillaVeth #123DVArchitects #NetherlandsArchitecture #ModernResidential #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #Hattem #ArchitecturalPhotography

The author, Hanya Yanagihara, reflects on the concept of 'home,' noting that her transient upbringing across nine cities and 20 residences prevented her from associating the idea with a single physical space. Instead, her sense of rootedness is derived from an accumulation of specific details, rooms, furniture, and light from the various places she inhabited. This personal reflection introduces a broader exploration of diverse relationships with the notion of home, as presented in T Magazine's Design Issue. The article highlights several distinct examples of family residences, each offering a unique perspective on what constitutes a home. One featured residence is a mountain compound in Brazil, meticulously constructed by furniture designer Etel Carmona and her grown children. This compound is designed to accommodate three generations, balancing communal living with the need for individual privacy for each family member. This arrangement demonstrates a contemporary approach to multi-generational living, where shared spaces coexist with distinct personal areas. Another case study involves an English art dealer in Italy who decides to rededicate himself to Venice, a city with which he has a complex relationship. His new apartment, situated in a 17th-century palazzo, surprisingly turns out to be a place he was familiar with during his teenage years. This narrative explores the serendipitous return to a place that held previous personal significance, illustrating how history and personal memory can intertwine with one's definition of home. The story suggests that familiarity and a sense of connection can transcend the novelty of a new dwelling, transforming it into a deeply personal space. The cover story of the Design Issue focuses on the three residences created by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, located north of Stockholm. Their first house, Lilla Hyttnäs, has been maintained by their descendants since the 1940s, with parts accessible to visitors and others remaining private. This home, more than a century after the Larssons' passing, continues to preserve their artistic legacy, furniture, and overall spirit, while also adapting to the improvisations and additions introduced by subsequent generations. This longevity and evolving nature of the Larsson home exemplify a living history, where a residence becomes a vessel for enduring family heritage and creative expression. The Larssons' original vision for their home was revolutionary for its time, rejecting the perceived monotony of bourgeois design characterized by dark furniture and neo-Renaissance styles. Instead, they championed folk art, craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a sense of coziness. Their intention was to create an environment that felt inherently like a 'home,' rather than merely a 'house.' This distinction underscores the emotional and experiential qualities that define a true home, emphasizing comfort, personal expression, and a departure from conventional, often sterile, architectural norms. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that a home is not just a structure but a dynamic entity shaped by personal histories, family connections, and artistic values. #HomeDesign #FamilyResidences #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #BrazilianDesign #VenetianApartment #SwedishArt #MultiGenerationalLiving

The VUx House, designed by 85 Design, is a residential project located in Ngũ Hành Sơn, Vietnam, completed in 2022. This 100 square meter house addresses the common challenges associated with small urban land plots in Vietnam, particularly the lack of natural light and ventilation, exacerbated by the hot and humid tropical climate. The architects' primary goal was to devise solutions to these prevalent issues, creating a comfortable and well-lit living space despite its compact footprint. The project emphasizes innovative architectural strategies to maximize natural elements within a constrained environment. The design incorporates specific features aimed at improving internal conditions. The house utilizes a thoughtful arrangement of openings and internal voids to facilitate cross-ventilation and allow sunlight penetration deep into the interior. Details regarding the material palette include wood, glass, and concrete. These materials likely contribute to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the house, with glass potentially being used for natural lighting and ventilation, wood for warmth and aesthetic appeal, and concrete for structural integrity and thermal mass in the tropical climate. The VUx House project team included To Huu Dung as the Architect in Charge and for Architectural Design, Dao Ngoc Son for structural engineering, Thinh Tran for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, and Trinh Mai Giang for interior design. The collaboration of these professionals was crucial in tackling the complex design and construction challenges inherent in small urban housing projects in a demanding climate. The project also lists several manufacturers involved, such as Electrolux, DaiDuong Glass, Atarashi Window, Bosch, Hafele, and Ikea, indicating the integration of modern appliances and building components. Photographs by To Huu Dung capture the completed structure, showcasing the exterior, interior spaces, and specific architectural details like windows, facades, arches, stairs, and handrails. The visual documentation, including floor plans, sections, and environmental analyses (sun and wind), provides a comprehensive overview of the design intent and its execution. These analytical diagrams illustrate how the architects considered environmental factors to enhance the house's performance. The house is categorized under residential architecture, specifically as a house, and is situated in the Ngũ Hành Sơn district of Vietnam. Its compact size and strategic design make it a relevant example for addressing high-density urban living in tropical regions. The VUx House serves as a case study for sustainable and innovative architectural design within urban contexts characterized by high population density and challenging climatic conditions. The project's focus on natural light, ventilation, and material selection demonstrates a practical approach to improving the quality of life in small homes. The combination of local architectural expertise and internationally recognized manufacturers suggests a blend of regional understanding with global standards in building practices. #ResidentialArchitecture #SmallUrbanPlots #NaturalVentilation #DaylightIntegration #TropicalClimateDesign #WoodGlassConcrete #ArchitecturalInnovation #VietnamArchitecture

Parys Huis, designed by Nadine Engelbrecht Architect, is a residential project in Parys, South Africa, completed in 2024. The house is characterized by its balanced approach to simplicity, climate response, and integration of personal meaning, distinguishing it within a restrictive estate. With an area of 380 square meters, the design emphasizes calm detailing and a strong connection to its occupants and the surrounding environment. The architectural firm, Nadine Engelbrecht Architect, led the project, with interior design handled by Miru Living. J.C. Swanepoel Project Management and Projects oversaw the general construction, while Impact Engineers provided structural engineering and consulting services. The project incorporates materials from manufacturers like Hansgrohe and Isoboard, indicating a focus on quality and specific aesthetic choices. The project details reveal a comprehensive approach to residential architecture, encompassing both functional and aesthetic considerations. The use of concrete and wood is prevalent, contributing to the house's overall material palette. Photography by Marsel Roothman captures the essence of the design, showcasing its exterior and interior spaces, including elements like concrete, glass, wooden beams, and various rooms such as the dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Several images highlight the house's architectural features, including different views of the exterior, interior details with concrete and glass, and specific areas like the dining room with its wood table and chairs. The inclusion of floor plans, roof plans, sections, elevations, and a locality plan provides a detailed understanding of the house's layout and contextual integration. These drawings illustrate the spatial organization and the relationship of the building to its site. The design successfully navigates the constraints of its location, achieving a harmonious balance between the practical requirements of a home and its broader environmental and emotional contexts. The quiet resolution of Parys Huis underscores a thoughtful design process that considers both the physical and experiential aspects of dwelling. The project serves as an example of residential architecture that prioritizes contextual sensitivity and a personalized living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #SouthAfrica #NadineEngelbrechtArchitect #ContemporaryDesign #ClimateResponsiveDesign #ConcreteConstruction #WoodInteriors

The article details the design process and outcome of a new build home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was specifically crafted to possess a timeless, lived-in feel, rather than appearing brand new. Interior designer Victoria Sass spearheaded this project for a family of five, collaborating with architecture firm Murphy & Co. The core challenge was to infuse character and an aged aesthetic into a modern construction, a task Sass describes as surprisingly difficult. The design philosophy aimed to avoid the 'too perfect' trap often associated with new builds by incorporating elements that mimic the natural irregularities and evolved nature of older homes, such as slightly unconventional floor plans and asymmetrical shapes. The initial design brief from the homeowners favored an understated, classic American white brick house, reflecting a 'casual but tailored' sensibility. This led to plans emphasizing wooden balconies, large windows, screened verandas, and a traditional porch, all situated to capitalize on the tranquil waterside setting near Minnehaha Creek. The interior adopted a traditional color palette of off-whites, rusts, and caramels, complemented by oak flooring and timber windows, establishing a grounding backdrop across the home's three main living levels. A significant shift occurred in the design direction when the family spent time in Barcelona during a pause in construction. This experience broadened their perspective, prompting a desire for more color and 'joie de vivre' upon their return. Victoria Sass adapted the design to incorporate these new influences, focusing on furniture, fabrics, hardware, and lighting to introduce unexpected and vibrant elements. This strategic re-evaluation led to the inclusion of unique pieces such as a mosaic table made from corn husks, sourced from a Spanish artist, and a sculptural 'Moon light' art installation in the entryway. Further examples of this evolved design approach include a powder room vanity adorned with distinctively mismatched tiles, deliberately chosen to evoke Mediterranean design aesthetics, and a dining room featuring a bespoke wall mural by Ginny Sims. This mural intricately weaves in the family's personal story, adding a deeply customized and playful touch. The snug area boasts a chimney breast finished with hand-fired tiles, which Sass notes might subtly reference Scandinavian coziness, reflecting her husband's Danish heritage. Across the home, there's a strong emphasis on varied textures—from large-scale photographic prints and custom wall sculptures to marbleized wallpaper in the study—contributing to a rich, almost three-dimensional feel. Victoria Sass highlights the delicate balance required to integrate diverse decorative influences while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic. She explains that a consistent color palette and careful consideration of scale are crucial for harmonizing these elements. The designer emphasizes that if one design 'dial' is turned up, another must be adjusted to ensure equilibrium. The final result is a home that seamlessly combines classic and experimental features, juxtaposing graphic silhouettes with undulating forms. This blend achieves what Sass terms a 'perfectly imperfect' outcome, effectively transforming a new construction into a residence that embodies the charm and character of an older, well-established home. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #NewBuild #TimelessArchitecture #MinneapolisHome #VictoriaSass #HomeTours #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalRenovation

The "House Valley" project, a residential dwelling located in Taichung, Taiwan, was completed in 2024 through a collaborative effort between Soar Design Studio and Ray Architects. The design concept focuses on deconstructing traditional architectural forms to foster a deeper integration with nature. Instead of a singular, elongated structure characteristic of traditional street houses, the building is composed of five distinct, staggered volumes. These volumes are strategically separated by gaps, which serve to introduce natural light and ventilation into the interior spaces. The architectural approach emphasizes the interplay of horizontal and vertical planes, which are manipulated to create floors at various levels. This multi-level arrangement is designed to enhance the penetration of natural elements, such as wind and sunlight, throughout the home. The overall aesthetic and functional design draws inspiration from the imagery of valleys, combining this natural motif with the principles of a traditional Taiwanese courtyard. This blend aims to create a living environment that is not only visually harmonious with its surroundings but also adaptable to local climatic conditions. Key specifications of the project include a total area of 338 square meters. The lead architect for the project was Ray Chang, with Lin Yi-Syuan handling architectural details and Lin Shang Hsien responsible for interior details. Photography of the completed project was provided by Hey! Cheese. The construction utilized concrete as a primary material, contributing to the building's structural integrity and aesthetic. Furniture and fixtures for the interior were sourced from notable manufacturers such as Carl Hansen and Son, MUJI, and Republic of Fritz Hansen. The design's deliberate segmentation into multiple volumes, along with the incorporation of gaps, facilitates cross-ventilation and allows for diverse views of the surrounding landscape. The varied floor levels contribute to a dynamic internal spatial experience, preventing monotony and offering different perspectives within the house. The integration of a courtyard, a common feature in traditional Taiwanese architecture, further enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor living, providing a private outdoor space that also aids in climate control. This project reflects a contemporary interpretation of residential architecture in Taiwan, prioritizing environmental responsiveness and a nuanced interaction with the natural world. The use of robust materials like concrete ensures durability, while the selection of high-quality furniture suggests a focus on comfort and sophisticated interior design. The combination of modern design principles with traditional regional influences results in a distinctive and environmentally sensitive dwelling. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Taiwan #Taichung #SoarDesignStudio #RayArchitects #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalIntegration #ModernDesign

This article details the transformation of an Edwardian apartment in London into a light-filled, functional home for its owners, who sought clever design ideas to maximize a small space. After a four-year search, the owners found an apartment with high ceilings and ample light, but it initially suffered from a 1930s configuration of small, often windowless rooms, which made it feel dark and gloomy. The renovation focused on opening up the living areas to create a vast sitting room and kitchen. Natural finishes, such as bespoke solid oak flooring from Ardeco Interier, were chosen for the walls and floors to impart an earthy, contemporary simplicity. The sitting room, a central feature of the redesigned apartment, is meticulously laid out to accommodate working, entertaining, and relaxing without the need for constant furniture rearrangement. A modular shelving and drawers system from Vitsoe serves both practical storage and decorative purposes, complementing a reclaimed timber dining table from Fiorirà un Giardino. The transformation involved significant structural changes, including enlarging the hall and removing bathroom walls to integrate the kitchen into this new, open expanse, eliminating under-utilized spaces. The kitchen itself features painted, 1940s-inspired cabinets with ventilated doors, paired with contemporary marble worktops, all designed to harmonize with the apartment's original period features. Specifically, a Southwold kitchen from Plain English, painted in Lead III oil eggshell from Paint & Paper Library, was installed. A new bedroom was ingeniously created at the rear of the apartment by enclosing one corner with purpose-built oak walls. This design ensures that the fine, original sash windows and plasterwork provide the desired aesthetic, with windows that can be raised to access a roof garden. The bedroom's oak walls also cleverly integrate a headboard, wall paneling, and a built-in wardrobe, featuring recessed handles to maintain a sleek, uninterrupted look. The doors to the bathroom and kitchen are flush with the wardrobe wall, creating a seamless appearance when closed. Space-saving solutions were critical, particularly in the bathroom, where a pocket door was installed to separate it from the bedroom. Plumbing is concealed within a tiled half-wall, which also functions as a shelf behind the sink. Mirror-fronted, wall-hung cabinets were used to enhance light in the windowless space, with bathroom fittings from Lefroy Brooks' 1930 Mackintosh collection and Architecture White Matt tiles from Fired Earth. Another pocket door within the narrow bathroom separates the shower area, lined with marble, from the sink, providing practicality for guests. Light is introduced into the shower through a strip of glass in the oak wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom. Additionally, a small glass-covered room off the communal staircase was converted into a cozy study, complete with a home office, reading chair, and television, featuring lighting from London Lighting and Vaughan. The apartment also boasts a favored roof terrace, designed by landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, who incorporated New Zealand ferns, wild grasses, jasmine, and ivy, creating an inviting outdoor dining and entertaining space with a vintage French marble table and a Weber Genesis BBQ. #EdwardianApartment #LondonLiving #SmallSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #RoofTerrace

James Mercer, the singer-songwriter for The Shins, and his wife, garden designer Marisa Kula Mercer, enlisted designer Jessica Helgerson to refresh their 130-year-old Queen Anne Victorian home in Portland, Oregon. The Mercers sought to update their home for modern living while preserving its historical integrity and original charm. Their property, a former hazelnut orchard spanning nearly an acre, features 300-year-old Douglas fir trees and gardens designed by Marisa, who draws inspiration from English gardens like Great Dixter House & Gardens. The remodel, which spanned 12 years, focused on incremental changes rather than a complete overhaul. The initial challenge involved redesigning the kitchen. Helgerson's team enlarged the space by absorbing a former screened porch, ensuring it remained proportionally aligned with Victorian-era kitchens. The design incorporated antique light fixtures, cream-colored wall tiles, and a Lacanche range set within a niche, evoking the feel of an old hearth. The kitchen island was designed on legs, resembling a case piece, to maintain appropriate scale. One significant alteration was dividing the voluminous primary suite to create a dedicated dressing room. This new space features a Calacatta Viola marble-topped vanity and recessed paneling with decorative elements, aligning with the Victorian emphasis on ornamentation. The family also sought to improve the home's connection to the outdoors, a feature largely absent in the original layout. Helgerson designed a karaoke room, addressing its previously erratic ceiling structure. She employed an architectural solution by painting a green crown molding in a clean, rectangular shape to define the space and manage the 'wandering' ceiling. A custom built-in sofa with a deep cushion and a tiled window sill serving as a conservatory for houseplants were incorporated into this room, providing both comfort and functionality. James Mercer also contributed personal DIY touches to the home. He used rope to level floorboards in the former horse stable, now a music studio, and constructed Marisa's garden shed based on a vintage Sears catalog image. A distinctive, quirky detail includes plastic spiders hot-glued to ceiling medallions and painted over, creating the illusion of being permanently trapped. The overall design philosophy aimed to blend modern functionality with the inherent character of the historic Queen Anne style, maintaining the home's original nicks and scratches as part of its charm. #HomeRenovation #VictorianArchitecture #InteriorDesign #QueenAnneStyle #HistoricPreservation #GardenDesign #KitchenRemodel #PortlandHomes #CelebrityHomes

This article details the restoration of a historic Victorian-era homestead located in the Western District of Victoria, a region known for its scenic views and dairy farms. The project, led by interior designer Adelaide Bragg, focused on seamlessly blending the original character of the home with modern functionality, ensuring it serves both as a working rural property and a family hub for generations to come. The design brief emphasized practicality, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere, steering away from anything overly delicate, given that the property is a working farm and frequently hosts family and grandchildren. The homestead's interior now features a calming palette of creams and clay reds, complemented by natural textures. Key elements include sturdy oak floorboards, antique furniture, and a significant art collection from the client. A primary challenge during the renovation was the house's dated configuration, which was not suitable for a modern family, and the lack of sufficient natural light. The renovation addressed these issues by undertaking extensive structural changes. The original back of the house was transformed into a light-filled, spacious front entrance, adorned with botanical fern prints and wool baskets. A large kitchen and family room extension was added, complete with a fireplace and an Aga stove, alongside a generous verandah to facilitate outdoor dining. Designing for a rural home involved specific considerations to honor its historical integrity while making it adaptable for contemporary living. The renovations maintain high ceilings, large-scale rooms, and simple joinery, ensuring a sympathetic approach to the existing structure. The completed home is characterized by an effortless elegance and timelessness, with design elements chosen to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The dining area, for instance, features a large table and 16 chairs, which serve as a room divider and add textural depth. Kravet fabric on the chairs, referencing horse saddle blankets, and large-scale rooster paintings introduce playful touches. Old olive baskets repurposed as kitchen pendants create a unique focal point, while Monoleath benchtops offer a practical yet concrete-like finish. Oak floorboards, sisal rugs, and cow skins contribute to layering and a casual, inviting ambiance. The homestead's design also integrates with its rural surroundings, offering magnificent views of rolling hills, red gum trees, and the Grampians. The selection of fittings and finishes was guided by the need to be sympathetic to the home's heritage. For example, Sandberg ‘Waldemar’ wallpaper from Ascraft in the powder room was chosen to reflect the oak trees in the garden, and a guest bedroom features a cane bench covered in Lisa Fine ‘Jaisalmer’ fabric from Ascraft. The owners expressed satisfaction with the outcome, confirming that the entire house is now utilized as intended, embodying a successful blend of old-world charm and modern family living. #HomesteadRestoration #InteriorDesign #RuralLiving #VictorianArchitecture #FamilyHome #AdelaideBragg #HomeRenovation #VictorianHomestead

Branch Studio Architects, an Australian practice, designed an addition to an existing 1990s family home, titled 'A Pavilion Between Trees.' The addition was created to accommodate a new master en-suite for the clients. Unlike the existing home's architectural style, the new pavilion was conceived to interact intimately with its natural surroundings, specifically the numerous trees on the site. The design prioritized preserving existing trees, integrating them as focal points and functional elements within the new spaces. The structure itself is a parallelogram-shaped building organized into three distinct zones, each offering a unique sequential experience intended to mark the beginning and end of each day. Access to the addition is through a singular hallway from the original home, leading into the new programmatic elements. The floor levels are subtly raised using platforms to differentiate the functions of each zone. The lowest level houses the master bathroom, where the hallway divides the space into an indoor/outdoor shower and tub on one side, and vanities and a water closet on the other. Full-height glass walls and an external courtyard connect the bathing area to the outdoor gardens, with a steel mesh providing necessary privacy. The next level up features separate 'his and hers' closet areas. The woman's closet, located on the south side, incorporates a glass wall that opens to an open courtyard centered around one of the existing trees, showcasing how the structure is built around the natural vegetation. A continuous element transitions from a bench to a sideboard and then into a dresser, strategically angled to draw attention to the exterior views. In contrast, the man's wardrobe on the north side features a smaller clerestory window, directing views towards the tree canopies, which also naturally filter light into the interior. A protruding window in this area provides a seating space elevated above the landscape. The procession culminates in the bedroom, situated at the highest point of the addition, overlooking the surrounding gardens. This room is encased by full-height glass walls on two-thirds of its perimeter, offering expansive external views. The lighting scheme in the bedroom is designed to create a specific ambiance, using indirect lighting to complement natural light throughout the day, aligning with the architects' intention for this space to influence the waking and sleeping experiences of the occupants. The material palette was carefully selected to harmonize with the site's natural characteristics, featuring raw and exposed elements to evoke comfort and tranquility. The exterior boasts charcoal rammed earth, glass, and steel, chosen for their ability to reflect the surroundings and age gracefully. Internally, the same palette is used, augmented by stained plywood soffits and timber fixtures to introduce warmth. Detailed connection points and joinery elevate the raw materials, with each edge meticulously crafted to achieve an eloquent and refined design. The project encompasses a total area of 85 square meters, with construction managed by Martin Builders and structural engineering by WSP Consulting Engineers. The design successfully integrates modern living spaces with the natural environment, creating a serene and thoughtfully crafted extension. #Architecture #HomeExtension #ResidentialDesign #PavilionDesign #BranchStudioArchitects #SustainableDesign #NatureIntegration #MelbourneArchitecture #MasterEnSuite

The Patricia Shoppe, a business inspired by its proprietor Erin Anchutz Bosman's great-grandmother, embarked on an extensive renovation project of the former Egg Harbor Town Hall. This historical building, originally constructed in the 1880s, served as a public meeting place and government building for over a century before being sold in 1990 and subsequently housing an antique shop. The renovation, completed in 2005, aimed to transform the structure into the new home for Patricia Shoppe, while simultaneously preserving its historical integrity. The original Patricia Shoppe, founded in Chicago in 1937 by Patricia McGrath Lind, was an exclusive women's boutique offering custom-designed clothing, hats, gloves, and jewelry. Erin, deeply inspired by her great-grandmother's elegance and entrepreneurial spirit, sought to continue this legacy with her own shop. The current Patricia Shoppe mirrors the original's focus on high-quality women's accessories and jewelry. The renovation of the Egg Harbor Town Hall presented significant challenges. Structural issues, such as a severely dry-rotted, hand-hewn central beam, necessitated its replacement. This required lifting the flooring, which ultimately led to the decision to replace the original pine floorboards due to their condition. During this process, workers discovered wood scraps with horseshoe imprints in the crawl space, suggesting that Belgian Draft horses were used to haul the massive beam into place during the building's initial construction. The usable portions of the original beam were repurposed for garden landscaping. New walls and plastering were also essential due to the building's long history of settling. Despite the need for modern upgrades, preserving the building's historical elements was a priority for Erin and her husband, Kevin. Salvaged pine floorboards were planed down and repurposed as window trim. The flagpole, though likely not original, stands as a testament to the building's past. The raised stage area was converted into office and storage space, with linoleum flooring designed to replicate the pattern once seen in the main hall. While the exterior and structural renovations focused on the building's history, the interior design aimed to evoke the 1930s era of the original Patricia Shoppe. This was achieved through details like a black and white checkered tile floor and replica fixtures in the bathroom. The main shop area features rustic cherry wood flooring, hand-oiled using a historically accurate technique. Silk paneling replaced the original bead board wainscoting, adding to the elegant atmosphere. Lighting fixtures were carefully chosen to reflect the style of the Chicago store, and antique display fixtures completed the sophisticated ambiance. The new Patricia Shoppe officially opened its doors in the spring of 2005. The property also includes a second historical structure, a former Egg Harbor Fire Department station, which Erin and Kevin aspire to renovate in the future. Their commitment to preserving local history and the success of the initial renovation have inspired them to continue these restoration efforts, further intertwining their family's legacy with the community's heritage. #PatriciaShoppe #EggHarbor #RenovationProject #HistoricPreservation #SmallBusiness #InteriorDesign #FamilyLegacy #ArchitecturalRestoration

Arc House, a private residence designed by East Hampton-based Maziar Behrooz Architecture, is the latest offering from the firm, catering to a couple and their two dogs. The defining feature of the house is its striking curved roof, which emerged from a blend of practical and aesthetic considerations. The property's location, directly beneath a flight path and adjacent to a train track, necessitated a design solution that could mitigate noise pollution while simultaneously fulfilling the owners' desire for a self-supporting, column-free interior with a seamless flow. The architects adopted an industrial building technology approach, creating a hangar-type space to address both the noise issue and the need for an expansive, uninterrupted internal volume. The design aimed to create a feeling of airiness and comfort, while maintaining a homely atmosphere. Maziar Behrooz achieved this by carefully selecting a curve size for the roof. Complementing this, two large openings were strategically placed on opposing sides of the curved structure. These openings provide picturesque views of the landscaped garden and the surrounding natural environment, and also allow for visual connections through different sections of the house. The architectural layout distinctly separates the private and social areas of the residence. The main living spaces, which include areas for displaying the owner's art collection, are situated beneath the expansive curved roof. In contrast, the bedrooms are housed within an adjacent structure characterized by a flat roof, ensuring privacy. The lower level of Arc House is dedicated to functional and recreational spaces, incorporating an office, a sitting room, a garage, and a gym. Sustainability and energy efficiency were integral to the construction of Arc House. The design incorporates various energy-saving techniques and materials. These include the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), high-thermal windows, and closed-cell foam insulation. These features collectively contribute to a structure that not only presents an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventionally built homes of comparable size. The integration of these elements showcases a holistic approach to modern residential architecture, balancing innovative design with environmental responsibility and occupant well-being. #ArcHouse #MaziarBehroozArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CurvedRoof #SustainableArchitecture #EastHampton #ArchitecturalInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #ModernHomeDesign

Architect Patrick Ahearn has completed a new residential project, "Rural Vineyard," located just outside Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. This residence is designed to seamlessly integrate with the area's historical architectural character, appearing as though it has been part of the landscape for over a century. Ahearn, known for his expertise in historically motivated architectural and design styles, has previously preserved and revitalized numerous historic properties in Edgartown. Rural Vineyard stands as a newly constructed home that successfully mimics the traditional gambrel shingle style prevalent in the region, blending in with its older surroundings. The design of Rural Vineyard is characterized by its H-shaped schematic, which optimizes long views towards the water from its primary living spaces. The architect strategically incorporated window choices, such as a fully glazed wall in the sunroom, to maximize natural light and offer expansive coastal vistas. Despite these modern interior elements, the exterior maintains historical accuracy, reflecting classic coastal New England architecture. The property's access features a courtyard, a pedestrian entry, and a carriage house wing. Complementing the main house are a separate gambrel-style guesthouse/cabana, a discreetly placed pool, and a garden, all situated at the opposite end of the courtyard. Inside, the finishes are meticulously crafted to evoke the grandeur of early 20th-century shingle-style homes, creating the impression of a painstakingly restored property rather than a new build. Ahearn prioritized open spaces and functionality in the interior design, incorporating modern conveniences and a neutral color palette that aligns with a contemporary island lifestyle. The construction of Rural Vineyard presented several challenges, primarily related to the land's significant topography. To overcome this, the team constructed 16-foot concrete walls and retainers, ingeniously concealed to make the house appear nestled within a natural wildflower field. Extensive mature planting was introduced to further enhance this illusion, making the home seem as though it has been in place for over 100 years. Another design decision involved the placement of the pool and guesthouse on the landside. This arrangement served to define the entry and parking court, leaving a portion of the main house in its natural wildflower setting. This strategic placement also created an additional recreational and social area, distinct from the primary residence. Through effective use of a courtyard and breezeway, Ahearn achieved cohesion and flow among the main house, carriage house, and pool cabana. The interior details include antique oak flooring that elongates hallways, welcoming archways, and an open floor plan with cool, nautical colors and rugs to define gathering spaces. Strong, cased beams contribute to the home's implied historical character. The sunroom features a brick floor, transitioning seamlessly from indoor to outdoor space, while the pool cabana boasts a bluestone floor, casual furnishings, and a ship ladder leading to a guest room, adding a nautical touch. Full-height millwork paneling, a detailed staircase, and carefully placed antique furnishings and artwork enhance the sense of historical accuracy and visual interest. The successful integration of new construction with historical aesthetics and modern functionality positions Rural Vineyard as an elegant and livable island homestead. #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #CoastalLiving #MarthaVineyard #HistoricPreservation #NewEnglandArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign

In San Francisco’s Alamo Square, builder John Conomos and his wife Amanda undertook the ambitious project of restoring a Victorian home adjacent to their own, driven by a desire to preserve the city’s architectural heritage. The house, built in 1889, had a rich history, once owned by Verta Vinson, a prominent advocate for Victorian preservation in the 1950s. Over the decades, the home had suffered significant alterations, including stucco and cedar shingle facades, which obscured its original Victorian Stick style. The Conomos family enlisted Jensen Architects to lead a comprehensive reimagining of the property. The initial phase of the restoration focused on the exterior, which lacked historical integrity. Guided by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, the team removed non-historic coverings to uncover original architectural clues, including shadow lines of former trims and moldings. Historic photographs and details found on an intact east facade were critical in reconstructing the original facade. Skeeter Jones of Clearheart Fine Design and Building, known for his Victorian restoration work, meticulously resurrected the facade, improvising where historical evidence was inconclusive but maintaining an "of the period" aesthetic. Deviations from the original design were subtle and strategic, such as replacing a street-level bay window with a garage for functional necessity and incorporating more formidable, thicker handrails and an arched entry. The facade was ultimately painted a semi-reflective silver, a contemporary choice that offered a nuanced metallic sheen without resorting to traditional Victorian color palettes or the increasingly common all-black trend. Turning to the interior, the Conomos family decided to make the renovated Victorian their new home, driven by the desire for a more cohesive living dynamic than their previous house offered. The design priorities were maximizing light and views and fostering social togetherness. A striking sculptural staircase, clad in fumed and stained oak, became a central design element. Initially conceived as a light well, it evolved into an architectural focal point, with its complex, asymmetric design intended to encourage social interaction through spacious landings and integrated nooks. The design process involved extensive renderings and meticulous fabrication by Hayasa Flooring Design, resulting in a unique structure where no two levels are identical. Further enhancing light penetration, an elevator with a glass cab and exposed mechanical elements functions as a vertical light tunnel. The already high Victorian ceilings were extended vertically into the attic space, significantly expanding the third-floor living area. Walkable glass skylights were strategically placed on the roof and third floor to filter natural light to the lower levels. A reverse floor plan was implemented, positioning social spaces like the kitchen, family room, and sunroom on the upper floors to capitalize on views and light, while bedrooms occupied the lower levels. The kitchen’s modern design features a muted palette with a bold pop of teal on the central island, influencing the interior’s overall color scheme. Interior designer Holly Hulburd of Hulburd Design collaborated on a minimalist design palette, ensuring that furnishings and materials complemented the home’s architecture. Bold textures and green hues were strategically introduced for depth. Private spaces, including the master bedroom and bathroom, were designed for functionality and intimacy, reflecting the family’s desire for communal living rather than isolation. The rear facade, a blank slate, allowed for contemporary innovation. Jensen Architects proposed a metal cladding system of laser-cut aluminum screens on motorized sliders, offering privacy, light control, and an interactive element. This facade also features a cantilevered bump-out with seamless glass corners, maximizing views. The compact backyard was transformed by landscape architects Surfacedesign and Habitat Horticulture with a living wall and patterned pavers. The roof deck, a complex 3D jigsaw puzzle due to the home's geometry, was ultimately unified with the elevator and staircase, offering sweeping downtown views while adhering to height restrictions. The completed Alamo Square Residence masterfully blends historical reverence with modern functionality, creating a warm and innovative family home that respects San Francisco’s rich architectural past while embracing contemporary design principles. #VictorianRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ModernArchitecture #FamilyHomeDesign #SanFranciscoHomes #ArchitecturalTransformation #InteriorDesign #LightMaximization #SustainableDesign

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