Stella Casa / Idee architects

The "MN House" by Sata Na Architect, completed in 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, exemplifies a design philosophy centered on integrating art into daily living. With a total area of 305 m², the residence is conceived as an "Art Gallery Home," where architecture serves as the canvas for the strategic display of artwork throughout various spaces. This approach aims to tell the story of the homeowners' lives through their curated art collection. The design prioritizes tranquility and privacy, particularly given its urban surroundings. To achieve this, the house incorporates solid white walls that enclose the property, creating a secluded environment and limiting external views to specific, necessary points. This architectural decision establishes a clear boundary between the private artistic sanctuary within and the external chaos of the city. The layout of the MN House is divided into three distinct zones: public, semi-private, and private, each catering to different levels of interaction and activity. The ground floor, designated as the public area, is characterized by its open-plan design and high ceilings. This level features an expansive double-volume living room, a dining area, and a kitchen, all designed to foster a sense of spaciousness and connectivity. The public zone serves as the primary space for social gatherings and daily family interactions, with its open layout facilitating an unhindered flow between functions. The integration of various materials like wood, glass, and concrete defines the aesthetic and functional aspects of these spaces, contributing to an atmosphere that is both elegant and livable. The semi-private zone, located on the mezzanine level, includes additional living spaces that offer a more intimate setting compared to the ground floor. This area features a working space, a library, and guest bedrooms, providing versatility and comfort. The design of the mezzanine allows for visual connectivity with the main living area below while maintaining a degree of separation, offering a balance between communal and personal space. Natural light penetration and thoughtful spatial organization are key elements in this zone, ensuring comfort and utility for both residents and visitors. The private zone, situated on the upper floor, is exclusively dedicated to the family's personal retreats. This level houses the master bedroom and additional private family rooms, each designed with an emphasis on comfort, privacy, and serene aesthetics. Access to these upper levels is facilitated by an open staircase, which acts as a central design feature and a circulation element. The staircase allows natural light to permeate the interior, enhancing the brightness and openness of the home. This architectural element also connects the different zones both visually and functionally, contributing to the overall coherence of the design. The material palette of the MN House includes concrete, wood, and glass, chosen for their aesthetic qualities and functional properties. Concrete forms the structural backbone and provides a minimalist, contemporary backdrop. Wood, used for detailing and flooring, introduces warmth and texture, contrasting with the coolness of concrete and adding to the home's inviting ambiance. Glass elements, such as large windows and doors, are strategically placed to maximize natural light and offer controlled views, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining privacy. The external white walls, in addition to providing privacy, create a clean, gallery-like facade that reflects the artistic concept of the home. Throughout the MN House, artificial lighting is meticulously integrated to complement the natural light and enhance the interior design. Recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, and strip lights are used to illuminate artwork, highlight architectural features, and create varied moods within different rooms. The choice of furniture and interior finishes further reinforces the artistic theme, ensuring that every element contributes to a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing living environment. The MN House stands as a testament to how architectural design can serve as a vessel for personal expression and a curated lifestyle, transforming a residence into a living gallery for its inhabitants. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #ArtIntegration #ModernArchitecture #ThailandArchitecture #Bangkok #SataNaArchitect #PrivateResidence

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Tuscan-inspired estate in Santa Barbara has seen a significant price reduction, now listed for $39.5 million, down from its initial $45 million in March 2017. The 10,500-square-foot villa, situated on a sprawling 16.88-acre lot, was designed in 1930 by architect Wallace Frost to emulate classic Italian architecture, offering panoramic views of both the ocean and mountains. Its secluded location in the Santa Barbara hills provides a private retreat. The exterior of the property is a true oasis, boasting a meticulously maintained landscape featuring olive and eucalyptus trees, various fountains, sculptures, a tennis court, and a Roman-style swimming pool. A separate entertainment pavilion further enhances the outdoor living experience. Inside, the six-bedroom house maintains an authentic Tuscan villa aesthetic with terracotta surfaces, 18th-century tiles, vintage light fixtures, and exposed beam ceilings. DeGeneres herself described the home in her 2015 book, 'Home,' emphasizing its harmonious integration with nature, making it feel ancient and intrinsically connected to the landscape. DeGeneres, known for her passion for home decor and real estate, and having launched her own homeware collection, originally acquired the property with de Rossi in 2012 for approximately $26.5 million. The couple has since purchased another contemporary mansion in Carpinteria, California, for $18.6 million. The listing for the Santa Barbara estate is currently held by Suzanne Perkins of Sotheby’s International Realty. This price adjustment offers a glimpse into the couple's evolving real estate portfolio and an opportunity for prospective buyers to acquire a piece of their past design preferences. #EllenDeGeneres #SantaBarbara #LuxuryRealEstate #TuscanVilla #HomeDecor #CelebrityHomes #RealEstateInvestment #InteriorDesign #Architecture

This blog post compiles ten distinct residential projects that utilize stilts to elevate their structures, showcasing a variety of architectural solutions to challenging topographies and environmental considerations. The article emphasizes how this architectural approach enables construction in otherwise uninhabitable sites such as lakes, steep slopes, and coastal areas, thereby fostering a closer connection between inhabitants and nature while minimizing environmental impact. The piece also highlights the increasing relevance of stilt architecture in the face of climate change, particularly in enhancing resilience against rising sea levels and more frequent flooding, as indicated by recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The first example, Redshank in the UK by Lisa Shell, features a cross-laminated timber cabin protected by untreated oak and cork panels, elevated on three galvanized steel legs painted red, a tribute to the local wading bird. Stepping Stone House in the UK, by Hamish & Lyons, is an extension built over a lake, allowing swimmers beneath its white corrugated floor deck, supported by Y-shaped glue-laminated timber columns and featuring exaggerated eaves. In the Czech Republic, Šépka Architekti's House in the Orchard is a three-storey, bulbous home propped on a reinforced-concrete stalk and covered in polyurethane to resemble a rock formation, with a birch plywood interior. Cabin Lille Arøya in Norway, by Lund Hagem, is a boat-accessible summer home on a small island, balanced on slender stilts to navigate craggy boulders. Its black exterior blends with the surroundings, while the interior uses raw concrete and rough-sawn pine. Malan Vorster's Tree House in South Africa consists of four cylindrical towers on stilts, offering forest views from a sloped site, with Corten steel legs acting as structural columns and red cedar battens adorning the exterior. Viggsö in Sweden, by Arrhov Frick Arkitektkontor, is a timber-framed cabin lifted into the treetops by wooden legs, providing views of the Stockholm archipelago and featuring a white corrugated metal roof extending to a translucent plastic-covered terrace. The Building Descending the Stairs in Italy, by ElasticoFarm and Bplan Studio, is an apartment block elevated on angular metal stilts, designed to maximize sun exposure and offer views of the Venetian Lagoon, with each of its 47 flats having a private outdoor space. Brillhart Architecture's Stewart Avenue Residence in the USA addresses rising sea levels by integrating stilts as a deliberate architectural element, using a combination of skinny galvanized steel pipes and hollow concrete columns for utility rooms. Manshausen 2.0 in Norway, by Stinessen Arkitektur, comprises raised holiday cabins in the Arctic Circle, perched on metal stilts above a rocky coastal outcrop to withstand projected sea level rises, with aluminium panels protecting the CLT frame. Finally, Dock House in Chile, by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio, is a pine-clad home near the Pacific Ocean, elevated on a structural wooden plinth and diagonal pillars that vary in height to maintain a level floor on uneven terrain, providing ocean views. These projects collectively demonstrate the versatility and environmental benefits of stilt architecture, offering innovative solutions for diverse geographical and climatic challenges. #StiltArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #ClimateChangeResilience #SustainableArchitecture #CoastalHomes #InnovativeHousing #EnvironmentalDesign #ModernArchitecture #BuildingOnSlopes

This article explores five distinct homes located along the Grand Strand, showcasing diverse architectural and interior design approaches that emerged from the creative spirit of 2020. Each residence highlights unique design philosophies and functional considerations, reflecting the increased importance of home as a central living space. The first home, "Susan’s Oasis" at 220 South Waccamaw Drive in Garden City Beach, represents the fourth iteration on an oceanfront plot. Designed and built by CRG Companies, this property serves both as a vacation rental and a family second home, necessitating a design focused on functionality and layout for over 20 guests across six bedrooms and baths. The interior features a dramatic palette of white, ivory, grays, and metals, complemented by sleek finishes and fixtures that maximize ocean views through extensive glass. Next, a home in Grande Dunes, Cipriana Park, exemplifies relaxed sophistication with an open floor plan. Interior designer John Gore of B. Graham Interiors collaborated with homeowner and artist Shelyn Lee, drawing inspiration from a hand-painted wallcovering that established a color scheme of blues, golds, soft grays, and subtle reds. The design blends transitional and edgy decor, using carefully selected furnishings from various vendors like Century Furniture, Ambella Home, and John Richard, to avoid a generic look. Porcelain flooring from Florida Tile unifies the space, and Shelyn’s own artwork is integrated as accent pieces rather than focal points. At 5301 Ocean Village in Myrtle Beach, a North Carolina family’s second home offers coastal elegance and low-maintenance living. Designed by Jeff Skelley of Nations Homes with input from homeowners David and Beth Wilson, this property features an open, minimalist, and modern floor plan with neutral tones and color splashes. It includes hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances and quartz countertops, and granite in all bathrooms. Outdoor amenities include a screened porch with a hot tub and a third-floor deck with ocean views and a fire pit. Sara Cardinal of SAN-DEL Designs handled selections and furnishings, while the first floor provides ample storage for outdoor equipment, catering to an active family lifestyle. In Pawleys Island, the estate at 2398 Waverly Creek, owned by Kenneth and Dana Edwards, blends classic and natural architectural elements within a neighborhood known for its moss-draped live oak trees. The home boasts a grand scale, beginning with a formal living room featuring coffered ceilings and Australian cypress floors, leading to a covered porch overlooking a pool and patio with a wood-burning fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, a cherry wood-topped island, custom cabinets, and high-end appliances. The owner’s suite includes a tray ceiling and a master bath with travertine floors. Advanced home technology, such as indoor and outdoor security cameras controlled via the HonView Touch app and integrated stereo speakers, enhances convenience and security. Finally, the master bedroom of Kevin and Anne Myers’ Mediterranean-style home at 220 Seville Drive in Myrtle Beach was transformed into a peaceful retreat by J&K; Home Furnishings. Rebekah Wallace’s design focused on creating a beautiful yet unfussy space, improving bedside storage, and adding functional window treatments for privacy. The design built upon existing dark wood furniture with British Colonial details and a Lexington Tommy Bahama bed. A key design change involved relocating the bed, which significantly expanded the perceived size of the room. Custom window treatments, incorporating faux snakeskin, embroidered fabric, studded trim, and woven bamboo, became a standout feature. Complementary pieces from Lexington Tommy Bahama, a custom leather bench from Bassett, and lighting from Uttermost and Currey & Company completed the sophisticated look. #GrandStrandHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #LuxuryHomes #ModernDesign #Renovation #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalElements

Thais and Roberto Alcalay, a couple with a keen eye for modern design, embarked on a journey to build their dream home in Naples' Pine Ridge Estates. Having relocated from Brazil to the United States in 2004 and subsequently to Fort Myers in 2007, they found themselves desiring a modern aesthetic, which proved challenging to find in the existing Naples market. This led them to collaborate with architect John Cooney of Stofft Cooney Architects and Scott McConnelee of BUILD, a construction company renowned for luxury modern homes. Thais Alcalay, an interior designer by profession, played a pivotal role in the project. She arrived at initial consultations with extensive documentation, including detailed descriptions of each room, desired materials, and even plumbing specifications, surprising both the architect and the builder with her meticulous planning. This thorough preparation was the result of years of research and a clear vision for their new home, which they felt should reflect their current lifestyle, contrasting with the French-style home they once owned in Brazil. The resulting 5,500-square-foot, four-bedroom (plus office), five-and-a-half-bathroom residence embodies a modern aesthetic without being stark or cold. The exterior is characterized by a series of layered cubes, cantilevers, voids, windows, and solid walls, showcasing movement and varied textures. Cooney skillfully incorporated different materials such as stucco and wood to create visual interest and juxtaposition. The Alcalays' preference for movement over simple squares and angles was a driving force behind the architectural design. Inside, the home maintains an open and free-flowing atmosphere. Common areas are subtly defined by ceiling details, lighting, and box beams. A consistent neutral palette is established throughout most of the home with grayish METAL.IT tile by Emil Group, which is inspired by brushed steel and extends to the baseboards, providing a cohesive backdrop for other design elements. This flooring choice allows the predominantly Italian and Brazilian furniture, along with other thoughtful details, to stand out. A significant feature in the great room is a 14-foot-high feature wall made of six Italian tile slabs that mimic marble, designed by Thais, with an LED shaft running along its perimeter. In the kitchen, a mix of cabinet heights, surfaces, and tones is present, with painted wood cabinets wrapping around high-end appliances and glass sections offering views of the pool. A main island is practical with two sinks, while a second island serves as a showpiece with Pompeii quartz extending to the floor. The design also emphasizes a connection to the outdoors, with large sliders offering views of the pool and outdoor kitchen from the great room, and three of the four bedrooms enjoying pool views. An intimate conversation area near the great room features Désirée Ego swivel chairs and copper Tom Dixon pendants, all positioned to appreciate the surrounding landscape. The primary suite continues the clean lines, featuring a padded gray headboard and a spa-like bathroom with a floating vanity over illuminated river stones and a generously sized shower. Even Roberto's specific request for a workspace above the garage was integrated, ingeniously cantilevered to enhance the home's unique design. The detailed initial planning by the Alcalays, particularly Thais, proved to be both the greatest challenge and a significant factor in the project's success. All illustrations are courtesy of Robin Hill Photography. #HomeDesign #ModernArchitecture #NaplesRealEstate #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #PineRidgeEstates #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialConstruction

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

This article details the journey of Amy and Bruce Paul in designing and decorating their 11,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, focusing on integrating their extensive art collection into a cohesive interior design. Having previously lived in a post-modern home with traditional furnishings and a growing contemporary art collection, the Pauls sought to create a new residence where the exterior architecture and interior aesthetics were harmoniously aligned with their personal taste in design and art. Their objective was to construct a home that could comfortably accommodate their family of six while optimally showcasing their practiced and perfected collection of paintings and sculptures. The couple acquired a 13-acre estate in Rye before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, subdividing it into seven lots and reserving a two-plus-acre parcel for their own home. They collaborated with builder Michael DiChiaro to construct a six-bedroom, seven-full-bath residence that offers views of a wooded yard, later enhanced with a pool and waterfall by Coral Sea Pools, and adorned with bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Bruno Luna. For the interior design, Amy Paul enlisted Joseph R. Stabile of J.R. Cattington, who had previously worked with them. Stabile and his team were involved from the ground up, providing input on architectural design, interior finishes, electrical layouts, and lighting selection. Stabile chose a palette of cream and gold to complement the Pauls' artwork and suggested structural modifications, such as adding a doorway to improve flow in the formal living room. Amy's primary design directive was for a "light and bright" home, which was achieved in the living room through buttery gold satin-striped fabric from Robert Allen for window treatments and crystal wall sconces by Crystorama. This room serves as a gallery for various notable paintings, including works by Janet Treby, Liane Abrieu, and Russian artists. The soft color scheme is accented by silk brocade wing chairs with colorful throw pillows and fuchsia and silk rugs from China. The family room continues the luminous theme with yellow walls, a toile pattern by Antonia Vella, Seabrook wallcoverings, and similarly colored fabrics in lemon, green, and persimmon for window treatments, pillows, and side chairs. Crystal chandeliers from Murano, imported by Castilian Imports, were chosen to coordinate with paintings by Isaac Maimon and Charles Levier. The coffered ceiling in a green apple shade with cream-colored woodwork further enhances the vibrant, garden-like atmosphere. Bruce Paul's personal space, a clubby card room, contrasts with Amy's preferences, featuring dark wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a bar, and masculine fabrics. This room, separated from the family room by a stone-front fireplace, includes Biedermeier chairs with leopard-print fabric and various personal artifacts. Stabile designed the fireplace with intricately carved mahogany lions and used a Serengeti Leopard carpet to connect Bruce’s adjoining office. The Pauls' children, Joanna, Ryan, Matt, and Jason, also contributed to the design of their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, incorporating elements such as Masland Carpets, Bernhardt furnishings, and Thibaut wallpapers. The master bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, presented a challenge in scale, addressed by Stabile using Highland Court silk brocade for a cornice "headboard" that coordinates with custom curtains. The article highlights the Pauls' passion for art collection, which began with a French artist Charles Levier painting and expanded to include works from their travels to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Southwest. Despite concerns about diminishing wall space, their quest for art, driven by personal connection and memories from their travels, continues. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArtCollection #LuxuryHome #RyeResidence #JosephStabile #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #PersonalStyle

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

A family in Seattle's Hawthorne Hills neighborhood, facing the challenge of outgrowing their 1948 three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with another child on the way, opted for a complete rebuild rather than relocating. The initial plan to remodel and add a second story evolved into a full ground-up reconstruction, allowing for optimal use of existing infrastructure, minimized site disruption, and cost efficiency. The primary design goals, as articulated by Aaron Trampush of Analog Architecture and Design, centered on fostering flow, establishing a strong connection to the backyard, and maximizing natural light throughout the residence. The original house, situated on a corner lot with a detached garage, possessed a large backyard, but its interior felt disconnected, making it difficult for parents to supervise children playing outdoors. The previous layout was characterized by small, poorly connected spaces, limited natural light, and a dark, low-ceilinged unfinished basement. The clients, Steve and Molly, desired an exterior that was distinct yet harmonious with the neighborhood's architectural style, while the interior was envisioned as a warm, kid-friendly, open, and light-filled environment seamlessly integrated with the backyard. Key design elements were implemented to achieve these objectives. The entry was made highly functional with ample storage. A window seat at the top of the stairs, overlooking the street, was incorporated to provide a cozy spot for story time while maintaining privacy and a connection to the community. The floor plan itself was influenced by the family's tradition of playing chase, with pocket doors around the office creating a continuous loop around the staircase, encouraging movement and playfulness. The central feature of the home's design is a light well positioned above the main staircase, which serves to channel sunlight into the heart of the house. The steel staircase, painted white, blends into the background while adding textural interest. The living room, intentionally designed to face the backyard rather than the street, offers a cozy yet open ambiance, complete with a fireplace and stone hearth. Transparent shelving near the windows helps define the space and provide privacy without completely isolating it from the outdoors. The kitchen and dining areas are tailored for both entertaining and daily family life, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open directly to the backyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The dining room, situated beneath a double-height space and catwalk, benefits from its central location and volume, making it suitable for larger gatherings. The home office, dubbed the “control center,” provides a flexible workspace that can be a quiet, focused area or opened up to the rest of the house via sliding pocket doors, incorporating features like a custom-built desk, a through-wall mail slot, and strategic architectural lighting. The primary bedroom offers views of the neighborhood and the University of Washington, complemented by a primary bathroom designed as a spa-like retreat with a soaking tub and steam shower. The overall design emphasizes thoughtful, playful details, functional spaces, and high-quality natural materials in warm tones, creating a comfortable, timeless, and personalized home for the growing family. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the flow, comfort, and meticulous execution of the design and materials.

Studio Arthur Casas has designed Ibaté, a 21,000-square-meter residential building in the Moema neighborhood of São Paulo, presenting a monolithic structure of exposed concrete softened by extensive vertical landscaping. The building is characterized by its human-centric approach, offering one spacious unit per floor to ensure both privacy and openness. Key design elements include optimal cross-ventilation, careful solar orientation, and large, inviting terraces. The tower's exterior features a raw aesthetic, with its concrete frame fully exposed. The facades are crafted from ribbed, warm-toned concrete, deliberately left unclad and unpainted to highlight the material's inherent character. Integrated within this concrete grid are vertical planters, which not only visually soften the building's robust, sculptural form but also contribute to temperature regulation and better integrate the structure with its tropical surroundings. This thoughtful incorporation of greenery underscores a commitment to blending architectural presence with natural elements. Each apartment, spanning 450 square meters, occupies an entire floor and is accessed via dual elevator cores. Studio Arthur Casas has meticulously organized the interior layouts to clearly delineate public, private, and service areas while ensuring seamless transitions between them. The units are encircled by perimeter terraces, effectively extending the living spaces outdoors. These terraces feature a dynamic design with staggered planters that vary from floor to floor, preventing visual monotony and enhancing the building's organic appearance. Large glass openings and brass-finished aluminum guardrails complete the elegant envelope of each unit. A distinctive aspect of Ibaté's design is its approach to the street interface. Unlike typical urban developments in São Paulo that often employ heavy gates and walls for security, Ibaté embraces an open, public-facing design. The ground level features a glazed enclosure that acts as an inviting threshold to the city, fostering a connection with the urban environment. This landscaped plaza is furnished with seating, a steel sculpture by Túlio Pinto, and communal amenities such as a pool and elevator lobby, promoting interaction and a sense of community. The interior finishes of Ibaté complement the raw concrete with the warmth of wood, glass, and brushed metal. Technical installations are discreetly hidden behind wooden panels, preserving a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The interiors are further enhanced by a curated selection of furniture from renowned Brazilian designers, including Jorge Zalszupin, Guilherme Wentz, and Arthur Casas himself, creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary design. Sustainability is a core principle in Ibaté's construction and operation. The building incorporates solar panels for pool heating, a graywater system for water reuse, and electric vehicle charging points. The strategic use of cross-ventilation and dense vertical greenery significantly reduces the reliance on air conditioning, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The overall design reflects a holistic approach to residential architecture, emphasizing material honesty, environmental integration, and a high quality of life for its residents. #ResidentialArchitecture #VerticalGardens #ConcreteConstruction #SaoPauloArchitecture #SustainableDesign #StudioArthurCasas #UrbanIntegration #ModernDesign #LuxuryApartments

Architects Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina have designed a family home in Port de la Selva, a small Spanish town in Costa Brava. This dwelling is embedded into a steep, rocky site that slopes towards the seafront and features dark volcanic rock outcrops. The design strategy balances openness and privacy by integrating a lower level into the ground with projecting volumes that offer sea views. This approach also minimizes the house's visual impact, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape and creating various patios with distinct lighting conditions. The house consists of two concrete volumes connected by a glazed corridor. The lower level, close to street level, establishes intimate connections with the outdoors through patios. These patios are framed by the natural rock formations of the site. In contrast, the upper level's two volumes are oriented to provide frontal views of the landscape and the sea horizon. This dual strategy of embedding and volumetric division reduces the apparent size of the intervention and enhances its integration with the surrounding environment. On the ground floor, a spacious main bedroom, a bathroom, and a living area open onto private patios. These private outdoor spaces are sheltered by the steep rock surfaces. The eastern volume on the upper level accommodates the children's bedrooms and a small swimming pool, while the western volume houses a kitchen, dining area, and an additional sleeping space. The glazed corridor, which also contains the vertical circulation, connects these two volumes. It offers expansive sea views on one side and a sheltered courtyard on the other, protected by the slope of the site. This glass nexus creates a wind-protected exterior space that maintains visual transparency towards the sea. The exterior of the house features a concrete finish, chosen to harmonize with the natural characteristics of the site. Gravel excavated from the site was used to finish the building's roof, further integrating it into its surroundings. Inside, the rooms are characterized by white walls complemented by oak detailing and custom-made wooden furniture. This material palette was selected to introduce warmth and harmony, offsetting the inherent qualities of the concrete. The exterior carpentry and certain interior claddings are also crafted from oak wood. Both Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina lead their own architectural practices, Marià Castelló Architecture and José Antonio Molina Saiz, respectively. Their previous works include a geometric three-volume home on Formentera and an Ibizan retreat featuring glass corridors, open patios, and a pool. The construction management for this project was overseen by José Antonio Molina, Lorena Ruzafa, and Marià Castelló, with Joan Noguer as the building engineer, Think Enginyeria for structure engineering, and QS Enginyeria i Associats for facilities engineering. The design team included Lorena Ruzafa and Marga Ferrer, and Construccions Pòrfit served as the builder. The photography was conducted by Castelló, highlighting the architectural details and the house's relationship with its coastal setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteHouse #CoastalDesign #SpanishArchitecture #GlazedCorridor #IntegratedLandscape #ModernHome #PortDeLaSelva

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

This article compiles a list of 14 leading architects and architectural designers in Charlotte, North Carolina, catering to individuals looking to build a new home or undertake significant home renovations. The selection criteria for this list include data from a reader survey, insights from industry experts, and customer reviews. The article clarifies that the list features both licensed architects and residential designers, emphasizing that both perform similar functions in the design process. It also notes that most architects in Charlotte typically charge a percentage of construction costs, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate for their services, with 9% of construction costs being a common percentage. The featured architects and firms demonstrate a wide range of styles and specializations. Pursley Dixon Architecture, known for custom residential work, has a national presence and has been highlighted in prominent publications. Ruard Veltman Architecture is recognized for hand-rendered design drawings and fluency in historical styles, maintaining a minimalist studio space to foster creativity. Frank Smith Residential Design, originating from New Orleans, offers diverse style inspirations, including English, French, Italian, and Mediterranean, with work featured in regional publications. Greg Perry Design integrates art and classic design into modern aesthetics, earning multiple "Best of Houzz Design" awards. Don Duffy Architecture brings over 30 years of experience, focusing on private homes and renovations in Charlotte's historic neighborhoods like Eastover, Dilworth, and Myers Park, and has received consistent Houzz awards. Kent Lineberger Architecture specializes in single-family custom renovations and new home designs across Charlotte, as well as lake and mountain regions of North Carolina. Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, established in 1979, boasts extensive experience and has had their work featured in various national and local publications, also designing properties for resorts. Garret P Nelson Studio is presented as a rising star, emphasizing a personal approach to design centered on "creating home" and recognized for historic preservation projects. Schrader Design, founded in 1999, handles large-scale custom projects throughout the Southeast, designing homes for prominent figures. Elite Design Group, founded in 2003, offers versatile designs from farmhouses to Hamptons-style homes and provides an inventory of ready-to-build floor plans. Mermans Architecture & Design, led by Bryan Mermans, is noted for its unique influences from rural Netherlands and custom mid-century modern renovations. The Studio of Christopher Phelps, established in 1989, has designed thousands of homes across the Carolinas. Cox Architecture, an award-winning firm founded in 2003, specializes in renovations, additions, and new single-family homes, showcasing a range from lowcountry cabins to modern warehouses and accumulating numerous industry awards. Finally, Perry Poole Architects, an architectural, interiors, and building collective, challenges traditional architecture with projects in major U.S. cities and is recognized for innovative residential designs. #CharlotteArchitecture #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesigners #ResidentialDesign #HomeRenovation #CustomHomes #NorthCarolinaArchitects #LuxuryHomes

Metricon has unveiled its latest collection of display homes at SkyRidge, showcasing a fusion of thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship tailored for the contemporary home upgrader. These four residences are engineered to embody light-filled, intelligent, and insightful designs, seamlessly blending local Australian aesthetics with enduring functionality. Each home at SkyRidge is characterized by a cohesive layout that balances sophistication with practicality, ensuring that every space enhances the rhythm of daily life. The design philosophy centers on creating bright, fresh, and warm atmospheres, offering open social areas for gatherings, and incorporating intuitive zoning to provide both privacy and connection. This approach defines modern living at its peak. Adrian Popple, Metricon’s Design Director, emphasizes that customers seek more than just a house; they desire a home that feels welcoming and meticulously considered. This philosophy is evident across the SkyRidge display homes, where every space serves a purpose, the kitchen acts as the central hub, and natural light freely flows through open-plan living areas, culminating in a modern yet timeless expression. The collection includes the Waterford 47, which makes a bold statement in modern contemporary design with its Pacific façade, featuring striking cantilevers and geometric forms. This home offers a well-appointed guest suite, an entertainer’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and expansive living spaces with dramatic ceiling voids. Upstairs, it provides three bedrooms with ensuites and a secluded master suite. Its interiors are marked by sleek dark cabinetry, metallic accents, and statement tiles. The Vantage 48, with its Las Palmas façade, draws inspiration from Palm Springs, showcasing mid-century modern charm through clean lines and expressive details. It boasts grand voids and an arched window that illuminate the open-plan living and dining areas, extending seamlessly to an outdoor entertaining space. The upper level includes a master retreat and additional bedrooms. The interior design of the Vantage 48 features curved forms, pastel accents, and a sophisticated wine storage room. The Clara 27, presenting the Escape façade, blends traditional elements with modern sensibilities. It features a private bedroom wing, a media room, and open-plan living areas. The kitchen, equipped with a walk-in pantry and raked ceilings, is positioned as the heart of the home. Scandi Luxe interiors, incorporating veined tiles, soft hues, and brass finishes, contribute to its warm and understated luxury. Completing the collection is the Marion 40, featuring the classic Princeton façade, which combines refined aesthetics with functional design. A grand entry leads to a light-filled stair foyer and a study. The master suite upstairs includes two walk-in robes, a private balcony, and an indulgent ensuite. This home offers multi-zoned living to ensure both privacy and connection, with coastal-inspired interiors in crisp whites and soothing greys creating a serene atmosphere. Popple highlights the kitchen in the Marion 40 as a highly functional and welcoming space, enhanced by carefully selected lighting. These homes collectively underscore Metricon’s dedication to quality and innovation, providing prospective homebuyers with a vision of an elevated lifestyle. Located at Parkway Circuit, Worongary 4213, these display homes are open daily for exploration. #HomeDesign #ModernLiving #MetriconDisplayHomes #SkyRidge #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #FamilyHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeUpgraders

Scullion Architects undertook a project to transform a small, 72-square-meter 1890s one-bed worker's cottage in north Dublin city into a sustainable and spacious family home. The original structure, which had been extended over the years, included a dilapidated extension and a difficult-to-access attic conversion. The owners' vision was to create a functional family home with dedicated areas for work, socialising, and children's play, along with additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces, all while preserving the existing garden and adhering to a limited budget. The architectural challenge was likened to a "ship-in-a-bottle puzzle" due to the desire to retain as much of the original building as possible. Scullion Architects achieved this by carefully stripping away only the dilapidated parts, preserving the front room, front roof, and a section of the rear extension. A new metal and timber-framed extension was then integrated within the existing party walls and the original front and rear walls of the house, minimizing the impact on the garden by utilizing only 7 square meters of its space. A key design innovation involved exploiting a level change at the back of the house. By lowering the floor of the rear rooms, enough vertical space was created to add an extra storey, with its height carefully aligned with the ridge of the old cottage. This allowed for the inclusion of all the required additional rooms without encroaching significantly on the garden. The new design heavily emphasizes the garden and the charm of the surrounding urban environment. Living spaces are intentionally oriented to frame views of the greenery and the old walls, enhanced by full-height windows and reflective materials. This design choice creates a sense of a secluded, almost secret garden refuge in the heart of the inner city. The reflective exterior materials, such as aluminium windows and cladding, serve a dual purpose: they contrast sharply with the brickwork of the city and help prevent overheating by reflecting sunlight. These materials were also chosen for their lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. Other sustainable materials used include a green roof, cork flooring, and plywood. Maximizing natural light in the newly added interior spaces was a significant design consideration. To achieve this, two holes were punctured through the roof, allowing light to cascade into the dining area. This natural light was then further leveraged to illuminate a centrally located bathroom through two full-length internal windows positioned beside the roof lights. The architects also incorporated mirrors and metallic finishes throughout the interior, such as a mirrored soffit under the first-floor extension, to bounce and reflect light, thereby enhancing the sense of spaciousness. This project exemplifies how creative design and thoughtful renovations can transform seemingly constrained urban properties into highly functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing family homes, offering a model for updating similar housing stock in city centers. #DublinCottage #HomeRenovation #SustainableDesign #ScullionArchitects #UrbanLiving #InteriorDesign #Architecture

The Gable Clerestory House, designed by Sonelo Design Studio in Melbourne, Australia, is a 170 m² residential project completed in 2022. It integrates a contemporary family home behind a facade that quietly harmonizes with the surrounding red brick Federation-era houses. The design approach focused on creating a dwelling that, while outwardly modest, reveals a dynamic and engaging interior inspired by mid-century aesthetics. The house is characterized by varied ceiling heights and strategic placement of windows to maximize natural light and views of the sky, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outside environment. The interior features an earthy color palette, which contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the living spaces. The project incorporates several key design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The use of clerestory windows is central to the design, allowing ample natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces, particularly in areas like the dining room and kitchen, without compromising privacy. This architectural feature also contributes to passive ventilation, aiding in temperature regulation within the home. The material selection emphasizes a combination of brick for the exterior, maintaining consistency with the neighborhood's character, and various internal finishes that contribute to the mid-century modern inspiration. Manufacturers such as AJAR, Artedomus, Artemide, Dulux, Elton Group, Enlightened Living, Fibonacci Stone, George Feathers & Co, and Porters Paints were involved in supplying materials and fixtures, indicating a focus on quality and specific aesthetic choices. Sonelo Design Studio, with Lead Architect Wilson Tang and Architect Elodie Lim, collaborated with Interior Stylist Jess Kneebone and builder Cale Peters Constructions. Inform Joinery was responsible for the joinery work, highlighting a detailed approach to custom interior elements. The design extends to various rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, each featuring thoughtful details such as specific lighting fixtures, shelving, and furniture choices that complement the overall design theme. Photographs by Pier Carthew capture the essence of the house, showcasing its brick facade, interior spaces, and the interplay of light and shadow. The layout and structural elements of the house are designed to optimize space and create distinct zones within the open-plan areas. The dynamic ceiling heights not only add visual interest but also define different functional zones, such as the dining area and kitchen, without the need for rigid partitions. The project reflects a careful consideration of site context, ensuring that the new structure respects and integrates with the historical fabric of the street while offering a modern living experience. The house serves as an example of how contemporary architectural interventions can coexist harmoniously with traditional urban settings, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing home for its inhabitants. #HouseInteriors #ResidentialArchitecture #MidCenturyInspired #ClerestoryWindows #EarthyPalette #NaturalLight #MelbourneArchitecture #SoneloDesignStudio