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Sustainable News

Microbial protein for people with modified diets

By Zarkon Group,19/03/2023

Spotted: The global population is ageing, and the World Economic Forum states that Asia-Pacific will likely experience the fastest increase in the number of older citizens between now and 2050. This ageing population comes with a number of challenges, one of which is a greater need for modified diets that provide sufficient nutrition for those with health problems that prevent them from eating standard meals. Singaporean startup Pullulo is working to fill this need with a flexible product that can provide protein for different food applications.

Pullulo has developed an innovative microbial protein that is highly nutritious, affordable to produce, allergen-free, non-GMO, and vegan. It is also less susceptible to supply chain disruptions. The protein can be added to a wide variety of products – such as purees, 3D-printed food, soups, and stews – to give them a higher protein content.

In order to create a more sustainable product, Pullulo uses waste from surplus and discarded raw fruits and vegetables to produce its microbial proteins. The startup points out that the process of using microbes to generate protein also consumes carbon dioxide, allowing the company to support decarbonisation initiatives and continue scaling without harming the environment.

In explaining why it has opted to develop protein using microbes, rather than other sources, the company states that, “Microbial protein is an alternative plant-based protein that provides a compelling, efficient solution of securing food that’s accessible to all. It has higher protein content compared to traditional sources of protein like meat and uses upcycling for its production.”

The number of innovations involving meat replacements or cultivated meat has been increasing steadily as concern grows over the carbon footprint of livestock and dairy production. Some of the recent developments in this area that Springwise has spotted include a cultivated pork made using microalgae-based growth serum, and a fungus-derived substitute for egg whites.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Facade with sunken patio at The Arches townhouses by The DHaus Company

Architecture

Monumental brick arches outline London houses by The DHaus Company

By Zarkon Group,19/03/2023

Architecture studio The DHaus Company has completed The Arches, a row of six brick-clad townhouses in a north London conservation area.

Replacing a derelict petrol station, the terrace is named after the monumental arches that form the facades of each partially sunken, three-level home.

The DHaus Company designed the row to echo its surroundings, which include Georgian-era housing named Grove Terrace and a row of Victorian railway arches.

The arch is a recurring motif, so the studio decided to create a contemporary interpretation.

Arched window with pivoting glass — The facade is formed of a series of arches. Photo is by Richard Chivers

“We undertook a study of local buildings in and around the local area,” explained architects David Ben-Grunberg and Daniel Woolfson, the founders of The DHaus Company.

“These buildings highlighted a strong mixture of rectangles and arches set within a brick canvas,” they said.

The site is a highly prominent location within the Dartmouth Park Conservation Area, so the design process involved lengthy consultation.

Night view of The Arches townhouses by The DHaus Company — The height matches a petrol station previously on the site. Photo is by AVR London

As Ben-Grunberg grew up in the area, and Woolfson had lived nearby, the pair were able to use their instincts to come up with a design that felt appropriate for the setting.

A key aspect was the decision to partially sink the buildings below ground, so the roof is no higher than the petrol station that occupied the site previously.

Rear elevation of townhouses in London — Scallop-patterned window screens reference the arch motif. Photo is by AVR London

Another idea was to reinstate green spaces along the street both in front and behind the terrace.

“Our initial design idea was inspired by the historic green lung of open green spaces along the Highgate Road,” said the duo.

“This meant reinstating the green lung as close to how it was back in 1873 – a futuristic Victorian throwback.”

Pivoting window leading into bedroom of The Arches townhouses by The DHaus Company — Pivoting glass doors are set within one row of arches. Photo is by Richard Chivers

The view seen by most passersby is of the west-facing facade. Here, two rows of arches provide balconies for the two upper levels, while a glass-fronted basement opens out to a sunken patio.

“Because of the stepped nature of the site, this lower level does not feel like a basement,” said Ben-Grunberg and Woolfson.

“The living spaces enjoy a secluded feel with plenty of access to natural light despite sitting close to the main road.”

Entrances are located on the east-facing side, which has more of a quiet, residential feel.

Here, a single row of arches incorporates screens with a matching scallop pattern, while a second sunken patio helps to bring more natural light down to the floor below.

Bedroom of London townhouse by The DHaus Company — Each home contains three bedrooms. Photo is by AVR London

Inside, each 130-square-metre home has a layout that places a lounge, dining area and kitchen on the lowest level, and three bedrooms and a study across the upstairs floors.

Concrete retaining walls are an essential part of the build, but other parts of the structure are constructed from prefabricated timber components.

Living space at The Arches townhouses by The DHaus Company — A study could serve as a fourth bedroom. Photo is by Richard Chivers

The arches are also concrete, clad with red-brick slips that match the tone of the adjacent brickwork.

“We explored brick bonding patterns to differentiate the different areas of the building and give order to each facade,” said Ben-Grunberg and Woolfson.

The homes are topped by green roofs and photovoltaic solar panels.

Kitchen and living space sunken below street level — Kitchen and living spaces open out to a sunken patio. Photo is by Richard Chivers

The DHaus Company is best known for its experimental approach to residential design, on projects like its shape-shifting house concept and the playful Columbia Road extension.

More recently, the studio completed an overhaul of The Bull and Last, a pub located very close to The Arches, with the addition of two Japanese-inspired duplex flats.

Arched windows in brick facade of The Arches townhouses by The DHaus Company — The arches are pre-cast concrete and clad with brick slips. Photo is by Richard Chivers

The completion of this project marks the end of a five-year project, delayed by both the planning process and Covid-19 pandemic. Visualisations were first published on Dezeen in 2019.

“Over the last five years, this project has been such a big part of our lives,” concluded the studio.

Project credits

Architect: DHaus
Client: Design Ventures/EFKERIA
Structural engineer: AMA
Planning department: Camden
Planning consultant: The Heritage Practise
Glazing contractor: Vitrocsa by Brava Windows
Brickwork: Ibstock

Reference

Furniture arranged on raised platforms across the showroom

Interior Design

Coil + Drift opens lighting studio and showroom in the Catskills

By Zarkon Group,18/03/2023

Lighting studio Coil + Drift has opened an office, showroom and production facility in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York that places modern elements in a barn-like building.

Coil + Drift founder John Sorensen-Jolink, who relocated to the area in 2021, has created a new home for his brand in a barn-like structure surrounded by nature.

“By relocating their queer-owned design business to the countryside, Coil + Drift is sparking a visceral conversation between people in a thriving rural creative community about how what we make defines who we are,” said the studio.

The building encompasses 3,000 square feet (280 square metres) and boasts tall ceilings, which are painted white along with its plywood-panelled walls.

Glass-topped metal desk positioned on a brown rug — The showroom includes an office space, defined by a chocolate-brown rug

The space is divided between a combined office and showroom, and a production facility where an in-house team now creates all of the company’s lighting designs.

In one corner of the showroom sits a black wood-burning stove, with a flue that extends through the roof, next to a pile of chopped logs used to fuel it.

Wood table on a plinth with brass light above — Furniture is displayed on stepped plinths, accompanied by lighting above

Chocolate-brown area rugs contrast the pale concrete floors, defining the entrance, the office space and a spot by the fire in lieu of walls or partitions.

Plinths are used to raise furniture designs, arranged in styled vignettes along with lighting, plants and small accessories.

More objects are displayed on wooden shelves of varying lengths, held up at different heights on thin golden rods.

Industrial-looking metal and glass doors mounted on rolling tracks separate the showroom from the workshop, which is located in an adjoining room.

Daybed presented on a raised plinth — The showroom features a white ceiling and walls, and a pale concrete floor

On show are several new additions to popular Coil + Drift collections, such as a floor version of the Yama table lamp and a “mobile-like” chandelier that joins the Atlas series.

Also to coincide with its move and expansion, the company has launched a trade-focused online platform for its products.

Wide shot of the showroom with yellow chair in the foreground — The building also houses a production facility behind industrial-style doors

Coil + Drift’s previous projects have included styling a townhouse in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighbourhood for Hatchet Design.

Sorensen-Jolink, a former dancer, is one of many creatives that moved from New York City to nearby rural areas, either during or following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Exterior view of the Coil + Drift showroom facing the door — Coil + Drift founder John Sorensen-Jolink relocated to the Catskills in 2021 before opening the new studio

Upstate New York, and particularly the Hudson Valley and Catskills area, was already growing in popularity as a destination for artists and designers before the lockdowns, thanks to its reputation for vintage furniture shopping and art institutions.

Then low property prices and high demand for space and fresh air sparked an exodus to the region, when many bought second homes or relocated permanently.

The photography is by Zach Hyman.

Reference

Sustainable News

A supercomputer for AI inspired by the human brain

By Zarkon Group,18/03/2023

Spotted: Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making inroads into our daily lives through virtual assistants, image recognition, and financial fraud detection. However, even the best AI hardware is still a long way from the energy-efficient, low latency, and high-throughput processing our own brains are capable of – but maybe not for long.

Back in 2018, researchers at the Advanced Processor Technologies Research Group at the University of Manchester developed SpiNNaker (spiking neural network architecture) — a supercomputer architecture that mimicked the interactions of biological neurons. SpiNNaker is being used as one component in the Human Brain Project (HBP), a 10-year project that aims to create an ICT-based research infrastructure for brain research, cognitive neuroscience, and brain-inspired computing.

In 2019, the second-generation SpiNNaker 2 was developed by Technische Universität Dresden in collaboration with the University of Manchester. From this project, SpiNNcloud – a Technische Universität Dresden spinoff – was born. The company’s unique computer hardware is used for applications such as robotics, sensing, and prediction.

Now, SpiNNcloud has announced it is receiving a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) for its newest project, “SpiNNode: SpiNNaker2 on the edge”. The funding will be used to expand and develop brain-inspired hardware for mobile applications and test it in real-life industrial situations.

The need for energy-efficient hardware has become more pressing with the development, and widespread adoption, of more sophisticated AI models. Christian Eichhorn, Co-CEO of SpiNNcloud Systems, explains, “AI such as ChatGPT is now entering our everyday lives and, therefore, represents a revolution comparable to that of the internet. Training this AI model consumes as much electricity as 3,000 households use in a month (…) We are working on the most energy-efficient computing hardware for large-scale applications, as this will be key to significantly reducing the carbon footprint of AI.”

Advances in AI are coming thick and fast, and Springwise has spotted several recent innovations, including the development of faster and more efficient optical neural networks, and numerous products such as a platform for tracking the climate footprint of food products.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Architecture

Resimercial Architecture: Workplaces that are Designed to Feel Like Home

By Zarkon Group,18/03/2023

Browse the Architizer Jobs Board and apply for architecture and design positions at some of the world’s best firms. Click here to sign up for our Jobs Newsletter.

While you may not be familiar with the term, “resimercial design” is something we see frequently but very rarely take the time to analyze. From the comfy couches in the office lounge to the cozy rugs and ambient lighting in the conference room, resimercial design is all about bringing the comforts of home into the workplace (that’s resi-mercial, get it?). By prioritizing employee wellbeing, this design philosophy not only enhances the aesthetics of a workspace but also boosts productivity and overall job satisfaction. It’s a win-win situation that incorporates natural light, comfortable furniture and elements that evoke a sense of homeliness, such as warm lighting, soft textiles and plants, alongside seamless technological integration. This fusion approach has captured the attention of employers looking to create a dynamic and appealing work environment.

As companies strive to attract and, just as importantly, retain top talent, resimercial design has become an increasingly popular choice for optimizing workspaces. Combining the best residential and commercial design strategies, these six resimercial spaces are great examples of the welcoming and comfortable environment at the forefront of modern office design.

The Vibes

By Infinitive Architecture, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Jury Winner, 2022 A+Awards, Coworking Space

Photographs by Infinitive Architecture

The Vibes by Infinitive Architecture is an office building that perfectly combines bioclimatic design with resimercial elements. With various open spaces and lush greenery, this building provokes tranquility and relaxation in the middle of a bustling city. The multi-zoning masterplan of the coworking space is developed to centralize the garden space to promote natural views.

The building is naturally ventilated, and the workplace areas receive ample natural light from the outdoor intersections, while the bamboo skin that makes up the façade also features integrated percussion balls that produce interactive vibration sounds in light breezes, adding a unique sensory experience to the office spaces. The Vibes is a remarkable example of how understanding the human experience when undertaking tasks can create a sustainable, comfortable and creative work environment that prioritizes employee wellbeing.

Venture X

By Studio+, Naples, FL, United States

Popular Winner, 2022 A+Awards, Coworking Space

Photographs by Seamus Payne

Venture X, Naples, is a coworking space that merges the comforts of home with the productivity of a professional office environment. Designed with a resimercial approach, the space features luxurious finishes and stylish furniture, making it feel more like a bougie apartment than a traditional office.
Gone are the drab cubicles and empty white walls. In their place are living gardens, moss walls and botanical table art that provide a beautiful, verdant backdrop to the coworking space.

The furniture is carefully chosen to complement the design aesthetic, with fabrics, finishes and materials all speaking the same design language. Venture X, Naples, is a coworking space that breaks the mold of traditional office design, offering a resimercial approach that promotes wellness, creativity and productivity in equal measure.

The Coven

By Studio BV, Saint Paul, MN, United States

Photographs by Corey Gaffer Photography

A coworking space that empowers women and non-binary individuals, The Coven is a space designed for inclusivity and comfort. Its flagship location in St. Paul, MN, was developed to encourage collaboration, creativity and community. The goal was to transform a dark, historic space into a bright and empowering environment that reflects the organization’s mission. The reception and open lounge area take advantage of the high ceilings and natural light, with bespoke features that reflect the historic character of the building.

Upholstered in soft blue fabric, the custom reception desk provides a cozy welcome. Color and material choices reflect the individuality of the members and guests, with unexpected pops of color and unique design elements that create a sense of personality and identity. A custom wall tile application in the coffee bar featuring The Coven’s mantra of “do the most good” serves as a bold and empowering statement. The space features murals, weavings, paintings, tapestries and other curated objects created by local female artists that express diversity and community, bringing a real sense of home decoration to the spaces.

Smart Design Studio

By Smart Design Studio, Alexandria, Australia

Jury Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Office Interiors <25,000 sq ft

Photographs by Romello Pereira

Smart Design Studio is a sustainable and sculptural building that fits seamlessly with the brick warehouses of this inner-city conservation area. It embodies the essence of industrial buildings in its aesthetics, functionality, economy and innovation.

The readapted industrial building houses a purpose-designed studio for tenants, Smart Design Studio, that combines traditional workplace design with a hint of resimercial design. On the upper level, a mezzanine overlooking the light-filled space encapsulates and comforts with soft furnishings and a familiar living room. Having multiple areas that can provide what workers need is an excellent way of meeting the needs of individuals.

GoodRx Headquarters

By RIOS Santa Monica, CA, United States

Jury Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Office Interiors >25,000 sq ft

Photographs by Jasper Sanidad

GoodRx Headquarters has undergone a stunning transformation from a start-up to a vibrant and inclusive workspace in the heart of Los Angeles’ tech scene. The combination of commercial and residential elements has been masterfully utilized to create a warm, inviting, and functional space. The design approach incorporates aspects of urban planning to accommodate GoodRx’s growing workforce, with social programs creating private moments in vast warehouse spaces.

The use of upcycled materials and an industrial palette adds an earthy, raw quality that’s visually striking and tactile. The space includes unique features, such as a speakeasy, a doctor’s room and a meditation and yoga facility, providing opportunities for employees to come together and connect. Overall, the GoodRx Headquarters embodies resimercial design, creating a welcoming, community-focused workspace that reflects the company’s evolving mission.

Office Brabant

Studio Piet Boon, NB, Netherlands

Jury Winner, 2020 A+Awards, Office Interiors – Low Rise 1-4 Floors

Photographs by Thomas de Bruyne

Studio Piet Boon was tasked with designing a Dutch office space that is both timeless and functional. The resulting structure draws inspiration from traditional farms in the surrounding area while incorporating a modern interpretation of a barn space, creating a one-story office that feels like a comfortable and inviting residence.

The main spaces of the building feature pitched roofs and brick walls adorned with coal-black wooden slats that open up the interior to the surrounding gardens. The use of brick ‘boxes’ with flat roofs connects the three distinct areas of the building, while the Fitness Center and Spa occupy a separate building that encloses a symmetrical patio with a tranquil water feature for privacy.

The building’s shape and large windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding golf course, while the windows overlooking the patio create a more intimate and cozy feel. The interior is designed with natural stone and light wooden floors, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. Soft, unsaturated colors are used throughout the building, and the plastered walls highlight the natural color of the wooden beams. With a focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment that seamlessly blends work and relaxation, this Dutch office space embodies the principles of resimercial design.

Browse the Architizer Jobs Board and apply for architecture and design positions at some of the world’s best firms. Click here to sign up for our Jobs Newsletter.

Reference

Interior Design

Ten Tokyo apartments with minimalist interior designs

By Zarkon Group,17/03/2023

Cleverly concealed kitchens and subtle wooden accents feature in our latest lookbook, which collects Tokyo apartments characterised by minimalist and serene interiors.

These apartments in Japan’s capital are united by their muted colours and an abundance of wood – elements often associated with traditional Japanese interior design.

As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Tokyo homes often feature smaller floor plans or less natural light than those located in more spacious cities.

Architects and designers have created plenty of understated solutions to these restrictions, such as inserting space-saving storage into open-plan living areas.

From a flat informed by traditional Kyoto townhouses to an Airbnb dressed in subtle geometric furniture, here are 10 Tokyo apartments with minimalist interior designs.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring concrete bathrooms, cosy cabins and homes with elevators.

Kinuta Terrace by Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design

Two apartments within Tokyo’s 1980s-designed Kinuta Terrace apartment block were renovated by Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design to include more natural light.

The studios reconfigured the floor plans to form fewer but larger living spaces, which are characterised by smooth concrete, timber fixtures and sheer sandy-hued curtains.

“Nature feels integrated into the apartment from most rooms so that, when looking out into the courtyard, you can’t quite tell you’re in a city as immense as Tokyo,” said Norm Architects designer Frederik Werner.

Find out more about these Kinuta Terrace apartments ›

Minorpoet applies traditional Japanese design to a renovated apartment in Tokyo — Photo is by Satoshi Shigeta

Apartment in Kitasando by Minorpoet

This 1960s apartment contains a sleek kitchen counter and storage space concealed behind folding doors informed by traditional Japanese screens known as Byōbu.

Design studio Minorpoet took cues from traditional Kyoto townhouses for the project, which features a hidden kitchen that cannot be seen from the living room.

Minimalist furniture and finishes match the pared-back theme, including iconic Finnish architect Alvar Aalto’s stackable wooden 60 stool.

Find out more about Apartment in Kitasando ›

Shibuya Apartment 201,202 by OgawaArchitects — Photo is by Kaku Ohtaki

Airbnb apartments by Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects

Local studio Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects renovated two Airbnb apartments in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward with completely contrasting designs. One has floors and walls clad in light wood (main image), while the other pairs a plush grey carpet with dark plasterwork.

Neon lighting in the latter apartment was chosen to remind guests of the bustling city while cork stools, metallic kitchen cabinetry and charcoal-toned accents create a moody atmosphere.

Find out more about these Airbnb apartments ›

The Life concept apartment by I IN

The Life concept apartment is an understated residence set within a 1980s building by Tokyo design firm I IN. According to the studio, the project was created to encourage people to rethink renovated apartments in Japan, rather than favour newbuilds.

An open-plan living space contains a kitchen, living room and bedroom characterised by reeded glass partitions, stucco walls and luxurious red walnut joinery.

Find out more about The Life concept apartment ›

Akasaka apartment by FrontOfficeTokyo

Almost all of the walls within this 50-square-metre flat were replaced with multi-functional box units and sliding partitions to make the space feel bigger and brighter.

Local studio FrontOfficeTokyo stripped the apartment down to a single room, which features designated zones to lounge, cook, eat and sleep.

Raw and simple materials emphasise the utilitarian interior design, including exposed ceilings, pale timber floors and a corner bathroom contained in a concrete box.

Find out more about this apartment ›

Tokyo apartment by Snark Architectures — Image is courtesy of Snark Architectures

House in Chofu by Snark Architectures

Snark Architectures renovated an apartment in Chofu – a city to the west of downtown Tokyo. Located at the base of Mount Takao, the dwelling intends to mirror traditional cabins.

With an open-plan layout that references mountain huts, House in Chofu is characterised by lauan plywood cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling glazing that offers views of the surrounding scenery.

“The house is the base camp connecting mountains and cities,” Snark Architectures director Yu Yamada told Dezeen.

Find out more about House in Chofu ›

Tokyo apartment by G Studio Architects — Image is courtesy of G Studio

Tokyo Loft by G Studio Architects

Located on one of the top floors of a 1980s housing block, Tokyo Loft is short-term accommodation that intends to balance home comforts with industrial finishes.

G Studio worked with architects Teruya Kido and Suma-Saga-Fudosan to complete the interior look, which includes original sloping concrete walls that were illustrated with splashes of white paint in a nod to traditional Japanese washi paper.

Rows of skylights were added to the walls to flood the apartment with natural light, while bright orange electrical wires and plumbing features were left exposed. A freestanding bathtub adds a playful touch to the main living space.

Find out more about Tokyo Loft ›

J House by Domino Architects

Wooden panelling creates “corners, blind spots and niches” in J House – a pared-back apartment renovated to maximise restricted floor space for a growing family.

Japanese studio Domino Architects used low-cost exposed plywood for its simplicity, while rough concrete in the kitchen adds to the dwelling’s minimalist interior design.

Find out more about J House ›

Motoazabu Apartment sYms by Kiyonobu Nakagame Architect & Associates

Diagonally stepped floors and ceilings create a dynamic layout of triangular zones within a pair of apartments in Tokyo’s Motoazabu neighbourhood.

Smooth, understated concrete defines the central interior spaces, which are surrounded by kitchen worktops and glazed bathrooms.

“What we aimed to do with this structure was to create something that would blend with its surroundings and maintain absolute simplicity,” explained architect Kiyonubu Nakagame.

Find out more about Motoazabu Apartment sYms ›

Opera Apartment by Taka Shinomoto and Voar Design Haus

A material and colour palette influenced by the different shades of an Opera cake – a famed French dessert – informed the “layered” coffee-hued interiors in this apartment.

The hallway features sliding geometric cupboard doors stained in various shades of brown while a mixture of glossy, matte and textured coatings cover the white walls.

Find out more about Opera Apartment ›

Reference

Sustainable News

A membrane that generates electricity and cleans wastewater

By Zarkon Group,17/03/2023

Spotted: According to the Centres for Disease Control, up to two billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water at home, and, at the same time, up to 770 million people live without access to electricity. The purification of water, for example from sewage or rainwater, is a high-energy process, which is why a number of innovators are working to develop renewable energy sources for purification. But what if the purification process itself could generate electricity? A team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Myongji University has recently announced that it has done just that.

The research team has developed a membrane that can simultaneously provide drinking water and generate continuous electricity from various water resources. The “sandwich-like” material includes a layer of porous membrane that can filter out most contaminants smaller than 10 nanometres. This includes microplastics and particles of heavy metals.

At the same time, water flowing over a layer of conductive polymer – perpendicular to the membrane – generates direct current due to ions moving horizontally. The membrane can be manufactured in virtually any size using a 3D printing process. This means it could potentially be adapted to any number of commercial projects.

Dr. Ji-Soo Jang, who headed up the team from KIST, highlights: “As a novel technology that can solve [the] water shortage problem and produce eco-friendly energy simultaneously, it also has great potential applications in the water quality management system and emergency power system.”

Finding solutions to the problem of water shortages has led to a number of recent innovations. Springwise has spotted a countertop water purifier, and a social enterprise working to establish affordable and reliable water infrastructure in Africa.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Wood-clad entrance to low-cost Barcelona apartment

Sustainable News

10K House in Barcelona is a “labyrinth that multiplies perspectives”

By Zarkon Group,17/03/2023

Spanish studio Takk took cues from snugly stacked Russian dolls for the interior renovation of this Barcelona apartment, which features rooms nestled inside each other to maximise insulation.

Called 10K House, the 50-square-metre apartment was renovated by Takk using a material budget of only 10,000 euros with the aim of updating the home to be as sustainable as possible.

The project was informed by concerns about climate change as well as the global energy crisis faced by homeowners and renters.

Arranged across one open level, rooms were built “inside one another” in a formation that mimics the layers of an onion and places the rooms that require the most heat at the centre of the apartment, according to Takk.

Elevated bedroom encased in sheep's wool and MDF — The bedroom is raised on recycled white table legs

“This causes the heat emitted by us, our pets or our appliances to have to go through more walls to reach the outside,” principal architects Mireia Luzárraga and Alejandro Muiño told Dezeen.

“If we place the spaces that need more heat – for example, the room where we sleep – in the centre of the Matryoshka [a Russian doll] we realise that we need to heat it less because the configuration of the house itself helps to maintain the temperature.”

“The result is a kind of labyrinth that multiplies perspectives,” explained the architects, who designed the project for a single client.

MDF walls and raw fixtures within apartment in Barcelona — MDF was used throughout the apartment

Recycled table legs were used to elevate these constructed rooms to allow the free passage of water pipes and electrical fittings without having to create wall grooves, reducing the overall cost.

For example, the raised central bedroom is clad in gridded frames of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) that are enveloped by slabs of local sheep’s wool – utilitarian and inexpensive materials that feature throughout the interior.

“Despite being a small apartment, it is very complex to ensure that you never get bored of the space,” said Luzárraga and Muiño.

Wood-clad steps and walls within 10K House in Barcelona — The remnants of previous partitions were left exposed

After demolishing the apartment’s existing internal layout, Takk chose not to apply costly and carbon-intensive coatings to the floors and walls.

Rather, the architects scrubbed the space clean and left traces of the previous partitions and dismantled light fixtures visible, giving the apartment a raw appearance and maintaining a reminder of the original floor plan.

Low-slung wooden cabinets within the kitchen of apartment with white walls — The kitchen features a metallic sink and low-slung cabinets

The kitchen is located in the most open part of 10K House, which includes timber geometric cabinetry and an exposed metallic sink.

According to the architects, the open kitchen intends to act as a facility “without associated gender” and address stereotypes typically attached to housework.

“Traditionally, the kitchen has been understood as a space to be used mainly by women, whether they own the house or do domestic work,” reflected Luzárraga and Muiño.

“This has meant that [historically] this space has been relegated to secondary areas of the house, poorly lit and poorly ventilated, especially in small homes.”

“One way to combat this is by placing the kitchen in better and open spaces, so that everyone, regardless of their gender, is challenged to take charge of this type of task,” they added.

Boxy rooms created from CNC-milled MDF slabs — 10K House was constructed using CNC-milled component

The dwelling was constructed using CNC-milled components that were cut prior to arriving on-site and assembled using standard screws.

Takk chose this method to encourage DIY when building a home, and armed the client with a small instruction manual that allowed them to assemble aspects of the apartment themselves “as if [the apartment] were a piece of furniture”.

Exposed wall and white toilet within 10K House by Takk — Takk was informed by soaring energy prices when designing the project

10K House is based on a previous project by the architecture studio called The Day After House, which features similar “unprejudiced” design principles, according to Luzárraga and Muiño.

The architects – who are also a couple – created a winter-themed bedroom for their young daughter by inserting a self-contained igloo-like structure within their home in Barcelona.

The photography is by José Hevia.

Reference

Architecture

25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland

By Zarkon Group,17/03/2023

Ireland’s architecture is a rich tapestry of vernacular craft, foreign architecture and, most importantly, good ol’ grit. Like any nation, Ireland’s complex history is easily contextualized through its urban makeup. Take Dublin and Cork, for example. Both cities contain a wealth of Georgian and Victorian structures that directly speak to the republic’s past ties to Britain. All it takes is a quick tour of the extant churches, libraries and courthouses to understand how significant British and European influences were on the nation, including its architecture.

Foreign influences continued to inform Ireland’s built environment well after the Partition. In the 20th century, Irish designers turned to modernism and other international trends, this time on their own terms. Art Deco, Brutalism and sleek Modern structures began to appear around the country, generating an architectural expression to mirror the republic’s newfound independence. This modernist sensibility carried through the 20th century alongside a revival of the vernacular. Ireland’s traditional architecture — specifically the thatched cottage — was again made popular by tourists seeking a quintessential ‘Irish experience.’

Today’s designers continuously engage with discourse surrounding nationalism. What is the quintessential ‘Irish experience’, and how does it inform today’s architecture? With a built environment rooted in pluralism, Irish architects have an incredible opportunity to recreate and rectify an architectural language that best represents today’s Irish folk.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Ireland based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Ireland architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best architecture firms in Ireland:

25. Donaghy & Dimond Architects

Based in Dublin, Donaghy + Dimond Architects was established in 2001 by Marcus Donaghy and Will Dimond, two architects with extensive experience of working on urban and rural design projects in Ireland and abroad. The practice has developed a reputation for high-quality, innovative and sustainable design, and has been selected for numerous national and international awards for completed projects. Their work has been published and exhibited in Ireland, Europe and the USA.

Some of Donaghy & Dimond Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Donaghy & Dimond Architects achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

24. NOJI

NOJI is an architecture and design studio dedicated to exploring the possibilities of design from our base in the rugged Northwest coast of Ireland. We are based in Sligo. Our projects range from small scale private homes to retail, commercial and innovative large-scale public space projects. Curious about the crossroads of tradition and culture, sustainability and context, NOJI is committed to design architecture that responds to individual context and need.

With a nod to the backdrop of living and working along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, our work is often considered playful and innovative. Environmentally conscious and sustainable design is a key theme through all design work produced by NOJI. Each project presents opportunities for the studio to investigate and explore issues that have an impact on the environment we inhabit everyday.

Some of NOJI’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped NOJI achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

23. TAKA architects

TAKA is an architectural practice based in Dublin, Ireland. Our practice is focused on creating buildings, places and moments which have a distinct character. Our approach involves a careful and economic approach to materials and construction and a first-principles approach to sustainability.

We collaborate closely with clients, professional consultants, and expert makers to ensure the ambitions of projects are met and exceeded. A continuing level of excellence in the built work of the practice is recognized by multiple national and international awards and worldwide publication.

Some of TAKA architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped TAKA architects achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

22. Box Architecture

The flush detailing of the glazed screens – © Box Architecture

Box Architecture was created in 1997. Since conception, the company has been established as a leading design practice in the nation. Quality has remained the focus of Box throughout and this has been employed to a variety of projects including urban schemes, apartment units, award-winning private commissions, corporate offices, crèches and housing developments.

The success of Box Architecture is achieved through a personal approach to understand client needs. With a hands-on approach, technical expertise, creative execution and a commitment to continued education, the company applies a philosophy of the highest principle in order to contribute to a sustainable future and maintain quality architecture.

Some of Box Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Box Architecture achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	2

21. Carr Cotter Naessens Architects

Cotter & Naessens are an award-winning architecture design studio with a reputation for innovative design, delivered with focus and attention to detail. Our work encompasses diverse briefs, scales and locations. From rural houses to urban masterplans, all our projects are underpinned by a common design philosophy that is enquiring and rigorous.

Some of Carr Cotter Naessens Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Carr Cotter Naessens Architects achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	2

20. PLA Architects (formerly Peter Legge Associates)

PLA Architects is an evolution of the practice Peter Legge Associates, which was founded in 1961 by Peter B Legge, and which for over fifty years of practice, earned an enviable reputation for quality design and service across a wide range of projects, most especially in the hospitality, residential and industrial sectors. Today, the practice extends to architecture, interior, furniture design and landscaping design.

Some of Peter Legge Associates’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Peter Legge Associates achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	2

19. Kingston Lafferty Design

Kingston Lafferty Design are an award-winning, international multi-disciplinary design company run by Roisin Lafferty based in Dublin, Ireland. At KLD we think differently about design. Our designs take people on a journey, delivering fun and unexpected experiences. With a holistic approach, we study the way in which people live and work to create tactile and meaningful design, putting human behavior at the centre of every project.

Some of Kingston Lafferty Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Kingston Lafferty Design achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	3

18. Isabel Barros Architects

isabel barros architects are driven by a passion for creating high quality contemporary architecture. Our goal is to make good design available to the general public while maintaining a strong focus on the energy efficiency and sustainability of our designs.

Some of Isabel Barros Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Isabel Barros Architects achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	4

17. ARCHITECTSTM

ARCHITECTSTM is a design practice founded by Tom Maher. Based in Dublin, Ireland the firm boasts a portfolio of residential, cultural and commercial designs.

Some of ARCHITECTSTM’s most prominent projects include:

K HOUSE, Ranelagh, Ireland
GARDENER’S WORLD (FUTURE), Callan, Ireland
SLATE STOREY EXTENSION, Chapelizod, Dublin, Ireland
COTTAGE, County Kilkenny, Ireland
8BY4, Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped ARCHITECTSTM achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	5

16. Paul Dillon Architects

In 1999, architect Paul Dillon established his full-service practice in Galway, which quickly earned a reputation for combining design sensitivity with professional management and delivery. Each year, paul dillon architects complete a small number of challenging everyday projects, ranging from domestic extensions and garden designs to large commercial, retail, industrial and public projects.

This commitment to the process of building, has been recognized with numerous national and international publications and awards. The completed work, both public and private, is receiving growing understanding and appreciation from those who take responsibility for their built environment.

Some of Paul Dillon Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Carnaun Primary School, Athenry, Ireland
Extension to Secondary School, County Galway, Ireland
Kilrickle Primary School, Ireland, Kilreekill, Ireland
Art Room, Secondary School County Galway, Ireland
Art Room, Inis Mór, County Galway, Ireland

The following statistics helped Paul Dillon Architects achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	5

15. Hussey Architects

We are an architectural practice based in Dublin. Our specialities are healthcare, hospitality & masterplanning. Current projects include primary care centers, hotels, housing schemes and business parks. Our practice has a lot of experience in healthcare design.

Some of Hussey Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Hussey Architects achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	7

14. Solearth Architecture

Solearth Architecture specialize in design that is both beautiful and deeply sustainable. For for fifteen years, we have been Ireland’s leading green design firm and now provide architecture, design and consulting services further afield. All projects and client types are of interest to us but our key experience to date lies in hospitality, visitor, environment, wellness and buildings for spirituality as well as housing and private houses. We also have expertise in sustainable masterplanning and urban design. We are Europe’s only Living Building accredited practice.

Some of Solearth Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

Airfield Evolution, Dublin, Ireland
Castle Espie, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
The Daintree Building, Dublin, Ireland
Ballybay Wetland Centre, Ballybay, Ireland
Dechen Shying, Cork, Ireland

The following statistics helped Solearth Architecture achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	7

13. A2 Architects

A2 Architects was established by Peter Carroll and Caomhán Murphy in 2005 and is based in Great Strand Street in Dublin. The practice is founded on a shared interest in both the continuing development of architectural practice as well as the unchanging, essential nature of architecture. A constant excitement and spirit in architecture is sought out, be it in a modest house or in the realm of spaces found in a school.

Some of A2 Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped A2 Architects achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	8

12. ODKM Architects & Designers

ODKM are highly experienced award-winning architectural practice, with accolades and publications both in Ireland and abroad. We love design, how it makes us feel, and what it offers us every day, and we are passionate about how important this is in creating new spaces, identities and places that exceed our clients expectations. Ultimately, buildings are about people, and we believe in quality driven design to create environments with a sense of place. Our team each bring unique and diverse skills to the practice, all stemming from a common holistic design philosophy; that design can improve the quality of our lives, and make us happier.

Some of ODKM Architects & Designers’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ODKM Architects & Designers achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

11. Architectural Farm

Architectural Farm is a design focused architectural studio based in Dublin. The studio has been led by Shane Cotter and Kathryn Wilson since 2010. To date the practice has worked on a variety of projects specializing in residential and public commissions in both urban and rural settings but also have collaborated on retail, commercial and landscaping projects.

Some of Architectural Farm’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Architectural Farm achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

10. GKMP Architect

GKMP Architects is a Dublin-based practice that designs high quality modern architecture. Our recent projects include house design, domestic extensions, public spaces and tourist facilities.

Some of GKMP Architect’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped GKMP Architect achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

9. Aughey O’Flaherty Architects

Since the start, in 1999, we have been blessed with great clients. We work closely with them to understand their needs and create buildings to fit those needs. We are passionate about delivering excellence for our clients. As conservation architects, we have Grade II RIAI Conservation Accreditation.

Some of Aughey O’Flaherty Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Aughey O’Flaherty Architects achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	3

8. Coady Architects

Coady Architects is an award winning practice of highly skilled professionals, specializing in healthcare, residential, workplace and education design. We are passionate about understanding our clients’ and end users’ needs. We understand commercial drivers and add value at every opportunity. We enjoy design, we listen and explore, we innovate and challenge to deliver better environments and better buildings.

Some of Coady Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Scholen van Morgen. VIIO, Tongeren, Belgium
Eolas, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
Clinical Education and Research Centre, Limerick, Ireland
Scholen van Morgen. Heilig Hart van Mariainstituut, Berlaar, Belgium
Scholen van Morgen, Virga Jessecollege, Hasselt, Belgium

The following statistics helped Coady Architects achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	5

7. Ambient Architecture

ambient architecture are Dublin-based architects with a dedication to contemporary design. We specialize in domestic projects for private clients. As architects, we focus on delivering the best outcome for our clients, in terms of design, costs and buildability. We believe good design is not just form but can be defined by what makes most sense.

Some of Ambient Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

New house in Malahide, Malahide, Ireland
Rathgar Redbrick, Dublin, Ireland
Loreto Abbey Dalkey Sportshall, Dalkey, Ireland
Blackrock 1, Blackrock, Ireland
Glasnevin, Glasnevin, Ireland

The following statistics helped Ambient Architecture achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	8

6. FKL architects

FKL architects is committed to contemporary design with a focus on the application of abstract ideas to built form. Each project is approached from first principles by responding to the specifics of site and program and formulating a singular concept that informs all aspects of the design. This individual concept is firmly rooted in the pragmatics of the project.

We seek to condense ideas to their essentials, from the building form to the detail of junctions between materials with all decisions re-affirming and complementing the primary concept. The form and language of each project grows out of this approach leading to a diversity in the work, within a framework given by enduring interests; in space, atmosphere, assemblage, pattern, hierarchy, texture and materiality.

Some of FKL architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FKL architects achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	17

5. Heneghan Peng Architects

heneghan peng architects is a design partnership practicing architecture, landscape and urban design. The practice was founded by Shih-Fu Peng and Róisín Heneghan in New York in 1999 and in 2001 opened an office in Dublin, Ireland.

We take a multi-disciplinary approach to design and have collaborated with many leading designers and engineers on a range of projects including large scale urban masterplans, bridges, landscapes and buildings.

Some of Heneghan Peng Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Heneghan Peng Architects achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	3

4. URBAN AGENCY

Urban Agency is an international office for architecture, urbanism, landscape design and research. With offices in Dublin, Copenhagen and Lyon, Urban Agency’s work embraces the contemporary challenges for architecture, cities and built environment, to which it responds with pragmatic, sensitive, inventive and innovative solutions, creating new possibilities for a better everyday life.

We design robust projects that can absorb complexity and change, while maintaining and building-up on existing qualities. We believe in an architecture that promotes social engagement, creates democratic cities and spaces of social encounter – places which are aesthetically inviting and build a strong identity.

Some of URBAN AGENCY’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped URBAN AGENCY achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist	3
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	17

3. Scullion Architects

SCULLION ARCHITECTS are a Dublin-based Architectural Studio established by Declan Scullion MRIAI, providing architectural services for both the public and private sector. The practice’s work is characterized by a particular attention to user experience supported by an interest in things well-made. Our ambition is to provide a dedicated and professional service delivering exceptional buildings.

Some of Scullion Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Grand Canal Street, Dublin, Ireland
Glass Ribbon, Dublin, Ireland
Blackrock House, Dundalk, Ireland
Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland
The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped Scullion Architects achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	5

2. McCullough Mulvin Architects

McCullough Mulvin Architects is an architecture and urban design practice based in Dublin. Much of our work has been in the design of cultural and civic buildings around Ireland, projects working to define a new public realm in a changing society, dealing with Ireland’s diffuse light and stark materiality. The work is based around an idea of experimentation – from small domestic work through to larger civic projects.

Testing at all scales, the work is original and the response to each brief particular. There is no house style, rather a concern for improving the lives of people by designing public and private spaces where life is played out.

Some of McCullough Mulvin Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny, Ireland
Trinity Long Room Hub, Dublin, Ireland
Z Square House, Dublin, Ireland
Beaufort Maritime Research Building, Cork, Ireland
one up two down , Dublin, Ireland

The following statistics helped McCullough Mulvin Architects achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	6

1. ODOS

The constant questioning of how people work, rest and play in today’s society is the fundamental driving force behind the practice. We strongly believe our clients deserve to be challenged and that buildings need to inspire their occupants. As architects we have a duty to expose such possibilities. We hope to instill a sense of curiosity and excitement, stimulating a response, confronting and challenging traditional conceptions of architecture.

Some of ODOS’s most prominent projects include:

Flynn Mews House, Dublin, Ireland
Dwelling at Maytree, Wicklow, Ireland
3 Mews Houses, Dublin, Ireland
Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland
31 Carysfort Road, Dalkey, Ireland

The following statistics helped ODOS achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Ireland:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	7
Total Projects	9

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

Project completed within the last 3 years
A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
High quality, in focus photographs
At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

Top image: Medieval Mile Museum by McCullough Mulvin Architects, Kilkenny, Ireland

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

Reference

Shelving system in Milan store by Francesca Perani and Bloomscape

Interior Design

Demountable electric-blue grid engulfs On-Off store interior in Milan

By Zarkon Group,16/03/2023

Italian architect Francesca Perani has teamed up with design studio Bloomscape to create a reversible fit-out for this clothing store in Milan, which is dominated by a flexible gridded shelving system.

Perani and Bloomscape installed the grid with its moveable shelves as a way to let the On-Off store effortlessly change its display arrangements.

It was also a matter of making the store reversible, meaning that the fit-out could be easily dismantled should the retailer move on to a different site, saving waste and leaving behind a clean slate for the next occupier.

“Too often, the world of retail is still insensitive to sustainability; its lifecycle, however, is too short to continue being ignored,” explained Bloomscape co-founder Rosario Distaso.

Polycarbonate walls in ON-OFF store in Milan — Concrete chimney blocks form display plinths and benches

The gridded framework comprises beams of poplar wood surrounded by metal frames that were anodised to produce a vivid electric-blue colour.

The system runs along the walls and across the store’s ceiling, allowing On-Off to hang wayfinding signage.

Wood and metal shelving in Milan store by Francesca Perani and Bloomscape — Shelves can be moved around in the framework to create different displays

All of the shelves can be pulled out or slotted in at different points of the framework.

A fixed wooden clothes rail runs between two of the columns, allowing the hung garments to appear almost as part of the store’s architecture.

As the team was working with a limited budget, just a handful of materials were applied throughout the rest of On-Off.

The same metal-clad poplar wood was used to create freestanding clothing rails that appear at the edges of the store. Sheets of poplar also form the top of the store’s display plinths and bench seats, which have chimney cement blocks for a base.

Mirrored cash register in ON-OFF store in Milan — Mirrored panels clad the store’s cash register desk

At the rear of the floor plan is a mirror-clad cash register, set against a wall lined with translucent polycarbonate sheets.

More panels of polycarbonate were used to enclose On-Off’s changing rooms, with a shiny silver curtain suspended in front of each cubicle for privacy.

Polycarbonate changing rooms in Milan shop by Francesca Perani and Bloomscape — Polycarbonate walls and silver curtains feature in the changing rooms

Other striking retail spaces in Milan include the Marni flagship with its very own artists’ studio and IoNoi – a hybrid store and gallery dedicated to the work of Italian designer Fabio Novembre.

The photography is courtesy of Francesca Perani.

Reference

The Vibes

By Infinitive Architecture, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Jury Winner, 2022 A+Awards, Coworking Space

Venture X

By Studio+, Naples, FL, United States

Popular Winner, 2022 A+Awards, Coworking Space

The Coven

By Studio BV, Saint Paul, MN, United States

Smart Design Studio

By Smart Design Studio, Alexandria, Australia

Jury Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Office Interiors <25,000 sq ft

GoodRx Headquarters

By RIOS Santa Monica, CA, United States

Jury Winner, 2021 A+Awards, Office Interiors >25,000 sq ft

Office Brabant

Studio Piet Boon, NB, Netherlands

Jury Winner, 2020 A+Awards, Office Interiors – Low Rise 1-4 Floors

How are these architecture firms ranked?

25. Donaghy & Dimond Architects

24. NOJI

23. TAKA architects

22. Box Architecture

21. Carr Cotter Naessens Architects

20. PLA Architects (formerly Peter Legge Associates)

19. Kingston Lafferty Design

18. Isabel Barros Architects

17. ARCHITECTSTM

16. Paul Dillon Architects

15. Hussey Architects

14. Solearth Architecture

13. A2 Architects

12. ODKM Architects & Designers

11. Architectural Farm

10. GKMP Architect

9. Aughey O’Flaherty Architects

8. Coady Architects

7. Ambient Architecture

6. FKL architects

5. Heneghan Peng Architects

4. URBAN AGENCY

3. Scullion Architects

2. McCullough Mulvin Architects

1. ODOS

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

A Guide to Project Awards

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