Upgraded House in Saint-Tropez Embracing a Rich Natural Landscape

Upgraded House in Saint-Tropez Embracing a Rich Natural Landscape
Elegant Kasokudo Bonsai Planter Inspired by the Automotive Industry
Modern Greek House Design Exploring Traditional and Up-to-Date Design

Posted: 01 Nov 2014 01:30 AM PDT

By adding wooden panels and steel railings to an existing house in Saint-Tropez, France, Vincent Coste reinvented its character. According to the designer, L2 house is the result of a reflection on the envelope and how to develop outdoor spaces that change the perception of volumes of an existing structure “In this case a viewpoint made of a dressed in wood steel structure works as an air traffic across the perimeter of the house. This ambulatory can reconstruct a horizontal façade in the landscape thus restoring a strong identity to this common 70’s house.”

An extensive outdoor area with a swimming pool is captured by the inner courtyard: “The entire organization of the house has been completely redesigned to create vistas of the landscape and the pool which is in a very precise definition of the extension of the base of the house. The combination of this rehabilitation and strong element of the pergola allows us to offer generous double height spaces outside as well as areas of life sheltered from the sun.” All interiors are spacious and welcoming, abounding in natural lighting and wooden decorating elements. [Photos by: Florent Joliot]

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Elegant Kasokudo Bonsai Planter Inspired by the Automotive Industry

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 01:45 PM PDT

A striking fusion of form and function, the Kasokudo Bonsai Planter by designer Adrian Magu is as stylish as it gets. The product is an artistic representation of the developer’s interest for everything green and his work in the automotive industry: “Referencing speed forms and manufacturing processes used in transportation design, this piece juxtaposes movement applied to what is usually a static object.” The unconventional shape and elegant black-gray silhouette makes this unconventional bonsai planter fit perfectly in modern interiors with a twist.

Other unique features of the product are highlighted by designer Adrian Magu: “The piece gives the impression of an accelerating form that effortlessly floats to house a bonsai tree, evoking a perfect balance of dynamic harmony. The latest manufacturing processes of the highly polished finishes of the planter and 3D-printed 'mountains' contrast to that of nature that usually takes many decades to grow, sculpt and form the gnarled bonsai forms. In all, a unique synthesis of cutting-edge precision with the imperfect beauty of nature.” Find this planter design as captivating as we do? [Photography by Andy Beard]

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Modern Greek House Design Exploring Traditional and Up-to-Date Design

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 08:52 AM PDT

The island of Kea in Greece seemed the perfect location to settle down and enjoy magical breezes serpent among olive trees. This modern House in Kea was seen by architects Marina Stassinopoulos and Konstantios Daskalakis as an opportunity to employ the island's traditional building practices in a modern and highly functional residence. By rearranging the site's terracing while maintaining local flora, the architects created a modern Greek house design connecting volumes of living spaces while allowing them to be independent. A sloped site and the beautifully simple terracing allowed architects to create different courtyards and open areas integrated in the volumetric architecture and terraced landscape.

With an adapted floor-plan, the home was imagined functional, cozy and inspiring: “The building is placed on a terrace. The entrance to the house is found in the void between the volume of the house and the terrace behind it. A longitudinal course, parallel with the gradient of the slope connects the distinct building volumes and three courtyards, each having different characteristics: a covered courtyard (in the heart of the building), a shaded one by the oak trees (close to the livingroom) and one exposed to the sun (at the end of the corridor). Perpendicular to the longitudinal course one enters the main areas of the building (the livingroom and the two bedrooms), which open up towards the sea. The circulation and the service spaces (entrance, corridors and bathrooms) are expressed as voids that connect the differing volumes of the primary spaces. ”

Defined by simplicity and displaying an eco-friendly nature, this modern Greek house displays its flat roof as the main facade, since the interiors are accessible from the top floor. Still, it could never compete with this unique rooftop infinity pool floating above unspoiled Greek island scenery. Photos by Yiorgis Yerolymbos present the private stone house on the island of Kea in Greece as a beacon of modern lines at night, capturing views of the awe-inspiring waters beyond.

It’s easy to imagine living in a modern Greek house like this one for anyone who ever visited Greece. This island home is the perfect hybrid between traditional and modern.

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