Inspiration for this project by Snorre Stinessen Studio, was mainly drawn from the landscape, the orientation in relation to views, privacy and the sun, but also strongly from the client wish to entertain guests and family visiting over longer periods.The design seeks to emphasise the closeness to the nature while allowing a comfortable stay indoors and it also seeks to underline the transition between spaces and activities we normally are too busy to appreciate. The building is comprised of several individual volumes and spaces connected via in-between spaces that provide an experience of being outdoors and symbolises the transition between spaces and functions. The conceptual idea is to tell the story of journeys in the everyday life and to emphasise the values and importance of our different activities. The organisation also allows for guests to stay over longer periods and several activities to take place without disturbing each other. Photography…

Two Sheds, by design studio Dreamer Lab, is located on 25 acres of bush in the hills immediately to the west of the Lorne township, Victoria, Australia. It is a retreat allowing the clients to disconnect from the world of city, noise, and work as they come together to reconnect and begin a 30-year project to rejuvenate the surrounding bushland. The project uses a minimal material palette and a simple design language drawing from local cottages, agricultural buildings and Australian vernacular. It provides a backdrop for cherished family experiences as the inhabitants slow down, notice and engage with the simple joys of living. ( Published with BowerBird ) Photography : Rory Gardiner

A private residence that is located on the site of the vacated Trinity House Experimental Station (the organisation responsible for the maintenance of English Lighthouses), this project by interior architects Johnson Naylor has all the hallmarks of their sensitive and contextual approach to design. The site is a combination of new builds and refurbishments of existing structures and is designed to sit lightly on this unique environment. The building consists of studios and living spaces. Photography : Peter Marlow

When the 1st Ave client approached Haeccity Studio, it was clear they were looking for a sophisticated aesthetic, but with a sense of humour. They had a small, but beloved collection of art and eclectic artefacts to be incorporated, and they wanted to be very involved.The result is an interior face-lift of a compact two-storey apartment in Vancouver’s False Creek neighbourhood that would personalize the space for the unique couple, while simultaneously transforming the existing layout into a more functional and spacious home. The ubiquity of light on the upper level was an important consideration for the design of a feature staircase with a custom white perforated metal guardrail screen. This porous partition, drawn from South American courtyards visited by the couple, invites natural light to pour onto the wooden staircase and entry below, and animates the space with a subtle play of ever-changing shadows.( Published with Bowerbird ) Photography…

A residential model suite for Toronto-based boutique developer, Curated Properties, focuses on bringing the appeal of a cabin getaway into the heart of the city. The suite interior by Mason Studio takes inspiration from vernacular Northern Ontario cottage residences and creates a contemporary translation through refinement of materiality and detailing to reflect the urban condition. The use of locally sourced materials in combination with furniture, artwork and accessories by Canadian craftspeople creates an interior environment that is direct reflection of the current Canadian design context. (Published with BowerBird). Project Team : RAW Design, Curated Properties, artform, Paul Joshnston Photography : Scott Norsworthy

This apartment by tsn.space , is located in the historical center of St. Petersburg on the Vasilievsky Island, in a house built by architect A.F. Baranovsky in 1911-1912. This is a remarkable housing complex of the Art Nouveau era, which is listed for its facades. The apartment has a authentic original decor: gypsum stucco molding, two typical fireplaces and a furnace of the Rakkolanioki pottery factory. Right before the reconstruction, the flat was a classic neglected communal apartment in the old St. Petersburg. The studio’s main challenge was the removing of late Soviet layers, partitions and decoration and manifesting the traditional “grand apartment”, including the preservation and restoration of historical details. In the process of clearing, they discovered obscured doors between adjacent rooms, which were also uncovered (this solution was typical for pre-revolutionary apartments: neighboring rooms were often connected by openings, which made it possible to go around the apartment…

Set within a stunning CBD heritage listed building, a mid-80’s modern style, modest apartment was entrusted to In Design International Studio with the clients’ clear brief to return a “practical weekender” for personal use to accommodate family including 2 young grandchildren.Their layout and design encompassed a holistic approach to the entire apartment. They relocated partition walls while working around structural elements and rises to improve spatial planning of this tiny weekender. Working meticulously to avoid unnecessary slab core drilling, they maintained the position of the WC but negotiated variations to other plumbing fixtures with ease. The end result is a 2 way ensuite/bathroom with a mezzanine storage room above, accessible only by a hidden electronic drop down stair case via a broom closet! (AKA ‘the secret room’ as the grandchildren now call it!). Enjoy it!!!! ( Published with BowerBird ). Photography : Isamu Sawa See also :https://house-diaries.com/janine-allis-residence-an-apartment-with-strong-contemporary-lines/

Jing’an district in Shanghai, China is rooted in tradition and culture because of its namesake temple. Built over two-thousand years ago, it remains the physical and symbolic center of the community. In the heart of the historical district, the design of these townhome interiors by Mason Studio, is a pure and minimal expression of extravagance. These family-oriented environments prioritize natural light, personal outdoor space, and the use of the highest quality finishes. The refined construction detailing and minimal use of finishes express how essentialism redefines traditional notions of luxury. Each townhome is created to be a lasting home for generations; one that values quality and craftsmanship over ostentation.Throughout the development, the interior material selections for the townhomes is reduced to the use of only three main materials; wood, marble and hand-trowelled plaster. By reducing the materials to a select few, an emphasis is maintained on the quality and execution of refined…

Well located in the city of Amsterdam, on the corner of the famous ‘nine streets’ the Nieuw apartment creates a nice and peaceful space to disconnect from the busy city. The design of the apartment by Ibiza Interiors expresses itself through a mix out of nordic archetypal simplicity and Parisian elegance. A thought through concept of a quiet place to disconnect, with natural tones and materials, creates a very peaceful residence in the buzzing city. The warm grey painted walls contribute together with the dark treated wooden floor to the unique ambiance of the space. Bringing together natural materials, design classics combined with matching furniture, fine finishes and well chosen colors the apartment turns into a contemporary and at the same time timeless residence.

Villa Sjölyckan, which was on the market by Fantastic Frank, manages to combine the open social living areas with all the function today’s residents demand of surface efficiency without sacrificing the sense of representation which becomes an obvious part and the extension with balconies and patios to the water, the gazebo and the very own bathing area. The garden with its more than 10,000 square meters provides the perfect privacy. The open, social social areas with a bright and beautiful location towards the lake are made for mingling and well-being during all seasons.The upper floor consists of three spacious and restful bedrooms, one of which facing the sea side has access to the terrace with a panoramic view of both the garden and the lake. Upstairs is a smaller living area, perhaps the perfect TV room and one of the newly renovated bathrooms.