This Berlin loft by Studio Sinne for Fantastic Frank is such a unique space with its high ceilings, visible beams and exposed brick. The highlights of the place are the spacious open living and dining area, as well as the anthracite-colored built-in kitchen. Many of the art pieces have a visual effect that changes depending on how the light hits it, something very suitable for this flat with its many windows. Most of the art is placed on the floor because of its size. I find it really cool to show the art on the floor, it gives this New York look together with the exposed brick walls that I love and find inspiring. The old roof beams were lovingly worked up and cleverly blend into the interior through their color, contrasting with the brick walls. I like how the interior is industrial, yet the furniture and materials make for a…

Located in the heart of flourishing Roncesvalles in Toronto’s beloved West End, Sorauren 118 by Ancerl Studio is one half of a twofold residential development for Seventy Seven Park. Where a pair of dilapidated semi-detached houses once stood now rise two unique gems of modernity. Following the narrative of a heritage barn brought back to life, the detached homes have been conceptualized to visually appear as one single volume defined by its traditional triangular architecture. Only from up close will the observer notice a crisp breakpoint between the two properties. With a facade featuring heritage yellow-toned brick, corten steel accents and expansive industrial window frames, the home represents a new generation of contemporary houses. Nostalgic yet modern in its primary form, Sorauren 118 brightens the neighbourhood and lightens the hearts of passers-by and guests alike. Featuring an immersive layout and soaring triple-height open volumes, the property shines as an impressive…

Extensive refurbishment and interiors fit out of a central London flat by MATA Architects in a mansion block originally constructed at the turn of the last century. The works included substantial structural modifications altering the flat’s layout and introducing new services. The flat had not been modernized in over 40 years. Whilst in many respects this offered huge opportunities for total transformation, it also meant that the layout was of a totally different era; many small and compartmentalized rooms where now more open space is wanted. The architects started by exploring 2 radically different potential layouts for the flat. Both options had one principle in common; the large hallway was treated as an additional ‘room’ that opened up and flowed into the living spaces. In so doing the hallway benefitted from ‘borrowed’ natural light and views through adjacent rooms and out to the street. It was no longer internal in…

This special beach house, with its unique location in the heart of Quinta do Lago, Algarve’s most prestigious residential area, was built by two German ladies who discovered the Algarve 40 years ago. The new owner of the house, the CORE- Architects client, fell in love with it the first moment she set foot in it. After long negotiations with the two original owners, she was finally able to call it her own. Situated on a soft-sloped plot within a forest of Iberian pine trees with small  but very distinct, view lines to the ocean and facing South, the house provided perfect conditions for a Feng Shui-inspired home by the ocean. The general orientation of the house created the ideal energy flow for the client, reflecting her strong and uniquely authentic character. Calm tones relax and adjust to the desired mode, and natural materials such as  rustic natural stone, micro-cement  and wood are reminiscent…

A nearly new construction, Woodpecker Ranch by Feldman Architecture Studio was remodeled for the clients’ aspiration to create their “forever home” – where they could raise their young children and incorporate all of their diverse extracurriculars into the property. Just south of San Francisco, this remodel endured a complete transformation with its most extreme conversions redefining the entry to the house as well as adding a level of uniformity to the exterior façade. One of the most challenging requests from the home owners was to clarify the arrival sequence of the home, both from the exterior and interior, while looking for ways to improve the curb appeal of the façade. Collaborating with Arterra Landscape Architects, the teams anchored the entry with a large water feature near the entry door, and used in-stepping retaining walls to help funnel guests to a more inviting entry.   The entry stair design was simplified to…

A multi-family compound rises from a remote, grassy valley on the bank of the Frio River deep in the Texas Hill Country. The goal for this project by Tim Cuppett Architects was to create shelters with an environmental experience unique to its place where Summer madness gives way to Winter stillness. Where city life and digital stimulation are replaced by the experience of feeling a cool breeze or snuggling up to a warm fire.Structures consist of a main house, meditation room over art studio/garage, and two guest studio cottages. Main house and cottages are linked by a slightly elevated walkway which enables barefoot kids to run back and forth over the tall grass and creepie crawlers.Much like “Dogtrot” shelters from the past, a “breezeway” bookended by concealed multi-slide doors, bisects the main house enabling alfresco dining most of the year; even in the sweltering Summer a cool breeze rises from…

As a modern renaissance home, the St Vincents Place Residence by B.E Architecture is a new archetype developed through a reinterpretation of classical references with a modern sensibility. The client, as a patron, put his belief in architecture, artists and artisans to create a nourishing environment that goes beyond surface treatments by inscribing contemplative experiences into the physical form. The new extension is a cultural bridge between historical significance and modern progress positioned behind a heritage façade. By embracing the consideration of time, the design response examines the pinnacles of architecture and design throughout history. Details typical of older architecture were reworked in the front section of the original building. These details included curved cornices, arched doors, and custom steel fireplaces, none of which are typical in modern construction methodologies but feel at ease within the Victorian frontage. Integral to the details is an authentic demonstration of an exceptional level…

This lovely apartment is located with a quiet and peaceful courtyard in a beautiful turn of the century property. Here, tranquility reigns just minutes from restaurants and entertainment life. Through beautiful windows the light flows in and the silence is total. The open and peaceful environment of the turn of the century fills the entire floor. The considerable ceiling height gives air to the tanks and a strong feeling of large room volumes. All details are in place; stucco, ceiling rosettes, double mirrored doors, beautiful door frames and a tiled stove. Simply an outstanding home for you who want to live in an exclusive and culturally preserved environment with unique qualities in the middle of central Gothenburg. See also :https://house-diaries.com/the-beauty-of-a-beige-interior/

The aptly named Utopia house by Aucoot is a unique 1832 square foot haven in one of south east London’s liveliest spots, Deptford. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom detached property has all the charm you would expect from an ex-Mission hall dating back to the turn of the last century: vaulted ceilings, exposed timber trusses and an abundance of space and light. With a generous roof terrace offering a private, low-maintenance garden and a stunning workspace, it is a perfect urban hideaway with great links to the City and the beautiful green spaces of south London. The original building was constructed in 1906 as a memorial to philanthropist Joseph Mead. But in 2018 it underwent a sympathetic renovation with architect Alex Nikjoo in collaboration with its current owners – renowned artists – carefully stripping away years of modifications to reveal the original features in all their glory. Photography : Aucoot See also…

With one of Stockholm’s most sought-after locations, this spectacular and state-of-the-art attic, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, is not only located on the top floor of a luxurious 19th century house right on the cozy Karlaplan Square in Stockholm, but it is also an interesting object in terms of design. With exciting angles and solutions, the floor has a unique feel. It is characterized by stripped-down minimalism with high quality, modern materials and neutral color choices. The living room is very spacious with high ceilings, about five meters up to the ridge, a fireplace and breathtaking views of the city. Stairs go up to another bedroom / sleeping loft and to astudy. Ther is also an elegantly decorated spa in the tower room. The south-west facing terrace with a view of Östermalm’s roof ridges and a number of large skylights gives the floor a wonderfully bright impression. See also :https://house-diaries.com/a-scandinavian-apartment-under-the-roof/