Oct 2, 2011 | Architecture, blog, Interiors
The Club Hotel in Singapore is a 22-room luxury boutique hotel where its design is based on patterns in black and white. There are no other colors, yet a fascinating way of use of different shapes, oversized sculptures, and a magnificent balance within every space.
Looking at the photos you can sense the purity, the beautiful designs with no reliance on color whatsoever, a blend of contemporary minimalism with antique elements to give it life.
You can check more details on the hotel’s website.
Via The Persuitist
Sep 27, 2011 | Architecture, Interiors
Known as “The Good House”, this minimal residence is located in Sandringham, Victoria, Australia designed by by Crone Partners. If I were to choose between an oversized residence and this one, I would definitely go for this simple yet architecturally powerful house. I for one appreciate the art of overlapping volumes, minimal use of materials and colors, and a lot of sunshine.
“Each “box” represents a distinct portion of the overall program. A sleeping / study zone, a living zone, a garage / workshop, and cantilevered above all of this, a parents retreat, complete with its own living area and secluded outdoor terrace.” Perfect….
Daily Icon
Sep 15, 2011 | Architecture, blog
Designing this house had to be a very tough task. As simple and minimal as everything looks, the idea of incorporating the exterior into the interior this smoothly requires a good eye and talent. The owner wanted the entire 335 sq.m to overlook the sea, after all who wouldn’t want to take full advantage of this breathtaking view . This house is occupied by a single person who regularly has guests over, thus you can feel there are areas more public than others, yet all open and embracing the beautiful nature surrounding it. This house is located in Camp Bay, Cape Town, Africa and designed by Luis Mira Architects.
The architect used neutral materials that allowed a contrast to the very rich landscape surrounding it, thus allowing the exterior to be easily invited into the interior. Such simplicity is a perfect example of how minimal design could be so luxurious when addressed properly. Enjoy the photos below.
Sep 6, 2011 | Architecture, blog
Last March, Foster + Partners were awarded the design of the new Kuwait International Airport. An event everyone travelling through the current airport was desperately awaiting. Architecture of Kuwait, a website dedicated to all architectural projects and news in Kuwait, shared these beautiful photos on their blog. I can say I am impressed , the photos speak for themselves. For more details and info check AOK .
Project Name New Kuwait International Airport
Client Ministry of Public Works
Designer Foster+Partners
Local Consultant Dar Gulf Consults
Status Approved- Design development
Source: AOK
Update details from Foster + Partners: (October 3, 2011)
“Kuwait International Airport is planned to significantly increase capacity and establish a new regional air hub in the Gulf – the project’s strategic aims will be matched by a state-of-the-art terminal building, which will provide the highest levels of comfort for passengers and will set a new environmental benchmark for airport buildings. Its design is rooted in a sense of place, responsive to the climate of one of the hottest inhabited environments on earth and inspired by local forms and materials.
The terminal has a trefoil plan, comprising three symmetrical wings of departure gates. Each façade spans 1.2 kilometres and all extend from a dramatic 25-metre-high central space. The terminal balances the enclosure of this vast area with a design that is highly legible at a human scale – for simplicity and ease of use there are few level changes.
To further aid orientation, the building is planned under a single roof canopy, punctuated by glazed openings that filter daylight, while deflecting direct solar radiation. The Industrial canopy designs provide shade to a generous entrance plaza and is supported by tapering concrete columns – their fluid, organic forms draw inspiration from the contrast between the solidity of the stone and the shape and movement of Kuwait’s traditional dhow sailing boats.
The project targets LEED ‘gold’ – it aims to be the first passenger terminal in the world to attain this level of environmental accreditation. The concrete structure provides thermal mass and the roof incorporates a large expanse of photovoltaic panels to harvest solar energy.
Foster + Partners has designed a flexible masterplan for the site, with the terminal strategically located to anticipate and enable future expansion. The airport will initially accommodate 13 million passengers per year, with the flexibility to increase to 25 million passengers and to accommodate 50 million passengers with further development.
Mouzhan Majidi, Chief Executive of Foster + Partners, commented:
“The scale of the airport shows Kuwait’s great foresight in recognising the benefits of strategic investment in future infrastructure. The environmental ambitions driving the project are equally impressive. We are pleased to have this opportunity to reveal our designs. The emblematic three-winged form will be as memorable from the air as from the ground – a new symbol of contemporary Kuwait, which resonates with its rich culture and history.”
Nikolai Malsch, a partner at Foster + Partners, said:
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Public Works and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Kuwait on the planning and design of the new airport. We have established an excellent working relationship with our client – we have a shared goal to create a terminal that is an exemplar of sustainable design and will establish Kuwait as the region’s leading air hub.”
Notes to editors:
• The layout of the apron is generated by aviation forecasts and is highly adaptable, with 35 flexible contact stands in its first phase.
• Drawing on the region’s culture of hospitality and welcoming guests to Kuwait, the design establishes an elegant and memorable arrival sequence for passengers, which includes a baggage reclaim area surrounded by cooling cascades of water.
• The design also features a grand new landside access sequence from the south – close to the building, the landscaping is a lush oasis, with strands of drier planting and species native to the desert climate extending further away from the terminal.
• Inside, the different functions are arranged over three floors: departures, arrivals and baggage areas.”
Foster + Partners
Aug 24, 2011 | Architecture, blog
This breathtaking feature is a residence for a Senegalese family. It’s located on a cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and was designed and completed during this year. The architects are Saota – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects and the interior design by ANTONI ASSOCIATES.
Villa Dakar Sow is a very prominent architectural structure which incorporates historical elements, a beautiful open plan, amazing view, and a sculptural staircase. The majority of the furniture, as with most luxury modern houses, is by Minotti.
‘Whilst the cliffside site presented an extraordinary opportunity for a house on the edge of Dakar’s CBD, the slowly eroding nature of the cliff face required a very carefully considered structural solution.’ says Greg Truen, Project Partner, ‘resulting in a building design that seemed to float off the cliff’s edge’.
The Kitchen is an open kitchen with a separate traditional kitchen as well as the garage. From the Entrance one moves past the sculptural circular stair to the Entertainment Room and the double volume Family Lounge which connects up with a floating stair to the upper level Pajama Lounge. The Main and the two children’s bedrooms are placed on this upper level.
The Main Bedroom Suite opens up onto a large terrace which is the roof of the more formal living wing of the house and the element which projects over to the ocean. The Main Bathroom opens into a private garden and outdoor shower situated over the garages.
One of the features of the house is the Contemporary Metal Spiral Stairs. To add to the sense of continuity between the levels the 20mm in diameter stainless steel rods run from the first floor handrail to the lower ground floor, thus making the stairwell look like a sculptural steel cylinder. A skylight above the stairwell as well as floor to ceiling glazing in the lounges adds to the sense of transparency.
“Throughout the villa, modern works of art, many of which are from the client’s private collection, sit comfortably within this luxury residence, creating an intention that is decidedly sleek and contemporary” says Mark Rielly of ANTONI ASSOCIATES.
Source: Saota Blog
