Madrona Private House in Seattle Opening up to Magnificent Views

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• Madrona Private House in Seattle Opening up to Magnificent Views
• Reimagining the Interior of a Neat Minimalist Residence
• Transforming Mundane Objects into Works of Art: Japanese Manhole Covers
• 10 Things You Need to Know About Dating an Architect
• Pricey and Spectacular: Private Holladay Estate in Utah

Madrona Private House in Seattle Opening up to Magnificent Views Posted: 25 Mar 2014 07:08 AM PDT Studio CCS Architecture completed the design and development of Madrona Private House, a summer retreat in Seattle for a couple who wanted to get away from foggy San Francisco. Situated on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot residence is spread over three floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the spectacular views of Lake Washington and the city skyline beyond. Additionally, the basement level contains storage, mechanical facilities and a two car garage. One of the defining characteristics for the project is its overwhelming feeling of space. The social core of the house is an open plan living, kitchen and dining interior, with an imposing partition wall cleverly dividing functional areas. A generously-sized terrace links it to the magnificent views- and what a perfect spot for contemplation this is! How would you personally comment on the overall design of this residence? [ Photographer: Aaron Leitz]     You're reading Madrona Private House in Seattle Opening up to Magnificent Views originally posted on Freshome. The post Madrona Private House in Seattle Opening up to Magnificent Views appeared first on Freshome.com.

Reimagining the Interior of a Neat Minimalist Residence Posted: 25 Mar 2014 03:35 AM PDT The interior of this minimalist residence with a brightly colourful exterior was reimagined by NatureHumaine. The intervention implied transforming a two storey duplex into a neat single unit home by adding an auxiliary 430 square feet space in the rear. Façade inspires playfulness (blending geometric green panels with yellow ones), yet it contrasts with the stark, clean-lined interior. A roomy social area, ideal for family reunions and a new master bedroom were both included into the new house plan. Most of the interior walls were painted white. Naturally, this enhances the spacious feel of the property and creates a brighter living space. Wood also plays a key role in remodelling the new interior dynamic. It adds grace, elegance and last, but not least, warmth.“Work on the interior centred on exposing and highlighting the beauty of existing wooden structural walls and beams and supporting them with a more subtle pallet of materials. Natural daylight is brought into the core with a large skylight and glass floor placed at the centre of the house.” The overall design feels contemporary and cozy, despite the excessive use of sheer white. You're reading Reimagining the Interior of a Neat Minimalist Residence originally posted on Freshome. The post Reimagining the Interior of a Neat Minimalist Residence appeared first on Freshome.com.

Transforming Mundane Objects into Works of Art: Japanese Manhole Covers Posted: 24 Mar 2014 11:27 PM PDT We all know that Japanese are creative about almost everything they do, but we have do admit it, we really didn’t see this one coming! To transform mundane objects into works of art – that’s one, but to create an entire trend around it, well, that’s a totally different story. For those of you who pay a special interest in this country, you ought to know that in Japan there’s a peculiar obsession with manhole covers. With more than 6.000 artistic manhole covers, Japan is once more one of the most surprising places you’ll ever visit. Passionate about photography, S. Morita started a journey around Japan, looking (down) for artsy manhole covers that pedestrians walk across everyday. Morita’s photography collection includes a stunning array of colourful “artworks”. Each manhole cover photographed features distinctive details: flowers, trees, birds and other carved symbols that highlight the specificity of a certain municipality/ region. Believe it or not, this phenomenon started almost 35 years ago, when a bureaucrat in the construction ministry suggested municipalities to design their own manhole covers, to simply reduce costs. Since then, the unusual “hysteria” inspires artists to create and stylise beautiful and vivid manhole covers everyday. You're reading Transforming Mundane Objects into Works of Art: Japanese Manhole Covers originally posted on Freshome. The post Transforming Mundane Objects into Works of Art: Japanese Manhole Covers appeared first on Freshome.com.

10 Things You Need to Know About Dating an Architect Posted: 24 Mar 2014 10:42 AM PDT Architects: Living Life through Different Eyes You’ve got one in the bag, or you’re looking to snap one up, you’re excited about a potential new life with a creative genius.  But what is it really like dating an architect, and are these folk for you?  Below we have delved into 10 things you should need to know about dating architects, and who knows, there could even be a few tips therein which could land you your lifelong dream partner.   Now I know it's not really politically correct to paint an entire vertical profession with the same paintbrush, some points will ring true in your own experiences and some will not: Thus is the color of life. 1.  Money The fact of the matter is that a lot of architects aren't rolling around on a bed of money.  So if you're looking for a Daddy Warbucks or proverbial Scrooge McDuck you may be a little disappointed.  Sure, there are some architects who have made it to the big time, like Renzo Piano, the architect who designed The Shard in London; I'm sure he's rolling in it as he was voted as one of the top 100 influential people in the world in 2006 by Time magazine; but chances are you're not looking to date somebody quite like him, as he's 76… or are you!?  'Alls I'm sayin'!! While the average architect might not have a huge income, most have this one and very precious trait; they are frugal.  This is not to say they are penny pinching cheapskates, on the contrary, they have class, they have finesse which means they don't like to wash money down the drain by purchasing shabby, substandard items. Furthermore, when looking for that perfect partner, it's not all about where they are right now financially; the important thing is that they have a solid, well balanced and educated financial mind-set which will stand them in good stead in the future.  Would you rather be with somebody who doesn't plan for the future, or somebody who does; and as you know, architects are master planners and can execute those plans with precision. Huell’s Bed of Money from Breaking Bad – ‘Mexico: Alls I’m Sayin’ 2.  Articulation & Solid Reasoning Architects appreciate considered thinkers who can articulate their thoughts into words in a concise manner.  If you make a statement that could seem a little flaky, the chances are it could annoy them.  If you're talking with an architect and you get onto the subject of let's say, Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, and you say that you loved him; please realize the architect wants more. The devil is in the detail; they're detail orientated, they look into matters deeply: How do you think they create such beautiful masterful creations!?  Therefore, expand on your ideas, 'I love Steve Irwin, he had an energetic passion for life that is rarely seen, and it's because of his unique joyful approach to life why I gravitate towards him'. Architects will appreciate an explanation to ideas, so don't leave them frustrated.  If you don't have a way with words, practice.  Research has shown that as vocabulary increases, so does IQ; "A person's vocabulary will predict with very high accuracy how well they score on an IQ test."  You don't even have to try to learn either.  Just stick a dictionary next to your toilet: Effortless education. It seems architects harness the strength of both intellectual and emotional intelligence. Architects Use Both Sides of their Brains  3. Wondering Eyes Architects have an insatiable hunger to look upon exquisite and inspirational works of architectural genius.  Their minds race with creativity and questions.  For example, I was with an Iranian architect in the Empire State Building in New York: I could tell his mind was in a state of overload.  'How many brocks do you think are in this building', he asked me.  I knew he meant bricks, but the point being is his mind was on a majestic search for understanding and knowledge. So when you're out with your architect partner, why not do something they will appreciate and ask them, with a genuine interest about the building you just passed or are dining in; unless they are sick and tired of work, in which case you'll want to avoid work talk! This desire to gaze upon greatness can possibly have a real knock on effect in your life, as it could influence the occasional holiday, weekend trip and date decision. They notice things which most other people don’t see; they perceive and view life through a special pair of glasses, where everything has that little bit more color, life and pizzazz. Architects Perception of Surroundings are Vibrant and Full of Life  4.  Positively Flawed Don't let the title mislead you. Just like a designer who will verbally judge designs, like font, saying things like, 'Helvetica: Typical…'… 'Another company using a font for their logo: Boring', architects are of a similar breed.  They might say they like a particular piece of work, but quite often they will start to verbally think how they would have done it, pointing out potential flaws or where the design falls short. Some architects do this more than others, but I'm sure there isn't one architect living on this planet that hasn't done this at least once; therefore be prepared for an impartation of architectural opinion.  I personally love it. Let's reel of some examples I've personally heard, 'See that building there, an absolute classic example of 1970's architecture: I don't know what the architects were thinking back then'. 'I like the fact a balcony has been added, but why wasn't it made longer to span the width of the apartment?' 'It's a stunning apartment but there isn't enough light.  I would have made the entire wall into a window, which would let in much more natural light.' Well of course they’d do it different! – (Design by DZ Architect) 5.  A Show Home Architects appreciate and find a beautiful home to be important.  I think this is a given, but it's an important factor to take into consideration when weighing up the perfect spouse.  I think that most people would like to live in a house that is well designed through and through.  The atmosphere it creates is refreshing and mentally liberating when compared to the drab alternatives out there. What would you prefer, inviting your friends over to a house that looks like it needs to be decorated with a demolition ball, or to a house that is designed and kept with excellence?  If this is important for you, then an architect (or designer for that matter), holds the master key in this area of life; just another feather in their bushy cap of feathers! But don't just assume that because their profession is to design buildings that theirs represents the quality they produce for their clients.  Like the saying goes, 'the shoe maker’s son has no shoes', sometimes the architect neglects his own house. Porch Overlooking Ocean in Naples, Florida 6.  Oozing with Passion & Determination Architects are quite often full of passion and zest.  Their minds have been chiseled with an archetypal eagerness to live life with creative supremacy. It takes a long time to study as an architect, five or more years in some cases, which requires a vast measure of perseverance and applied will. Do you want to be with somebody who is dry, boring, directionless and apathetic? Chances are you don't.  If I were to compare an architect with a candy, I would say they are those delectable gourmet jellybeans: There are so many different varieties of the same thing, yet each and every one of those beans is exploding with flavor and character. If you're on a date with them, why not strike up a conversation about something you consider to be creative and arty; expect a hearty response. Architects, like Children; Full of Passion, and Curiosity 7.  The Love of Coffee The love of coffee is the root of all architects.  Contemplating all of the architects that I know, it's glaringly evident they all seem to have one thing in common and that's they all like cherish their coffee.  You might hear some people say they're super picky with their coffee, but from my experience, it's just a general adorn for the drink. All of them prefer a good quality ground or bean coffee over instant coffee, that's a given, but when in need of that extra edge some of them are willing to go instant just for the caffeine benefits. What better way to impress an architect on a first date by taking them to a coffee house and striking up a natural conversation about coffee.  At least learn the basics about coffee, what bean instant coffee is made from (Robusta beans) and what higher quality ground coffees are made from (Arabica beans).  These basics will impress and they will color your own personal coffee experience throughout life. So in short; architects have an affinity towards (good) coffee.  Below I have included a quick infographic which’ll give you some good conversational weapons. A Few Coffee Facts to Impress on a Date 8.  Good With Their Hands This is a very handy one (forgive the pun), but it's nice knowing that your prospective future partner is good with their hands isn't it.  Just think of all the benefits.  I know, I was thinking the same thing; can you imagine how good they will make your future children's school (or science fair) project look! But seriously, architects are generally good at building things, which if they wish, could put to good use around the home, yet I hear a lot tend not to.  This could be because of they tend to strive for perfection which can turn an ordinary molehill of a project into one of Everest proportions, which can be mentally exhausting for an impatient partner. I Know Some of You Can Relate to This One!  9.  Astute Learners & Hungry for More Never satisfied with their current state, architects are always striving for more from themselves and subsequently life.  It’s probably one of the few professions where more often than not, the average person is vibrant in the personal development, constantly moving forwards. It’s been said by the late Jim Rohn that the definition of success is ‘steady progress toward one’s personal goals’ through ‘a few simple disciplines practiced every day’.  If this is so, then I believe architects have hit the nail on the head.  Not inhibited by inertia, not in a state of stagnation, but clear in their thinking, knowing what they want, investing into themselves week in and week out. This is one of the reasons why I appreciate being around architects, because they realize that success isn’t so much based on the things that you can count, but rather the things that you can’t count.  It’s who you become that is the key, and they know this, which can be witnessed through their eagerness to read, learn, and absorb new ideas. The Average Architect I Know Would Blow these Figures Out of the Water 10.  Architect Friends Be prepared to spend a lot of time with their architecture friends.  But don’t be concerned, some of the same traits that you like and appreciate in the architect you are dating will be noticeable in other architects to some degree or another. I think this can be said across all professions that your spouse will have a high proportion of friends in the same industry in which they work, as they spend all day developing relationships with these people.  I have a lot of friend who work for Google, and I often hear them say, ‘She’s an NGF’, as in a ‘Non Google Friend’.  They say this because most of their friends are Googler’s, therefore, if you want to be with an architect, be prepare to spend a lot of time with architects and their insider lingo and jokes:  Learn to love it! The Truth You're reading 10 Things You Need to Know About Dating an Architect originally posted on Freshome. The post 10 Things You Need to Know About Dating an Architect appeared first on Freshome.com.

Pricey and Spectacular: Private Holladay Estate in Utah Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:12 AM PDT The private Holladay Estate in Utah, USA comes with plenty of surprising and/or outstanding features. Discovered by Freshome on Realtor.com, where it is listed at a jaw-dropping cost of $13,900,000, the imposing residence seems sprung out of an impressive postcard: “A lush and private 1.6 acres surround this extraordinary Estate.  Beyond the gate lie large waterfalls and ponds surrounded by an artists' tapestry of flowers and plants.  The magnificence of this timeless home is at every turn.” With buildings paying tribute to the Old World European style and magnificent tall windows framing Mt. Olympus, this estate can be truthfully considered a dream home. The inner tour (two levels plus basement) includes four full and seven partial bedrooms, three full and seven partial bathrooms. If you also count living spaces, you get an overwhelming total of 22 rooms. With extensive use of wood, arched walls and windows, wooden beams throughout and vintage furniture, the interiors exude a royal atmosphere. How do you find the overall design of this mansion? You're reading Pricey and Spectacular: Private Holladay Estate in Utah originally posted on Freshome. The post Pricey and Spectacular: Private Holladay Estate in Utah appeared first on Freshome.com.

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