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AI Architecture: Reimagining Barbie’s Dreamhouse for the Modern World
CategoriesArchitecture

AI Architecture: Reimagining Barbie’s Dreamhouse for the Modern World

By Zarkon Group,

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!

Inspired by the monstrously popular Barbie movie, this series of AI-generated architectural renderings brings forth a new vision of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. These hyper-realistic, ultra-contemporary homes, infused with Barbie’s signature pink hue, banish plastic to the toy box and imagine what a ‘real world’ residence for the iconic doll might look like.

Harnessing AI image generation tool Midjourney, these renderings harmoniously blend the stylized world of Barbie with the sophistication of contemporary design. With their eye-catching exteriors, luxurious interiors, and generous use of Barbie’s characteristic pink hue, these houses invite us into a realm where fantasy meets reality. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling: Eat your heart out!

Keep scrolling to explore the vibrant visualizations below, check out the prompt that helped to generate these images at the bottom of the page, and let us know over on Instagram — which movie character would be your dream client?

Barbie Dreamhouse Prompt Formula

Experiment with the following prompt formula in Midjourney to generate your own Barbie Dreamhouse! Copy the following text and then select or replace the components within the square brackets, which are designed to add variety and specificity to your image:

/imagine An incredibly detailed [interior / exterior] architectural visualization of a modern barbie house [embedded within the branches of a giant oak tree / that is a perfect sphere on stilts / on top of a bright pink waterfall], everything is varying shades of vibrant pink, featuring [curvaceous walls and a flowing ceiling / an epic vaulted ceiling / pitched roofs and towers], dramatic daylighting, super realistic, 8k –ar 4:5 –v 5.2

You could also test different weather conditions, environments, architectural styles, lighting quality, materials, camera settings and additional details.

3 Tips to Help You Perfect Your Midjourney Architecture Visualizations

Midjourney makes it simple to create striking imagery of any kind, but here are a few tips to take your AI-generated architectural visuals to the next level.

1. Use professional camera settings.

Unlock the full potential of your architectural visualizations with Midjourney AI by harnessing the power of professional camera settings. By specifying these settings, you can elevate your creations to a whole new level of realism and impact.

With precise control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length, you can craft visually stunning compositions that mimic the subtleties of real-world photography. Adjusting the aperture allows you to control depth of field, lending a sense of realism and focus to your images. Fine-tune shutter speed to capture motion or create long-exposure effects. Master ISO to balance light and minimize noise, and experiment with focal length to achieve desired perspectives.

By taking command of professional camera settings, you’ll transform your architectural visualizations into captivating, lifelike experiences that leave viewers amazed. Unleash your creative potential and bring your designs to life in ways you never thought possible with Midjourney’s powerful capabilities.

2. Harness the power of architectural vocabulary.

Take your architectural visualizations to new heights by incorporating descriptive architectural vocabulary and keywords when generating designs with Midjourney AI. By choosing the right words to describe elements such as materials, textures, lighting, and spatial qualities, you can enhance the realism and impact of your visualizations.

Using precise terminology allows Midjourney to understand your design intentions more accurately, resulting in more faithful and detailed renderings. By specifying features like “glass curtain walls,” “warm wooden finishes,” or “dramatic vaulted ceilings,” you can evoke a specific atmosphere and convey your design concept with precision.

Empower your visualizations with the language of architecture, enabling Midjourney to create immersive, realistic representations that truly capture the essence of your vision. Let your designs speak volumes and make a lasting impression with the help of descriptive architectural vocabulary.

3. Use Midjourney acronyms.

Maximize the quality and precision of your architectural visualizations generated with Midjourney AI by leveraging specific acronyms designed to enhance your experience. By utilizing acronyms such as “–v 5.2” to specify the Midjourney version, “–ar 16:9” for a wide aspect ratio, and “–q 1” for a detailed image quality, you can achieve unparalleled control over your renderings.

By specifying the Midjourney version, you ensure compatibility with the latest features and advancements, guaranteeing optimal performance and results. The aspect ratio acronym enables you to define the proportions of your visualizations, ensuring they align seamlessly with your intended display format. Fine-tune image quality with the “q” acronym, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between file size and visual fidelity.

Embrace the power of these Midjourney acronyms to fine-tune your architectural visualizations with precision, ensuring optimal results that align precisely with your vision.

You can learn all the basics about how to use Midjourney AI in our handy guide.

Share Your AI Architecture for a Chance to Get Featured!

Calling all architectural visionaries and visual artists! Are you ready to showcase your awe-inspiring creations to a global audience? Architizer’s new Instagram channel — @midjourneyarchitecture — is the ultimate platform to elevate your AI-generated architectural imagery to new heights and inspire a fast-growing community of creators!

Here’s what you need to do:

1️⃣ Create breathtaking imagery using Midjourney AI.
2️⃣ Share your masterpiece on Instagram and tag @midjourneyarchitecture.
3️⃣ Send a DM with your image to us to catch our attention!

Our editorial team will be on the lookout for the most remarkable submissions, and select images will be featured on @midjourneyarchitecture, granting you exposure to a new audience of AI architecture aficionados, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts worldwide!

Don’t forget to follow @midjourneyarchitecture on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midjourneyarchitecture/

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!



Reference

AI Architecture: 15 Breathtaking Modern Residences (Prompts Included)
CategoriesArchitecture

AI Architecture: 15 Breathtaking Modern Residences (Prompts Included)

By Zarkon Group,

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!

In the crowded market of modern residential architecture, captivating visualizations are essential to powerfully convey an initial concept and convince clients of your vision. With the advent of AI image generation tools like Midjourney, architects and designers now have an incredible resource at their disposal to ideate like never before — and at record speed.

In this article, we will showcase some compelling examples of contemporary residential visualizations brought to life using AI image generation tool Midjourney. When provided with an appropriate text prompt, Midjourney can be harnessed to create stunning visualizations, from sleek and contemporary exteriors to meticulously designed interiors, with the click of a button. These renderings can form a starting point for further refining an architectural concept or be added to a collection to form a mood board that captures the essence of your ideas at the early stages of the design process.

Follow Architizer’s new AI Instagram channel, @midjourneyarchitecture, where we’ll be sharing extraordinary examples of AI-assisted architecture and providing tips and tricks for mastering Midjourney. Explore the architectural images below, try the prompts out for yourself, and make sure to read all the way down for some key tips on how to perfect your Midjourney visualizations.

Contemporary A-Frame Cabin

Prompt: /imagine a highly detailed image of a futuristic A-frame cabin nestled in a dense forest, showcasing its distinctive angular shape and large windows. Capture the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees onto the wooden facade. Set your professional camera to manual mode, f/5.6, ISO 400, and use a tilt-shift lens for enhanced focus. –v 5.1

Modern Beachfront Villa at Sunset

Prompt: /imagine a stunning visual of a modern beachfront villa at sunset, with warm golden light cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/8, ISO 200, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive view. –v 5.1

Tropical Dome Home

Prompt: /imagine a striking visual of a contemporary dome-shaped residence surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Capture the interplay between the curved glass panels and the organic forms of the landscape. Set your professional camera to manual mode, f/4, ISO 400, and use a fish-eye lens to accentuate the unique geometry. –v 5.1

Sleek Urban Loft at Night

Prompt: /imagine an architectural visualization of a sleek urban loft in the heart of a bustling city at night. Illuminate the space with dramatic artificial lighting, highlighting the contemporary design elements. Set your professional camera to manual mode, f/5.6, ISO 800, and use a tilt-shift lens for creative perspective control. –v 5.1

Cantilevered Cliffside Residence

Prompt: /imagine an architectural visualization of an innovative cantilevered home suspended over a rocky cliff, overlooking a serene ocean. Highlight the seamless integration of glass, steel, and concrete in this modern masterpiece. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/8, ISO 200, and use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the suspended structure. –v 5.1

Shell-Inspired Residence

Prompt: /imagine a beautiful architectural visualization of a futuristic residence with a spiral-shaped exterior, resembling a seashell. Showcase the interplay of light and shadow on the curved surfaces, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/11, ISO 100, and use a fish-eye lens for a unique perspective. –v 5.1

Snowy Mountain Retreat

Midjourney Architecture Snowy Mountain RetreatPrompt: /imagine a highly realistic image of a contemporary mountain retreat covered in fresh snow, with sunlight reflecting off the pristine white surface. Set your professional camera to manual mode, f/16, ISO 200, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the surroundings. –v 5.1

Tropical Modernist Getaway

Prompt: /imagine a visual masterpiece of an eco-friendly home nestled in a lush tropical rainforest. Highlight the sustainable features, such as green roofs and large windows inviting nature inside. Set your professional camera to shutter priority mode, 1/60 sec, ISO 400, and use a macro lens to capture intricate details of vegetation. –v 5.1

Glass-Walled Hilltop Residence

Prompt: /imagine an impressive image of a contemporary glass-walled residence perched on a hilltop, overlooking a sparkling city skyline. Capture the dramatic twilight sky and the reflection of lights on the transparent surfaces. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/5.6, ISO 400, and use a wide-angle lens to encompass the panoramic view. –v 5.1

Contemporary Cave Dwelling

Midjourney Architecture Contemporary Cave DwellingPrompt: /imagine a highly detailed, intriguing visualization of an underground residence carved into the rocky cliffs of a remote island, taking inspiration from ancient cave dwellings. Highlight the interplay between the natural rock formations and the modern architectural elements. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/8, ISO 200, and use a macro lens to capture the textures of the rock surfaces. –v 5.1

Contemporary Lakeside Home

Midjourney Architecture Contemporary Lakeside HomePrompt: /imagine a captivating image of a contemporary lakeside residence, with the setting sun casting a warm glow on the reflective surface of the water. Set your professional camera to manual mode, f/8, ISO 200, and use a telephoto lens to capture the serenity of the scene. –v 5.1

Vertical Garden Apartments

Midjourney Architecture Vertical Garden ApartmentsPrompt: /imagine a visually stunning visualization of an eco-friendly residence with a living facade composed of vertical gardens. Showcase the integration of nature into the architecture, with cascading greenery and vibrant flowers. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/8, ISO 200, and use a macro lens to capture the intricate textures of the vegetation. –v 5.1

Floating Mirrored Retreat

Midjourney Architecture Floating Mirrored RetreatPrompt: /imagine an impressive visualization of an avant-garde house constructed from a series of interconnected floating wood volumes, suspended and supported by slender steel supports. Capture the sense of weightlessness and the play of light and shadow on the metal surfaces. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/11, ISO 100, and use a telephoto lens for emphasizing the intricate details. –v 5.1

Modern Courtyard Residence

Midjourney Architecture Modern Courtyard ResidencePrompt: /imagine a visual masterpiece of a modern courtyard residence with lush landscaping and a tranquil pool. Capture the soft, diffused light of a cloudy day, enhancing the architectural details and creating an atmosphere of serenity. Set your professional camera to aperture priority mode, f/5.6, ISO 200, and use a wide-angle lens for a comprehensive view. –v 5.1

Floating Dome Home

Midjourney Architecture Modern Courtyard ResidencePrompt: /imagine a stunning architectural visualization of a modern floating home with transparent walls and a glass dome, offering uninterrupted views of a serene lake. Capture the reflections on the water and the seamless connection between the interior and the natural surroundings. Set your professional camera to shutter priority mode, 1/125 sec, ISO 400, and use a wide-angle lens to encompass the panoramic vista. –v 5.1

3 Tips to Help You Perfect Your Midjourney Architecture Visualizations

Midjourney makes it simple to create striking imagery of any kind, but here are a few tips to take your AI-generated architectural visuals to the next level.

1. Use professional camera settings.

Unlock the full potential of your architectural visualizations with Midjourney AI by harnessing the power of professional camera settings. By specifying these settings, you can elevate your creations to a whole new level of realism and impact.

With precise control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length, you can craft visually stunning compositions that mimic the subtleties of real-world photography. Adjusting the aperture allows you to control depth of field, lending a sense of realism and focus to your images. Fine-tune shutter speed to capture motion or create long-exposure effects. Master ISO to balance light and minimize noise, and experiment with focal length to achieve desired perspectives.

By taking command of professional camera settings, you’ll transform your architectural visualizations into captivating, lifelike experiences that leave viewers amazed. Unleash your creative potential and bring your designs to life in ways you never thought possible with Midjourney AI’s powerful capabilities.

2. Harness the power of architectural vocabulary.

Take your architectural visualizations to new heights by incorporating descriptive architectural vocabulary and keywords when generating designs with Midjourney AI. By choosing the right words to describe elements such as materials, textures, lighting, and spatial qualities, you can enhance the realism and impact of your visualizations.

Using precise terminology allows Midjourney AI to understand your design intentions more accurately, resulting in more faithful and detailed renderings. By specifying features like “glass curtain walls,” “warm wooden finishes,” or “dramatic vaulted ceilings,” you can evoke a specific atmosphere and convey your design concept with precision.

Empower your visualizations with the language of architecture, enabling Midjourney AI to create immersive, realistic representations that truly capture the essence of your vision. Let your designs speak volumes and make a lasting impression with the help of descriptive architectural vocabulary.

3. Use Midjourney acronyms.

Maximize the quality and precision of your architectural visualizations generated with Midjourney AI by leveraging specific acronyms designed to enhance your experience. By utilizing acronyms such as “–v 5.1” to specify the Midjourney version, “–ar 16:9” for a wide aspect ratio, and “–q 1” for a detailed image quality, you can achieve unparalleled control over your renderings.

By specifying the Midjourney version, you ensure compatibility with the latest features and advancements, guaranteeing optimal performance and results. The aspect ratio acronym enables you to define the proportions of your visualizations, ensuring they align seamlessly with your intended display format. Fine-tune image quality with the “q” acronym, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between file size and visual fidelity.

Embrace the power of these Midjourney acronyms to fine-tune your architectural visualizations with precision, ensuring optimal results that align precisely with your vision.

You can learn all the basics about how to use Midjourney AI in our handy guide.

Share Your AI Architecture for a Chance to Get Featured!

Calling all architectural visionaries and visual artists! Are you ready to showcase your awe-inspiring creations to a global audience? Architizer’s new Instagram channel — @midjourneyarchitecture — is the ultimate platform to elevate your AI-generated architectural imagery to new heights and inspire a fast-growing community of creators! 🚀

Submit your best examples of architectural artistry crafted with Midjourney AI, and be considered for a feature. With thousands of architecture enthusiasts eagerly waiting to be inspired, this is your opportunity to shine!

On our experimental new channel, anything goes: Harness the cutting-edge capabilities of Midjourney AI to transform your existing sketches, photographs and renderings into mesmerizing masterpieces, or create something completely new. Bring your architectural dreams to life with stunning realism, captivating compositions, and extraordinary details that will leave the world in awe.

Ready to make your mark in the world of AI architecture? Here’s what you need to do:

1️⃣ Create breathtaking imagery using Midjourney AI.
2️⃣ Share your masterpiece on Instagram with the hashtag #MidjourneyAI.
3️⃣ Tag @midjourneyarchitecture in your post to catch our attention!

Our editorial team will be on the lookout for the most remarkable submissions. Select images will be featured on @midjourneyarchitecture, granting you exposure to a new audience of AI architecture aficionados, industry professionals, and design enthusiasts worldwide!

Don’t forget to follow @midjourneyarchitecture on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midjourneyarchitecture/

This article was produced using AI tools such as Midjourney and Chat GPT, with additional edits by our editorial team. Follow Architizer’s Editor in Chief Paul Keskeys on LinkedIn for more tips on harnessing AI in your architectural workflow!



Reference

Harvesting the Skies: 6 Modern Architectural Designs that Revitalize Rainwater Management
CategoriesSustainable News

Harvesting the Skies: 6 Modern Architectural Designs that Revitalize Rainwater Management

By Zarkon Group,

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

The history of rainwater harvesting stretches back millennia, with evidence of its practice in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome. A testament to human ingenuity, these early societies recognized the importance of capturing and storing rainwater to ensure a stable water supply, especially in arid regions. As cities grew and centralized water systems developed, rainwater harvesting took a back seat, only to be revived in the face of modern challenges.

Today, as the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and increasing water scarcity, architects and engineers are revisiting the potential of rainwater harvesting in contemporary design. This sustainable water management solution serves to conserve resources and alleviate the burden on overtaxed municipal systems, reduce energy consumption and mitigate flood risks.

Advancements in technology and materials have paved the way for innovative rainwater harvesting systems, ranging from simple rooftop catchment setups to complex, large-scale integrated systems. Green rooftops, permeable pavements and landscape design elements such as bioswales and rain gardens are increasingly employed in urban environments to maximize rainwater capture and infiltration. While the rise of green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM, architects are incentivized to incorporate rainwater harvesting into their designs, further propelling its adoption.

The Independent

By Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States

The Independent by Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States Photograph by Nick Simonite

The Independent by Rhode Partners, Austin, TX, United States. Photograph by Patrick Wong

The Independent is an architectural marvel by Rhode Partners. The eco-conscious building reigns supreme in Austin’s Seaholm District as the city’s tallest LEED Gold Certified tower. This 688-foot skyscraper playfully teases gravity with its cantilevered blocks and a levitating infinity pool, while its floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer stunning city panoramas. A vertical neighborhood of 363 units, The Independent boasts 12 competitive, luxury condo amenity spaces across two floors spanning 20,000 square feet that cater to the high expectations of the tower’s residents.

At the same time, the architects endeavored to meet high levels of sustainability. Tucked within its stainless-steel mesh crown, a colossal liquid damper tank ensures stability against high-altitude winds while the pièce de résistance, a cutting-edge rainwater harvesting system and a 75-kilowatt solar power system, make this eco-friendly titan an iconic fixture in Austin’s skyline.

Fort 137

By Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, United States

Popular Choice Winner, 10th Annual A+Awards, Residential > Residential Interiors (>3000 sq ft)

Fort 137 by Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, United States. Photographs by Stetson Ybarra

Nestled in the pristine Las Vegas Valley, this eco-conscious residence serves as a base camp for a family of nature-loving scientists. Drawing inspiration from historic fort structures, the house boasts a compact, clustered design, with each volume meticulously placed to optimize views and combat desert climate challenges.

Embracing the landscape, panoramic glass doors extend living spaces, enabling cross-ventilation and daylighting. Louvered roof overhangs provide summer shade and allow winter light penetration. A curated palette of native materials, such as weathered steel, hot rolled steel, reconstituted oak and limestone, ensures the residence ages gracefully alongside its environment.

Crucially, a state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting system elevates the home’s sustainability, conserving precious resources in the parched region. This architectural gem reduces its carbon footprint and exemplifies harmonious coexistence with nature by employing sustainable strategies like passive cooling, daylighting, thermal mass, and photovoltaic panels.

Rain Harvest Home

By Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico

Rain Harvest Home by Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico. Photo Credit Robert Hutchison

Rain Harvest Home by Robert Hutchison Architecture, JSa Arquitectura, Temascaltepec de González, Mexico. Photograph by Jaime Navarro

Rain Harvest Home, a collaborative creation by Robert Hutchison Architecture and JSa Arquitectura, is an experiential abode in the mountains west of Mexico City. Comprising three porous wooden structures, the residence embraces the landscape and embodies a regenerative design that addresses water scarcity in the region. Each building collects rainwater, supplying the home with 100% of its water needs year-round through an on-site reservoir and treatment system.

As part of the visionary 450-acre La Reserva el Peñón development, Rain Harvest Home exceeds the requirement to harvest rainwater for 60% of its water needs. Walking trails between the buildings double as bioswales, while the site also boasts a bio-agriculture garden, emphasizing the family’s commitment to living in harmony with nature.

House in the Countryside

By Herreros Arquitectos, Artà, Spain

House in the Countryside by Herreros Arquitectos, Artà, Spain. Photographs by José Hevia

House in the Countryside, a project by Herreros Arquitectos in Artà, Spain, brilliantly transforms a former shepherd’s refuge into a charming occasional-use residence. The design replicates the original structure symmetrically, preserving its intelligent orientation, ventilation and water collection facilities. The dry-constructed outer wall fosters a dialogue with the local climate through independent systems of openings and shutters.

The interior retains the original compartments, each housing a single primary object defining its function. The inverted roof facilitates natural cross-ventilation that is adjustable to create an ideal climate. Notably, the rainwater harvesting system is preserved and optimized, with the dual-slope roof directing water to the original gutter and cistern, upholding the spirit of the initial construction.

U House, Ericeira

By Jorge Graca Costa, Ericeira, Portugal

U House, Ericeira by Jorge Graca Costa, Ericeira, Portugal. Photographs by Fernando Guerra, FG + SG

U-House, perched atop a hill in Ericeira, Portugal, is a sustainable residence designed by architect Jorge Graca Costa for a professional surfer and his family. Inspired by traditional Mediterranean courtyard houses, the structure protects against the region’s windy climate while offering captivating views of San Lorenzo Bay.

A dense mesh of trees surrounds the 300-square-meter home, and its layout frames the bay view and moderates the courtyard’s climate. A grassy area, decked patio, and non-chlorinated pool heated by solar and biomass energy create a harmonious outdoor space.

Sustainability is integrated seamlessly into the design, combining eco-friendly features without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. The house is constructed with cork insulation and benefits from passive design for natural heating and cooling. Solar panels are used for floor and water heating, with additional support from biomass heating. The microclimate environment created by the patio and chemical-free pool further contributes to the eco-friendly design.

Rainwater harvesting plays a crucial role in the home’s sustainability; a pre-existing well is used for collecting rainwater for irrigation purposes. With numerous green features, the U-House boasts an A+ energy rating from the National Energy Agency, showcasing the success of blending architecture with prescriptive performance design in a comfortable, livable space.

Tucson Mountain Retreat

By D U S T, Tucson, AZ, United States

Tucson Mountain Retreat by DUST, Tucson AZ, United States. Photographs by Jeff Goldberg

The Tucson Mountain Retreat in the Sonoran Desert is a thoughtfully designed home that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing connections to the mystical landscape. The house is constructed primarily of Rammed Earth, an eco-friendly material with excellent thermal mass properties. The design comprises three distinct zones for living, sleeping, and music recording/home entertainment, which can only be accessed by stepping outside and traversing the desert landscape. This separation ensures acoustic isolation and continuous interaction with the natural surroundings.

A 30,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system supplies water for all household uses, while solar heat gain is reduced by orienting the house along an east-west axis and minimizing openings on the east and west facades. South-facing patios and deep overhangs provide unobstructed views, passive heating, and cross-ventilation. When the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors are opened, the house and desert merge into one seamless, boundless space.

Judging for the 11th A+Awards is now underway! While awaiting the Winners, prepare for the upcoming Architizer Vision Awards, honoring the best architectural photography, film, visualizations, drawings, models and the talented creators behind them. Learn more and register >

Reference

Climatically Climactic: 6 Modern North African Residences Reveling in Their Context
CategoriesSustainable News

Climatically Climactic: 6 Modern North African Residences Reveling in Their Context

By Zarkon Group,

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

The architecture of North Africa is diverse and rich in history and culture, with a variety of architectural styles and building technologies that are influenced by the different civilizations who have inhabited the area that spans along the northern coast of Africa.

This is not to say that a region of that size and rich history is neither homogeneous nor singular in its architectural identity. On the contrary, this collection celebrates the heterogeneity of architecture in North Africa by sampling a handful of residential projects whose architectural elements have been remarkably responsive to the specificities of their sites’ environments, traditions and history while remaining modern and responsive to their time.

The Colonnade House

By Atelier Messaoudi Architectes , Tipaza, Algeria.

Photo by Reda Ait Saada

In this highly accessible house that was designed for two elderly parents in Tipaza, three factors guided the design process: privacy, weather conditions and activity, which reflected on the building envelope, building layout and building orientation. The design of the openings achieved the required level of privacy for Algerian culture, while opening up the house to the surrounding garden for natural ventilation, sunlight and views, taking in consideration the challenging weather conditions of the area.

The light colored and local building materials responded to the climate. Similarly, the overhanging colonnaded gallery adjacent to the main living spaces sheltered them against the southern sunlight, while simultaneously acting as an intermediate living space for the family for dining and circulation.

Villa Agava

By Driss Kettani Architecte, Casablanca, Morocco

Reinterpreting the courtyard layout, this house is reminiscent of traditional houses, highly introverted with openings and activity turned inwards, surrounded by enclosure walls and solid facades. The openness of the house increases along the north-south axis, complemented by three landscape sequences, beginning with a solid and closed façade containing the main entrance on the north, with the house gradually becoming more extroverted as it reaches an open garden on the south, in a manner that also responds to the weather conditions. Inside, the house layout is characterized with a high level of spatial fluidity, transparency and openness, with big windows opening to the outside pool, the mineral garden on the west and the huge vegetal garden on the south.

Cedar Street House

By Alia Bengana architect, Algiers, Algeria.

Photo by Myriam Bengana

The new remodeling of the Cedar Street House witnessed the enlargement of the 1950’s house and the addition of a new basement and terrace that overlooks the the Bay of Algiers. The new terrace comes as an extension of the living room, spanning over the expansion of the ground floor, extending up to the outdoor swimming pool. Huge local plants border the swimming pool to secure the privacy for the house owners and creates a more intimate outdoors space, while the white exterior walls succeed in reflecting the summer sun and ensure a more comfortable interior environment.

Dar bibi

By JELJELI studio, Tunis, Tunisia

The renovation of Dar Bibi was to accommodate the changes in the house users, after the passing of Hassene Jeljeli’s grandfather and his mother moving back into her childhood home to look after his grandmother. In that sense, the intergenerational use of domestic spaces is one aspect of the region’s culture and family structures that was exemplified in this project.

The changes consisted of turning the old living room into two new bedrooms, while adding a new and larger living room that would accommodate the whole family, in the form of a floating volume, which was added to the old building. The new white façade was designed as a climatic wall, consisting of modular breeze-blocks that are molded in situ, providing natural ventilation while diffusing the strong southern sunlight.

Reyard House Team Bosphorus

By Studio Hcrbzkrt, Ben Guerir, Morocco

 The name of the project consists of two parts: “Re” that stands for recycling and “Yard” that refers to the courtyard. Together the word reads as the word Riad, which is the traditional Moroccan courtyard house. The house was designed and built in Morocco by the Turkish Team Bosphorus for the Africa edition of the ‘Solar Decathlon’ competition. The team focused on finding solutions that would counter the hot and dry desert climate while honoring tradition.

The building envelope alternates between solid walls that ensure privacy and perforated walls that allow cross ventilation through the yard to cool off the interior. Built out of local materials consisting of rammed earth and wooden framed panels, the team increased the house efficiency by using a water treatment system and solar panels for energy.

Dar Mim 

Septembre, Hammamet, Tunisia

Photo by Sophia Baraket

Photo by Sophia Baraket

Located in the historic heart of the city, the renovation and the extension of Dar Mim demanded the addition of a new volume containing living areas for guests, adjacent to the existing traditional courtyard house used by the client. Adopting the traditional courtyard house layout, the living areas were distributed around the two existing courtyards, weaved together through a set of spatial and visual connections, both horizontal and vertical. Relying on local building materials and craftsmanship, the traditional building techniques and the use of lime paint and plaster on all exterior walls allowed the extension to fit with its context and adapt to the weather conditions and turned the walls into canvases that reflected lights and shadows.

Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter. 

Reference

Child Studio designs Mayfair pied-à-terre with mid-century modern details
CategoriesInterior Design

Child Studio designs Mayfair pied-à-terre with mid-century modern details

By Zarkon Group,

Local practice Child Studio has designed a house in a mews courtyard in London that mixes mid-century modern furniture with custom-made pieces in a nod to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s home.

Child Studio designed the home, which was created for a hotelier and restauranteur, as a space for dining, entertaining and hosting parties.

Lounge in Mayfair home by Child Studio
A white curved fireplace sits at the centre of the lounge

It centres around a spacious lounge that was informed by the grand salon in fashion designer Saint Laurent’s Paris home.

Informed by the way Saint Laurent’s residence displayed his collection of artworks, the Mayfair home is a cornucopia of furniture pieces by iconic mid-century modern designers.

Sculpture in London home by Child Studio
Sculptures and vintage furniture decorates the space

“We worked closely with the client to create a space that reflected his personality and interests, encompassing art, design, literature and travel,” Child Studio founders Che Huang and Alexy Kos told Dezeen.

“This approach made us think of Saint Laurent’s salon – an eclectic interior where design objects and art pieces from different eras and parts of the world are assembled together, forming a highly personal environment.”

Wooden walls in Mayfair residence
Wooden shelving divides the room

A large open space in the residence, with narrow full-length skylights on each side, was given a vintage feel through the addition of wooden library walls.

These divide it into a lounge area as well as spaces for dining and studying.

“We were interested in finding an authentic design language for this project, balancing the art deco references with the 1960s and 70s modernism,” the studio added.

Mid-century modern interior by Child Studio
Child Studio designed a wooden table for the room

Among the furniture and lighting used for the residence are Japanese paper lamps by industrial designer Ingo Maurer and the “Pernilla” lounge chair by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson, which have been juxtaposed with furniture designed by the designers themselves.

“We paired vintage Scandinavian furniture by Bruno Mathsson and Kristian Vedel with playful lights by Ingo Maurer and Alfred Cochrane,” Huang and Kos said.

“The cabinetry and tables were designed by Child Studio to unify the interior and accommodate all functional requirements.”

Dining space in Mayfair home
The dining area has a glass-brick wall

The lounge also contains a fully functional, half-moon-shaped fireplace created by the studio, with a decorative shape that matches two ornate urns and a pair of art-deco-style floor lamps.

“We designed the adulating fireplace to bring a sense of scale and permanence to the space,” the designers said.

“The plaster finish seamlessly blends in with the surroundings,” they added.

“The fireplace is placed below the skylight, and the soft shifts of sunlight throughout the day contribute to the tranquil atmosphere.”

Charlotte Perriand chairs in Mayfair dining room
Armchairs by Charlotte Perriand sit around the dining table

In the dining area, dark-wood shelving holding glassware, books and vases surrounds a circular wooden table with dining chairs by French architect Charlotte Perriand.

“The material palette of this room draws inspiration from the modernist Villa Muller by Adolf Loos,” the designers said.

“The combination of dark mahogany wood, patterned marble and green upholstery feels so chic, yet warm and unpretentious.”

Wood-panneled study by Child Studio
The study also features natural materials

A kitchenette next to the dining area was separated from the space by a glass-brick partition designed to filter the daylight.

Behind the library shelves, Child Studio created a wood-panneled study for the homeowner. The studio aimed to use natural materials throughout the project.

“We enjoy working with natural materials, such as solid wood, stone and plaster,” Huang and Kos said.

“Child Studio often designs custom furniture pieces for projects, and we find that these simple and timeless materials are incredibly versatile and ideal for creating bespoke hand-crafted objects.”

Close up of study space by Child Studio in Mayfair
The reisdence is located in a historic mews in Mayfair

Child Studio used an “understated” colour palette for the residence to create a warm, relaxing environment that it hopes will continue to evolve.

“Our goal was to design an interior that will continue evolving over time as the owners add new art pieces and bring heirlooms from their travels,” the studio said.

Also in Mayfair, architecture studio Laplace renovated The Audley pub and filled it with art and MWAI designed an apartment as if it were a hotel suite.

The photography is by Felix Speller and Child Studio.

Reference

SoHo’s 49 Greene Street Embraces the Modern Concept of Loft Living
CategoriesArchitecture

SoHo’s 49 Greene Street Embraces the Modern Concept of Loft Living

By Zarkon Group,

 

49 Greene Street – a 6-story building in NYC’s historic SoHo district, is an extant example of the mixed iron-and-masonry construction of the post-Civil War era. The client’s brief was to restore the building’s masonry façade and cast-iron storefront, and to convert the interiors into four high-end residential units. To do this, we drew inspiration from the makers and artist ls that once occupied this previously manufacturing building to create units that embrace modern concept of ‘loft living’, in which open, non-programmed flexible spaces meet highly crafted, millworked moments, adding warmth throughout with the use of woods, marbles, and ironwork.

Architizer chatted with Jordan Rogove, Co-Founder and Principal of DXA studio, to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Jordan Rogove: We wanted to speak to the various movements that helped form SoHo’s unique character and charm. Much like the artists who were attracted to the neighborhood’s empty lofts in the 1960’s, we too were drawn to the building’s high ceilings, abundant light, and expansive floor plates. For this reason, we are committed to leaving the spaces as open, fluid, and customizable as possible.

However, we were acutely aware that we were designing a home, so introducing a residential scale was important to make the otherwise large space comfortable and inviting. To achieve this, we lowered the ceiling in select rooms and introduced a high level of craft and tactility – our way of communicating with the by-gone manufacturing era of SoHo.

Throughout these rooms, we created a material theme of oak wood paneling, blackened steel, fluted glazing and various marbles. These materials are not only visually exquisite, but very in their tactile qualities, which we believe to be crucial adding warmth and comfort to a home.

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

This project won in the 10th Annual A+Awards! What do you believe are the standout components that made your project win?

The kitchen and den–the hearth of the home–are the showpieces of each unit, as they are not only beautiful and practical, but speak to each other in their materiality and detailing.

In the kitchen, the appliances, storage, and secondary scullery kitchen are all seamlessly hidden behind white oak paneling with beautifully crafted integrated pulls. This paneling wraps onto the ceiling to cleverly integrate recessed lighting and HVAC diffusers. The island is crafted out of a single slab of Fior di Pesco marble, known for its ability to add calm and serenity to a space, while the upper cabinetry is clad in blackened steel and fluted glass.

This millwork detailing continues into the den, where white oak paneling and a built-in desktop can be closed off from the main living spaces by large blackened steel and fluted glass doors. Alternatively, these doors can perfectly tuck away into the oak millwork to allow flexible space programming.

Many of these materials can be found throughout the unit, creating an overarching theme. For instance, the blackened steel of the den’s custom doors is mirrored in the steel frames of the bathroom vanities, the plumbing fixtures, and even the column cladding.

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

What was the greatest design challenge you faced during the project, and how did you navigate it? 

Renovating a manufacturing building from the 1800’s was an exciting challenge, both in terms of design and coordination. On the design side, we believe that as architects, it is our duty to celebrate the area’s rich history in an authentic yet contemporary manner. This is why we wanted to keep the open nature of these spaces as much as possible. It is also why we used wood and iron in a way that is reminiscent of previous eras, while using contemporary detailing to bring these materials to the present day.

On the coordination side, working with existing buildings in NYC is always a challenge. As precisely as we survey all historic projects, we often encounter surprises during construction that require us to tweak our design on the fly–and 49 Greene was no exception. Furthermore, we had to design an entirely new roof structure, as the existing roof was significantly sloped, which meant giving the 200-year old structure upgrades to account for modern building technologies.

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

What is your favorite detail in the project and why? 

Although it is one of the smallest rooms in each unit, we think the powder room really packs a punch. The vanity and sink are entirely made out of Fior di Bosco marble, which marries well with the ebony black wood veneer panels to create a dark yet calming atmosphere.

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

In what ways did you collaborate with others, and were there any team members or skills that were essential in bringing this Award winning project to life?

The nature of this project required us to closely collaborate with millworkers, iron workers, and various craftspeople to get the detailing down. We worked with Canova on all of the millwork, Manhattan Steel Door Co. on the large den doors, and with Sage Construction on the stonework and other general detailing. We had many pencil sessions and back-and-forth shop drawing reviews to better understand how to achieve the level of craftsmanship that we envisioned–and we really refined our knowledge of interior detailing along the way.

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

© DXA studio

For more on 49 Greene Street, SoHo, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

49 Greene Street, SoHo Gallery

Reference

Mission Invisible: Door Details That Blend Seamlessly With Modern Interiors
CategoriesArchitecture

Mission Invisible: Door Details That Blend Seamlessly With Modern Interiors

By Zarkon Group,

There isn’t much an architect loves more than clean lines, seamless details and high quality materials, but successfully combining all three is an endless challenge. As many of their clients seek increasingly streamlined spaces in which to live and work, designers are being tasked with perfecting the art of Minimalism  — and it’s only made possible in collaboration with manufacturers that appreciate the complex technical considerations behind this goal.

Led by Isabel & Jan Karcher, door furniture business Karcher Design embraces this challenge. This innovative German company designs and manufactures door hardware with incredible rigor, constantly considering how its products will fit with the wider context of a project. Their latest lever set, entitled “Mission Invisible”, takes their vision of minimalism to another level, reducing the door handle to its purest form and providing architects with the perfect solution to their clients’ needs. The product topped the jury vote in the 2022 A+Product Awards.

Architizer spoke with Karcher to learn more about the inspiration behind Mission Invisible, how its design was developed, and the company’s plans for the future.

Congratulations on winning a 2022 A+Award! What does winning this accolade mean to you and your brand?

As a leading manufacturer of door and window levers in the European market, this award and the recognition it brings will help us bring even more of our modern but timeless style to America and expand our market there.

What inspired the design of your product?

Drawing on our European roots, we are always developing designs that are a little smaller, a little more sleek, a little more elegant. Mission Invisible is the pinnacle of minimalism, reducing the lever set to its bare essentials without compromising on quality. This trend can be seen everywhere in modern design, and we wanted to offer architects a product range which can blend seamlessly into their minimalist design concepts.

Tell us about the manufacturing process — What are the key stages involved and how do these help ensure a high quality end product?

Our company motto “Edles aus Stahl” is a bit of a German play on words – Edelstahl, meaning stainless steel, directly translates as Nobel Steel. We recognized decades ago the value of using high quality materials — where brass and aluminum are cheap and easy to manufacture, stainless steel is more durable and adds that extra hint of quality and luxury.

Because of this, our Mission Invisible set (and many of our other lever sets) is made entirely of high quality stainless steel. Through precision investment casting and CNC machining processes, we ensure that our parts fit together every time and with as little play as possible. Combined with our European mortise locks, we ensure a long lasting, good-looking door opening experience.

What detail of your product was most challenging to design, and why? How did you resolve it?

The standard door preparation for a lever set is a 2 1/8” diameter hole which is bored through the door. A standard lever set is designed to make use of this space. Now, imagine you have only a 1” diameter hole in the door, but you have to fit the same technology into less than half the space. Everything has to be thinner and smaller, but it can’t be more fragile.

The secret was to develop a lever rose which wasn’t fixed onto the door, but one which integrated itself into the door itself. The stainless steel rose has an array of flexible hooks which balance out any misalignment between the latch and the door. Once the handle is inserted into the rose, these hooks are pressed into the wood of the door and provide an incredibly stable base for the lever set. A small, but precision-cast, nylon bearing sits between the lever and the rose, ensuring a long life and silent operation.

What makes your product unique and of great value to specifying architects?

First and foremost, its minimalistic design and clean look is unique. Mission Invisible is also compatible with various different designs and finishes, so there are many possible applications. Then there is the size: Compare a standard lever rose (2 5/8” diameter and 7/16” thick) with the Mission Invisible mini-rose (1 3/16” diameter and 1/8” thick!).

Architects don’t have to accommodate the size of a Mission Invisible lever set; it blends into its surroundings. Combine this with a range of durable, powder coated finishes and lever designs specifically made for the Minimalist look, and you have a product which fits in anywhere. You don’t have to stand out to make a statement!

What has the reception to your product been like from architects/clients/consumers?

Architects have said that Mission Invisible opens up new ways to unify the look of a door within a room. They love how it combines with invisible hinges for a complete look, and is very easy to install. The overall reception from both architects and their clients has been very positive.

How do you see the product evolving in future?

Developing an even smaller system isn’t really realistic, but if the minimalist trend in architecture continues, we might develop more products which compliment seamless transitions between design components. We’re also slowly introducing our range of European products to the USA. These are a great compromise for those who want something a bit more elegant, but aren’t quite into the full minimalist aesthetic.

To find out more about Karcher and Mission Invisible, visit their website, and reach out to one of their experts to learn how to implement the product in your next project.

All images courtesy of Karcher Design

Reference

Fendi introduces modern furnishings to Rome’s historic Villa Medici
CategoriesInterior Design

Fendi introduces modern furnishings to Rome’s historic Villa Medici

By Zarkon Group,

Italian fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with the French Academy in Rome to refresh six salons inside the Villa Medici – a 16th-century Renaissance palace set amongst sprawling gardens in the heart of Rome.

The villa has been home to the French Academy in Rome since 1803, and today is used by the French art institute to host creative residencies and public art programmes.

Petit Salon, home of the French Academy in Rome
Fendi has introduced new furnishings to Rome’s Villa Medici

The building’s salons had not been significantly modified in some 20 years, leading the academy to initiate a revamp in the hopes of establishing a better connection between the centuries-old rooms and contemporary design.

Fendi was brought on board to consult on Villa Medici’s interior scheme alongside Mobilier National – France’s national furniture collection and conservation agency.

The project also saw the academy call in French architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier to restore some decorative features of the Grand Salon, while conservation specialist Bobin Tradition carried out preservation work on the building’s existing wall hangings.

Salon des Pensionnaires in Villa Medici, home of the French Academy in Rome
Umbrella pine trees informed the shape of the table in the Salon des Pensionnaires

Fendi’s artistic director of couture and womenswear Kim Jones worked with Silvia Venturini Fendi, the brand’s artistic director of accessories and menswear, as well as Mobilier National to curate a selection of modern French and Italian furnishings for the salons.

Many of the pieces were pulled from Fendi Casa, the brand’s homeware collection, and chosen for their ability to slot in amongst the building’s existing heritage pieces and classical artworks.

Salon Bleu, home of the French Academy in Rome
Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance’s tables for the Salon Bleu mimic ancient Roman paving slabs

The focal point of the Petit Salon is now a huge modular sofa by Milan-based designer Toan Nguyen, upholstered in a rust-orange fabric that matches the colour of the walls.

Over in the Salon des Pensionnaires is a table by French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance. This is supported by spindly black legs, which resemble the branches of Rome’s ubiquitous umbrella pine trees.

The slightly moodier feel of this room is complemented by grey-blue sofas and armchairs by Italian designer Chiara Andreatti.

Duchaufour-Lawrance was also responsible for crafting the tables found in the villa’s Salon de Lecture and Salon Bleu, shaped to look like the time-worn paving slabs of the Appian Way – one of the oldest roads that lead to Rome.

The Grand Salon houses rows of the sinuous Belleville chair, created by French design pair Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra.

Salon de Musique in Villa Medici, home of the French Academy in Rome
Contemporary chairs were added to the building’s Salon de Musique

Both here and in the other salons, Fendi and Mobilier National introduced tapestries from well-known artists including Louise Bourgeois, Sheila Hicks and Sonia Delaunay.

Acoustic panels by Devialet were tucked behind selected artworks to discreetly enhance the sound quality inside the villa.

Grand Salon, home of the French Academy in Rome
Seats by the Bouroullec brothers line the Grand Salon

Over the past few years, high-end fashion designers have become increasingly involved with interior design projects.

In London, Roksanda Ilincic and Bella Freud applied their respective styles to two separate penthouse apartments, while Jasquemus founder Simon Porte Jacquemus has devised a summery interior scheme for a restaurant in Paris.

The photography is by Silvia Rivoltella.



Reference

Woods + Dangaran renovates mid-century modern Clear Oak Residence
CategoriesInterior Design

Woods + Dangaran renovates mid-century modern Clear Oak Residence

By Zarkon Group,

Teak wood, travertine stone and expansive glazing all feature in Woods + Dangaran’s renovation of a mid-century modern house that once belonged to singer Bing Crosby’s manager.

Los Angeles-based Woods + Dangaran has both upgraded the architecture and designed the interiors for Clear Oak Residence, which is located on a hillside above LA’s San Fernando Valley.

Swimming pool and sun deck of Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
Clear Oak Residence is located on a hillside above LA’s San Fernando Valley

The design aims to enhance the building’s relationship with its setting while also bringing an increased sense of warmth and comfort to the living spaces.

Doorways and windows were adjusted and enlarged to enable wraparound views of the landscape, while skylights were added to highlight key moments within the interior.

Cantilevered swimming pool at Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
A new swimming pool cantilevers out towards the view

Travertine creates a continuous floor surface that extends out from the living spaces to a sunset terrace, while teak provides wall panelling and in-built joinery throughout.

“The architectural finish palette was intentionally limited to four materials: clear anodised aluminium, plaster, travertine, and teak for the wall panelling,” said Woods + Dangaran.

“This visual restraint manifests in a serene ambiance that permeates all aspects of the residence.”

Dining table in Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
Travertine flooring extends both inside and out

Clear Oak Residence is shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2022 in the house interior category, where it will compete with four other projects – including another one by Woods + Dangaran – for the title.

Woods + Dangaran designed this project for client Robert Galishoff, whose brief to the architects was to embrace the building’s mid-century heritage but ensure the result exudes a sense of “effortless luxury”.

Teak joinery in Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
Teak provides wall panelling and custom joinery

Landscaping played a big role in the transformation. By relocating the swimming pool so that it cantilevers over the hill and adjusting the topography, more terrace and deck space could be created.

Sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors allow the main bedroom, the living room and the dining area to open out to this terrace.

“Enlarged doorways and windows inside the house, including floor-to-ceiling glass doors, integrate the interior spaces with the landscape and foreground views by eliminating barriers,” said the architects.

“Glazed openings inserted along corridors create memorable spatial experiences from new axes and vantage points.”

Skylight above bath in Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
Skylights create framed views of the sky

The interior furnishings include both new and retro pieces in natural materials and warm colours, which sit alongside Galishoff’s collection of objets d’art.

The living room features a copper silk shag rug from Mehraban, a Minotti sectional reupholstered in a retro-patterned textile and a pair of the Arthur Casas-designed Amorfa coffee tables.

“Inspired by mid-century pieces but adjusted for scale, function, and material, these pieces give the home a unique voice that mixes old and new, retro with contemporary vibes,” said Woods + Dangaran.

Bedroom facing pool in Clear Oak Residence by Woods + Dangaran
The design respect’s the building’s mid-century heritage

Led by architects Brett Woods and Joe Dangaran, Woods + Dangaran has developed a reputation for modernising mid-century homes but also designs new-builds with a similar character.

Other recent projects include an upgrade of a 1960s Craig Ellwood house and a brass-clad home in Palm Springs.

The photography is by Joe Fletcher.

Reference

Ten homes where classic Eames chairs add a mid-century modern feel
CategoriesInterior Design

Ten homes where classic Eames chairs add a mid-century modern feel

By Zarkon Group,

For our latest lookbook, we’ve collected 10 interiors featuring some of Charles and Ray Eames’ best-known chair designs, including the couple’s Shell chair and lounge chair.

The Eames designers were known for their iconic mid-century modern furniture, which is still widely appreciated and can be seen in a number of contemporary interiors.

Among the most popular Eames designs are their chairs, many of which are still in production. Original chairs have become sought-after vintage finds, and the designs are often copied, 60 years after they were first released.

Here, we have collected 10 projects on Dezeen that feature Eames chairs, ranging from a penthouse in Belgium to a narrow house in London and the designers’ own home.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring tiled living spaces, decorative ceilings and ornate plasterwork and homes with deliberately unfinished interiors.

Apartment in Riverside Tower in Antwerp
Photo by Olmo Peeters

Riverside Tower Apartment, The Netherlands, by Studio Okami Architecten

The interior of this Belgian apartment in a brutalist concrete building was livened up by tactile furnishings in organic materials and features a number of design classics.

In the home office area, the Eames Aluminium office chair by Vitra, designed in 1958, adds an elegant touch to the room and is contrasted by an abstract red chair.

Find out more about Riverside Tower Apartment ›

Light loft apartment with modern furniture
Photo by Justin Chung

Biscuit Loft, US, by OWIU Studio

OWIU Studio drew on Japanese style when designing the sun-dappled Biscuit Loft in Los Angeles, and also added a number of mid-century modern furniture pieces.

A white Eames lounge chair with a matching ottoman sits in pride of place in the living room, matching the white sofa and coffee table as well as the room’s other classic piece, the Knoll Wassily lounge chair designed by architect Marcel Breuer.

Find out more about Biscuit Loft ›

Catching Sun House by Studioshaw
Photo by James Brittain

Catching Sun House, UK, by Studioshaw

A collection of the Eames DSR chairs adds colour to the open-plan kitchen and dining room in this Walthamstow home built on a hidden infill site.

Exposed blockwork was used for both the interior and the exterior, with a plywood ceiling giving the space a cosy feel.

Find out more about Catching Sun House ›

Eames House Conservation Management Plan
Photo by Leslie Schwartz and Joshua White

Eames House, US, by Ray and Charles Eames

The Eameses’ own house embodies the couple’s design aesthetic and is filled with their furniture, books, fabrics, art, shells, rocks and straw baskets.

In the study area of the modernist house, the chosen task chair is naturally one of the duo’s own designs – a Soft Pad armchair that was designed in the 1960s and produced by ICF.

Find out more about Eames House ›

An open plan office and living room
Photo by Lit Ma

Grosvenor Residence, China, by Lim + Lu

Multidisciplinary design practice Lim + Lu refurbished this Hong Kong family apartment to give it the feel of an “elegant yet quaint summer home”.

Neutral colours were used throughout, with green plants adding life to the rooms and matching the wood detailing on the furniture, which includes a stylish black leather and rosewood Eames lounge chair.

Find out more about Grosvenor Residence ›

Slot House in Peckham, London, by Sandy Rendel Architects, working with Sally Rendel
Photo by Jim Stephenson

Slot House, UK, by Sandy Rendel

A disused alley in Peckham, south London, was transformed into the aptly named Slot House by Sandy Rendel Architects and Sally Rendel.

The 2.8-metre-wide house has an upstairs study area clad, like the rest of the house, in spruce plywood and with a cork floor. An Eames Shell chair makes for an eye-catching office chair.

Find out more about Slot House ›

Irwin Caplan’s Laurelhurst House by SHED
Photo by Rafael Soldi

Seattle home, US, by SHED

This house on the Pacific West Coast, originally built for cartoonist Irwin Caplan, was refurbished by American studio SHED.

The studio gave the home, designed in 1951, a refresh with a more open layout but kept its mid-century modern feel with an interior that features numerous design classics.

In the kitchen and dining area, a set of the Eamses’ Shell chairs create a striking white contrast to the wood-panelled walls.

Find out more about Seattle home ›

Fireplace in Penthouse BV by Adjo Studio
Photo by Renaat Nijs

Penthouse BV, Belgium, by Adjo Studio

Warm autumnal colours were used in this living room in a penthouse in Belgium designed by Adjo Studio. An earth-coloured rug and rust-coloured seating contrast the greenery outside the window, with the colours picked up in a set of decorative tealight holders.

Wooden panelling above the fireplace, sand-coloured curtains and an Eames lounge chair with a wooden frame complete the interior.

Find out more about Penthouse BV ›

6M House by Jannina Cabal in Ecuador
Photo by JAG Studio

6M House, Ecuador, by Jannina Cabal

The DCW Eames plywood chair is less well-known that the duo’s Shell chairs, but no less of a design classic. The chair was designed in 1945 from moulded plywood and features a rounded seat and backrest and arched legs.

In the 6M House in Ecuador, two DCW chairs can be found in the living room, where they blend in well with the wooden bookshelf and panelling.

Find out more about 6M House ›

Bedroom with wooden panelling
Photo is by Joe Fletcher

Moore House, US, by Woods + Dangaran

Moore House in Los Angeles was originally built in 1965 and given an update by local firm Woods + Dangaran in 2021. The studio used both vintage and contemporary pieces for the interior, including the Eames lounge chair in one of the bedrooms.

On the bedside tables, vintage Akari lights by designer Isamu Noguchi also nod to the house’s mid-century origin.

Find out more about Moore House ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring tiled living spaces, decorative ceilings and ornate plasterwork and homes with deliberately unfinished interiors.

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