Concept For Living
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Archive for October, 2008
Sunken Treasure
Monday, October 20th, 2008
As you venture further inland in Australia one thing is sure; you will be faced with increasingly difficult living environments. The extreme climate alternates quickly between freezing nightfall and the harsh daytime sun. But this unforgiving environment didn’t deter architect Sean Godsell from building his eco-friendly Glenburn House.
Leaving coastal Melbourne and heading through the Australian hills of the Yarra Ranges, you may be surprised at some of the things you stumble upon. From the vast wineries to the local wildlife, nothing quite creeps up on you like the impact of this humble house.
On the long meandering approach, the Glenburn’s sunken structure may appear as a simple rectangular building, but on arrival it is obviously so much more. ‘The vastness of the site called for a gesture of a scale that was appropriate’, explains Godsell. ‘The building is 50m long and engages in a simple conversation with the hills on the opposite side of the valley.’
The rest of this feature can be read in Spaces issue 28
Not Just For Pandas
Monday, October 20th, 2008
When building on a limited budget in an area of Taiwan where bamboo is particularly cheap and plentiful it is no surprise that architect Stephen Roe’s thoughts soon turned to how to harness this material.
Bamboo is generally shunned as a building material in Taiwan, as it simply isn’t resilient enough for earthquake zones. However, Stephen Roe (who is the co-founder of innovative architectural practice ROEWU) soon hit upon the perfect nonstructural application for the versatile material, using it to create the most striking screen we’ve seen in a long time.
Roe explained: ‘The clients wanted to have the option to open their windows in the evenings, as it gets very hot in Eastern Taiwan, but screens can be unsightly. As we had a limited budget we were keen to explore ways of working with bamboo. We treated it to preserve the green colour and the quality of light and shade you get inside the house because of the shoots is fantastic. It really helps to bring variety to the scheme.’
This feature can be read in Spaces issue 28
Living Little
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Modern architecture sometimes seems to descend straight out of the age-old theory, ‘the bigger, the better’. But there are some notable exceptions out there, such as the Marfa 10×10 Lightbox by architect Candid Rogers, with its uniquely small scale and open form.
When you think of Texas I somehow doubt that the first thing that springs to mind is small-scale design. If stereotypes are anything to go by then Texas is the USA’s capital of the larger than life. From cars to personalities to food, everything grows here. Even nature seems in some way more expansive because of the gigantic Texan ranches.
Architecturally, space is always a key factor in design, so somehow it seems oddly ironic to find a veritably tiny house in Texas where bigger equals better is the credo of the masses. But here we are with an abode that proves that using space cleverly can give the same result as space being used expansively.
‘One central theme was the small scale of the house. The purity of volume and space in cubic form’ says Rogers. ‘The project was scaled so as to minimise the carbon footprint.’
You can read the rest of this article in Spaces issue 28
Beating About the Bush
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Owning a second home is a common contemporary indulgence these days, but there’s something very special about these new weekend retreats in Australia, designed by a world-class architect with an innate sensitivity and a passion for innovation.
Talk about a dream commission. What architect wouldn’t want to get their hands on a residential project set in Australian bushland in New South Wales?
Sydney-based architecture practice Tony Owen NDM landed the enviable brief to design 15 luxury weekend beach homes in Bundeena, part of the Royal National Park, just one hour’s drive south of the state capital.
While they have designed several residences in Sydney in what practice co-founder Tony Owen describes as a ‘green or bushland setting’ this is their first official ‘bushland’ scheme.
You can read the rest of this feature in Spaces issue 28
Rising Above It
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Architects are often faced with the near impossible. It is the real reason that some modern architecture appears to be a vision of the future; when big obstacles are overcome, often something new is created in the process. This was certainly the case with architect David Webber’s latest five-storey project, Hurst Hallow.
To avoid confusion, I should probably clarify that the house is not really five storeys. But it is as tall as if that were the case. In actuality, the two-storey house rests atop 20 foot steel stilts in order to follow strict lakeside flood-plan bylaws and avoid the rising waters that sometimes reach the site.
‘We had gone through five years of drought, but right after this was built we actually had a period of intense rain and flooding’ Webber muses. ‘It was flooded so much that the car park area underneath the house was in four feet of water so she (the client) couldn’t get out. Really the house was tested very quickly. But that was the idea. If there is a flood you are held up in the house for a few days.’
You can read the rest of this article in Spaces issue 28
Great Dane
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Kasper Egelund, co-owner of iconic Danish design company Vipp, is clearly a man who knows what he wants. As soon as he heard that Kim Utzon (one of his favourite architects) would be creating an apartment building in one of his favourite locations he knew at once that this is where he would end up living.
As the grandson of the founder of Vipp it could be argued that design is in Kasper Egelund’s blood. He speaks with an impressive depth of knowledge about Denmark’s fl ourishing design scene, and gets just as excited when talking about architecture. It probably shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that he has eschewed the kind of crash-pad that many 30-somethings with demanding careers settle for, and gone for something altogether more ambitious.
Egelund said: ‘My apartment’s located in an old industrial area of Copenhagen, which is a little like London’s Canary Wharf. When I knew that Kim Utzon, whose father built the Sydney Opera House, would be building in this area it was a very easy decision to live here.’
This feature can be found in Spaces issue 28
Picture Perfect
Monday, October 20th, 2008
‘Art is an expression of life that transcends both time and space. We must explore our own souls through art to give a new form and a new meaning to the nature of the world. There is a certain point in time, where the harmony of light, atmosphere, and spirit collide, a place in the cosmos where the rhythm of nature unfolds in front of the camera. This can only happen once.’
Rolfe Horn
These are the spirited words of Rolfe Horn in reference to his own art form, photography. And given the high esteem in which he holds his chosen medium, it is obvious why he pushes himself to capture such powerful images. But where did it all start for the photographer?
‘I bought my first camera at a garage sale when I was eight years old’, explains Rolfe. ‘I was fascinated with the camera and the photos it would produce. When I was 14, I rediscovered photography. I initially wanted to photograph my friends doing stunts on their skateboards, then after I built a darkroom when I was 15 I really got into black and white and began photographing the landscape as well.’
It is in the field of landscape photography that Rolfe’s portfolio quite literally shines.
The rest of this article can be found in Spaces issue 28
Living Space Architects
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Living Space Architects aim to create contemporary architecture that is appropriate for its site, history and environment. We combine local materials with innovative forms to create a regional architecture strongly connected to its surroundings while responding to modern lifestyles. The results are light, bright, inventive spaces that draw inspiration from the landscape and the client.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)175 266 4888
Suddenly it’s real
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Anyone who can make a living out of selling wooden moustaches and pork chop pillows is a genius in our book! So Ben Floeter and Natalie Wright’s somewhat eccentric approach to business, combined with a dash of Mid-Western glamour, has left us rather impressed.
Ben Floeter and Natalie Wright were born in 1977, 300 miles apart from each other (Ben in Wisconsin and Natalie in Illinois). Ben’s earliest creative outlet was improving his hand-me down toys, giving his broken G.I. Joes and Storm Troopers hand-carved prosthetics, while Natalie’s early artistic inspiration came from drives through the country with her father, who would pull over and explain perspective by having her draw the barns on the flat Illinois landscape.
Ben and Natalie met and fell in love in 1997 while attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. They then embarked upon their travels together, living in a cosy barn in Vermont, a tiny house with bad plumbing and crazy neighbours in Illinois, a tent in California and an enormous flat in Providence, to name but a few.
The rest of this article can be found in Spaces issue 28
Everyday Gourmet
Monday, October 20th, 2008
Meet Lorena Barrezueta, the Brooklyn-based designer who finds beauty in the unlikeliest of places, and turns pre-conceived notions of dining on their head.
Lorena Barrezueta (who is of Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican descent) was born in New York and earned a BFA in Product Design from the celebrated Parsons School of Design in 2003. She dabbled in jewellery and furniture while at university but finally admitted pottery was her real love.
Her rich and culturally diverse background combined with extensive world travelling led her to question etiquette and social norms. ‘While at college and travelling I saw a lot of take-out containers ending up as waste material’, says Barrezueta. ‘I realised how beautiful the form was and wanted to translate that into porcelain and bring a bit of home-cooked meal value back into busy urban lives.’
The rest of this article can be read in Spaces issue 28
Strata Tiles
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Strata Tiles was formed in 2002 by Trevor Horsley, Paul Wallis and Jonathan Wiles. Using over 50 years combined experience and product knowledge they have assembled a cutting edge range of products. As associate members of RIBA and The Tile Association, Strata Tiles ensures a high quality, professional service, committed to raising standads in tile design.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)800 012 1454
email: info@stratatiles.co.uk
Young and Gault LLP
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Innovative and proactive in their approach, Young and Gault take pride in their ability to interpret their clients’ requirements and translate them into efficient, individually designed projects. This has been recognised in a large number of repeat commissions with major clients.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)141 332 2225
email: admin@youngandgault.co.uk
Sun Paradise UK
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Sun Paradise (UK) ltd was established in 2003 and is based on Eel pie Island, Twickenham, West London. We are the UK arm of a world-wide organisation based in Switzerland. Our unique product portfolio has been designed and engineered to rigorous Swiss quality standards, while maintaining a contemporary look and feel.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)870 2407604
email: info@sunparadise.co.uk
Wharfside Danish Furniture
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Wharfside Furniture is a family run company established in 1962. Carrying on the tradition, their furniture is made to the highest standards; the factories we work with in Scandinavia, Holland, Germany and Austria still exercise the same, time-honoured craft skills they used way back then. The result is furniture you can be just as proud to own, made just for you.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7253 3206
web: www.wharfside.co.uk
For store locator click here
Komfort Zone
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Komfort Zone provide a complete, interior soft furnishings service, tailored to suit you. With over a decade of experience producing curtains, blinds, accessories and design, for numerous clients, we can cater for any requirements you may have.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)20 8527 6131
For online shop click here
Aquarium Group
Friday, October 17th, 2008
With more than 25 years experience in the aquatic industry, Aquarium Group are proud of their reputation for excellence in both product quality and customer service. As a leading supplier of bespoke aquaria we work closely with architects and interior designers to produce unique installations for both domestic and commercial environments.
Contact details:
Tel: 44 (0)1732 760991
email: goldfish@aquariumgroup.co.uk
Modenza
Friday, October 17th, 2008
Modenza are the premier UK on-line store for unique designer lighting and Italian furniture. Their contemporary lighting and furniture collection is continually evolving and expanding as we strive to bring you the finest designs from the worlds most renowned designers & Italian manufacturers.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)845 630 1214
web: www.modenza.co.uk
email: info@modenza.co.uk
Michael Wright Furniture
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Michael Wright has been designing and supplying kitchens, bedroom furniture, bathroom furniture, study and den furniture – as well as individual pieces of unique composition for 25 years. Michael’s experience and expertise in design and manufacture will ensure that your project is delivered on time and on budget.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)845 050 6539
Simon Green
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
At Simon Green, we have been supplying high quality furnishings for nearly 30 years. We can source a huge amount of contemporary furniture, as well as rugs, lighting, curtains, blinds and accessories. Let us help you to express yourself by guiding you through the best of British and European furnishings to make the most of your living space.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0)161 834 8903
Worlds End Tiles
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Worlds End Tiles has over 30 years of experience in supplying tiles that continue to push the boundaries of innovation and style. Showcasing inspirational surfaces for professional and private clients, our design driven company highlights current trends and regular updates of new collections.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 20 7819 2100
For store locator click here
Apropos
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Apropos Tectonic conservatories and structures present the ultimate in glass design for the creation or extension of modern buildings and homes. Flowing streams of light bring a new dimension to previously dark, featureless areas, bringing new life to your working or living space.
Contact details:
Tel: 0845 434 8901
web: www.apropos-tectonic.co.uk
To contact Apropos click here
Alessi
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Founded in the 20s, in a region historically devoted to the household goods production, since the 50s Alessi specialises itself in stainless steel manufacturing. Exporting to over 60 countries and count over 5000 points of sale Alessi continues to produce products marked by a high degree of innovation and experimentation.
Contact details:
web: www.alessi.com
To contact Alessi click here
For store locator click here
Surface Tiles
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Surface are London’s most talked-about tile showrooms for the interior professional and private client. More than just a tile shop our stunning showrooms are of panoramic proportions with designer lifestyle roomsets and hundreds of displays carefully presenting the most innovative and beautiful surfaces available in the UK.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 20 7354 7000
web: www.surfacetiles.com
email: (London) islington@surfacetiles.com, (Surrey) molesey@surfacetiles.com
For store locator click here
Missoni
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
A complete project for furnishing the home… Missoni offer a huge range of elements, from fabrics to furnishings. From the connecting thread of fabrics and their endless variations unfold these beautiful products for furnishing the inside and outside of the home from the living room to the lounge room, from the bedroom and bathroom to rooms overlooking gardens and terraces.
Contact details:
web: www.missoni.com
email (London): me@mirabel-edgedale.ltd.uk
For store locator click here
Hansgrohe
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
As one of the leading international manufacturers of bathroom products, Hansgrohe stands for innovation, design and showering pleasure at the highest level. Countless technological innovations and more than 150 design awards have helped make the Hansgrohe Group a pioneering force within the industry.
Contact details:
Tel: 01372 465 655
web: www.hansgrohe.com
To contact Hansgrohe click here
Architectural Classics
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Architectural Classics specialize in classic door knobs and door handles, as well as door knockers, window accessories – and any other striking pieces we find and would love to pass on to you. We stock true originals, as well as reproductions for those on a budget or looking for something very specific. And as our customer, you are always right!
Contact details:
Tel: +44 20 8144 1377
Le Corbusier
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008
Le Corbusier – The Art of Architecture
2 October 2008 – 18 January 2009
‘Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.’ Le Corbusier
An exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum in co-operation with the RIBA Trust and the Netherlands Architecture Institute, taking place in the Crypt of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Undoubtedly the single most influential architect of the 20th century, Le Corbusier was also the most controversial. Across the world, his revolutionary designs were instrumental in the development of modern architecture, forever changing the environment in which we live.
The exhibition will feature unique drawings, models, paintings, furniture, photographs and films. Le Corbusier – The Art of Architecture takes an in depth look at the projects, interiors and art of Le Corbusier and reveals the man behind the myth.
Visiting information can be found on the RIBA website or by calling:
0151 709 9222 Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm
Spaces Christmas Offer
Monday, October 13th, 2008
Treat yourself or someone special this Christmas, and save up to 50% on your favourite subscription.
Don’t miss out on the new fantastic Christmas subscriptions offer for Spaces magazine.
Subscribe now and save 50% and receive 12 issues of Spaces for only £21.00 including free delivery within the UK.
To subscribe online simply click here
Or call the subscriptions hotline on: 01244 660044 (ext 224)
Vitra
Monday, October 13th, 2008
Vitra has manufactured furniture designs by Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson since 1957. Building on this foundation over the years, the company has developed a wide range of furnishings for the office, for the home and for public spaces in collaboration with progressive designers.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 20 7608 6200
web: www.vitra.com
For store locator click here
Ego
Monday, October 13th, 2008
EGO Paris is a brand that reflects human beings in their diversity, and even more, their extraordinary freedom to express this diversity. EGO Paris designs and crafts top of the line outdoor furniture in aluminium and offers a range of finishes without peer, so everyone can make theirs unique and exclusive, by embracing the company spirit of “my furniture”.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 01279 816001
email: sales@leisureplan.co.uk
Dedon
Monday, October 13th, 2008
As manufacturers of exclusive outdoor furniture, DEDON is one of the world’s leading providers in the industry, and the company has received numerous international design awards. Every piece of furniture embodies the combination of modern technology and century-old craftsmanship.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 01279 816 001
web: www.dedon.de
email (German headquarters): office@dedon.de
For store locator click here
bulthaup
Monday, October 13th, 2008
bulthaup creates and designs holistic solutions for the kitchen living space. Geared towards the needs of a changing society and architecture, bulthaup regularly brings about advances in the evolution of the kitchen. bulthaup products are characterized by their timelessness, functionality and sensuality.
Contact details:
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 50 90 07
web: www.bulthaup.com
email (Cheshire showroom): architecture@bulthaup-wilmslow.co.uk
Foe store locator click here
Capturing the Light
Monday, October 13th, 2008
The partnership between architecture and new media is fast being recognised as a powerful force in the design world and at the forefront, pushing this new collaboration of mediums ahead, you will find architecture firm Simone Giostra & Partners.
The New York-based designer’s latest built project, the Xicui Entertainment Centre in Beijing, China, is the culmination of the last 12 years of practice spent investigating just what is possible when you push the boundaries of new media and architecture. Happily, it transpires that the answer is something quite spectacular.
Also known as GreenPix, this media curtain wall is a completely self-sufficient design project. Even though it appears as a gargantuan light display when darkness falls, it uses photovoltaic technologies in order to generate and store energy during the light of day. This energy is then employed in an ever-changing art display of low-resolution LEDs.
The rest of this article can be found in Spaces issue 28
