Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

Link to Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Newsletter

Modern and Organic Sponge Outdoor Lamp

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 07:14 AM PDT

Sponge Outdoor Lamp Modern and Organic Sponge Outdoor Lamp

Looking for a fascinating outdoor lighting system to adorn your patio, perfect lawn or any other part of your landscaped garden? Well, today’s inspiration is an outdoor lamp named Sponge and designed by Miguel Angel García Belmonte. Here are a few words from the designer that will explain the inspiration and concept that led to the creation of Sponge: “There is a new light. No dazzles. No marks. Not even corpuscles or lumens. It is a warm and porous light, coming from the hand made pottery piece skin. Sponge consists on a clay sphere where the light slips through, thus becomes more than a lamp, as an unusual clay piece with an unique design that achieves a very particular look along its uneven surface.” I don’t know how it is supposed to be cleaned, but it sure is a wonderful thing to look at.

Sponge Outdoor Lamp 2 Modern and Organic Sponge Outdoor Lamp

Sponge Outdoor Lamp 3 Modern and Organic Sponge Outdoor Lamp

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Sponge Outdoor Lamp 6 Modern and Organic Sponge Outdoor Lamp

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Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 06:15 AM PDT

Malibu Residence 6 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

This massive, spectacular residence was designed by Fernanda Marques Arquitetos Associados and is located in Malibu, California, USA. Malibu Residence displays a modern design, spiced up with vivid colors and adapted to the overall layout. Here is a short statement from the architects: “In line with the project we chose large pieces, in proportion with the size of the spaces, with straight lines, extremely contemporary and technological. We chose especially Italian designs. Leather, velvet metal and glass prevail in the rooms. Pieces acquired in auctions in New York stand out, such as the Campana Brothers' chair and the curvy stainless steel sofa by Ron Arad“. The most striking element of the residence is a generous indoor pool. Its design and installation was a true challenge for the project development team, as numerous structural studies were required. An organic-shaped external staircase connects the terrace to the master suite and was also a provocative element in the process of planing. Be sure to have a look at the architects’ sketch at the end of the post for a general understanding of the project and tell us if it makes an impression.

Malibu Residence 0324 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 093 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 032 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 22 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 11 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 10 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 9 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 7 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 8 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 5 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 1 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence  Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 17 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 12 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 18 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 16 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 14 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 2 22 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 24 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 2222 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 13 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 26 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 19 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 25 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

Malibu Residence 23 Massive Malibu Residence With Striking Indoor Glass Pool

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Logically Constructed Eixample Neighborhood in Spain

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:08 AM PDT

Eixample Logically Constructed Eixample Neighborhood in Spain

Innovative, carefully planned and logical – three features of the Eixample district of Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain. Exposing a thoughtful and cleverly designed grid pattern crossed by wide avenues that allow the modern growth of the area, the neighborhood displays a striking view from the air. Designed by visionary Catalan urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, the district links the oldest neighborhood – Ciutat Vella – with what were once surrounding small towns like Sants, Gràcia or Sant Andreu. Long straight streets shape octagonal and triangular blocks, defining the neighborhood with bold forward thinking. Taking into account details like traffic, transport, sunlight and ventilation, Ildefons Cerdà created a fascinating neighborhood.

Eixample 2 Logically Constructed Eixample Neighborhood in Spain

Eixample’s construction in the 19th and early 20th centuries meant the reinvention of city dwelling – many markets, schools and hospitals needed by the population are still there today. We were reminded about how wonderful it is to admire an intelligently designed urban space – be it large or small – when reading about Eixample on All That Is Interesting. We would love to know your opinion about this district and maybe let us know about other project similar to this one in the comments section below.

Eixample 3 Logically Constructed Eixample Neighborhood in Spain

Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:02 AM PDT

Amirite Collection Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

The Amirite Collection was designed by Jacob Nitz for Dutch company Associated. By combining two opposite materials – steel and wood – the designer constructed a futuristic-looking collection that displays a carefully studied collection of design lines. This furniture series can be the solution for your home if you are looking for a modern and simple yet effective way of furnishing your interiors. Made of a single piece of laser-cut-steel, each piece has its own purpose, but together they compose a unified furniture collection prepared to be admired. Each bent structure sits on metal or wood crafted legs, creating an interesting concept. The whole collection can be customized in color and finishes as you desire, so you will have the perfect version for your home. “The Amirite collection allows for a truly personalized solution to fit a variety of environments, both interior and exterior. This is achieved by allowing the consumer to combine different types of wood legs, painted steel or natural oak, with a multitude of colored bodies.

Amirite Collection 2 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 3 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 4 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 5 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 6 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 7 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Amirite Collection 8 Wood and Steel Modern Furniture Pieces: Amirite Collection

Scandinavian Two-Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 02:03 AM PDT

scandinavian apartment 12 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

Welcome to a home that inspires harmony and relaxation. This crib is composed of two rooms plus kitchen and its layout is clever and inspiring. With old times still echoing between the rooms of this lovely Scandinavian building, modern style combines with traditional details in a fascinating way. Through the courtyard and up the staircase, you reach the apartment’s entrance. The hallway has plenty of room for six closets and is connected to the kitchen and living room. Old wooden floors feel soft against bare feet. Bright and generous, the living room is the core of the apartment and hosts a reading corner, a large sofa, a dining table for four. A peaceful bedroom with large windows overlooking the quiet courtyard is up next. This is large enough for a double bed, wardrobe and a workplace. Along one wall, there are several large cupboards that provide plenty of storage. The walls are painted in a broken white color and the wooden floors do a great job complementing the room.

scandinavian apartment 13 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 22 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 2 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 1 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

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scandinavian apartment 20 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 3 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 4 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 6 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 7 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 16 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 17 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 18 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 8 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 15 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 14 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 5 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 9 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

scandinavian apartment 10 Scandinavian Two Room Apartment With a Very Friendly Design

Solidifying A Home’s Connection to Nature: House S

Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:18 AM PDT

House S 01 750x562 Solidifying A Home's Connection to Nature: House S

House S was designed by studio Grosfeld van der Velde Architecten and is located in Breda, a city in the southern part of the Netherlands. According to the architects, “the living area is raised above the surrounding land, so that the view on the natural environment is optimal. Further solidifying the home's connection to nature, large floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view, while giving the house a light and transparent character. Since the residents are home workers, employees and customers are also regaled at the house. Therefore private and business rooms are separated in an ingenious way, where they do touch but never cross. The working space is partly situated below grade, fit with a horizontal orientated window. Providing a beautiful view on the environment and allowing for a bright, natural lit lower level." With an inspiring architecture, an interior design that is both functional and elegant, and extensive views of the beautiful surrounding landscape, House S fits our notion of a clever modern home.

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10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 10:28 AM PDT

October was a full month for Freshome. We had some unbelievable projects presented, some of which got plenty of votes. Your opinions are welcomed and at the end of each month, the “10 Most Popular Projects…” post highlights this idea. Without any further ado, here are the articles that scored the highest on your list, according to their Facebook shares. Remember that by clicking on the pictures, you can see more photos and details about each project.

best freshome october 2011 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011#1. The most popular Freshome post in October 2011 pays tribute to these impressive abandoned Victorian homes built with the help of LEGO bricks. The original idea belongs to Mike Doyle, who not to long ago finished his third collapsing home in this amazing series. According to Laughing Squid, the projects made so far are called Victorian on Mud Heap, achieved with the help of about 110k-130k pieces.

abandoned house lego 71 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#2. In at number two is a fascinating place of retreat called Ayada Maldives and located on the island of Maguhdhuvaa, in the lovely Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll district. The resort consists of 112 luxurious villas and opened on October 30, 2011.  Impeccable blue waters, powder white sands and lush vegetation- they all seem to be a given in this miniature paradise.

Ayada Maldives 18 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011
#3. The River Side House is an impressive project designed by Mizuishi Architect Atelier and located in Tokyo, Japan. The small home was constructed on a triangle site and occupies a building area of 29.07 square meters. Impressive!

River Side House 51 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#4. Blue Jay Way Residence comes from McClean Design and is located  in Los Angeles, California, USA. The project occupies an area of 6800 square feet and has panoramic views of LA, Santa Monica, the Pacific, and Catalina Island. Just click the photo below for more information.

Blue Jay Way 01 750x5001 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#5. And another residence that caught your attention at number 5.  Static House was designed by Jakarta-based studio TWS & Partners and is a diverse 7,530 square foot contemporary home in Jakarta, Indonesia. The client's brief in this case implied the construction of an opulent "garden house", a crib that would communicate well with the exterior.

Static House 00 3 728x11001 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#6. Wood cladded homes are very popular these days. This is the case with this next house in Almunecar named Pure White – a fascinating residence designed by Susanna Cots. Interior spaces can be described as ordered, comfortable and luxurious. Flooded with light, the house above the sea gathers panoramic views from several vantage points, at the same time protecting the inhabitants' privacy by displaying a modern and robust front facade, partially cladded in wood.

House in Almu%C3%B1ecar1 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#7. You just gotta love a design idea so simple and fresh! This aquarium is the creation of Psalt Design, a collaborative studio composed of three English friends who graduated together at Sheffield Hallam University: Richard Bell, Thomas McKeown and David Powell. The piece is self-explanatory: simple, beautiful and stylish.

fish tank1 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#8. Shakhti 360 Leti is a remote hotel in the Himalayas designed by Jamshyd Sethna, a travel professional from Bombay, India. The project was developed as a result of Jamshyd's love for the mountains. The luxurious hotel is sited on a stone base and features floor to ceiling glass windows, allowing panoramic views of the Himalayas.

mountain home 21 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#9. In at number nine-  a mind-blowing conversion of a barn in Surrey, England, into a beautiful contemporary living space. The project belongs to Stedman Blower Architects and was featured on the famous TV show "Grand Designs". The new residence displays a highly modern appearance and an original layout.

barn conversion 241 10 Most Popular Projects Presented in October 2011

#10. This impressive contemporary apartment was submitted via e-mail by Juraj Karlík, of Neopolis Studio. The project belongs to designer Vierka and we were happy to see that it is located in a city that we did not yet cover on Freshome: Bratislava, Slovakia.

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Sleek Reshaped Ledge Hanging Lamp Made of Scrap Materials

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 08:53 AM PDT

Ledge Hanging Lamp Sleek Reshaped Ledge Hanging Lamp Made of Scrap Materials

This versatile lighting system can become your favorite if you give it a chance. The Ledge Hanging Lamp comes from designer Tim Wigmore, who has created the sleek lamp as a means to remind us how modern society can reuse and reshape scrap materials into fantastic new objects. A recycled aluminum frame hold the contemporary lamp together, creating a unique display of light that can be placed on the wall, in a corner of the room, used as a desk or table lamp or hanging above the reading corner, the dining table or maybe the office space. It is all up to you how you use it, because the design leaves you with multiple possibilities. Here are a few words from the designer: “The recycled aluminium framework of the Ledge Lamp highlights random and colourful scraps of signage and contrasts them with a context of sleek refinement. The Ledge Lamp is intended to be flexible. Its design encourages the user to explore different possibilities in the way it is used – a wall shelf/lightbox, a corner lamp, table lamp or pendant lamp. The Ledge Lamp helps alter our perception of the old and unloved, whilst empowering us to be bold and playful.

Ledge Hanging Lamp 2 Sleek Reshaped Ledge Hanging Lamp Made of Scrap Materials

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Ledge Hanging Lamp 4 Sleek Reshaped Ledge Hanging Lamp Made of Scrap Materials

Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Posted: 01 Nov 2011 07:40 AM PDT

Hampden Residence 8 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Lane House was designed by Robert Gurney Architect and is located  in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. According to the architects, the client for this project was a forward thinking entrepreneur who wanted his home to be energy efficient and to occupy a small part of the property. The new building was designed as a cube, having 2,200 square feet and with spaces fully utilized. There is also a flat roof providing an additional 1,100 square feet of outdoor living space with views of treetops and the downtown Bethesda skyline. Here is more from the project developers: “This house represents a deliberate departure in both the thought process and the realisation of current building trends in the neighbourhood. Instead of building a large house with pretentious ties to the rural past, this new house is smaller with a stronger relationship to the modern, urban area that Bethesda has become. The house is intended to be more site sensitive, environmentally conscious, and to provide comfortable, efficient living spaces“. We salute this approach and looking forward to see more similar projects. How do you find this home’s design?

Hampden Residence 10 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Residence 1 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Residence 13 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Residence 2 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

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Hampden Residence 5 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

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Hampden Residence 9 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Residence 11 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect

Hampden Residence 12 Energy Efficient Small Home in Maryland by Robert Gurney Architect