FU House by Kubota Architect Atelier

FU House, Shunan, Japan, by Kubota Architect Atelier
Photography by Kenji Masunaga

Cabanne by Bestetti Associati for Paola Lenti

Cabanne is a system of architectural structures that originates from the desire of the Company to integrate harmoniously with nature. The modules Quadro, Veranda and Tunnel, which make up this collection, create large covered areas, which provide shelter and intimacy, where it is pleasant to meet, talk and rest. Through colour, the Company blends the exterior environment with architectural structures, seating, rugs and accessories in its collections. The structure of Cabanne is made of steel; it can be completed with aluminium, fabric or wooden tops, fixed or moving side panels made of wood, fabric or glass or with curtains. The exclusive fabrics are an essential part of the product: they protect from sunlight and heat, making Cabanne distinct and unique. Designed by Bestetti Associati, Cabanne is the first element of Landscapes, a collection that has developed over the years to become today a comprehensive system of architectural structures for the exteriors responding to the most diverse requirements.

Cabanne, by Bestetti Associati, for Paola Lenti

CASWES by TOOP architectuur

North of the West-Flemish village of Westouter one can find a plot in an open and rural landscape, heavily influenced by the typical agricultural activities in the area. The setting has had a great impact on the design of this single family house, which is solemnly surrounded by a few farms and a group of trees here and there.

The atypical shape of the parcel, together with the not so ideal orientation of the plot have been transformed into remarkable assets for the project. The single-story volume of the building is a consequence of the lack of surrounding buildings. This choice of design has limited the appearance in the surroundings greatly. The cut-off parallel to the border of the plot was used to enhance the synergy between building and nature and made sure the inhabitants have the best possible view on nature at every possible angle.

The living areas are situated at the north of the house. This is also the side were the connection with the surroundings is at its maximum. An intimate inner garden creates a private area for the inhabitants and is a gateway for natural light. This patio is the heart of the house, where life is directed by the ever-changing seasons.

CASWES, by TOOP architectuur
Photography by Tim van de Velde

Basset by Iskos-Berlin

Basset’s sculptural language is simple and clear. There are just two elements – a horizontal “pillow” for a seat and a vertical “duvet” at the back that wraps around the seat, embracing it from the sides. Upholstery details – marked piping is used to accentuate its shape in a natural way, giving it an easily recognizable design “signature”. Basset doesn’t demand much space and fits easily into smaller rooms.
Basset is constructed and produced following the finest traditions of craftsmanship for this type of furniture.

Basset, by Iskos-Berlin

LB House by Shachar- Rozenfeld architects

The house is built on a narrow trapezoid lot, bordering a small green public park with ancient Eucalyptus trees. The clients wanted the park to be seen as a continuation of their own private garden – The house was designed in an “L” shape to wrap around the swimming pool, facing the public park. The longer side of the house (28 meters) contains the living room, the dining area and the kitchen, while the shorter side contains the bedroom. The connection between the two sides is a double space containing the lobby. Vitrines are installed throughout the inner side of the house, enabling a direct connection with the outdoors. Additionally, to provide maximal openness, the vitrines are disconnected from the columns. Glass corners in the living room and bedrooms are free of any constructive elements to allow full access to the garden.

To soften the overall look of the large building so that it feels as if it’s a part of the neighborhood, the house was designed as two separate masses, one on top of the other, with the first floor being shorter than the ground floor, creating a kind of ridge. On this floor are four children’s suits with rooftop balconies. Two suits on each side of the house are connected with a bridge. The bridge goes across the double space of the lobby overlooking the entrance on one side and the swimming pool on the other. The basement has two additional children’s suits facing the well-lit English courtyard and the home theater.

Careful attention was given to the climate and choice of materials. The northern (back) facade is open and coated in Cedar wood, while the southern (front) facade is more enclosed, with electrical vertical louvers that allow for better climate control, with the option to close or open it as they see fit.

LB House, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel, by Shachar- Rozenfeld architects
Photography by Shai Epstein

Maison H2 by Vincent Coste

Maison H2, South Corsica, by Vincent Coste
Photography by Florent Joliot

Paris-Memphis & Off the Moon by Maison Dada

Maison Dada, was created in Shanghai by Thomas Dariel and Delphine Moreau. Maison Dada creates objects that are gently crazy, defying certainty, taste and gravity. The style is poetic, bold, playful, daring and based on the belief that everybody deserve inspiring and meaningful design.

Paris-Memphis, and Off the Moon Collection, by Maison Dada

Apartment MM by Bruzkus Batek Architekten

This Moscow-based couple’s second home is located on the ground floor of a classical villa in the Grunewald district of Berlin. Pared-down to the main elements, the new design for this apartment reveals clear gallery-style rooms, whose character is accentuated by a minimalistic lighting concept from .PSLAB. A pale grey concrete floor is combined with soaped ash and nero marquina marble in the kitchen island and the bathroom, as well as for the long bench in the living room. Between the kitchen and the entrance hall stands a “box” containing wardrobes, kitchen cupboards and a mirrored cloakroom. The clarity of the design is underlined by hiding all ironmongery from sight and by avoiding the use of door handles. Even the fridge door opens simply via gentle pressure – and with the help of an integrated motor. A separating wall divides the kitchen from the dining and living zone with its large dining table and marble-clad fireplace. Sleeping and bathroom zones flow one into the other – the bath is freestanding and the level-access shower is simply bounded by a chrome-framed glass wall.

Apartment MM, Berlin, Germany, by Designer, for Bruzkus Batek Architekten

Purified Residence by Wei Yi International Design Associates

Purified Residence, Nanjing, China, by Wei Yi International Design Associates

In and Between Boxes by LUKSTUDIO

Located in a residential neighborhood next to the Tianhe district in central Guangzhou, Atelier Peter Fong by Lukstudio revives an empty corner lot into both an office and a cafe. Through a series of clean white volumes, the design purifies the existing chaotic site to create a calm yet inviting atmosphere.

From the outside, a floating aluminum canopy connects the volumes together, while delineating between the old and the new. Three boxes stick out from the interior, composing a coherent façade while enabling areas in-between like urban alleys that draw people in from the street. Each box contains a distinct program; café, brainstorming area, meeting room and a break-out lounge. In contrast to the pristine forms, the voids are painted gray and left with the original structural ceiling.

Following a process of meticulous spatial carving, openings and niches are shaped within the volumes. Large cut-outs connect the café to the exterior and frame the surrounding greenery. On the inside, white ceiling pockets and wooden niches create a sense of intimacy. The office entry is also carved at its edge to feature a peaceful Zen garden, which becomes a focal point and visually connects the different parts of the office together.

The selection of materials further enhances the pure definition of the spaces. Smooth surfaces such as white walls and terrazzo flooring dominate the main space, serving as a canvas to capture light and shadow. The brainstorming box is lined with polycarbonate panels that form a subtle visual connection between the café and the workplace. Intimate areas are characterized by organic elements; such as continuous timber panels in the brainstorming zone and remnants of an existing brick wall in the lounge.

Combining artisanal café culture with a collaborative co-working space, Atelier Peter Fong adapts a contemporary social model to a local Chinese neighborhood. The complete transformation of a forgotten site into a destination demonstrates how architectural interventions can activate the streetscape and enhance nearby communities.

In and Between Boxes, Guangzhou, China, by LUKSTUDIO