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 →

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 →

BICOM Communications has a new home in Montreal, Canada. Jean de Lessard, the creative designer tapped to take on this monumental office renovation was certainly up for the job. The design scope of this project consists of a series of small houses positioned around several public spaces. The construction materials used for the houses are rigid in style but can be easily modified to allow for expansion within this growing company. Continue reading →

In the lush valley of an Austrian ski resort in Hinterglemm, a contemporary hotel exudes the warmth of a time worn chalet. Designed by GOGL Architekten, this boutique hotel of just over 5,000 sq.m. offers 17 suites in a five story traditional gable roofed building and 7 garden suites. Continue reading →

Here’s a perfect example of how to breathe new life in to a space that’s been masked with modifications over time. This pool house in Toronto lost its mid-century modern flair and has been reborn with playful style by +Tongtong Inc. Making the building multi-purpose benefits everyone from the owners to their short and long-term guests. Continue reading →