Ingenious Modern Makeover Reviving Malaysian Urban Heritage

Ingenious Modern Makeover Reviving Malaysian Urban Heritage
Secluded Home Overlooking River Views Beyond a Glass Wall Fireplace
Contemporary Sofa Design Gathered in Curvy Collection
Contemporary Beach House Exposing Its Steel Structure and Wooden Decking in Lebanon

Posted: 08 Oct 2014 07:04 AM PDT

With elegance and grace, a modern makeover can bring back the focus on living rather than preserving. And not just any kind of living. Owners of this remarkably renovated Peranakan shophouse in Singapore can pride themselves on enjoying an updated version of a home that served both as a residence and for commercial purposes. Known as the 17BR-House, it was completely changed in terms of functionality. Its designers, studio ONG&ONG, implemented the use of skylights in this redesign, promoting healthier living and privacy while turning the old Peranakan shophouse into a bright and inviting contemporary family home.

Originally built between 1900 and 1940, the original structure was saved by the owner’s desire to preserve the shophouse's historical character while adding a modern flare to it. Recently transformed from an office space into this fine modern residence, the 17BR-House showcases the results of an elegant make-over that might inspire you this autumn.

The now warm and elegant family home was imagined as an oasis of modern comfort within a historical shell: “”In reinstating 17BR-House as a residence, an inner courtyard was created on the first floor, allowing sunlight and air to flow freely into and throughout the house. The installation of a green wall as well as the covering of the floor entirely in carpet grass transforms the courtyard into a quaint indoor garden. This space forms the visual focus for the first floor; with the absence of partition walls, there is a seamless visual transition from the kitchen at the back of the building to the living area at the front, allowing the family-oriented homeowner to interact with his children while indulging in culinary exploits in the kitchen. (…)

The shophouse's rear comprises a kitchen, the service quarters as well as a 7-metre long swimming pool, with traditional glazed floor tiles and a replica spiral staircase at the back reminiscent of the shophouse's early days.The façade's restoration, with the reversion to a single pintu pagar door, the reinstatement of the traditional, taller windows on the second floor, and the use of shiny enamel-finished dado tiles, completes the project that goes beyond the creation of a perfect, modern family home to a preservation of an invaluable cultural heritage.”

Timber ceilings on the first floor provide a charming trip down memory lane to a more elegant time. We let ourselves be guided through the house by its designers: “The second floor holds two bedrooms; both share a bathroom, a long corridor lined with bookshelves and storage space, as well as equally enjoyable views, one of the traditional façade and the other of the green wall in the courtyard.” On the top floor, the master bedroom and a separate bathroom are connected by a long limestone slab shaping different functions.

Skylights in the roof guide natural light down on the dramatic spiral staircase connecting all levels and shining light on this fabulous remodeled home. Can the photos help you imagine living here?

The post Ingenious Modern Makeover Reviving Malaysian Urban Heritage appeared first on Freshome.com.

Secluded Home Overlooking River Views Beyond a Glass Wall Fireplace

Posted: 08 Oct 2014 05:10 AM PDT

There is no doubt when it comes to Specht Harpman‘s architectural talent and hard work. Homes like this light-filled Upper West Side apartment or the New Canaan Residence developed by Specht Harpman in Connecticut stay with us thanks to their elegance, simplicity and charm. Now it’s time for the Weston Residence to shine bright and refresh our inspiration for modern home design. This secluded home was embedded into a picturesque valley on the banks of Connecticut’s Saugatuck River.

Designed as to become part of its natural environment, this expansive home spreads on the hillside enough to become an oasis of modern comfort. Conceptualized under and around a green roof, the modern secluded home integrates native evergreen plants into its every level. This powerful visual repetition of natural elements help its concrete and glass architecture better integrate in the organic environment.

We know how interior design influences your subconscious and that’s why we look for elements that create uniqueness, a sense of belonging to nature and freedom. Have you seen the fabulous panoramic glass wall with a crackling fireplace yet?

The post Secluded Home Overlooking River Views Beyond a Glass Wall Fireplace appeared first on Freshome.com.

Contemporary Sofa Design Gathered in Curvy Collection

Posted: 08 Oct 2014 01:01 AM PDT

We see rounded design lines all around, in organic forms and man-made designs. They tell the story of continuity and inspire designers to use their elegance to create objects we surround ourselves. Desforma furniture comes to meet the needs and desires of those looking for sleek furniture design to decorate their homes with. The designers and furniture manufacturer based in Lithuania – Desforma – is the first place winner of “Euro Expo Furniture 2013″ and you can see why. Furniture they design and produce seem sculpted as hand-selected materials cover each high-quality frame with care.

The UAB “Resmita”/Desforma furniture line introduces us to a curvy, sensual design that supports our rest in a stylish way. Whether it’s contemporary sofa design you’re looking for or corner sofas that steal the show, Desforma’s sofa collection appeals to your senses while taking its spot as the central piece. Take a look at their collection to see different styles and see which strikes you as the most appealing.

We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The post Contemporary Sofa Design Gathered in Curvy Collection appeared first on Freshome.com.

Contemporary Beach House Exposing Its Steel Structure and Wooden Decking in Lebanon

Posted: 07 Oct 2014 09:00 AM PDT

Located in the seaside town of Amchit, in Lebanon, this 430 square-meter home developed by BLANKPAGE Architects stands out due to its unconventional design. The contemporary beach house (photographed by Ieva Saudargaitė) showcases a layering of wooden decks and a minimal steel structure which supports the slabs together with the discreet glass enclosure. According to the architects, the relationship with the natural environment is maximized through a visual and compositional celebration of horizontality in general and the Mediterranean horizon in particular.

The house is comprised of three levels, each of them offering a different living experience: “The upper platform contains the master bedroom that opens up on an elongated lap pool and expansive sun deck. The middle platform houses two bedrooms and a family living. Finally, the lower deck serves as a reception area that extends outdoors towards the sea through an infinity pool as well as a staircase to the shore.” Additionally, the architects planned a series of external ramps and staircases allowing users to further connect to the spectacular landscape surrounding the building.

The post Contemporary Beach House Exposing Its Steel Structure and Wooden Decking in Lebanon appeared first on Freshome.com.