EYRC + johannes girardoni spectral bridge house emits light and color in venice, california

In 2015, architect Dan Brunn embarked on a unique residential project in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, transforming an empty quarter-acre lot with a brook into an eco-chic, 4,500-square-foot modern dwelling known as Bridge House. The property, situated in a predominantly traditional area, presented a distinct challenge and opportunity for contemporary design. The construction leveraged a prefabricated building system called Bone Structure, a Canadian kit of parts consisting of columns and beams made from 90 percent recycled steel, likened to an Erector Set for adult home construction. This system, combined with infill made of structurally insulated foam topped with spray-on foam, ensured the house achieved net-zero energy consumption. The exterior of Bridge House is clad in panels of knotty grade cedar, providing a natural and refined aesthetic. Access to the property is gained via a rolling entry gate crafted from weathering steel, leading to a courtyard adorned with custom-made pavers. The interior begins with a striking double-height entry and living room, immediately distinguished by a vibrant green wall installed by Habitat Horticulture. This space also accommodates a baby grand piano, reflecting Brunn's personal passion for music, a path he contemplated before pursuing architecture. The flooring throughout the majority of the house is a terrazzo-like porcelain tile, selected for its permeability and featuring a shiny finish in common areas and a matte finish in bathrooms, a choice inspired by Brunn's visit to CERSAIE in Bologna. The linear layout of the house seamlessly transitions into the kitchen area, which is equipped with Caesarstone countertops and oak cabinetry, including a unique freestanding partition designed like an armoire. Adjacent to the kitchen is the dining section, furnished entirely with pieces from EQ3, including an oak dining table and chairs. This dining area extends to a spacious outdoor deck, complete with a fire pit, providing an ideal setting for al fresco dining and relaxation. A notable design element is the long hallway that connects the front of the house to the private rear quarters, which Brunn ingeniously converted into an art gallery. The intention is to collaborate with local galleries to showcase and sell modern and cutting-edge artworks, such as the custom triptych by Tasya van Ree displayed in the living room. The private wing of the house contains four bedrooms and baths, none of which are designed to be excessively large or overtly luxurious. Even the master bedroom, clad in cozy oak, reflects Brunn’s philosophy that the focus should be on the outdoor environment. The lower level of Bridge House serves as a significant recreational space. It features a sound-proof music room, a haven for Brunn’s musical interests, housing drums and a collection of guitars. Toy replicas of the Beatles oversee the musical sanctuary. Additionally, a secondary lounge and kitchen are located on this level, opening through glass sliders to a patio and offering a connection to the neighborhood. The design of Bridge House, despite its contemporary contrast with the traditional surroundings, demonstrates a sensitive approach to its environment and community. Key collaborators in the construction included MODAA Construction, who were integral to the build process, and Habitat Horticulture for the distinctive green wall. The project highlights the integration of sustainable building practices with modern architectural aesthetics, demonstrating how innovative materials and systems like Bone Structure can create a net-zero home. The emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, as expressed through the expansive deck and the architect’s preference for outdoor engagement, is central to the home’s design philosophy. The incorporation of a dedicated music room and an art gallery in the main hallway also reflects the architect's personal passions and a desire to create a living space that is both functional and enriching. #DanBrunn #BridgeHouse #LosAngelesArchitecture #EcoChicDesign #BoneStructure #NetZeroBuilding #SustainableArchitecture #ModernHome #ResidentialDesign

Arkoslight, a company specializing in high-quality technical lighting, implemented a custom lighting system in a heritage-listed residence in Valencia, Spain. The project focused on integrating lighting solutions that enhance well-being and highlight the architectural details and materials of the early 20th-century building, which features a modern rationalist style with Art Deco influences. The primary goal was to illuminate the residence's unique characteristics while maintaining a harmonious blend with its historical context. Key products utilized in this installation include Arkoslight's Fancy Shape Custom Lighting System and Recessed Ceiling Lights. These choices were deliberate, aiming to accentuate specific elements within the home. For instance, the lighting design brings attention to luxurious materials such as Macael and Calacatta marble, establishing a sophisticated chromatic palette of neutral whites contrasted by striking black and metallic accents. The overall aesthetic balances preserving original architectural moldings with incorporating contemporary design features. A central element of the living space, known as the 'Llar,' served as a focal point for the lighting design. Above the main dining table, Alaska luminaires were deployed using the Fancy Shape system. This allowed for a dynamic and elegant lighting composition that complements the room's ambiance. Additionally, Fit Recessed spotlights were strategically placed throughout the corridors. These fixtures offer cohesive and adjustable lighting, ensuring a consistent and pleasant atmosphere in all transitional areas of the residence. The adjustability of the Fit Recessed spotlights provides flexibility, allowing residents to modify the lighting intensity and focus to suit different moods or functional requirements. The project, located in Valencia, Spain, was undertaken by architect Hebra, with photography by David Zarzoso. The building type is residential, and the specific Arkoslight products used include Fancy Shape, Shot Light, Fit Recessed, and iO Surface. These products were selected for their versatility and ability to be customized, catering to the unique demands of a heritage property. The application of these lighting systems extends beyond mere illumination; they are integral to the architectural expression, reinforcing the design's blend of historical preservation and modern intervention. The lighting scheme effectively highlights the texture and color of the materials, drawing the eye to the craftsmanship and detailing present throughout the residence. This thoughtful integration of lighting contributes significantly to the overall user experience, promoting comfort and enhancing the visual appeal of the living spaces. #CustomLighting #ResidentialArchitecture #ValenciaResidence #Arkoslight #InteriorLighting #ArchitecturalLighting #HeritageBuilding #ArtDeco #MarbleAccents #ModernistDesign

Light and Air Architecture (L/AND/A), a Brooklyn-based studio, has completed a significant renovation of a 2,700-square-foot (251-square-meter) row house, originally built in the 1880s in the Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed Stuy) neighborhood. The project, named Switchback House, focuses on redesigning the interior around a new structural stairwell, aiming to address the inherent challenges of traditional row houses, which are often characterized by their dark, narrow, and divided spaces. The renovation strategically replaces the original stacked stair with a more dynamic "switchback" staircase. This design alteration is central to the project's goal of enhancing natural light penetration and visual connectivity throughout the home. A key element of this transformation is the installation of a 14-foot (four-meter) skylight directly above the new vertical stair volume. This skylight is designed to flood the interior with natural light, which then cascades down through the various levels of the house, thanks to the reconfigured stairwell. To facilitate the new staircase and improve structural integrity, steel beams were integrated at each of the three storeys. These beams reinforce the existing joists and enabled the doubling of the staircase's original opening, thereby creating a more expansive and open vertical circulation space. The switchback design also allowed for the removal of a traditional hallway that typically connected stacked stairs, resulting in a continuous 32-foot-high (10-meter) volume that visually unites the three floors. Additionally, other interior walls were eliminated to create open-plan living areas, further contributing to the sense of spaciousness. The interior aesthetic of the Switchback House is characterized by a minimal approach, complemented by warm material choices. The existing wooden spools and railings of the original staircase were replaced with solid white guardrails, harmonizing with the overall minimalist theme. American white oak flooring is used throughout, along with other timber accents that add warmth and texture to the spaces. The ground floor features a living room and a kitchen with a dining area, separated by a storage area and a powder room. The kitchen cabinetry includes lower timber units that match the flooring, tables, and chairs, contrasted with white storage units and white marble countertops. A large black pendant light by Brendan Ravenhill hangs above the dining table, serving as a focal point. The first floor accommodates a large bedroom and a bathroom, while the upper level houses three additional rooms and another bathroom. These stacked floor plans highlight the narrow footprint typical of row houses, with a private garden situated at the rear of the building. Light and Air Architecture noted that the house was found in disrepair, with much of its historic detailing removed and the original layout having been modified into a rooming house with multiple small apartments. This presented an opportunity to reimagine the potential of an urban townhouse, transforming a historically grand but subsequently neglected space into a bright, open, and visually interconnected contemporary home. This project is part of a broader trend of property renovations in New York City that often involve significant alterations to staircases to enhance light and open up interiors, as seen in various other Brooklyn and New York City projects. #SwitchbackHouse #BrooklynRenovation #StaircaseDesign #NaturalLight #OpenPlanLiving #NewYorkCityArchitecture #ResidentialInterior #HomeRenovation #MinimalistInterior

The "Vegas" lighting collection, a collaboration between Italian artisanal manufacturer MASIERO and industrial designer Marc Sadler, reinterprets iconic glass and metal Art Deco lights. This collection aims for a luxurious and high-end aesthetic, blending contemporary design with a timeless quality, inspired by the bold and flamboyant energy of Las Vegas. The partnership brings together MASIERO's in-house artisanal manufacturing capabilities in northern Italy and Marc Sadler's extensive experience and technical design prowess, recognized by multiple international design awards including the Compasso d’Oro ADI. Sadler, known for pioneering innovative uses of materials, has a diverse background, having worked across Europe, Asia, and North America, with his designs featured in permanent collections at the MOMA in New York and the Beaubourg in Paris. The Vegas collection is characterized by its meticulous combination of glass and metal. Transparent glass strips are precisely positioned around a metal structure, held in place by invisible eyelets and an ultraviolet gluing process, eliminating the need for visible screws or drilling. The bases, stems, and internal structures are crafted from metal, beautifully gilded in champagne gold leaf, though other metal finishes are available to meet customer preferences. Illumination is provided by dimmable LED strip lights, integrated along the frame and protected by plexiglass for easy cleaning. The aesthetic of the Vegas collection is opulent and refined, achieving a classical feel through the use of soft gold and clear, textured glass. The glass strips evoke both ice and precious jewels when illuminated, contributing to a sculptural quality where they appear delicately suspended. The inner metal structure provides a clean geometric form, and when viewed through the glass, it creates a rippled gold effect, adding depth, particularly striking in the curved vertical wall lights. Each glass strip is unique, featuring a ‘rock’ effect created by a special heat process that deliberately deforms thick glass pieces, incorporating trapped air bubbles. This technique imparts an "emotional allure" reminiscent of the work of master glass artisans. The collection offers an extensive range of individual pieces, unified by consistent materiality and the repeated use of curved glass strips nestled over a gold band. Pendant styles include single lights from 12cm to 60cm in diameter, as well as circular clusters of three or five lights, with the largest cluster measuring 80cm. Rectangular alignments of pendant lights are available with three, five, or seven drops, and variations with multiple vertical tiers exist, including a tall piece at 175cm in height with a 27cm diameter. For larger surfaces like dining tables or billiard rooms, there are sweeping oval shapes with vertical glass strips and long tubular forms that run horizontally, echoing the tiered drops. The collection also comprises curved vertical wall lights and ceiling variations, along with an oval table lamp. This broad array of refined shapes, resulting from dedicated experimentation and adherence to the design concept, makes the Vegas collection highly versatile for both commercial and residential applications. Its dramatic and sculptural presence is designed to be a focal point in any space, offering a refined flair. #LightingDesign #LuxuryLighting #ArtDecoInfluence #GlassAndMetal #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #ContemporaryClassic #MarcSadler #Masiero #InteriorDesign

The Flora lighting series, a collaboration between French-American designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Brooklyn-based studio In Common With, showcases a blend of distinct aesthetic viewpoints. This 20-piece collection, comprising glass light fixtures, chandeliers, table lamps, and sconces, integrates Jacobsen's characteristic glass objects with the minimalist approach of In Common With co-founders Felicia Hung and Nick Ozemba. The design process for Flora was deeply influenced by traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques, employing methods such as handblown, mold-blown, and slumped-glass. These historical techniques provide a foundation for the contemporary designs, ensuring a rich texture and form throughout the series. A notable aspect of the Flora collection is the incorporation of playful elements, such as applied geometric dots and fins, which add a modern and whimsical touch to the classic glass forms. The color palette further enhances the collection's appeal, featuring sophisticated pastels alongside vibrant, rich hues like Tobacco and Poppy Red. This diverse range of colors allows the fixtures to complement various interior design schemes, from subtle and elegant to bold and expressive. Each piece in the Flora series reflects a careful balance between artistic expression and functional design, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship can be reinterpreted for contemporary spaces. One of the standout pieces in the collection is Fazzo, which draws its name and technique from the 2nd-century process of fazzoletto, an Italian word meaning handkerchief. This method involves allowing gravity to pull spinning molten glass downward, creating a uniquely flirty and organic shade. This technique not only highlights the material's fluidity but also showcases the designers' commitment to exploring historical glassmaking processes to achieve distinctive and innovative forms. The Fazzo fixture exemplifies the series' overarching theme of integrating historical depth with modern design sensibilities. The collaboration between Jacobsen and In Common With represents a successful merging of different creative voices, resulting in a cohesive yet varied collection. The designers' ability to synthesize their individual styles and technical expertise has led to the creation of lighting fixtures that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sophisticated. The Flora series, therefore, serves as a testament to the power of collaborative design, where shared vision and respect for traditional methods lead to innovative and beautiful products for the modern home. Overall, the Flora collection by Sophie Lou Jacobsen and In Common With is a significant contribution to contemporary lighting design, offering pieces that are rooted in tradition yet forward-looking. The use of Venetian glassmaking techniques, combined with a modern aesthetic and a thoughtful application of color and form, makes these fixtures versatile and distinctive. They are designed not only to illuminate spaces but also to serve as artistic focal points, enriching the interior environment with their unique character and craftsmanship. The series embodies a new language in lighting, where history and innovation converge. #GlassLightFixtures #VenetianGlassmaking #SophieLouJacobsen #InCommonWith #LightingDesign #InteriorLighting #GlassArt #ContemporaryDesign #HomeDecoration

The Nosler residence, located in west Menlo Park, is a distinctive home characterized by its extensive use of glass and unique design elements, aiming for both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The exterior of the house features vertical cedar siding and glass blocks, creating a shimmering and reflective facade. Inside, the design emphasizes natural light, with glass on three sides of every room and a central atrium illuminated by skylights, providing varying patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. Peter and Kay Nosler, the homeowners, express daily discovery of new light interactions within their new home. This striking residence was designed by architect John Thodos, with interior decoration by Elizabeth Hill of Selby House Ltd. The collaboration, though sometimes requiring mediation according to Peter Nosler, ultimately resulted in the desired outcome. Sadly, the architect passed away before the home's completion. The house has garnered diverse reactions from neighbors, ranging from complimentary remarks to more reserved comments, which Peter Nosler interprets as polite disapproval, especially given their decision to build a modern house directly across from their previous, more conventional residence. Beyond its visual impact, the Nosler house incorporates advanced engineering for safety and sustainability. It is designed to be energy-efficient, a notable achievement given the abundance of glass. Furthermore, it is built to withstand earthquakes, utilizing industrial-strength glass set in frames that permit the roof and floor to move independently, a crucial feature for seismic resilience in California. Despite the large glass surfaces, the design cleverly ensures that no single room receives direct sunlight at any point, contributing to its energy efficiency and comfortable internal environment. Accessibility was also a thoughtful consideration in the home's design. Subtle features include an elevator to the basement, concealed behind a wooden door, and steel railings along kitchen counters to assist individuals using wheelchairs. A discreet recess near the entryway provides storage for canes. The integration of nature is another key aspect; a large redwood tree, dubbed "Big Red," stands near the dining alcove. The house's foundation employs a ground-hugging cantilever specifically to avoid disturbing the tree's root system, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the natural landscape. The Noslers report immense satisfaction with their new home, stating that it has far exceeded their expectations, and they find every part of it enjoyable. #ModernArchitecture #GlassHouse #SustainableDesign #EarthquakeResistant #NaturalLight #JohnThodos #MenloParkHome #AccessibilityFeatures #CedarSiding

The "It" light fixture for 2025 is a sculptural Venetian or Murano chandelier, often referred to as Petali due to its glass “petals.” This design is increasingly being featured in bars, hotels, and restaurants, and is also making its way into residential projects. The fixture's popularity stems from its ability to offer a blend of retro charm and contemporary style, making spaces feel both nostalgic and current. These chandeliers are characterized by a stacked, sculptural silhouette that maintains an airy quality, preventing them from overwhelming a room. The glass components, frequently pressed or blown by artisans, exhibit slight irregularities that contribute to their unique appeal and diffuse light into a warm, flattering glow. The result is a dramatic yet refined aesthetic that photographs exceptionally well, contributing to its prevalence on social media platforms. Designers such as Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman for Bar Rêve in Brooklyn and Tom Parker of Fettle for Bar Issi in Palm Springs have incorporated these chandeliers to define the ambiance of their spaces. Friedman highlights the chandelier's ability to balance vintage Parisian elegance with modern, free-spirited energy, creating an intimate, moody, and transportive atmosphere with its soft, prismatic glow. Parker, who commissioned custom Murano glass fixtures from Sogni Di Cristallo, emphasizes the inherent imperfections and irregularities of the blown glass, noting how these details add a special character and richness to the light from every angle. The historical roots of these fixtures trace back to Italian lighting from the 1960s and 1970s, a period when designers explored innovative ways to shape and texture glass. Murano glassmaking, with its long history of craftsmanship, lends a significant depth to these designs. While traditional Murano chandeliers are often ornate, the mid-century interpretations introduced cleaner lines and sculptural forms that resonate with contemporary interior design preferences. The resurgence of Venetian glass chandeliers signifies a broader trend toward personalized and atmospheric lighting solutions that not only illuminate but also actively define the mood of a space, encouraging people to linger and imparting an intentional glow. The versatility of these fixtures extends beyond commercial settings. Smaller versions or single-tier interpretations are suitable for various home environments, including dining rooms, entryways, and bedrooms. When selecting such a piece, key characteristics to look for include pressed glass, tiered or waterfall designs, and prismatic qualities. The thickness of the glass influences the aesthetic; thinner glass provides more sparkle, while thicker glass offers a more sculptural presence. Proper scale and proportion are crucial to ensure the fixture enhances the room without dominating it. Ultimately, these Venetian-inspired chandeliers are valued for their aesthetic appeal both when illuminated and when turned off, cementing their status as a notable design element that prioritizes personality and atmosphere in modern interiors. #LightFixture #VenetianChandelier #MuranoGlass #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeLighting #DesignInspiration #AtmosphericLighting #BarDesign #GlamorousInteriors