It’s amazing how much life you can breathe in to 41 sq.m. A former garage in Bordeaux, France, reinforces the fact that one can live very comfortably in compact sizes. Of course that quality of life depends on thoughtful design. Just wait and see what the architect, Matthieu de Marien, envisioned and created in this amazing project. Continue reading →

In a historic district of Vancouver, two apartments were spliced together to create a home to accommodate a growing family. By purchasing the adjacent apartment, the couple expanded their living area and also purchased restrictions in regard to plumbing, mechanical, and window locations. Once again, challenges create amazing opportunities, just like in this beautiful project by Splyce Design. Continue reading →

I had the pleasure of visiting Amsterdam several years ago. Not only is it a charming city, it is also a bustling metropolis and a great place to visit. This elegant hotel is located on the Herengracht canal, which is considered to be the most important canal in the city. In the 17th century, the upper classes and richest merchants built their homes on this canal. Continue reading →

The famous Bondi Beach is an icon of Sydney, Australia, and this beach front Art Deco penthouse has a heritage pedigree of its own. The clients requested MCK Architects an update to make the walk-up flat a weekend getaway for relaxation. A key component was to maximize the opportunities on the north facing roof top terrace. Continue reading →

In the Elwood suburb of Melbourne, an Edwardian cottage is a two-faced modern home. After a modern extension and renovation, by Robson Rak Architects and Made by Cohen, the quaint front facade belies every element inside. The two-level addition, half the width of the original house, is clad in vertical metal siding. And the transformation doesn’t stop there. Continue reading →

Behind an unassuming exterior door lies a breathtaking rooftop terrace designed by Martine Brisson. Ms. Brisson was the recipient of the 2012 Grand Prix Du Design 2012 in the “terrace” category. A successful space, says Brisson, “is one that evolves, one that the people who live in it can appropriate and change to make their life easier.” Her successful design implementation of this space is truly an achievement in bringing this philosophy to life. Each zone or space quietly intersects with one another, creating a flow that is unmistakably well thought out. Continue reading →

From her Montreal office and studio, award winning Pascale Girardin has designed these breathtaking suspended sculptures for the Four Seasons Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai and the Printemps Haussmann Hotel in Paris, France. Pascale’s background comes from designing high architectural ceramic pieces for the luxury hospitality industry around the world. She has recently expanded her operation into creating these large-scale suspended flower sculptures. Continue reading →

Designed by Czech Republic-based Freedomky, this small prefabricated home for one is a delight on so many levels. Compact in size, just 22 sq.m., Model S is a real charmer in style and efficiency. A pair of glass sliders center over the remarkably spacious feeling open kitchen, living, dining area. I’m certain it’s the day light and the cohesive materials, namely wood with a subtle shine, which make it so. The lack of ornate details also expands the space. Continue reading →

The space expanding trick of using continuous materials is taken to new levels in this home. Designed by Nederland-based Onix, the entire structure, outside and in, is wrapped in wood. Inside the building material palette is pure plywood with a concrete kitchen counter. And new heights are achieved by a total of 10 levels that spiral up and around the house. Of course the top floor includes a roof terrace! Continue reading →

Many of us have lived in small, fractional apartments that haven’t been designed with the best of intentions. Such was the case for this family in Moscow, Russia. The inventive team at Int2architecture took on the task of redesigning this diminutive apartment with the intent to create vital additional space by thinking outside the box, literally… Continue reading →