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Kitchen with white oak island and cabinetry, and travertine backsplash

Interior Design

Ome Dezin restores 1960s California residence by A Quincy Jones

By Zarkon Group,13/01/2024

US studio Ome Dezin has renovated a large mid-century home in Brentwood, California, using a tonal colour palette and maximising the lush hillside views.

The six-bedroom 12221 Benmore residence was designed and constructed in 1960 by notable local architects A Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmon.

When Jesse Rudolph and Joelle Kutner of Ome Dezin came to the project, it had undergone a 1990s remodel that had stripped away its character and style.

The team made it their mission to revive the home’s original charm and connection to the outdoors, bringing in natural tones and materials.

White oak and travertine bar area — White oak and travertine are recurring materials, as seen in the bar area

“We have always been fans of A Quincy Jones and familiar with his work, which is what prompted us to see the home initially,” the duo told Dezeen.

“This one did not disappoint — it had the typical Quincy atrium-like living space centered across from the exterior which includes a 40-foot (12-metre) waterfall.”

Living room with neutral decor — The main living spaces all flow together and have expansive views onto the garden

Many of the existing fixtures were retained, including the fixed windows and doors, wherever possible.

To keep the focus on the views from the large windows, the interior was designed with “a more muted, streamlined aesthetic”.

Wood dining table with chairs that tuck neatly underneath — Custom pieces designed for the home include a dining table and chairs created in collaboration with Ben Willett

“We wanted to ensure the intention of Quincy was intact, so we aimed for a bit of brutalism and connection with nature,” said Rudolph and Kutner. “We opted for a limited material and color palette in favour of natural tones.”

The new white oak staircase designed for the three-storey atrium features rectangular forms and has an architectural presence, echoing the shape and style of the building.

Bedroom with a large window overlooking treetops — Large windows are found in almost every room, so the decor is kept minimal and sparse so as not to draw focus

It sits at the nexus of the living room, dining area, kitchen and bar, which all flow together and enjoy expansive views out the back of the house.

A den adjacent to these open spaces is furnished with a variety of midcentury pieces, in keeping with the building’s history.

Bathroom with stone floor, freestanding tub and corner shower — Dramatically patterned Cipollino stone in the bathroom echoes the grey tones of the rocks outside

Two types of stone were used throughout the home: travertine, which appears in the kitchen, bar area and powder room, and richly patterned Cipollino in the primary bathroom chosen to pick out the colours of the mountains visible through the windows.

In the lower-floor bedrooms and around the fireplace, flagstones and cobblestones were laid to create a grounding quality and to connect the spaces to the rocky landscape outside and pavers around the swimming pool.

Custom pieces designed for the project include the dining table created with furniture designer Ben Willett, which allows all of the chairs to be tucked away neatly underneath.

Two 10-foot-high (three-metre) doors were custom-built for the living space and feature Jean Prouvé-influenced circular window cutouts that allow light to shine through.

Garden featuring a swimming pool and a 40-foot (12-metre) waterfall — The garden features a swimming pool and a 40-foot (12-metre) waterfall

“We paid special attention to the lighting in the home, mostly sourcing vintage lights to add charm and character,” the design team said.

“With such a large home, and lots of windows and tall ceilings, warm mood lighting really made the spaces feel intimate and magical, particularly in the evenings.”

Three-storey modernist house seen at dusk — The home was designed and constructed in 1960 by A Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmon

Rudolph and Kutner founded Ome Dezin as a design and development studio focused on residential restoration in and around Los Angeles.

California has no shortage of mid-century properties in need of revamping. Other recently completed examples include Studio Schicketanz’s renovation of modernist architect Henry Hill’s former seaside home, and Woods + Dangaran’s overhaul of a residence that once belonged to singer Bing Crosby’s manager.

The photography is by Nils Timm.

Reference

Interior Design

Linehouse designs coastal living for Cape Drive residence in Hong Kong

By Zarkon Group,25/10/2023

Chinese studio Linehouse has designed the interiors of Cape Drive Residence in Hong Kong to respond to the surrounding coastal views.

Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, the three-floor home is a short walk from the beaches of Stanley and Chung Hom Kok and has panoramic ocean views to the east and west from its elevated position.

“The design harnesses a costal essence through materiality, light and an easy flow, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces,” Linehouse explained.

An open living area on the ground floor connects to the kitchen and dining space while an internal courtyard was inserted between theses areas and includes a centralised tree and surrounding seating.

The living area extends to the main terrace with full-height windows that frame the expansive ocean views.

Clad in stone, the terrace forms a sunken seating area with pockets of greenery surrounding it, which shelters the sea wind.

White timber louvers were used as a continuous ceiling plane in the living area which also extends to the terrace as a canopy.

“The design of the home reflects the relaxed and laidback lifestyle of a beach setting,” said the studio. “Warm tones, tactile surfaces and textures, a clean and simple material palette, and a seamless flow between inside and out.”

“Cape Drive Residence offers the fitting backdrop for coastal living,” it continued.

A warm oak timber staircase was punctuated by a shuttered screen that runs vertically through all levels of the home while arranging more private areas such as bathing and dressing.

The whitewashed timber material of the screen echoes the coastal location and reflects light through the spaces.

A white metal rod screen can be slide open at each level, offering transparency and light through different spaces.

Bedrooms, a second living area and a study were placed on the upper two levels, all with coastal views.

The same whitewashed timber material used on the shuttered screen was adopted to form storage, seating and shelving in these private spaces, providing a textural contrast to the hand-raked plaster walls.

The bathrooms add a fresh moment of colour into the space, using patterned tiles handmade in Portugal by Elisa Passino.

Linehouse was founded by Alex Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.

The studio has recently completed a guesthouse in Hong Kong that evokes the comfort of home and a Mediterranean restaurant in Shanghai with natural, tactile materials.

The photography is by Jonathan Leijonhufvud.

Project credits:

Design: Linehouse
Design principal: Briar Hickling
Design team: Ricki-Lee Van Het Wout, Cindy Pooh

Reference

restoration unveils centuries-old wooden roof structure inside portuguese residence

Architecture

restoration unveils centuries-old roof structure inside portuguese residence

By Zarkon Group,21/09/2023

Combo Studio revives Casa São Victor in Porto

Combo Studio breathes new life into Casa São Victor, a historical building in Porto dating back to 1880-1881 that had lost its original charm due to ill-fated interventions that compromised its architectural integrity and spatial essence. The profit-driven alterations convert the building into collective housing, overshadowing its intrinsic character. The renovation aims to uncover the building’s original attributes preserving its heritage. Originally conceived as a single-family residence, the house features high ceilings, intricate carpentry, and a central staircase crowned by a conical skylight. The project revives the original spatial quality and comfort by subtracting any intrusive elements from the interior.

The project centers primarily on the revitalization of the building’s interior, excluding the untouched ground-floor commercial space. Spanning four floors, the dwelling’s layout unfolds connecting the various levels through the central staircase. The first floor houses the living area and kitchen, while the second floor offers a bedroom and bathroom. Ascending to the third floor reveals another bedroom and bathroom.

all images by Alexander Bogorodskiy

renovation reinterprets original architectural attributes

Originally conceived for an artist, a flexible studio-bedroom is devised on the top floor, offering versatility for combining sleeping areas with artistic pursuits. Along the entire length of the main wall, the design team installs a tripartite folding table, an adaptable centerpiece that can assume multiple configurations tailored to the workspace’s needs, discreetly folding into a wall paneling when not in use.

The restoration extends to the replacement of certain carpentry elements, such as craft baseboards and doors with their respective jambs. A restored partition wall within the water closet, unveiled during demolitions, now serves as a statement piece. In the top-floor bedroom, the removal of a false ceiling unveils the entire roof structure and a petite mansard, infusing the space with an airy expanse and natural light. Traditional materials like wood, Estremoz marble, and azulejos, along with a palette of light hues are thoughtfully chosen to visually amplify the interior’s sense of space. The aesthetic and formal features of the building’s original period act as a guide for the renovation project as elements from the past resurface, reinterpreted with a modern touch. The kitchen echoes old kitchens with grand chimneys and stone sinks, simplified for contemporary living.

in the top-floor bedroom, the removal of a false ceiling unveils the entire roof structure

the project revives the original spatial quality by subtracting any intrusive elements from the interior

the house features high ceilings, intricate carpentry, and a central staircase crowned by a conical skylight

spanning four floors, the dwelling’s layout unfolds connecting the levels through the central staircase

Reference

concrete residence in latvia unfolds two distinct volumes with dynamic cantilevers

Architecture

concrete residence in latvia unfolds two distinct dynamic volumes

By Zarkon Group,17/06/2023

The House in Jurmala by Chado responds to the natural context

Nestled amidst a grove of ancient pines, The House in Jurmala by architectural studio Chado effortlessly responds to the surrounding landscape and Latvian climate. Facing southward, its facade embraces the views, while the rugged texture of concrete walls forms a unique composition. The formation of a planted patio cuts through the structure separating the private sleeping zones from the common living spaces. The building unfolds two volumes, each boasting a distinct height and purpose. The lower part hosts the children’s and guests’ rooms, while the upper volume reveals a large living room, dining area, kitchen, and master bedroom.

all images by Alvis Rozenbergs

design composes an interplay of concrete forms and volumes

Within the heart of the house, the central public area exudes an intriguing contrast to the monumental volumes of the private spaces. Here, the console roofing boldly extends, creating dynamic cantilevers. As an elegant focal point, a vertical fireplace tube provides the area with a sense of verticality and warmth. The design team at Chado composes an interplay of forms and volumes developing a harmonious design narrative, where the concrete embraces the landscape responding to the natural context.

the structure is nestled amidst a grove of ancient pines in Jurmala

the architecture effortlessly responds to the surrounding landscape

the rugged texture of concrete walls forms a unique composition

the formation of a planted patio cuts through the concrete structure

the concrete embraces the landscape responding to the natural context

the glazed atrium separates the private sleeping zones from the common living spaces

Reference

Architecture

Architectural Details: How to Create a Stunning Minimalist Residence That Brings the Outside In

By Zarkon Group,20/05/2023

Brevity is one of the most powerful tools in the architect’s apparatus. This astonishing glass house, perched on the banks of Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka, is proof of precisely that. Clean, crisp lines define its striking structure, which emerges from the trees like a modernist specter.

The brief for the project called for a design that maximized light and forged an intimate relationship with the external world. Thanks to magnificent expanses of glass, the residence is a conduit for the surrounding landscape — an elegant, architectural “picture frame”. Yet creating a home that is visually defined by its glazed skin is not a straightforward endeavor, and its successful resolution hinges on the integration of resilient, high-performing materials.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Making a Glass House Structurally Sound

Less is more, or so the mantra of modernism goes. Somewhat ironically though, achieving minimalism is no simple task. Subtracting as much as possible from a building’s fabric is an act of bravery, a challenge that Charlie & Co. Design and John Kraemer & Sons Custom Builders admirably rose to.

Charlie Simmons, the founding principal of Charlie & Co. Design, shared the formative questions they asked themselves at the start of the project: “You strip out all the unnecessary things. What’s the limited amount of structure you need? Could you really go floor-to-ceiling with glass? How high can you make it? And then you start whittling away and whittling away and what’s left?”

The team turned to Marvin to help them deliver the seamless, streamlined esthetic their client wanted. The Marvin Modern product line, comprising a modular series of durable, fiberglass products with narrow sightlines, was the ideal fit for the ambitious design. The doors and windows feature an integrated structural cavity that adds up to half an inch of mull reinforcement to aid structural performance.

But there was still a fundamental obstacle at the heart of the scheme: glass is not typically made to hold significant weight. The project architect and the Marvin engineering department crunched the numbers and came up with an innovative solution: unobtrusive, load-bearing components were integrated into the design without compromising its sleek finish.

“There are very few actual walls in this place, particularly on the first floor … so we have these structural elements that we need to keep the house up and prevent it from twisting,” Simmons explained. A stone fireplace at one end of the home anchors the building, bookended by what Simmons calls “a box within a box” at the opposite end – a wood structure that houses the kitchen, laundry room and powder room.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Ensuring Impressive Thermal Efficiency

Minnesota is a land of climatic extremes, from frigid, frosty winters to humid summer months. For a form dominated by glass, extreme fluctuations in temperature posed another major challenge. Unsurprisingly, the home’s thermal envelope was of paramount concern for the architects, and it was vital that the material structure could stand up to snowstorms and heatwaves alike.

Marvin Modern doors and windows proved strong enough to endure the site’s environmental demands. Made from solid pieces of high-density fiberglass, they provide powerful insulation and an impressive U-factor of 0.28. Shielded from the elements, the residence’s interior is comfortable and inviting all year round, while maintaining a palpable connection with the natural topography. Remarkably, no additional insulating materials were required to aid the glazing’s thermal efficiency.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Blurring the Boundary Between Inside and Out

The result of this innovative project is a stunning, living glass box that shifts organically with the light levels, weather conditions and seasons. The stretches of glazing are punctuated with Accoya wood cladding, while interior millwork in the same warm grain establishes a sense of continuity between indoors and out.

Yet however you look at this modern masterpiece, glass is the star of the show. Imbued with the Marvin Modern product line, the structure is a skillful and poetic negotiation of transparency. A trellis and purlins frame the skylight above the main living area, while latticework fragments the full-height windows that flank the stairwell. “It becomes a very subtractive and additive design process but in the end, it’s all about transparency and keeping things as simple and clean and minimalist as possible,” Simmons says.

The most staggering feats of engineering are the two 60-foot-long glass walls, which line opposing aspects of the residence. Each wall is made up of three sets of 20-foot sliding doors with only 4 inches of steel structure in between them, allowing for uncompromised views throughout. Like the other Marvin Modern products, the profile of each door is slim and inconspicuous. Recessed channels in the frames conceal motorized insect screens and blackout shades, while still providing consistent, narrow sightlines of less than three inches.

The swaths of glass are a portal to the organic terrain, rather than an obstruction. To that end, internal covers across the frames disguise fasteners and rubber gaskets, while low-gloss aluminum interior finishes and black spacer bars ensure an unimpeded outlook. This seamless finish allows inner and outer worlds to collide. In the warmer months when the doors are retracted, the covered deck becomes a natural extension of the interior floor plan.

Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting.

An interplay of modernist finesse and material resilience, this incredible waterfront home is a masterclass in building with glass. Negotiating challenging contextual and structural obstacles, the residence epitomizes the virtues of architectural minimalism. Simmons succinctly summarizes the scheme’s dual nature: “When you have this much glass, you feel like you’re a part of something out here, but you’re also being protected as well … Marvin gives us the tools to create environments such as this.”

To explore more case studies featuring Marvin Modern and learn how to harness windows and doors like these for your next project, click here.

All architectural drawings courtesy of Charlie and Co. Design; photography courtesy of Spacecrafting.

Reference

Architecture

Let the Light In: Maximizing Natural Light in the Design of Oudong Residence

By Zarkon Group,21/04/2023

Oudong Residence – aims to combine functionality with artistic flair, creating living spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. Drawing inspiration from a unified composition of textures inspired by nature itself, and cultural influences, the creative vision for this particular residence emphasizes sustainability, innovative use of materials, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The project brief outlines the key requirements and objectives for the residence, with a strong focus on maximizing natural light, ensuring energy efficiency, and fostering a sense of community among the occupants. Furthermore, the design aims to be adaptable to the evolving needs of the residents, reflecting a dynamic and modern approach to residential architecture.

Architizer chatted with Alessandro Mangano, Partner at Architectural Engineering Consultants, to learn more about this project.

Architizer: What inspired the initial concept for your design?

Alessandro Mangano: The initial concept for the residential design was inspired by the desire to create a harmonious balance between modern living and nature. Drawing upon elements from various architectural styles, the design seeks to establish a seamless connection with the surrounding environment, while ensuring functionality and comfort for its inhabitants. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies further reflects our commitment to preserving the ecosystem and promoting a greener future. Ultimately, this architectural concept aims to provide a haven where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds – contemporary living in tune with nature’s grace.

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

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of our project was the exceptional collaboration and communication among team members. This enabled us to leverage individual expertise and skills to move the project forward effectively. Another standout component was our dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability. By constantly assessing our progress and adapting our strategy, we were able to overcome challenges and ensure the timely delivery of a high-quality project.

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

The greatest design challenge we faced during the project was effectively balancing aesthetics with functionality. Understanding the importance of incorporating visually appealing elements while maintaining the project’s core purpose was crucial to its success. To navigate this challenge, we fostered open communication among team members to ensure we understood their expectations and goals. Additionally, we incorporated iterative design processes, allowing for continuous adjustments and improvements while keeping both aspects in harmony.

How did the context of your project — environmental, social or cultural — influence your design?

The Cambodian context of the project had a significant impact on the design process, particularly in regards to the environmental, and cultural factors. The diverse ecosystems near the outskirts of Phnon Penh city, required us to carefully consider the environmental impact of our design, ensuring that it would support sustainable development in the region. Moreover, we incorporated elements into our design, to feel a deeper connection to the space while also respecting the traditions of the community. Lastly, we accounted for the social dynamics within the Khmer societies, emphasizing elements that encourage communal interactions and emphasizing harmony with the natural environment.

For more on the Oudong Residence, please visit the in-depth project page on Architizer.

Oudong Residence Gallery

Reference

fragmented residence wraps in raw larch slats on narrow sloping plot in poland

Architecture

fragmented residence wraps in raw larch slats in poland

By Zarkon Group,28/03/2023

Ultra Architects form ‘Broken Down House’ in Poznan

Ultra Architects takes over the construction of a three-story residence designed following the unfavorable shape of a sloping plot in Poznań, Poland. Confined by the requirements imposed by the development conditions, the ‘Broken House’ forms a fragmented structure on the elongated parallelogram site, while retaining the mandatory building line that specifies the placement of walls, the angle of inclination of the roof, and the maximum height of the ridge. The frame’s main body contains functional interiors, and its elevations covered with raw larch slats fit perfectly into the natural, green surroundings.

all images by Przemysław Turlej

classical barn-like shape revised and fragmented in blocks

The design team at Ultra Architects revises the classical barn-like shaped block for the design of the contemporary residential project. The body of the house fits into the plot through a bent in the place of the ridge. The volume forms a roof with two slopes, with the eastern elevation based on the building line indicated by the office. The rather problematic geotechnical terrain leads to the construction of a reinforced concrete frame of adequate rigidity and economic efficiency, allowing the design of more daring spatial solutions. The structure expands three levels along the descending plot. The middle floor arranges the entrance area, garage, children’s rooms, and a small independent apartment, while the living and kitchen area and a conservatory reside on the lowest story. The upper level assembles the master bedroom and a study zone.

the design revises the classical barn-like shaped block

a structural staircase interconnects all floors

The binding element between all the floors is a spatially designed staircase. The formed staircase acts as a ventilation chimney in summer, forcing the natural movement of air, while in winter it draws the heat generated by the sun into the house, along with the adjacent conservatory. The facade and roofs of the house, as well as the fence, are finished with raw larch slats. In the interior, the structural frame of the house made of concrete remains unplastered. All furniture in the interior is designed from lacquered plywood, and the floors of the living and communication areas are made from terrazzo.

the facades covered with wooden slats fit perfectly into the natural, green surroundings

the facade and roofs of the house, as well as the fence, are finished with raw larch slats

the structure expands three levels along the descending plot

Reference

Interior Design

Wooden furniture and artworks decorate Hiroo Residence in Tokyo

By Zarkon Group,22/02/2023

Designer Keiji Ashizawa used muted tones to make the most of the sunlight in this apartment in central Tokyo, which features wooden art pieces and furniture that was specially designed for the space.

For the Hiroo Residence, named after its location in the city’s Hiroo neighbourhood, Ashizawa wanted to underline the quality of the light in the flat.

In the open-plan kitchen and living room, light streams in from a balcony, and the designer took advantage of this light source by creating a cut-out wall so that the light carries through to the hallway next to it.

“I think you can see we have a very nice sunlight here,” he told Dezeen during a walkthrough of the apartment. “So I didn’t want to use white, as it would be too bright – instead I used muted, subtle tones.”

Living room corner in Hiroo Residence — A wooden artwork by Atelier Plateau and a slatted sideboard decorate the living room

He also wanted Hiroo Residence to feel like a peaceful place to come home to in a busy city, using natural materials to create a calm ambience.

“Outside it’s super noisy but inside it’s very quiet, so I chose muted tones that also fuse with the materials; the wood and the stone,” Ashizawa said.

The tranquil 200-square-metre apartment, which overlooks the Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and dining area, a small workspace and plenty of storage spaces.

Wooden furniture in Tokyo apartment by Keiji Ashizawa — Shaker-informed chairs and a wooden light were used for the kitchen

Before designing the interior, Ashizawa changed the layout of the flat to make it more open, taking out an existing hallway to create a bigger dining space.

“Our goal was to design a space that can only be created by meticulously crafting from the smallest detail to the furniture, resulting in a quiet, comforting, and inspiring atmosphere with little noise, surrounded by natural materials crafted with tactility,” Ashizawa said of the design.

Sofa and coffee table in Hiroo Residence — Keiji Ashizawa used a neutral colour palette for the home

He worked with the Japanese wooden furniture company Karimoku on the project, which is the eighth in its Karimoku Case Study series that sees it collaborate with architects on bespoke furniture and interior projects.

As a result, wood was used throughout Hiroo Residence, with white-stained oak covering many of the floors.

Ashizawa also worked with Karimoku to create wooden window frames and sliding doors, which were placed throughout the flat to add privacy without taking up too much space.

The furniture matches the wooden interior details and includes two pieces created especially for the project – a sideboard with decorative wooden slats and a dining chair with a woven seat that was inspired by both Shaker designs and classic Scandinavian chairs.

Bedroom of Tokyo apartment by Keiji Ashizawa — Wooden panels cover the bedroom walls

In the bedroom of Hiroo Residence, wooden wall panels add a tactile and more natural feel, which is echoed in the built-in shelves and drawers in the en-suite walk-in closet.

Cabinets were also used to hide different functions in the kitchen, where a large wooden unit takes up an entire wall.

Kitchen by Karimoku for Tokyo flat — An entire wall is taken up by a wooden kitchen unit

Even smaller details in the flat, such as the long kitchen lamp, were made from the material.

Artworks in wood by Danish art studio Atelier Plateau and the artist Sara Martinsen, which were created especially for the space, decorate the walls.

Karimoku has worked with Ashizawa on a number of projects, including its second showroom which just opened in Kyoto, Japan, and the Azabu Residence Case Study, where the designer referenced mid-century American design.

The photography is by Tomooki Kengaku.

Reference

Architecture

vincent van duysen’s tile-clad residence in southampton draws from traditional farmhouses

By Zarkon Group,31/01/2023

HBH Residence by Vincent Van Duysen

Belgian architectural firm Vincent Van Duysen has built a private residence on the lush coastline of Southampton in New York. Surrounded by wetlands and large oak trees, the architecture reflects the archetypal composition of a traditional farmhouse in the form of a cluster of volumes. Seeking a timeless material palette that emphasizes the careful composition of angled and vertical surfaces and highlights their shadows cast under the unique light, the architects chose traditional local materials such as typical wooden barn siding, cedar shingles, and bespoke fired clay tiles to cover the entire façade and roofs.

the residence is clad in bespoke fired clay tiles | all images by Joseph D’Arco

reinterpreting traditional typologies against a unique backdrop

The site is enveloped by protected wetlands with a specific color and vegetation palette. Large oak trees dominate the access road to the property, creating a tranquil and natural environment. At the same time, the region is characterized by a very special light throughout the year, creating strong shadows and contrasts.

Against this unique natural background, the architecture by Vincent Van Duysen (find more here) is defined as a group of structures that house different functions of the program and consist of a main house and outbuildings. The design approach reflects the archetypal composition of a traditional farmhouse and residential structures that form an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region.

the materiality of the project emphasizes the careful composition of angled and vertical surfaces

exterior and interior merge into one overall experience

From the lush driveway, occupants pass through one of the buildings to a central courtyard. The interaction of the different volumes around the central courtyard is unified by a wooden pergola and an extended wooden terrace on a higher level, which connects and encloses all the outdoor and public areas around the house. These terraces were conceived as a pure extension of all interior spaces. In the summer, the exterior and interior spaces merge into one overall experience, ensuring interactivity between the different parts of the program.

The public areas dominate the first floor in a careful sequence of spaces and atmospheres, always emphasizing an important axis or an interesting viewpoint of the landscape. Secondary functions are located in the outbuildings, while the higher floors house the more private and exclusive areas with the master bedroom and master suite, as well as the children’s rooms. All of these rooms feature higher ceilings that capture and frame nature through generous pocket windows set into the walls.

the interaction of the different volumes around the central courtyard is unified by a wooden pergola

An important aspect of this project is the tectonic expression of the architectural volumes. It was crucial to create a timeless but contemporary material palette, but also to find a material that would highlight the careful composition of the volumes and the hierarchy between oblique and vertical planes, while emphasizing the tactility of the surfaces and the way they cast shadows under the unique light.

With an eye to the traditional materials of the region, such as the typical wooden barn siding or the cedar shingles, fired clay tiles were carefully selected for the entire façade and roofs to reflect the local architectural heritage in a contemporary way. This highly textured and tactile material, combined with naturally aged ipe wood and dark metal, completes a very powerful yet sober material palette that blends in with its surroundings.

view of the interior of the HBH residence

detail of the façade

detail of the wooden pergola

project info:

name: HBH Residence
architects: Vincent Van Duysen
in collaboration with: STELLECO
interior design: Atelier Christian Liaigre
landscape design: Piet Oudolf
area: Southampton, NY, US

myrto katsikopoulou I designboom

jan 31, 2023

Reference

Interior Design

Bosco Sodi unveils remodelled Tokyo residence as Casa Wabi extension

By Zarkon Group,25/11/2022

Studio Wasabi Architecture and Satoshi Kawakami Architects have created a home and artist residency in Tokyo for Mexican artist Bosco Sodi, founder of the arts foundation Casa Wabi in Mexico.

Occupying a corner plot in the Sendagi district of Tokyo, Casa Nano 2.0 is a renovation of a postwar house constructed in the late 1950s.

“The house has a very simple facade system to protect the windows, a system called amado, where you can slide some metal windows and close them when there is a typhoon,” said Studio Wasabi co-founder Rafael Balboa.

The 68-square-metre home has a simple facade with a gabled roof and ridges that jut out to create small awnings.

Japanese home interior with cedar beams — The home renovated a post-world war two home in Tokyo

“For the exterior, we only applied one material – which is called Excell Joint – so it looks similar to the original house in order to make it more natural and coherent with the neighbourhood,” said Balboa.

Studio Wasabi worked with Satoshi Kawakami Architects to completely revamp the interiors for use as an extension of the Casa Wabi artist residency in Puerto Escondido, Mexico or as a home for founder Bosco Sodi and his wife interior designer Lucia Corredor.

Cedar beams and floating staircases tokyo home — The home’s original cedar beams were maintained in the redesign

After sponsoring 13 Mexican artists in the original Casa Nano at another location, Sodi needed more space and decided to move the residency into a larger space – Casa Nano 2.0.

The architecture studios worked with Sodi and Corredor to open up the space, creating an open-concept kitchen, adding furniture and moving the original staircase.

Floating steel staircase — In order to open up floorplan, the architecture studio included a floating staircase

The first floor of the two-storey, cedar-framed structure is concrete, and the second storey’s floor is made of cedar.

The designers and construction company Washin Architects kept all of the old cedar beams and columns, as well as the windows from the original house to preserve the essence of the original building.

Japanese windows with shelves and bench — The original windows were maintained

“For us, it was also very important to be able to have blackout windows so we kept the original pocket metal windows of the facade of the old house to be able to close the windows completely,” explained Corredor.

The team had to move the original staircase to open up the ground floor, so a floating steel staircase was placed against the wall at the middle of the structure, suspended from the existing beams.

Japanese home with natural wood beams — There are three living spaces on the second floor

“This house, besides being part of the art residence of Casa Wabi, was designed to fit our family needs,” said Corredor.

Storage space was another important factor in the design process, so the architecture studios created a shelf unit that hangs from the existing beams that stretch around the entire house.

Japanese home with shelving and open window — A shelving system surrounds the home

On the second floor, three separate spaces were included to accommodate a family of five. The primary bedroom has a simple layout and connects to a small terrace.

A central living area has a bench with a small reading nook and the seating area was furnished with a vintage French sofa from the 1950s and an old wood table from a local flea market.

Japanese sliding doors — The spaces are divded by sliding panel doors

The bunk bedroom at the end of the second floor was built for the kids or as another area spot an artist in residence and has access via a ladder to a small outdoor terrace.

The three spaces are divided by Japanese paper sliding doors with overlaying glass thick enough to maintain privacy and let the light flow into the space.

Read: Five Casa Wabi pavilions include Álvaro Siza ceramics studio and Kengo Kuma chicken coop

The doors and built-in furniture as well as the ceiling of the second floor were made using Lauan wood.

Corredor used furniture from the previous residence and items that were locally sourced to furnish the home.

“We brought all the furniture we already had in the former Casa Nano,” she said.

“Like our old wood table that we found in the flea market in UENO and our beloved Noguchi lamp to give warmth and light to the space.”

Front door on Japanese home — The home’s exterior blends into the style of the neighbourhood

Casa Nano 2.0 will continue with its residency program, inviting four Mexican artists every year, each for a period of one month.

“Japan has been life-changing for the artists that have been already,” Sodi said.

“As it was for me when I was invited to an art residence in Tokyo almost 20 years ago.”

Casa Wabi’s headquarters in Puerto Escondido was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and features yearly pavilions by international architects including a red brick chimney by Mexico City-based architect Alberto Kalach and a ceramics workshop by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza.

The photography is by Nao Takahashi.

Reference

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