This project restores and reimagines the 8th and 9th floors of a vintage Philip Maher apartment building at 1301 North Astor Street into a contemporary living space for a family of four. The home is a reflection of the character and sophistication of the clients, art collectors and avid travelers, as well as their family-oriented lifestyle. The design, by von Weise Associates, balances restoration of certain details and spaces to the existing art deco character, such as the formal living and dining room, while creating new circulation and larger spaces around the 8th floor, as a reflection of a more informal lifestyle. The entrance hall has been expanded as a public gallery and entertaining space that extends the original entrance through the whole building east to west, capturing natural light on both sides. The new stair anchors one side of the gallery while letting light pass through its open design,…

Bryant Alsop Studio delivers carefully considered, intelligent, projects for their clients. Each project is personal and unique. Their work spans residential, education, and commercial sectors, and is underpinned by a belief that architecture should be uplifting, beautiful and honest. They are committed to achieving carefully considered design solutions and are committed to fully delivering the complete project to their clients. The brief in Murdoch house was clear: create a brave and raw living space for family and friends with a direct connection to outdoor spaces for play and entertaining (Published with Bowerbird). Photography : Rhiannon Slatter See also : https://house-diaries.com/mason-house-an-unexpected-renovation-in-a-heritage-home/

The 780-square-meters penthouse by Architecture Discipline, located in The IVY, in Gurgaon, India, exudes sophistication and panache from every aspect. Wrapped up with frosted film, the glass entrance door provides some privacy to the family whilst giving a hint of the house to the visitors even before they enter. The glow of natural light on the door keeps varying throughout the day which gives it a transposable character. The double height bookshelf acts as a memory shelf exhibiting the owner’s collectibles. The entrance lobby is perspective driven wherein the bookshelf and the flooring pattern helps in exaggerating the sense of depth and pulls the eye of the visitor till the end of the hallway. The architect has used unique artworks, light fixtures, furniture patterns and materials to create a one-of-a-kind space. The entire home is luxurious yet eclectic. The floorboards of the entire apartment are made of antique oak. Cuddapah…

Previously a general store, this South Melbourne terrace has been transformed by Eliza Blair Architecture Studio and Studio Tom Interior Design, into the forever home for a Melbourne couple and their two young daughters. Brimming with character and history, the design retains as many of the original quirks, sitting alongside a sleek and modern extension at the back. Central to the design intent, was the celebration of the enormous majestic gum tree in the back yard. Forever is a long time, so designers focused on high-quality, hard-wearing materials that will only get better with age. The bricks selected give an instant sense of history; their variety of natural shades complementing the neighbouring bluestone of the adjoining heritage building. Throughout the home, traces of the building’s history are reminders of its unique past. A steel staircase leads to the existing basement, and existing brick walls are left exposed to create this…

The renovation of this authentic farm sought to restore its lost charm, and increase the interior comfort. JUMA Architects beautifully integrated the entrance door and converted the connecting volume between the two wings of the house into a symmetrical whole, with solid wooden beams that support the new awning. The existing roof construction was in poor condition and also very low. It was replaced by a new and higher roof truss and the existing Velux windows were substituted by traditional dormer windows. This made it possible to recuperate the old Boom roof tiles. This intervention resulted in the creation of a full-fledged floor, with dormer windows that not only provide natural light and views, but also enhance the rural character of the farm. The decoration was largely selected by JUMA architects at Par Terre in Sint-Martens-Latem. Photography : Annick Vernimmen See also :https://house-diaries.com/a-unique-farmhouse-in-the-netherlands/

Located in Lafayette, Calif., on the outskirts of San Francisco, this renovated residence fell victim to an electrical fire that took more than half the house, destroying family photos and heirlooms, and leaving much of it smoke damaged. When the owners embarked on restoring it, the family of five asked interior designer Sherry Hope-Kennedy, Studio SHK,  to create a place that would maintain the quaint 1939-architecture of the house while honoring the distant past.Sophisticated and relaxed, this house withstands the test of time with its classic meets vintage design. Varying natural tones, wood elements and ample windows amplify the daylight and reinforce a connection to the outdoors. Exposed ceiling beams, repurposed from barn wood, warm white walls, and French oak wide plank hardwood flooring, create an inviting backdrop. To help create zones, floors were laid in a chevron pattern in the more formal living, dining and master bed rooms, and…

After residing in their Lake Austin condo for over 10 years, the homeowners were ready for a dramatic departure from what they had – a traditional, segregated and enclosed plan with French country furniture and lots of color. Being prominent figures in the Austin community, they enlisted Dick Clark + Associates’ help in creating a contemporary setting for their entertaining lifestyle, celebrating the gorgeous lakefront views at every turn. By reorganizing the floor plan and replacing solid walls with glass, the designers created an interior experience that is connected to the outdoors. With exception to the art, everything in the home was hand-selected by their Interior Design team; from the rugs, to the millwork, to the furniture and the Venetian plaster fireplace. The final result is a sleek and restrained palette that perfectly compliments their unique collection of traditional artwork (Published with Bowerbird). Photography : Dror Baldinger See also :…

This apartment is located in a building allocated for conservation in Tel Aviv, and is home to a talented pianist who loves to entertain friends and host music nights in his home. The challenge for XS Studio for Compact Design was to create a flexible space, suitable for entertaining, that lends itself to a variety of hospitality scenarios and collaborative musical activities. When they first saw the floor-plan, they were taken aback by the lack of flexibility in the flat, stemming from the shelter room (Obligatory in Israel), impossibly located in the center of the flat. After a few attempts, they found potential in the apartment, through the creation of an organizing cube ( Published with Bowerbird). Photography: Amit Gosher See also : https://house-diaries.com/perfect-contrast-overlooking-an-urban-landscape-in-tel-aviv-israel/

In recent years, the home extension has become an art to master in London. A difficult housing market where building is preferential to buying is creating space for stunning home conversions where old meets new. Enter the architect’s stomping ground. On a quiet residential street in Hackney, what was once a typical compartmentalised Victorian terrace has now been transformed into a spacious, modern family home by architecture firm Studio 8Fold. The brief was to create a generous home of blended spaces and textures, drawing inspiration from the rich experiences and mixed heritage of their clients. Completed in just six months on site, the Hackney home now features a new kitchen/dining area, reinstated fireplace and new guest WC on the ground floor, a generous family bathroom and enlarged bedroom on the first floor, and an additional study, bathroom and bedroom in the loft. Studio 8Fold summed up that “The new Hackney…

At the foot of the Sciliar, in the picturesque area of Alpe di Siusi (Bolzano), the spirit of a barn is reborn as a home. The project, realised by noa* (network of architecture), has at its core, the South Tyrolean tradition combined with surprising features internally, resulting from design of visionary and unexpected spaces. An almost magical ambience is created, inspired by childhood memories. The outcome of the project is a dwelling, having two aspects which confront each other in their style. The exterior represents the traditional alpine location, splendidly immersed in the local topography, whilst the interior boasts the visionary impulse, the surprise of a space freed from the general scheme of things, almost permeable, osmotic, and certainly innovative. Photography : Alex Filz See also ;https://house-diaries.com/vogele-restaurant-an-inspiring-tribute-to-karl-kamaun/

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and flanked by a verdant landscape of ponds and meadowlands, this modern home, designed by Berlin Architects along with Lisa Kanning Interior Design, combines rustic flair with contemporary craftsmanship. Designed to convey a sense of immersion into the surrounding environment, this 7,976 square foot home uses recycled materials to ground itself in the setting. Large floor-to-ceiling window treatments, and walls that open to the outside compliment the massive 2-story vaulted ceilings. In the grand room, the large custom-designed wood burning fireplace invites family members to relinquish the day’s activities in uninterrupted peace. Built by Rendezvous Custom Homes this fabulous residence is composed of material elements of timber and stone. The use of these materials helps the home to blend in with its natural environment. A rugged mountainous backdrop creates a tranquil setting for this vacation retreat, while a large pond adds to the…