Octagonal Skylight, New Stairs Polish Heights Carriage House

For decades, architects and government officials have recognized the importance of energy-efficient buildings, especially since the 1970s energy crisis. Buildings, including their construction, materials, and associated infrastructure, contribute up to 40 percent of global carbon emissions, making energy efficiency a critical concern. This understanding is foundational in North American architecture schools and has been emphasized by European institutions for even longer. The "Passive House Design" approach, pioneered by German architects, considers a building's entire interconnected system, focusing on its integration with the site, climate, and social support. This philosophy extends beyond residential structures to all building types. A more recent evolution, the "Net Zero Design" approach, also led by German designers, takes this further by requiring buildings to be highly efficient, use minimal energy, and replace all the energy they consume, potentially even contributing excess energy back to the local power grid. Europe, with its advanced energy design and construction history, has developed numerous innovative building cladding systems that contribute to energy efficiency. These systems often incorporate specialty fabrics in intelligent ways, such as vertical shade systems, retractable awnings, and entire building wraps. Industry experts, including Steve Fredrickson from Serge Ferrari North America, note that Europe is significantly ahead of North America in this area due to a lack of air conditioning standardization in European homes and retail, creating a greater need for heat barrier solutions. Additionally, European building codes are more adaptable to new energy-reducing products and developments. In contrast, existing North American building codes and the time required for their amendment make widespread adoption of fabric shade systems more challenging. Architect Samuel Armijos observes that while European markets showcase many examples of vertical fabric systems, such projects are scarce in the U.S. This lack of visible examples hinders broader acceptance and design incorporation. Architect Nicholas Goldsmith, however, notes a growing recognition among North American designers that exterior shading, particularly in specific regional climates, offers advantages over other cladding systems, such as being lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective. Mike Squizzato of Stobag North America Corp. highlights that Europeans prioritize shade for cooling due to higher electricity costs, whereas North Americans typically rely on air conditioning. He believes that as electricity costs rise and climate concerns grow, North American markets will rapidly adopt shading solutions, with awnings and vertical shading providing natural air-conditioned environments and potentially saving over 50 percent on electricity bills. Paul Snustead, director of facades at Structurflex, acknowledges Europe's lead but points to Structurflex's efforts to advance fabric facade architecture in the U.S. Tensile facades, also known as textile, fabric, or flexible facades, offer an innovative, long-lasting, and cost-effective alternative to traditional metal mesh screens, often costing about 50 percent less. These systems act as a 'second skin' for buildings, providing screening and shading, which can contribute to reduced energy consumption and LEED certification. Despite the clear benefits, the adoption of fabric-based shading systems in North America faces challenges. Traditional cladding materials remain strong competitors. Armijos notes a decline in leads for shade jobs, with parking garages being the primary market, but even there, fabric competes with pre-fabricated concrete and metal mesh systems. He suggests a major global event might be needed to spur a push toward textile facades. Andrew Trowbridge of Ronstan International observes a shift away from stainless steel cables in fabric structures towards greening systems and perforated aluminum panels for shade and facade coverage. Conversely, Fredrickson sees growth in both static and retractable vertical shading options across North America. Snustead describes an exponential expansion in the fabric facade architecture market, particularly for tensile fabric meshes, membranes, and foils, initially driven by parking garage screening requirements. Structurflex has seen an 800 percent increase in facade projects annually, with fabric facades becoming a significant part of their operations. Squizzato predicts that as temperatures rise, North Americans will increasingly seek cost-effective cooling solutions beyond air conditioning, leading to buildings with more colorful awnings and widespread vertical shading, eventually mirroring European practices within 15 years. For companies looking to enter or expand in this market, experts emphasize the need for knowledge, education, and accessibility of information. The ideal company size varies by region and market, but success hinges on having the right products and expertise. Fredrickson warns against using cheap, unproven products, which can harm the market's reputation. Snustead highlights the versatility of tensile facades, which can span large distances with less structural support and use materials that are often 100% recyclable with long lifespans. Squizzato points out that many existing businesses, from awning companies to landscape architects, can leverage sun shade protection to expand their services, provided they have appropriate insurance, training, and competent staff. The overall outlook for vertical fabric shading remains positive, with continued growth anticipated, especially as architects and contractors become more familiar with the medium's innovation and economic advantages. #BuildingFacades #VerticalShading #EnergyEfficiency #FabricArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalTextiles #NetZeroDesign #ClimateControl #ConstructionInnovation

This article details the renovation of a 19th-century carriage house in Brooklyn Heights by Ingui Architecture, transforming it into a modern, energy-efficient home adhering to Passive House principles. The primary objective of the renovation was to create a comfortable living space while maximizing natural light and incorporating sustainable design. The architects and homeowners embarked on a significant overhaul that included preserving some elements of the original garage structure while redesigning the layout to include a backyard, living space, kitchen, and dining area on the ground floor. A major structural change involved excavating to create a cellar housing a gym, recreational space, and home office. The second floor was reconfigured to accommodate three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Additionally, a penthouse featuring a glass-enclosed home office and a substantial roof deck was added, ensuring it remained invisible from the street to comply with Landmarks requirements. Light-stained rift and quartered oak floors were installed throughout the residence, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic. A central and distinctive feature of the renovation is a sculptural custom staircase, meticulously designed using 3D software, fabricated in Pennsylvania, and assembled on-site. This staircase serves as a focal point, connecting the various levels and allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the core of the house. The nursery, for instance, incorporates a glass wall to enhance light, with a curtain for privacy and darkening when needed. The renovation prioritized Passive House standards, leading to a highly sealed and insulated structure that minimizes energy consumption. The house benefits from continuous filtered fresh air and windows designed to significantly reduce external noise and dust. While the house requires minimal heating due to its efficient design, an air conditioning system powered by a Mitsubishi heat-pump handles cooling needs, with shading and multiple layers of roof insulation reducing the cooling load by approximately 50 percent. Throughout the project, careful attention was paid to restoring the harmonious proportions of window and door openings, which had been compromised by previous haphazard renovations. Original bricks from interior walls were repurposed to seamlessly match the exterior brickwork. The interior design, managed by BIA Interiors (Ingui Architecture's in-house team), incorporates custom cabinetry, a Lacanche range, and zellige tile in the kitchen, alongside a custom-sculpted stove hood. The dining area features an upholstered banquette and lighting from Danish company Le Klint. The living room retains original, unfinished structural beams, which were protected throughout construction. Furnishings in the main living areas blend pieces from accessible sources like Montauk Sofa, Pottery Barn, and Anthropologie with items from designers such as Space Copenhagen for a lounge chair and Roll & Hill and Workstead for lighting fixtures. The bedrooms are furnished with items from CB2 and Design Within Reach. The design also includes a thoughtful sacrifice of some interior space for an outdoor patio and garden area, further enhancing the living experience. The project exemplifies a blend of historical preservation, modern design, and advanced energy efficiency. #CarriageHouse #BrooklynHeights #PassiveHouse #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #CustomStaircase #InteriorDesign #EnergyEfficiency #HistoricPreservation

This article explores the aesthetic and functional benefits of cathedral ceilings, showcasing 12 distinct examples from various residential projects around the world. Cathedral ceilings are highlighted for their ability to create a profound sense of space and provide abundant natural light, often emphasizing the beauty of exposed wood. The featured designs range from reclaimed farmhouses and refreshed residences to modern country retreats and ski chalets, each demonstrating how this architectural feature integrates with diverse interior styles and settings. The first example is a 19th-century Dutch farmhouse redesigned by Kiki & Joost, where a dilapidated structure was transformed into an open, flowing residence centered around a living area with a cathedral ceiling. The designers reconstructed much of the interior themselves, creating a new home within an old shell. Next, a Paris residence originally designed by Kenzo Takada was refreshed by Kengo Kuma, who introduced a stunning wood cathedral ceiling to a minimal space, allowing the exterior views to dominate. NBBJ's Rysia Suchecka reinvented a centuries-old French farmhouse, converting a dilapidated barn into a modern salon with a cathedral ceiling that draws the eye upward towards a grand fireplace. A California country retreat by Pfau Long Architecture features a main house with a gable-ended, two-story barn-like structure and a cathedral ceiling. The design prioritizes clarity through a simple materials palette of wood, dark gray metal, and concrete, deferring to the architecture and views with clean lines and muted hues. Jennifer Post Design's Palm Beach residence showcases a white lacquered cathedral ceiling that contributes to a serene, beachy aesthetic, characterized by a minimalist approach with nuanced textures and a striking backdrop for art. In Nova Scotia, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects designed a trio of gabled structures with cathedral ceilings, echoing local vernacular while incorporating modern Corten cladding and minimalist detailing. Walker Warner Architects and Philpotts Interiors perfected a Kona Coast compound in Hawaii, where a pitched wooden cathedral ceiling balances vibrant furnishings and complements the ultramodern yet traditional design, inspired by traditional Hawaiian villages. Architect Mathias Klotz created a pair of cottages on a remote island in Chile, utilizing exposed rough-hewn wooden frameworks and whitewashed cathedral ceiling boards to blend with the pristine natural setting and provide a timeless design. Humbert & Poyet designed a Swiss ski chalet with public spaces on the top floor to maximize mountain views, paneled almost entirely in rustic reclaimed barnwood, including the cathedral ceilings, which add a touch of luxury to the rustic environment. BarlisWedlick Architects designed a secret pool house discreetly tucked into a hillside in New York, featuring deceptively tall interiors with a wood cathedral ceiling and a tree-trunk colonnade that supports the nature-inspired concept. Jan Henrik Jansen designed an unconventional round house in Denmark, strategically curved to face a green meadow and incorporating exposed wood beams in its cathedral ceilings, offering a welcome mix of textures. Finally, Peter Bohlin's design for Tusen Takk, a family compound on lakeside dunes in Michigan, includes a staircase next to a double-height cathedral ceiling library, combining clear-finish maple treads with dyed-red risers. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility and visual impact of cathedral ceilings in various architectural and interior design contexts. #CathedralCeilings #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #HomeRenovation #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign #WoodCeilings #ModernArchitecture #FarmhouseDesign

Architect Luke Lowings of Carpenter Lowings, in collaboration with American sculptor James Carpenter, designed a patterned glass staircase that serves as the focal point of a newly renovated apartment in Hong Kong. This striking 5.5-meter-tall structure spans both stories of the apartment, leading up to a rooftop terrace that offers views of the bay. Integrated above the staircase is a four-meter-wide skylight that not only floods the interior with natural light but also features a hydraulic mechanism, allowing it to fold open for roof access. Lowings emphasizes the staircase's dual function: it acts as a subtle yet significant sculptural element, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, and plays a practical role in modulating daylight. This design helps to mitigate the harsh glare and intense heat characteristic of the Hong Kong climate. The staircase is engineered to appear weightless, contributing to an ethereal ambiance rather than dominating the living areas. The design ensures that natural light from the skylight is reflected from the structural glass panels and diffused through the transparent treads, extending deep into the lower floor of the apartment. This approach maximizes light penetration in compact spaces, transforming them into bright and inviting areas. The skylight is equipped with sensors that prevent it from closing on obstructions and activate automatic closure during strong winds. An alarm system is also in place to alert residents when the glass door is closing, preventing accidental entrapment on the roof. When the skylight is closed, it frames a view of the sky, which is mirrored in two large structural glass screens flanking the staircase. These glass screens are adorned with a linear pattern designed to evoke the appearance of falling rain. This pattern, combined with the reflections and the veined marble surfaces throughout the hall, creates a subtly disorienting visual effect. The staircase itself is constructed from heat-strengthened laminated glass, with minimal titanium fittings joining its components. Each stair tread comprises three layers of glass and is supported by only three fittings, further contributing to its minimalist and transparent aesthetic. Carpenter and Lowings, who established their studio in 2001, have a history of collaborating on glass installations, including notable projects for Norman Foster's Hearst Tower and Grimshaw's Fulton Street Station in New York. The project's success is also attributed to the contributions of structural engineer Eckersley O'Callaghan, executive engineer C M Wong, interior design firm AB Concept, lighting design by Sirius Lighting, staircase fabrication by Sedak GmbH, and skylight production by MEIA. Photography for the project was provided by Kitmin Lee, Edmon Leong, and Carpenter Lowings. #HongKongApartment #GlassStaircase #SkylightDesign #CarpenterLowings #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #NaturalLighting #ModernInteriors

The stairway serves as a fundamental connector within a building, enabling movement between floors. Beyond this basic function, a well-designed stairway can significantly unify and enhance the entire aesthetic of a space, making a dramatic impression that few other interior architectural features can achieve. In contrast to the ornate, heavily carved newel posts characteristic of Victorian staircases, modern design philosophy, as exemplified by companies like Viewrail, centers on the treads themselves as the primary eye-catching element. Viewrail, founded in 2011 with a focus on modern stair design, developed its FLIGHT floating stairway in 2017. This design emphasizes wooden treads, complemented by railings made of glass, cables, or metal rods. The core principle behind this approach is to minimize the visibility of structural components, allowing the natural grain patterns and colors of the wood treads to become the focal point. This creates a sense of openness and allows light to filter through, making rooms appear larger and contributing to a more expansive visual environment. Floating stairways, particularly those with glass railings, are highly valued for their transparency, which allows them to seemingly disappear and integrate seamlessly into the surrounding architecture. This design choice transforms the stairway from a mere functional element into a striking focal point. Brian Ellison, a multidisciplinary designer, attests to the transformative power of Viewrail's stairs, noting their ability to unify spaces and impart a modern feel. He views the floating stairway as an unexpected and memorable feature that leaves a lasting impact on observers. Traditionally, staircases relied on lumber stringers built into the walls for support. Viewrail's modern floating stairways, however, often utilize a metal stringer located beneath the stairs, contributing to their sleek, minimalist appearance. Furthermore, Viewrail's pre-fabricated components, manufactured in Goshen, Indiana, offer a more affordable alternative to custom-built floating stairways. This accessibility allows designers to incorporate sophisticated, modern designs into projects that might otherwise be constrained by budget, making high-end aesthetics attainable for a wider range of projects. Viewrail prides itself on creating a streamlined process for designing, manufacturing, and delivering staircases, contributing to their affordability. The cost of a Viewrail staircase is comparable to that of a new kitchen countertop or half the expense of a mid-range bathroom remodel. Whether undertaking a renovation or new construction, careful consideration should be given to the stairway's design from the outset. Rather than being an afterthought, the stairway should be intentionally planned to accentuate the room and foster connectivity between different areas, thereby literally bringing spaces together. #ModernStairwayDesign #FloatingStairs #GlassRailing #InteriorArchitecture #HomeRenovation #ModernHome #Viewrail #AffordableDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures

The Overlook House in Lexington, Massachusetts, designed by architect Marcus Gleysteen and lighting consultant Doreen Madden, demonstrates how sophisticated lighting and thoughtful volumetric design can effectively differentiate living spaces within an open-plan home. This residence, recognized in the 2011 myMarvin Architect's Challenge, achieves LEED silver certification through its commitment to sustainability, incorporating geothermal heating, energy-efficient Marvin windows, and strategic use of natural light. Gleysteen's approach to open-plan living centers on the principle that the best architectural elements—light, proportion, and space configuration—are not costly additions but fundamental design principles. To create distinct zones without relying on physical walls, the design employs varied lighting schemes and spatial volumes. For instance, the living room is characterized by large volumes and diffused lighting, fostering a sense of openness and relaxation. In contrast, the kitchen, though part of the open layout, is designed as a more intimate area with focused task lighting and a singular window, clearly defining its functional purpose while maintaining a visual connection to the broader living area. This method ensures that each space retains its unique identity and atmosphere, preventing the kitchen from intruding on the ambiance of the living room. The project emphasizes the delicate balance between aesthetic design and practical livability. Gleysteen notes that while many impressive architectural designs prioritize beauty, they often overlook the daily functional requirements of a home. The Overlook House successfully integrates a contemporary design language focused on light and energy efficiency with practical considerations for everyday living, such as designated areas for children to study and places for muddy boots. This integration showcases that a modern, less traditional design approach can effectively address common livability challenges, making the home both beautiful and highly functional. Sustainability is a core tenet of the Overlook House, extending beyond mere hardware to encompass the entire design philosophy. Gleysteen advocates for building only what is truly necessary and maximizing its utility. He argues that the most sustainable homes are those that people desire to live in for extended periods, rather than those that are merely energy-efficient but quickly resold or extensively renovated. A well-designed and well-built home fosters long-term occupancy and appreciation, contributing more significantly to sustainability than short-lived, energy-efficient structures. Despite this broader view, the Overlook House is indeed highly energy-efficient, utilizing high-performance Marvin windows for ample natural light, coupled with strategic shading and overhangs to regulate solar gain. Urethane foam insulation and a geothermal heating and cooling system with zone management further minimize energy consumption, underscoring the home's commitment to environmental responsibility. The design process for the Overlook House notably incorporated Google SketchUp, a valuable and accessible 3D modeling tool. This software allowed the design team to explore numerous three-dimensional concepts efficiently and cost-effectively. By integrating SketchUp with Google Earth, the team could precisely orient the architectural model, analyze solar paths, and understand how sunlight would interact with the building throughout the year. This advanced simulation capability was crucial in determining optimal volumes and window placements, ensuring the effective harnessing of natural light and control over solar exposure, ultimately contributing to both the aesthetic quality and energy performance of the house. #OverlookHouse #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LEDLighting #OpenFloorPlan #EnergyEfficiency #ArchitecturalDesign #MarvinWindows #LEEDCertified

This article explores the use of skylights in residential interior design, highlighting ten projects that demonstrate their aesthetic and functional benefits. Skylights, defined as windows placed on a roof, are typically angled to allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces, serving as an alternative to traditional windows. Their application can provide privacy, introduce decorative lighting, or compensate for a lack of conventional window openings. The article presents a curated selection of residential projects, each showcasing a unique approach to incorporating skylights. The Oculi House in New York City, by O'Neill Rose Architects, exemplifies how elliptical skylights can transform dark brownstone interiors into airy, bright spaces, complemented by rectilinear glass doors. This project was a Dezeen Award shortlist in 2019 for house interior of the year. In Norway, Line Solgaard's Weekend House Fredrikstad features a pyramid-shaped skylight that brightens the entire holiday home, including an oak-lined dining room. The natural light creates dramatic shadows and contrasts with darker kitchen elements. Branch Studio Architects' Casa X in Australia's Phillip Island integrates clerestory windows and large skylights, with three 'pop-up' high-level windows designed to draw northern light deep into the house throughout the day. Fala Atelier converted a windowless garage in Lisbon into a vibrant living space by incorporating strategically placed skylights and painting the walls white, using pops of color like a teal-hued extractor fan to enhance the spacious interior. Yoshihara McKee's Photographer's Loft in Chelsea, New York, despite its ground-floor location, maximizes natural light through an angled skylight. The architects removed internal partitions to optimize the light's distribution, highlighting sculptural furniture in neutral tones. Tres Birds Workshop created an innovative operable skylight from dichroic glass in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the Rocky Mountains. This multicolored glass casts dynamic, vibrant light patterns across the interior, changing with the sun's angle and season. In Santiago, Chile, Rodolfo Cañas's Mogro House, also known as Skylight House, features a prominent stainless steel volume topped with an oversized skylight. A floating metal staircase within this volume leads to the roof, while monochrome furniture mirrors the house's steel and exposed concrete palette. FujiwaraMuro Architects designed the House with a Light Void in Japan, achieving privacy through geometric skylights instead of traditional windows. These openings are positioned above five cement-clad volumes, contributing to the minimalist aesthetic. Casa Boavista, a Porto townhouse renovated by Pablo Pita Architects, incorporates skylights on multiple levels to enhance privacy on a busy street. An extension and new storey were added, with a trio of skylights illuminating the neutral interiors. Lastly, R2 Studio's renovation of a Victorian London home uses a skylight to accentuate a bright orange central staircase, adding warmth and vibrancy to the already colorful interiors. The article emphasizes that skylights are versatile architectural elements that can solve practical challenges like privacy and natural light distribution, while also serving as significant decorative features, demonstrating their capacity to profoundly influence the ambiance and functionality of residential spaces. #Skylights #ResidentialInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight #HomeRenovation #InteriorLighting #ModernArchitecture #DesignInspiration #Lookbooks

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a design element that maximizes natural light and offers expansive views, making a space feel larger and more connected to its surroundings. This architectural feature is particularly impactful when a home boasts a spectacular vista, whether it's a sprawling forest, a serene beach, or a vibrant city skyline. The glass panels often extend both vertically and horizontally, creating an almost alfresco living experience. Beyond the visual appeal, these windows bring abundant light into interiors throughout the day. A kitchen, for instance, can be bathed in bright, cheerful morning light, while a living room can be imbued with a warm glow as the sun sets. To further enhance the aesthetic impact of floor-to-ceiling windows, design considerations can include painting the window sashes and mullions in a dark hue. This choice creates a striking contrast against the outdoor scenery, making the vista pop even more. However, the inherent beauty of the view itself often negates the need for elaborate additional adornments. The article showcases 25 diverse examples from the Architectural Digest archives, illustrating how floor-to-ceiling windows are integrated into various residential settings. These examples highlight a range of interior design styles and geographical locations, demonstrating the versatility of this architectural element. In a Connecticut house by Carrier and Co., cube chairs by Desiron are positioned to face the living area's floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting inhabitants to engage with the exterior. Kara Ross and Stephen Ross's New York apartment, designed by Ingrao Inc., features city views through curtained windows, complemented by vintage French mahogany floor lamps and a papier-mâché sculpture. A San Francisco residence, furnished by Ken Fulk, boasts a 27-foot-tall window in the great room, offering sweeping cityscapes. The master bedroom of a New York Hudson River Valley retreat, designed by architect Joel Sanders, includes a Poliform platform bed and a CB2 Peekaboo table by the windows, paired with a vintage Frank Gehry Wiggle chair. An art-collecting couple's home in Amagansett, New York, by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, features a sun-drenched open living area framed by Duratherm doors and windows, with custom-made sofas upholstered in Rubelli fabric and a Stark rug. In Laguna Beach, California, a home by Ehrlich Architects integrates a window wall in the master bedroom that slides open to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, with beds by Roche Bobois. Designer John Barman's Miami Beach apartment utilizes a retractable, floor-to-ceiling door to provide immediate ocean views from every room, showcasing Thonet chairs and vintage accessories. A Los Angeles house decorated by Dan Fink features a Poul Kjærholm leather-top stool and a Vladimir Kagan sofa within a great room that connects to the outside through large windows. A Manhattan apartment by Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper incorporates a Jeff Koons sculpture and vintage Fritz Henningsen chairs at a window wall. Architect Antoine Predock designed a New Mexico home with a master bedroom offering mountain views, where coyotes have been observed walking outside the windows. Jamie Drake’s New York City living room combines a custom cocktail table and sectional sofa with a Pedro Friedeberg Hand chair and gold-leafed floor lamps, all benefiting from ample natural light. A home by Lake|Flato Architects near Austin, Texas, provides broad views of downtown through expansive windows, accented by a large-scale artwork by Vik Muniz. The Florida living room of Judy Blume and George Cooper, renovated by Thomas E. Pope and Malcolm James Kutner, is bordered by a garden rich with palms and orchids, visible through its windows. Adam Levine’s Hollywood Hills living room, designed by Mark Haddaway, is a carefully curated space of vintage pieces, illuminated by natural light. Lee F. Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Assoc. designed a New York City apartment living area with stools and wicker lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, arranged on a custom-made V’Soske carpet. In Nashville, Tennessee, a family room by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors features a Sutherland lounge chair and a Flexform sectional sofa, with Donghia fabric curtains. A Commune-designed house in Los Angeles incorporates reclaimed-oak paneling in its double-height living room, benefiting from large windows. Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Shelter Island, New York, home features custom-made ceramic tiles in a sunken living area that is brightened by natural light. A New York City pied-à-terre by Jennifer Post Design Inc. includes a vintage Stilnovo light fixture and a Minotti sofa in a living room filled with light. The kitchen of a New York City residence by ODA-Architecture features red-lacquer cabinetry and stainless-steel counters, with light streaming in through large windows. Gilles Mendel’s Manhattan apartment living room showcases an Earl Reiback artwork between nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unobstructed northern city views. A Manhattan apartment’s master bath, designed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners and De la Torre Design Studio, is clad in Jerusalem Gold stone and features custom-made mirrored cabinets. A Sagaponack, New York, home by Christoff:Finio Architecture has a dining area with a Geoff Kuzara mobile and vintage Walter Gropius chairs, situated to take advantage of natural light. Lastly, a Shelter Island, New York, master bedroom by Michael Haverland Architect and Philip Galanes is lined with Carolyn Ray wallpaper and benefits from significant window space, and a New York City living room by Len Morgan features a George III sofa and antique Irish armchairs, illuminated by the natural light from the windows. #FloorToCeilingWindows #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalFeatures #LuxuryHomes #ModernLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #StunningViews

This article compiles a visual lookbook featuring ten residential staircases that incorporate contemporary and non-traditional balustrades. Balustrades, which are railings designed to prevent falls, are traditionally characterized by their bulbous, lathe-turned balusters. However, the featured examples deviate from this conventional form, introducing innovative designs that serve as statement focal points within their respective homes. The collection begins with a Private House in Cologne, Germany, designed by SMO Architektur. This home features a seamless, perforated balustrade made from a single sheet of material. Its circular perforations create a striking contrast with the staircase's rigid, angular profile, aligning with the house's cubic form and a design informed by Le Corbusier's Plan Libre. Next is the Mo-tel House in London, UK, a Georgian townhouse renovated by Office S&M. This residence showcases a brightly colored, geometric staircase. The balustrade consists of vertically slatted balusters painted pink, complemented by a bright yellow handrail that integrates seamlessly with the staircase's end post, contributing to the home's vibrant interior scheme. A Tel Aviv townhouse designed by architect David Lebenthal presents a unique steel rod balustrade. The staircase is suspended behind a wall of vertically arranged steel rods that extend between floors, fixed to and intersecting with the metal-folded treads. This design is integrated with an exposed concrete party wall, forming a central element of the home. Gundry & Ducker's White Rabbit House in London features a cantilevered staircase with a balustrade made of green-painted vertical rods. A single-piece wooden bannister is positioned atop these balusters, piercing through an overhanging lip on the base step's tread, adding a distinct architectural detail to the 1970s house. Bonhôte House, also in London, designed by AOC, incorporates angular brass rods arranged in a zigzag pattern. These rods flank the staircase, which ascends above an open-plan living and kitchen area. The brass-wrapped staircase also functions as a visual divider for the ground floor spaces within this contemporary family home. AOC's Hearth House in Golders Green features a negative relief-style balustrade. Plywood sheets are laser-cut with the silhouettes of traditional spindle balusters, creating voids where ornamental spindles would typically be found. A lamp extending from the handrail further enhances the unique design. In Berlin, Germany, architect Philipp von Matt designed O12, an artist's home with a golden-hued, perforated-brass bannister. This mesh brass element zigzags along a solid concrete staircase, allowing light to filter through its perforations and illuminate the monolithic stairwell. Ash House in Lewisham, London, by R2 Studio, features a full-height ash bannister with circular cut-out openings. These openings are strategically sized, with larger holes at eye level for both adults and children, and a groove on the opposite side forms an inset handrail, connecting two storeys of an Edwardian house. Maryland House in London, the home of designer Remi Connolly-Taylor, includes a red metal staircase with a seemingly weightless appearance. A tubular, pipe-like handrail and balustrade follow the profile of the red folded treads, and the staircase is encased within a glass block-clad stairwell, designed to maximize light while maintaining privacy. Finally, Coastal House in Devon, UK, renovated by 6a Architects, showcases a wooden staircase with thin, tapering spindle-shaped balustrades. These are arranged at alternating angles, creating a wave-like rhythm. Made from oak, the balustrade and bannister have an unfinished, rustic quality that complements the home's original beams and stone walls. This lookbook aims to provide visual inspiration, highlighting innovative approaches to staircase balustrade design that move beyond traditional forms to create striking and functional architectural features within residential settings. The examples demonstrate diverse material choices, structural designs, and aesthetic considerations, showcasing how balustrades can be transformed into key elements of interior design. #HomeInteriors #StaircaseDesign #Balustrades #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #ResidentialDesign #InteriorInspiration #ModernHomes #DesignInnovation

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

The article presents a curated collection of 25 grand foyers, all characterized by their high ceilings, designed to inspire elegance and drama in an entryway. Each example showcases a distinct style, ranging from classic to contemporary, and highlights various design elements that contribute to a luxurious and inviting first impression. The featured foyers incorporate diverse architectural and decorative details such as striking chandeliers, elegant staircases, and beautiful flooring. They demonstrate how different materials, color palettes, and stylistic choices can transform a functional space into a captivating area. Several examples illustrate the concept of captivating luxury, featuring oversized chandeliers as central focal points within spacious entryways. High contrast designs are explored through elements like bright white spiral staircases against dark navy walls, creating visual interest and dynamism. The inclusion of historic homes, such as one in San Francisco's Pacific Heights Neighborhood, demonstrates the integration of wood paneling and traditional chandeliers to maintain historic charm while achieving grandeur. Light and bright foyers are presented with white walls and crystal chandeliers complemented by dark wood accents and soft carpeting, emphasizing an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Glamorous entryways are detailed with custom railings, plaster walls, and marble flooring, designed to leave guests captivated upon arrival. The fusion of classic and contemporary styles is shown through black and white tiled floors in modern spaces. Modern luxury is further exemplified by shining white floors, waterfall chandeliers, and grand pianos, creating a lavish environment. The article also includes examples that integrate a splash of color, such as dark woods paired with bright blue accents in a stylish penthouse foyer. Designs focusing on striking beauty highlight crystal empire chandeliers as focal points, adding sophistication to grand foyers. Bright neutral palettes are demonstrated through light wood paneled ceilings and brown and beige flooring tiles, creating a stylish and subdued elegance. Grand elegance is achieved with gold accents, unique furniture pieces like Lalique cactus tables, and imperial staircases. Modern earth tones are showcased in foyers featuring custom staircases and large steel windows, providing a natural yet contemporary feel. Crisp white aesthetics are featured with custom designed handrails and all-white interiors, emphasizing cleanliness and sophistication. Bright and spacious entryways are illustrated by airy foyers in estates, designed to maximize light and openness. Gorgeous grays are presented in entryway hallways with tall, modern, and sophisticated gray walls. Farmhouse-style interiors with double-height foyers and wood-beamed ceilings offer a rustic yet grand appeal. Modern style foyers incorporate statement wallcoverings, intriguing lighting displays, and floating wooden staircases. Traditional beauty is conveyed through columns and barrel-vaulted ceilings, lending a classic touch to the space. Contemporary charm is captured in designs featuring modern aesthetics in picturesque locations like Aspen, Colorado. Chic and captivating foyers draw attention with black and white gallery walls and eye-catching chandeliers. The article also touches upon midcentury retreats with floor-to-ceiling windows, red hot interiors with bold carpeting, neutral gray schemes, and spaces that mix and match materials and finishes for elevated design, concluding with traditional palace designs featuring intricate murals, gold accents, and classic columns. #FoyerDesign #HighCeilings #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #EntrywayIdeas #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #StaircaseDesign #ChandelierLighting

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

Skylights offer a versatile solution for enhancing natural light and creating an illusion of space in homes, particularly in darker rooms or those requiring privacy. Architect Joe Snell of Studio Snell highlights their ability to transform a 'dark stuffy room' into a 'bright airy room that reaches for the heavens.' Despite the aesthetic and practical benefits, installation can be costly, and the addition of a skylight doesn't always guarantee an increase in property value. Therefore, careful consideration of various factors is essential before proceeding with installation. One crucial aspect to consider is the skylight's orientation. As Snell explains, unlike artificial lighting, sunlight cannot be controlled. The direction a skylight faces—whether northern, allowing direct sunlight, or southern, admitting indirect light—significantly impacts the light quality and heat gain within a room. Many skylights are designed to provide general, indirect light to avoid the harshness of direct sun, but sometimes direct illumination is precisely what a space requires. This directional choice directly influences the room's ambiance and thermal performance. Another key factor is the roof type and the distance between the roofline and the ceiling. For homes with conventional gabled roofs and flat ceilings, a plasterboard shaft is typically needed to connect the skylight to the interior space. Snell views this as an opportunity to maximize the sense of light; a small skylight can be combined with a wider shaft to create a dramatic visual effect, reducing cost while making a significant design statement. In contrast, a skillion or nearly flat roof places the skylight very close to the ceiling, resulting in a more direct light presence in the room. Skylights, traditionally used for attics and lofts, are now integrated throughout homes, including entry hallways, living rooms, and bathrooms. However, their necessity varies depending on the home's layout. Snell notes that skylights are particularly valuable in square-shaped floorplans, where they can bring natural light into the often-dark central areas. Conversely, narrow houses with windows on both sides may have less need for skylights, especially if the goal is to avoid harsh direct sunlight. Modern operable skylights, which can be opened for ventilation and feature blinds for sun control, offer practical advantages in Australian homes, contributing significantly to comfort and functionality. The article showcases 12 diverse examples of skylight integration across different home styles. In a 1900s semi-detached house, a strategically placed kitchen skylight compensates for limited natural light due to surrounding buildings. A renovated Federation cottage features a bathroom skylight that emphasizes the texture of wall tiles, while a Mediterranean-meets-coastal home uses a series of skylights in the master suite to ensure privacy without sacrificing light in the walk-in wardrobe. Other examples include a central skylight brightening a corridor in a waterfront home, a glass hallway floor beneath a skylight illuminating kitchen and dining areas in a heritage home, and enormous industrial skylights in a Victorian-era villa that flood an adjoining loggia with light. Modular skylights add visual interest and freshness to a Federation cottage hallway, and skylights punctuate a concrete waffle ceiling in a contemporary kitchen. Further instances include a walk-in wardrobe amply lit by a skylight, a pared-back kitchen with a concealed pantry and study nook illuminated by a modular skylight, and a modernist house where a skylight enhances textured materials. Finally, glass skylights bring abundant light into an open-plan kitchen and living area designed by Georgia Hobart. These examples demonstrate the diverse applications and aesthetic impact of skylights in various residential settings. #SkylightDesigns #NaturalLight #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalLighting #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #Renovating #RoofDesign

Mr. Chow, an entrepreneur in Jinhua City, China’s Zhejiang Province, acquired a spacious 5,381-square-foot four-level home, which, despite its ample balconies and courtyard, suffered from a significant lack of natural light. To address this, he commissioned Liang Architecture Studio for a comprehensive renovation, completed in December 2019. The core of the renovation involved transforming the home’s central space. The design team removed the second and third-level floor slabs in the foyer, creating a dramatic, voluminous atrium that extends from the basement to the roof. This open core now serves as the central focal point of the residence, significantly improving light penetration. Structural beams within this soaring space were deliberately retained to honor the building’s history, while footbridges on the second and third levels connect the two sides of the building, maintaining continuity and flow across the expanded void. To maximize natural light and introduce dynamic visual effects, the entire interior volume was crowned with a perforated aluminum panel situated beneath a glass roof. This innovative addition allows for a captivating interplay of natural light and shadow throughout the day, constantly shifting and animating the interior spaces. Furthermore, new perimeter window openings were strategically added to further enhance light distribution throughout the home. The layout of the home was reconfigured to optimize functionality and foster a more convivial atmosphere for the family. The main floor now accommodates the living spaces and a bedroom, providing a central hub for daily activities. The second floor is dedicated to the children’s bedroom and bath, a secondary living room, and a study, offering private and communal spaces for the younger residents. The third floor features an expansive master suite, an additional study/bedroom suite, and a terrace, providing luxurious and private retreats. The basement was transformed into a recreational area, equipped with a home theater, gym, tearoom, and a sunken courtyard at the base of the new atrium, offering diverse options for relaxation and entertainment. Mr. Chow's primary objective for the remodel was to cultivate a more casual and interactive environment for his family, facilitating both shared moments and individual pursuits. The renovation successfully achieved this goal, with Chow noting that the family now has more opportunities to engage in activities together, such as cooking, watching movies, and enjoying tea. The architectural changes have dramatically improved the home's connection to natural light, transforming it from a dimly lit dwelling to one filled with dynamic, dappled light throughout the day and year. This constant interaction of light and shadow creates an ever-evolving visual experience for the occupants. The successful integration of light and space has profoundly impacted the family's lifestyle, fostering a newfound appreciation for their home and encouraging more time spent together within its revitalized walls. #homeRenovation #architecturalDesign #naturalLight #atrium #perforatedRoof #JinhuaCity #LiangArchitectureStudio #modernHome #interiorDesign

This lookbook showcases ten homes that incorporate decorative and ornate ceilings, featuring elements such as plasterwork mouldings, ceiling roses, cornices, architraves, and coving. These architectural features, often associated with historical periods like Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, draw inspiration from classicism and ancient Greek and Egyptian architecture. Traditionally crafted from plaster and timber, the 20th century saw the introduction of alternative, more durable, and cost-effective materials. The featured homes demonstrate how these traditional elements are integrated into modern residential design, sometimes being restored to their original glory, and other times being reinterpreted with contemporary touches like bold paint colors or innovative material applications. One example is a Stockholm apartment by Note Design Studio, which transformed an office into a vibrant home using pastel hues on its 19th-century mouldings and window frames. Each room is painted in a single color, highlighting the historical features. Another instance is the Historic Schoolhouse in Williamsburg, where White Arrow restored original decorative tin ceiling tiles in a bathroom, an American innovation offering a durable alternative to plasterwork. Färg & Blanche's Bakers House in Sweden, a residence with four generations of family history, boasts extravagantly ornate interiors with intricately detailed furniture and gilded frames complementing decorative ceiling mouldings. The ceiling details are painted in bold colors and incorporate fresco-like paintings. In Lithuania, ŠA Atelier renovated a 19th-century apartment in Vilnius, preserving and restoring original plasterwork mouldings and ceiling roses while maintaining a minimal aesthetic. Jeanne Schultz Design Studio in Barcelona's Passeig de Grácia apartment incorporated and re-energized period features by painting stepped coving in a vibrant green that extends to doors, window frames, and skirting. Freaks, a French studio, renovated a Paris apartment, retaining period mouldings and architectural features while adding modern elements such as fluorescent lighting and freestanding angular volumes. Similarly, Toledano + Architects' Wood Ribbon apartment in Paris features ornate plasterwork that subtly defines spaces, contrasting with contemporary decor. In areas requiring a more modern feel, false polycarbonate ceilings were installed over the original decorative ceilings. Vives St-Laurent, a Canadian interior design studio, renovated a Montreal home, highlighting existing architectural elements including original plaster mouldings. Coving informally zones the dining room from the kitchen, and a ceiling rose anchors a pendant light above the dining table. David Kohn Architects' renovation of a Barcelona apartment focused on revealing and emphasizing large windows, high ceilings, and ornate mouldings, with coffered ceilings stretching across living areas and ceiling roses serving as focal points without light fixtures. Finally, DG Arquitecto's Casa Cas 8 in Valencia, Spain, a 1920s penthouse, celebrates its original features, including mosaic floors, mouldings, and arched doorways, with panel moulding and corbels protruding from the ceilings. These projects collectively illustrate the enduring appeal and versatile application of decorative ceilings and ornate plasterwork in contemporary home design, showcasing how these historical elements can be preserved, restored, or reinterpreted to create unique and visually rich interiors. #DecorativeCeilings #OrnatePlasterwork #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalMouldings #HistoricalInteriors #ResidentialRenovation #CeilingRoses #Cornices