Fruit market in Japan

I feel that wood is the most diverse material, and due to its beautiful texture and different form, if used properly it can produce stunning designs. As in Japan, architect Kengo Kuma designed a 15 room hotel with an attached fruit market in the town of Yusuhara.

I am intrigued by the minimalist use of traditional methods. As the space plays with an ancient traditional side as well as a modern touch at the same time. The unique thatched facade plays tribute to the town's ancient tradition of proving travelers who tool the main arterial Yusuhara route rest spaces called 'Chad Do' that also functioned as venues for cultural exchange and interaction.

Skylight House

During my first year we had to design a house in Woodstock, however the plot was narrow and due to the space needed ,i had to come up with a clever way to get natural light in so i decided to place a

 functioning court yard between the private and social space. As a precedent study i used this Sydney home, which had very similar concept to what was needed in the Sydney plot.

This was a very good precedent study due to the fact that the Victorian facade had to be restored and kept intact due to it being part of a conservation streetscape. In my project brief we had to design a Victorian facade as Woodstock is part of the conservation developments in Cape Town.

Architects from Chenchow little designed and furnished this classic little home. With a white facade, it hides the minimalist dwelling that creeps in inside the structure. The homes consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, with the living room upstairs. The living areas gaining natural sunlight due to a series of south facing skylights. 

Taking a look at my culture

Due to Eid being yesterday, i thought it would be nice to look at all the interesting architecture involve with the Muslim culture. As the architecture of the middle east plays a big part of architectural history. As it is recognized by its elegant curved arches and spiraling columns. The interior is normally decorated in colourful stained-glass windows, geometric decorations and painstakingly details mosaics.

here are some pics of the stunning interiors of these mosques and other structures:

                                                          

  I find the middle eastern architecture so mysterious and elegant yet holds so much beauty in the designs!

As you know I like to blog about very modern architecture as I am a young 22 year old, that likes the clean cuts of the minimalist design. I came across a house in Houston Texas,that kept the tradition of the middle eastern designs and mixed it with a contemporary flavour. Making sure to keep in touch with their traditions, the owners of the stunning adobe added Indian touches to their lakeside house t make it feel like a little taste of India. 

The lakeshore Residence was designed by Miro Rivera Achritects and subtly channels the owner's origins combined with streamline modern aesthetics. " we accommodated the extended visits of their family while incorporating elements of the rich traditions of their homeland" says the design team. The home, uses a lot of white stone, glass, copper and wood and features Indian architectural elements such as stone domes, temple towers, the puja (prayer room) and vast outdoor spaces that are reminiscent of Gujarat homes,where the owners of the house is originally from

   

Hotel Indigo, Hong Kong Island

Hotel Indigo opened their hotel in Hong Kong which took five years to complete. The hotel is set over 29 floors, with 138 individually styled rooms. what intrigued me more about the building was the bronze fins that wrap around the building.  These fins shows a gold dragon, functioning as an 'eco-screen' to counteract hots spots and solar gain!! The roof top has a Skybar and an infinity glass bottom pool, from which can be seen the Wan Chai neighbourhood bellow. The Hotel was designed by architects at Ardas International and their clever design allows the hotel to utilize theshading effects of the neighbouring buildings. Creating a pattern of sun and shade, with the resulting pattern creating a distinct sweep around the building, which the architects express through the application of burnished bronze solar fins. The result is the image of a dragon folded around the exterior of the building, rooting the building into the culture of Asia!

Whilst visiting Hong Kong two years ago, i was already fascinated by the architecture in the country as it is placed on an island there isn't enough space to build expect vertically. With having some of the tallest structures in the world situated in the country, their designs for these building are amazing as well. 

Bank Of China 

One of my favorite buildings was the Bank of China at a height of 367.4m  and the Nina towers which lights up every night 

Nina Tower

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The Ettley residence is a study in solid-void relationships. The Aluminium and wood "umbrella" over the blue glass, which appears to be blocks of frozen blue Pacific ocean. juxtapose against the solid wood boxes giving an appearance of a modern seaside sculpture. Situated just a few blocks from the ocean, the up-sloping lots achieves commanding views of the water while providing a Cityscape foreground.

The master suite is located at the mid level front has a glass floor sitting area, which overlooks a reflecting pond and garden below. This patio is located off the theater/family room. There is a vertical garden surrounded by wood slats that grow up through the building providing needed privacy to the master and to the main living spaces at the top level. This vertical garden gives a zen like feeling completing the richness in the selected materials utilized in the designing of this home. The glass and wood combination gives a minimalist feel to the house making it look clean and elegant.
There are three bedroom suites, with a walk in closet and the main bedroom has a balcony. The rooms are all situated on the first floor, on the basement floor  you have the guest room, gym and living room area.

Limantos Residence - Sao Paulo, Brazil

Not like its not every ones dream to already live in Brazil, or maybe just mine, but after seeing this house I know its meant to be!! Amazed how beautiful the design of the house is. This one family residence of 820sq ft is built on three levels on a 780sq plot in the upscale neighbourhood of Cidade Jardim (Garden City) Westzone of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This clean,classic lines contribute to the harmony between nature and indoors, the understated elegance of less is more. The house represents the perfect way to use an open plan design, with the interaction of private and social space.

The house consists of 13 rooms: Living, dining, kitchen, mezzanine, kids playroom, three bedrooms suites, powder room two staff suites, laundry room and garage. The family used architect Fernanda Marques to create this beautiful home, both the interior and architecture was created by Marques.Keeping the consideration of the functions needed by the family, such as allowing them to be active and also entertaining.