Contemporary Refuge Overlooking Lake Taho: Martis Camp House

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Contemporary Refuge Overlooking Lake Taho: Martis Camp House
Minimalist Condominium With Stunning San Francisco Bay Views
Apartment in Helsinki Remodelled by Saukkonen + Partners: Bulevardi 1
Modern Refuge for an Active Couple: Cycle House in Seattle
Virtual Tour of Google’s New Offices in Amsterdam by D/DOCK

Posted: 20 Mar 2014 05:22 AM PDT

Located near Lake Tahoe, California, the Martis Camp House by Swaback Partners impresses due to its elegant cottage-like architecture: “A home for the high Sierra's that does not fall in line with the traditional regional architecture that mostly is a dark and heavy composition. Instead, the concept was to celebrate the light and airy feeling of snow and the effects that it can bring to the interiors.” By using extensive wood, stone and glass finishes, the place exudes an interesting modern look and a surprisingly inviting feel.
By mixing together an array of materials and textures, the designers of Martis Camp House achieved a timeless look. An open plan living and dining space complete with fireplace and large windows framed by stone walls acts as the core of the house. A stylish wooden staircase leads the way towards the bedrooms, some neighbored by lovely terraces. Have a look and tell us what you think!

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Minimalist Condominium With Stunning San Francisco Bay Views

Posted: 20 Mar 2014 01:15 AM PDT

Welcome to a striking minimalist condominium on Russian Hill offering extensive San Francisco Bay views! The creative team at MacCracken Architects had to make efficient use of a relatively small living area of 1000 square feet (92 square meters) located in a building dating back to 1960. By choosing to limit the area for the bedroom and bathroom, the architects managed to transform the living room into a contemporary and spectacular social zone.
The layout was carefully planned, emphasizing on spaciousness and light: “Existing rooms were rearranged and previously partitioned areas were opened to take advantage of the stunning San Francisco Bay views and light. Mahogany corridor cabinet walls define the central circulation and provide storage and shelving for artifacts and art“. Vertical translucent windows allow plenty of natural light inside the living space and all the way to the kitchen in the back. The wood corridor walls add a touch of warmth to the overall design scheme, not to mention a high level of originality. [Photography: Rien Van Rijthoven]

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Apartment in Helsinki Remodelled by Saukkonen + Partners: Bulevardi 1

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 03:46 PM PDT

Bulevardi 1, previously home of a bank and insurance company, was completely remodelled by Saukkonen + Partners in Helsinki, Finland. The spacious apartment (2,368 square ft.) belongs now to a young couple with busy careers who asked for a modern home with a strong character. Basically, a living space to reflect their contemporary lifestyle. The biggest challenge during the renovation, according to the lead architect, was to remove the thick steel door of the bank. The process implied cutting it piece by piece. A hard exhausting work, we dare to add. "We had to cut it up into small pieces so we could get it out. It was hard work. So big that we were considering letting it sit and use it actively in the interior design. But it would have a great look down the hall to the couple's library, which is located in the former bank vault.”

Remodelling refers to creating a friendly, intimate space that feels modern without being too edgy or eccentric. The excessive use of neutral hues though, as well as the mix of rich textures add personality to this place. Tones of white, grey and black dominate the entire space, creating a calming and soothing living environment. One of the most interesting elements of design is the impressive library, clad in hardwood.

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Modern Refuge for an Active Couple: Cycle House in Seattle

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 11:02 AM PDT

Chadbourne + Doss Architects recently unveiled the completion of Cycle House, an impressive three-level residence located in Seattle, USA. Strategically placed at the intersection of two major bike routes in the Mount Baker neighborhood, with charming lake and mountain views to the east, the residence was carefully planed out to represent the personality of the owners. The inhabitants- a very active couple- desired a special refuge that would provide storage for their 18 bicycles and plenty of space for entertaining.
The Cycle House stands out due to its minimalist interiors spiced up with industrial elements and wooden additions, perfectly balancing dynamics and peacefulness. According to the architects, the challenge was “to create a cost efficient home where the couple could immerse themselves daily in their passions while still being energy efficient and low maintenance. Roof decks, wraparound fenestration, and open space orientation are meant to connect occupants to the site and make the house seem larger than it's 2,500 square feet“. Would you personally describe this home as “sporty” ?

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Virtual Tour of Google’s New Offices in Amsterdam by D/DOCK

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 08:26 AM PDT

For all of you out there involved in various online projects, here is a sneak peek at Google’s new offices in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Designed by D/DOCK, the interiors of this creative working venue were inspired by the garage in which Google's two founders (Larry Page and Sergey Brin) started the tech giant. According to the project developers, “quirky elements throughout the office illustrate this era, from graffiti walls and cardboard box lights to the exposed ceilings and container wall in the 70 seater auditorium, also referred to as the Tech Talk“. Before we go on, you might want to check out Google’s vivid offices in London and Google Zurich, featured on Freshome a while back.
What we particularly appreciate in this Amsterdam project is Google’s focus on sustainability. In order to create this dynamic space of work and fun, the designer refurbished most of the furniture. Energy and water consumption were also major things to consider. And last but not least, you should know that all employees have their desks close to windows, each enjoying a 180° view overlooking the city while working. Find this place inspiring?

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