Hearth House by AOC

This blog post highlights the significant role of fireplaces, particularly those from Stoke Fireplace Studio, in creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and togetherness in modern homes. The article references their prominent feature in "The Block" — a popular reality television show focused on home renovation and design. The latest season of "The Block," set in a former holiday resort on Victoria’s Phillip Island, challenged contestants to integrate innovative design and architectural ideas into their dream homes. Fireplaces emerged as a standout element, with judge Marty Fox emphasizing their transformative impact on living and dining areas. Fox posits that the appeal of a fire is deeply rooted in human history, drawing people together and fostering conversation and entertainment. He also acknowledges the practical benefit of efficient heating, describing fireplaces as a "win/win" that combines both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The article details the specific models chosen by the contestants. Maddy and Charlotte in House 1, along with Kylie and Brad in House 4, opted for the Escea TC950 Wood Fireplace. This minimalist, in-built unit features a large firebox for high efficiency and an expansive viewing window to maximize the visual experience of the flames. In contrast, Ricky and Haydn in House 3 selected the freestanding Escea TFS1000 Wood Fireplace, which offers a contemporary twist on the traditional living room fireplace. Both models are praised for their design, which is described as minimalist and modern, effectively highlighting the fire itself. A key technological feature mentioned is Escea’s Direct Vent Technology, which, based on two decades of development, ensures more efficient heating and eliminates cold drafts, thereby enhancing overall home performance. Haydn from House 3 shares his personal experience, noting the significant difference the fireplace made to his home, especially considering the Victorian climate. He describes it as the undeniable centerpiece of their living and dining area, made even more impactful by the adjacent wood stacker. Haydn also commends the Escea TFS1000 for its user-friendliness, recalling how easy it was to operate after a brief instruction from the Stoke installers. The efficient heat distribution provided by the Direct Vent Technology is particularly highlighted, allowing warmth to spread consistently across a large open-plan space, from the sofa to the dining table and kitchen bench. The article concludes by inviting readers to contact Stoke Fireplace Studio for expert advice on incorporating fireplace magic into their own renovation projects or new builds, and to shop for these products online through The Block Shop. #HomeInspiration #Fireplace #TheBlock #InteriorDesign #StokeFireplace #EsceaFireplaces #HomeHeating #DesignTrends

The Arc House, a modern private residence located on three forested acres in East Hampton, New York, was completed in 2010. Designed by architect Maziar Behrooz, the 6,400 square foot home features a distinctive architectural approach that integrates glass, steel, stone, and wood with a unique partially subterranean design. Over half of the structure is buried, fulfilling the owners' desire for a minimalist aesthetic. The architectural inspiration for the Arc House stemmed from an F-16 fighter jet emerging from a hangar, echoing the simplicity and efficiency of a Quonset hut. The upper level of the house is characterized by a self-supporting corrugated steel arch, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet, which forms both the roof and side walls. This industrial approach was chosen to transcend the perceived limitations of the site, which is situated under a flight path to a local airport and near a train track. The architect aimed to create a column-less, self-supporting canopy for the public spaces, focusing on cost-effectiveness while maintaining an intimate yet spacious feel. The chosen radius of 39 feet for the arch results in a peak ceiling height of 16 feet, balancing comfort with a sense of grandeur from the uninterrupted ceiling curve. Green features are integral to the Arc House's design, including geothermal heating for energy efficiency and a rainwater collection system positioned at both ends of the arch. A vegetated roof on the four-car garage further enhances the home's sustainability, blending seamlessly into the landscape. This garage is sunken and is accessed via a green surface of drivable grass interspersed with Belgian block stones. The lower level of the house accommodates an office, a sitting room, and workout areas. This level opens to a courtyard, facilitating cool air circulation and providing a private outdoor space. By embedding the house into the landscape, the design transforms the flat site into one with varied horizons, leveraging natural cooling and passive design principles. The Arc House's construction utilizes SIP panels, high-thermal windows, and closed-cell foam insulation, contributing to significantly lower energy consumption compared to conventional homes of similar size. The design has garnered recognition, including the Best Metal Roofing award in the 2011 MCN Building and Roofing Awards and the AIA Peconic Honor Award in the Project Category in 2009, when it was known as “Hangar House.” The green roof, in particular, acts like an infinity pool, with its vegetation merging into the surrounding environment, creating a continuous visual effect. The green roof installation at the Arc House was a significant culminating project for students from the Bronx, participating in a four-year educational program by Green Living Technologies International (GLTi). This program, which utilized the Mobile Edible Wall Unit (MEWU) for indoor vertical farming, aimed to enhance student learning through hands-on experience with green infrastructure. Under the guidance of GLTi President George Irwin, students engaged in various activities, from blending and testing growing media to actual installations. The curriculum focused on integrating CORE subject matter with authentic applications, fostering skills in biology, earth science, business, measurement, and problem-solving. This approach not only prepares students for standardized testing but also introduces them to advanced green roof and wall technologies. The program has demonstrated positive outcomes, including high attendance rates, 100% passing rates for the NY School Regents Exam, and 100% graduation rates. The Arc House project in 2010 offered these students an opportunity to apply their learned skills, earn a living wage, and experience a professional project in a high-profile setting, embodying the apex of the GLTi education program. #ArcHouse #GreenArchitecture #SustainableDesign #GreenRoof #GeothermalHeating #RainwaterHarvesting #MaziarBehrooz #ModernResidential #GLTiEducation

The River Hearth House, designed by Arcke, is a residential project located on the Brisbane River in Chelmer, Qld, Australia. The clients were initially drawn to the site due to a 1954 home designed by Kenneth Drewe, which was the first house built on this specific reach of the river. This original house was part of a cluster of mid-century homes established after new riverfront subdivisions emerged in the 1950s. After acquiring the property in 2018, the clients commissioned Arcke to assess the feasibility of renovation versus rebuilding. Extensive flood and termite damage necessitated the difficult decision to demolish the existing structure and construct a new home. Arcke's principal, Matt Kennedy, aimed to honor the qualities of the original residence, specifically its modest footprint and transparent connection to the natural surroundings. The new design sought to evoke and evolve these characteristics, further enhancing the lush landscape that initially captivated the homeowners. A key aspect of the project involved salvaging and reusing materials from the original house, including quality hardwood bearers, joists, rafters, and bricks. This material reuse integrates a tangible memory of the initial dwelling into the new construction. While the new house maintains a strong connection to the river, the design deliberately avoids being solely defined by this singular view. Instead, Arcke crafted a design that frames a diverse array of views, ranging from intimate vignettes to expansive vistas. The project also prioritized the preservation of mature trees on the site, integrating them into the architectural plan. Organizing the house around these trees creates a microclimate beneath the canopy, fostering a sense of living within the natural environment. Matt Kennedy describes the concept as a 'cluster of small buildings, part of something much bigger – like tents around a campfire,' emphasizing the permeability between the building, its site, and the surrounding neighborhood, a contrast to the often defensive nature of contemporary homebuilding. The brief included two distinct workspaces: an office and a studio. These areas are strategically positioned away from the street but set back from the boundary, with battened walls subtly guiding visitors towards the entry. The studio, a freestanding pavilion dedicated to fine woodworking, opens onto an informal garden courtyard designed by Prandium Studio, situated beneath a mature leopard tree. This garden courtyard connects to a patio terrace, which serves as a significant outdoor living space. This terrace, constructed from a combination of salvaged and new bricks, features the restored 1954 fireplace, repurposed as an outdoor hearth. This space offers a tactile contrast to the riparian setting and provides an alternative aspect for the dining and kitchen areas, allowing for a strong connection to the outdoors. The house features deep eaves that create a unifying datum, and above and below this line, various spatial enclosure devices are employed to manage the microclimate and diverse aspects. This approach ensures that each interior space interacts uniquely with its context. The north-facing living room, for instance, projects over the gently sloping landscape and is designed as a small pavilion with an elevated roof, providing views of the tree canopy. The interior aesthetic is characterized by the interplay of timber framing and joinery, enhancing the experience of the gardens and the river. The northern corners of this living space are designed with 'eroded' elements, one being transparent fixed glass and the other slide-away panels, allowing the room to transform into a balcony-like area and offering lateral views up and down the river. Collaboration with the clients was central to the design process, particularly in identifying and integrating special site moments into the home's life. The clients' creative input, including their strong aesthetic sense and understanding of spatial qualities, facilitated intuitive discussions about color, light, and materiality. The client's woodworking skills are evident throughout the finished home, adding personal charm, such as the hand-carved entry door handle that reflects the bend of the river, contributing to the narrative of the place. #ResidentialArchitecture #RiverfrontDesign #SustainableDesign #MaterialReuse #LandscapeIntegration #OutdoorLiving #CustomJoinery #ArchitecturalRenovation

This blog post, titled "Parts of the House," serves as a comprehensive guide to various components of a home, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate materials, themes, and aesthetics to maintain interest and uniqueness in each area. It acts as a portal to numerous detailed articles, each focusing on a specific part of the house, offering expert advice and DIY guidance. The content covers a wide array of topics, from fundamental structural elements like foundations, roofs, walls, and floors to more detailed interior and exterior features such as ceilings, chimneys, doors, windows, fireplaces, gutters, insulation, staircases, siding, and trim. It also delves into specific materials like drywall, tiles, concrete, vinyl, hardwood, and carpet, providing practical tips for their installation, maintenance, and repair. For instance, the article highlights the importance of proper sealing for baseboards to prevent drafts, offering a step-by-step approach. It also provides insights into sanding drywall with minimal dust, addressing common issues like drooping ceiling fan blades with troubleshooting tips, and testing the weight-bearing capacity of drywall anchors. Flooring is a recurring theme, with guides on choosing the right type of flooring, avoiding common installation mistakes, and repairing damaged vinyl planks. There are also articles on cutting baseboard corners and installing quarter-round molding for a professional finish. Beyond basic construction and repair, the post touches on home improvement aspects such as insulating storm doors for winter, cleaning fire pits to prevent rust, and painting various surfaces, including concrete and popcorn ceilings. It also features articles on diagnosing and fixing issues like bubbling vinyl siding and preventing retaining wall collapses. Design and aesthetic elements are explored through topics like front door colors for curb appeal and the historical and modern reasons behind blue porch ceilings in Southern homes. Furthermore, the content offers practical advice on improving wall insulation for energy efficiency and showcases new building, kitchen, and bath products from industry events. The articles provide a blend of DIY projects, how-to guides, maintenance tips, inspiration, and product reviews, catering to both novice DIYers and those looking for more advanced techniques. The overarching goal is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and skills to enhance their living spaces, covering everything from minor repairs and cleaning to significant renovations and aesthetic upgrades, while also emphasizing safety and energy efficiency. #HomeImprovement #DIYProjects #HouseComponents #HomeMaintenance #FlooringGuide #WallRepair #CeilingMaintenance #ExteriorCare #InsulationTips

The "Tree Courtyard House" is a newly constructed single-story residential property situated on a backland site within a conservation area in Walthamstow, East London. The project, undertaken by architects ao-ft for a local developer, was specifically designed to accommodate the presence of a mature London Plane tree and its extensive root system located in one corner of the site. The design brief emphasized the preservation of the existing natural elements while simultaneously maximizing the functionality and accessibility of the living space. The house features an L-shaped plan, strategically organized around the central tree and its surrounding garden. This layout was chosen to integrate the natural feature into the home's aesthetic and provide direct views and access to the outdoor space. The residence includes two bedrooms and is designed with level access throughout, catering to ease of movement and universal accessibility. This consideration highlights a commitment to creating a comfortable and inclusive living environment. The total area of the house is 103 square meters, a compact but efficiently utilized space. The construction was completed in 2023. Key professionals involved in the project include Foster Structures for structural engineering, Saul Jones as the landscape consultant, and ARG Building Services LTD as the main contractor. The approved building inspector for the project was Harwood. The project's location in a conservation area meant that the design had to adhere to specific regulations and guidelines aimed at preserving the historical and environmental character of the neighborhood. The integration of the mature tree, not just as an aesthetic element but as a guiding principle for the architectural layout, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to site-specific design within a sensitive context. The selection of materials and overall construction methods would have likely been influenced by these conservation area requirements, aiming for a harmonious blend with the surroundings while providing a modern, functional home. The architectural firm ao-ft developed the design team for the project, and the client was Castleguard Homes. The design and construction processes would have involved close coordination between these parties to ensure that the developer's objectives, the conservation area's constraints, and the unique site conditions, particularly the tree, were all successfully addressed. The result is a bespoke residential dwelling that responds directly to its environment, emphasizing natural light, views, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, all while respecting the ecological and historical significance of its setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #London #UnitedKingdom #Brick #CourtyardHouse #SingleStoryHome #ConservationArea #SustainableDesign

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article details the creation of a sophisticated and technologically advanced gathering space in Lance Anderson's 4,700-square-foot home on Prior Lake. As the founder of Admit One Home Systems, Anderson envisioned a space that seamlessly integrates high-end technology with elegant design, particularly focusing on a prominent stone accent wall. This wall features a 100-inch television, a 100-inch gas fireplace, and seven-foot speakers, all designed to appear effortless despite the complex engineering involved. The project was a collaborative effort involving Mikan Custom Homes, Murphy & Co. Design, and Stellar by Heat & Glo. The overarching architectural style is mountain-modern, emphasizing natural materials such as wood, blackened steel, and stone. These elements are strategically used to anchor the home to its lakeside setting, complemented by large glass expanses that offer panoramic views of the water, effectively bringing the outdoors in. A notable design feature is an indoor waterfall that greets guests ascending to the great room, where the central focus shifts to the fireplace. The design team opted for a linear Enlight fireplace, a modern solution chosen to align with the home's contemporary aesthetic, as traditional fireplaces would not fit stylistically. The custom 100-inch fireplace was meticulously integrated into an Orijin stone wall, which extends from the home’s exterior through the interior and out to the deck. A key challenge was ensuring that the television and fireplace were on the same plane, a feat made possible by Stellar's innovative engineering. Stellar devised a cantilevered design to perfectly match the fireplace depth to the TV. This required specialized airflow and exhaust systems to maintain aesthetic appeal while ensuring the safety and proper function of the electronic components and speakers, which are mere inches from the heat source. Ross Morrison of Stellar highlights the rarity of manufacturers capable of such a design. The project demonstrates a blend of technology and style that even Anderson, a technology enthusiast, found surprisingly achievable, ultimately creating a unique and sophisticated focal point for his home. #HomeDesign #LanceAnderson #AdmitOneHomeSystems #MikanCustomHomes #MurphyCoDesign #StellarFireplace #HeatAndGlo #ModernArchitecture #IntegratedTechnology #PriorLake

The concept of a hearth, traditionally a central gathering point in homes for warmth and camaraderie, is being re-envisioned for modern urban living by industrial designer Max Burton of Industrial Craft. Recognizing that a traditional fireplace is impractical for many urban dwellers, Burton has conceptualized "The Hearth" as an electric heater integrated into a contemporary circular coffee table. This innovative design aims to replicate the comforting ambiance of a fire in a compact and functional form, catering to the specific needs of an urban population that is rapidly expanding globally. The Hearth functions through an intuitive mechanical design. The circular tabletop acts as an oversized thermostat dial; rotating it clockwise causes the finned base of the unit to incrementally open. This action progressively exposes a warm core, which also emits an ambient light, designed to evoke the appearance and feel of a small, contained fire. This mechanism allows users to adjust both the heat output and the visual intensity of the 'fire' to their desired level, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The design prioritizes ease of use and integrates the heating element subtly within a piece of furniture that is already common in living spaces. Industrial Craft, based in San Francisco's Mission District, is known for its approach to design, prototyping, and testing innovative products. Max Burton, the founder, brings 35 years of experience as a product designer, having worked with prominent global brands such as Nike, Disney, Virgin, and Google. His extensive background in product development is evident in the thoughtful integration of technology and design within The Hearth concept. The project reflects a broader trend of reinterpreting classic household elements to fit contemporary lifestyles and spaces. Beyond The Hearth, Industrial Craft explores similar rotational design principles in other conceptual products. One such example is a compact device that combines a twelve-hour calendar with an analog clock, featuring a digital display for calendar applications. This demonstrates the studio's interest in creating multi-functional objects that are both practical and aesthetically engaging, using mechanical movements to enhance user interaction. The work showcases a commitment to developing solutions that merge traditional concepts with modern technological advancements, ensuring that products are not only useful but also add a unique sensory experience to daily life. #IndustrialDesign #SmartHome #CoffeeTable #ElectricHeater #UrbanLiving #ProductInnovation #MaxBurton #HomeFurnishings

Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and Princess Diana's younger brother, provided a rare glimpse into a part of his historic residence, Althorp House, which is not frequently seen by the public. Althorp House was Princess Diana's childhood home. The revelation came through several photos posted on Instagram, showcasing the preparations for the upcoming Althorp Literary Festival. One particular image highlighted the 'State Dining Room,' an area that has seldom been featured in Spencer's previous social media updates. The 'State Dining Room' is depicted with a striking navy patterned wallpaper and a ceiling adorned with multiple exquisite chandeliers, creating a breathtaking and grand atmosphere. This room is set to serve as one of the auditoriums for the literary festival. Spencer detailed the purpose of the elaborate setup, noting that the Althorp Literary Festival was scheduled to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event promised a lineup of notable authors and personalities, including David Mitchell, Harlan Coben, Clare Balding, and Dame Harriet Walker. In addition to the dining room, Spencer shared a new photograph of the house's extensive library, which is another impressive space within the 90-room estate, spanning 13,000 acres. The library is known to house approximately 10,000 books and is characterized by its mahogany furniture pieces and a deep red leather armchair, contributing to a rustic yet elegant ambiance. A large chandelier also hangs prominently in the library, mirroring the opulence found in the dining room. A previous Instagram post by Spencer included a picture of a lurcher dog comfortably resting on one of the library chairs, bathed in natural sunlight. Spencer also previously clarified the history of the library, revealing that it traditionally served as the family sitting room. He noted that the collection includes remnants of a private library amassed by the Second Earl, which was once considered among the finest globally. The article underscores Spencer's ongoing efforts to share insights into the historical and architectural grandeur of Althorp House with his followers, often incorporating historical facts about the property and its contents. #CharlesSpencer #AlthorpHouse #RoyalHomes #PrincessDiana #HistoricEstate #LuxuryInteriors #AlthorpLiteraryFestival #Chandeliers #HomeDecor

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

Sara Berks, founder of Minna, found her ideal home in an 1810 farmhouse located in Germantown, New York, after a decade of living in Brooklyn. Despite its age, which presents challenges like uneven floorboards and sinking areas, the house possessed a unique charm that captivated her immediately. Berks acquired the property in 2016, drawn by the prospect of more space for her textile business and a slower pace of life, a vision supported by the farmhouse’s two accompanying barns. Her approach to transforming the house has been a blend of practicality and artistic design, with Berks undertaking many initial renovations herself, including painting every room and constructing a small laundry and pantry in the kitchen. The kitchen underwent one of the most significant overhauls. Previously featuring a black and white tiled counter, it was replaced with a minimalist concrete countertop, complemented by white cabinetry for enhanced storage. A vibrant blue pantry door provides a cheerful contrast to the sunny ochre cabinets, reflecting Berks's emphasis on color as a key design element without overwhelming the space. New open shelving in the kitchen serves to display Berks’s extensive collection of ceramics, gathered from various cultures worldwide. The renovation extended beyond aesthetics to practical improvements, such as adding the open shelving and updating countertop materials. Throughout the farmhouse, Berks has meticulously curated a personal environment by combining collected items with family heirlooms and contemporary design pieces. For instance, a blue chair in the living room was inherited from her grandmother, and a mid-century cabinet, which cleverly conceals a television, came from her father's childhood bedroom. Berks shares her home with her spouse, Mary, and their pets. Mary’s background in mycology is subtly integrated into the home's decor through mushroom-themed artwork and various natural specimens. The couple also cherishes items with sentimental value, such as a rock accompanied by a handwritten note from Mary's grandfather, detailing its discovery. DIY projects have also played a crucial role in the home's transformation, each with its own narrative. The living room fireplace, for example, once featured a large, dark walnut piece with an attached mirror. Berks replaced it with a wood slab salvaged from one of the property's barns, demonstrating a commitment to repurposing and honoring the home's history. The house's inherent quirks, such as the niches on either side of the staircase, have been embraced and enhanced. These niches now showcase Minna wallpaper, a design choice Berks envisioned even before her company launched its own wallpaper line. These details contribute to a feeling of completeness and personal expression within the home. The upstairs guest room functions as a dual-purpose space, serving as both a guest bedroom and an office, complete with built-in shelving and a desk. Berks often works on the three-season porch, appreciating the optimal light for painting, surrounded by personal touches like a lamp from Mexico and an antique "Germantown Friends" flag. The main bedroom features a blend of vintage furniture and Minna textiles, including handmade curtains crafted from her own fabric collection. Berks emphasizes the continuous effort to balance functionality with beauty in every room, acknowledging the extensive work involved in renovating an older home. She views the process as a labor of love, resulting in a home that truly reflects their personalities. Future plans include renovating the barns to create a guest suite and workshop, highlighting an ongoing commitment to evolving and enhancing their unique living space. #FarmhouseDesign #HomeRenovation #TextileBusiness #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #OchreKitchen #PatternMixing #HudsonValley #MinnaGoods

The Orchard House is a private extension and renovation project located within the Wickham Conservation Area, completed in the summer of 2021 by AR Design Studio. The project involved replacing previous piecemeal developments to reorient the house towards its garden. This renovation is situated in Hampshire, United Kingdom, and covers an area of 320 square feet, completed in 2020. Martin Gardner provided the photography for the project. The architectural design was led by Andy Ramus, with Tom Ford serving as the architectural designer. Structural engineering services were provided by AWA. Dell Developments acted as the general contractor for the project. The materials used in the renovation include wood, glass, and brick, contributing to a modern aesthetic while respecting the conservation area's context. The design aimed to create a more integrated living space that capitalizes on the connection with the outdoor environment. The project falls under the categories of houses and renovation, highlighting the transformation of an existing structure into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing home. The reorientation of the house towards its garden suggests a focus on natural light, views, and an improved indoor-outdoor flow, common objectives in contemporary residential architecture and renovation projects. The use of specific manufacturers such as Russwood, Smart Systems, Vande Moortel, and Velfac indicates a selection of quality materials and systems for various components of the house, including windows, doors, and other structural or finishing elements. The context of the Wickham Conservation Area implies that the design adhered to specific guidelines and regulations to preserve the historical and architectural character of the locality. This often involves careful consideration of external materials, building massing, and how new additions integrate with the existing fabric and surrounding environment. The project's success in achieving its goals within such a sensitive area underscores the expertise of AR Design Studio in balancing modern design with historical preservation. Overall, The Orchard House represents a thoughtful renovation that revitalizes a residential property by improving its layout, enhancing its connection to the garden, and utilizing contemporary architectural solutions within a conservation-sensitive setting. The project showcases how modern extensions can breathe new life into older homes, creating functional and visually appealing spaces that meet the needs of contemporary living while respecting their historical and environmental context. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #ARDesignStudio #UnitedKingdom #Hampshire #ConservationArea #ModernDesign #BuildingMaterials

Athena Calderone, founder of EyeSwoon and designer, has unveiled a new atelier in Tribeca, featuring a distinct kitchen design. This space marks a significant evolution for Calderone, whose brand previously centered on her home as both a personal and professional hub. Recognizing the need for a dedicated physical space to accommodate her expanding ventures in product design and interior projects, she established Studio Athena Calderone. The atelier serves as an office for her growing staff and a showcase for her design philosophy, where food and design seamlessly intertwine. The decision to create an external studio was driven by the practical challenge of finding suitable venues for culinary and design events, which became apparent during her earlier career stages when she hosted fashion-retailer-sponsored culinary gatherings. The centerpiece of The Atelier is its kitchen, a departure from the marble-centric aesthetic of her previous Brooklyn townhouse, which gained widespread popularity on platforms like Pinterest. For this new kitchen, Calderone opted for a bold combination of onyx and cherry, aiming for a fresh and innovative look. The industrial-style loft space, which she acquired near her new residential renovation project in Tribeca, posed a unique design challenge due to its inherent structural elements. Instead of concealing the existing columns, Calderone ingeniously integrated them into the design, creating a central cube-like structure that houses the kitchen and other office functionalities. Key design elements in the new kitchen include an island inspired by a Paul Dupré-Lafon table. Above the cherry paneling, glass blocks sourced from Eco Outdoor are incorporated, paying homage to Pierre Chareau’s iconic Maison de Verre in Paris. The backsplash features vertical panels of honey onyx from ABC Stone, installed with intentionally visible seams to emphasize the material's texture and differentiate it from her previous kitchen's striking marble-wrapped appearance. A practical innovation in the kitchen is the JennAir downdraft induction cooktop, installed directly into the island. This choice allowed Calderone to forgo a traditional hood, maintaining the studio's open and airy feel while complying with landlord requirements. Beyond the kitchen, the living areas within The Atelier are designed to evoke a residential ambiance, adorned with artwork by Spanish painter Miguel Macaya and a curated selection of vintage furnishings from various sources, including Somerset House, Seventh House, and Maison Gerard. Notable pieces include a Milo Baughman dining table and Louise Roe glassware, contributing to the space's eclectic yet refined character. The Atelier also signifies Calderone's foray into gallery-level lighting and furniture design. She is currently developing four signature pieces—counter stools, a pedestal, and parchment lighting prototypes—which are presently installed in the space as working prototypes. This new venture underscores her ambition to manufacture her own lighting and use The Atelier as a dynamic platform to illustrate the breadth of her ongoing creative projects and design ethos. #AthenaCalderone #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #EyeSwoon #HomeDecor #Atelier #Tribeca #OnyxAndCherry #ProductDesign

The article explores the concept and design of hearth rooms, highlighting their role as versatile spaces for both everyday living and entertaining. It features insights from three distinct interior design firms, Jane Ganz of Directions in Design, Colleen Ertl of Diane Breckenridge Interiors, and Dee Hencken of Ooh La La Home Furnishings, each offering their approach to creating inviting and functional hearth rooms. Jane Ganz from Directions in Design emphasizes creating an open and welcoming atmosphere. For one project, she transformed a hearth room by opening the fireplace on both sides and replacing the original white-painted brick with cultured stone. She removed a wall between the hearth room and the kitchen and elevated the kitchen ceiling to match the vaulted ceiling of the hearth room, expanding the overall perception of space. This design choice aims to integrate family activities, allowing individuals in the kitchen to remain connected with those in the hearth room. The design also incorporated new furniture and artwork, using a palette of various color tones, neutrals, and textures to complement the room and provide a cohesive aesthetic for the Ladue homeowners, enhancing their space for family time and social gatherings. Colleen Ertl, a senior designer for Diane Breckenridge Interiors, focused on creating a casual and intimate feel for a hearth room in the home of Lindenwood University's president. She arranged furniture around the fireplace to maximize seating, making it a comfortable spot for friends, family, and relaxation. The color scheme of blue, brown, and green, which extends throughout the home, features richer hues in the hearth room. Chocolate-toned draperies and pillows were chosen to complement the dark wood ceiling, while soft chenille and linen fabrics were used to counteract the potentially cold feel of stone and wood, adding warmth and softness to the space. The room's proximity to the kitchen and a staircase to the bedrooms ensures practical, everyday use, balancing beauty with durability and approachability. Dee Hencken, owner of Ooh La La Home Furnishings, designed a hearth room for a family in Des Peres with children, ensuring it was both upscale and family-friendly. She worked with the existing rich hues of built-in bookshelves, woodwork, and a stone hearth, incorporating a sofa, three chairs, a cocktail table, and accessories in bronze, caramel, and brown shades. The goal was to maintain a European country aesthetic consistent with the home’s Old World style, characterized by wood and warmth. Hencken prioritized functionality alongside design, recognizing the hearth room as a primary gathering space for the family. Her design allowed for relaxation and comfort, encouraging a lived-in feel while maintaining an elegant appearance. #HearthRoom #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #FamilySpaces #HomeImprovement #DesignTrends #LivingSpaces #FireplaceDesign

The Courtyard House, designed by D'WELL, is a 920-square-meter farmhouse situated on the outskirts of Surat, India. Completed in 2024, the residence is conceived as a sanctuary for a family seeking a tranquil environment away from urban congestion, fostering a lifestyle integrated with nature and shared family moments. The design prioritizes a connection to the natural surroundings and the creation of intimate, well-lit spaces. The architectural approach emphasizes a contextual design, integrating the structure harmoniously with the site's natural elements. Key to this integration is the extensive use of locally sourced materials, contributing to both the aesthetic and environmental sustainability of the project. Concrete, a primary material, is employed for its thermal mass properties, which help regulate indoor temperatures in Surat's climate. This strategic material selection, combined with passive design strategies, aims to reduce the building's energy consumption. A central courtyard serves as the focal point of the house, influencing both its spatial organization and environmental performance. This open-air space enhances natural ventilation, allowing cool air to circulate throughout the interiors and mitigating the need for excessive artificial cooling. The courtyard also acts as a primary source of natural light, illuminating various rooms and reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day. The arrangement of rooms around this central element fosters a sense of community and provides a private outdoor oasis for the residents. The interior layout features interconnected spaces that facilitate family interaction while also providing areas for individual retreat. Large openings and strategically placed windows blur the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, offering panoramic views of the landscape and drawing the garden's tranquility into the living spaces. The design incorporates minimalist aesthetics, characterized by clean lines and a neutral color palette, which accentuates the natural textures of the materials and the interplay of light and shadow. Sustainability is a core principle in the Courtyard House's design. Beyond material selection and passive cooling, the project likely incorporates other eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting or solar energy integration, although specific details are not provided. The objective is to create a living environment that is not only visually appealing but also ecologically responsible and conducive to well-being. The project reflects a growing trend in residential architecture towards designs that prioritize user comfort, environmental performance, and a strong connection to nature. By addressing the specific climatic conditions of Surat and the client's desire for a peaceful retreat, D'WELL has crafted a home that embodies thoughtful design and sustainable living principles. The Courtyard House stands as an example of how modern architecture can blend with local context to create functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious spaces. #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #SustainableDesign #DWELLArchitects #SuratIndia #ModernArchitecture #NaturalVentilation #EcoFriendlyDesign

The "Courtyard House," designed by A3gm Arquitectos, is located on the outskirts of Santo Domingo de Silos, Spain, on a regular, flat plot accessible from two opposite sides. The architectural design responds to the client's brief for a primary residence that also accommodates social activities, achieving this by organizing the living spaces around a central courtyard. This layout facilitates the compaction of private rest areas, separating them from the more public-facing kitchen and dining room. The house's design addresses specific environmental considerations of the region. The architects incorporated large thermal inertia into the building envelope to help mitigate the extreme temperature variations typical of the area, providing natural heating in winter and cooling in summer. Complementing this, an air conditioning system based on aerothermal heat pumps and underfloor heating/cooling ensures year-round comfort with high energy efficiency. Hot water is supplied through aerothermal systems, while photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute significantly to the house's electrical consumption, aiming for near self-sufficiency. The material palette and construction methods were chosen for their durability, thermal performance, and aesthetic integration. The house features a facade composed of an exterior brick leaf, a robust thermal insulation system, and an interior brick or dry lining leaf, depending on the internal finish. This layered approach contributes to the building's thermal mass and acoustic insulation. The flooring throughout the house is made of ceramic tile, chosen for its resistance and ease of maintenance, and is integrated with the underfloor heating and cooling system. The roof system employs a non-ventilated inverted flat roof design, incorporating a gravel finish. This design choice contributes to thermal insulation and protection against weathering, aligning with the project's emphasis on long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance. The structural system primarily utilizes load-bearing walls, a traditional and efficient construction method that complements the thermal mass strategy and integrates well with the brick facade. Outdoor living is a significant aspect of the design, with the central courtyard serving as a private, sheltered outdoor space that enhances natural light and ventilation within the home. In addition to the courtyard, the house includes outdoor porches and a swimming pool, offering residents diverse options for relaxation and social gatherings while extending the functional living areas to the exterior. The integration of these outdoor elements ensures a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding natural environment, providing a harmonious living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #SustainableDesign #ThermalEfficiency #SpanishArchitecture #AerothermalSystem #PhotovoltaicPanels #BrickFacade #UnderfloorHeating #OutdoorLiving

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, located in Irvington, N.Y., is a distinctive architectural marvel characterized by its elaborate 1870s Victorian-era design. Originally built around 1858 by Paul J. and Rebecca Armour as a modest octagon-shaped dwelling, it underwent a significant transformation in the 1870s by Joseph and Hannah Stiner, a prominent tea and coffee merchant and his wife, who used it as their country home. This extensive remodel imbued the house with its current flamboyant aesthetic, featuring an explosion of ornament including intricate floral and leaf patterns, and even portraits of dogs. The house faced a period of decline, reaching a critical state by the 1970s. The National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired it to prevent its demise, eventually selling it to preservation architect Joseph Pell Lombardi in 1978. Lombardi, with his family, embarked on a meticulous restoration project that spanned over 35 years. This lengthy process allowed for a thorough and accurate revival of the house, prioritizing proper restoration techniques over strict timelines. Key challenges included stabilizing a threatening dome, re-attaching missing exterior ornamental details, and extensively analyzing paint to match historical colors. The family's approach aimed to authentically capture the spirit of the Stiner period. The interior restoration involved a combination of paint analysis, historical research, and local community input to recreate the 1870s ambiance. Furnishing the house was equally challenging, requiring years of searching for period-appropriate pieces, with some original Stiner items informing the decor. A notable discovery included an Egyptian Revival furniture suite found at auction, marked with Joseph Stiner's name, which influenced the design of the third-floor music room. Despite extensive research, comprehensive 19th-century images or descriptions of the interior remain scarce, leaving room for future discoveries to potentially refine the collection and finishes. The unique octagon form of the house was inspired by Orson Squire Fowler’s 1848 publication, “A Home for All,” which advocated for the octagon as an ideal and functional dwelling shape, offering more floor space and better ventilation. While the octagon fad was relatively short-lived, with most built before the Civil War, many were constructed in New York. The Armour house, as depicted on an 1868 map, was already an octagon before the Stiners acquired it in 1872. The Stiners' renovations, which likely occurred between 1872 and 1878, resulted in the ornate structure seen today. While local papers from the era mentioned general alterations, specific architectural details of the Stiners' work are not well documented. The first definitive mention of the house's signature dome appeared around 1880, indicating its completion. This period also coincided with financial difficulties for the Stiner family, leading to the house's sale in 1881. Subsequent sales and advertisements, particularly a detailed one from 1900, provided more insight into the house's features, including a 12-foot-wide piazza offering Hudson River views and modern amenities like plumbing. The exterior boasts repeated motifs, such as maple leaves, found in ironwork and fretwork, and a distinctive dog profile, believed to be a memorial to Stiner's dog, Prince, adorning the porch railing. The restoration also extended to the landscape, involving root analysis, planting appropriate trees, creating an eight-sided formal garden, and reconstructing outbuildings like a carriage barn and a Lord & Burnham greenhouse. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is now open for tours, offering visitors a glimpse into this meticulously restored piece of Victorian architectural fantasy, with current offerings including seasonal tours and a digital guide for remote exploration. #ArmourStinerOctagonHouse #VictorianArchitecture #HistoricPreservation #JosephPellLombardi #OctagonHouse #1870sDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #IrvingtonNY #OrsonSquireFowler #HudsonValleyHistory