Nice architecture

Jardins House by CR2 Arquitetura

The first floor consists of two long and narrow structures that intersect in an open kitchen, providing distinct programmatic areas and settling into the tree-lined landscape, allowing yards to surround and permeate each room.

Through an integral relationship between use, form, and material, the Low/Rise House responds sensitively to site, nature, and neighborhood, creating a new type of suburban living – both urban and rural.

The open-plan kitchen serves the family’s needs for easy entertaining. The four bar stools are also custom designed by Lexie and were built by Yvonne Mouser.

Located in California’s Sugar Bowl neighborhood, this shadowy lair by Mork-Ulnes Architects looks like something out of fairy tale. "We call the house Troll Hus, with a reference to the otherworldly beings in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore that are said to dwell in remote mountains," architect Casper Mork-Ulnes says.

The exterior timber cladding is coated with black tar, a traditional Norwegian treatment. The finish serves a variety of purposes: solar heat gain, water resistance, and insect repellant.

Taking inspiration from Arlberg Valley, Austria to classic Nordic materials, the Troll Hus certainly adds a European touch to the California landscape. “The inspiring concept is that of a treehouse that, as if suspended between treetops, seamlessly and ingeniously blends with its surroundings.” Casper says.

When Studio Tack was brought on to revive the 1960s structure, they set out to showcase the history and charm of the property—but to do it through a modern lens. They preserved the eccentricities that make the property so special, but brought it into the modern world with fresh new furnishings, updated materials, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe.

A skylight floods the loft space with daylight and offers views of the stars at night.

Among the artwork on display is Bruce Nauman's 1984 100 Live and Die. Mounted on four metal monoliths, the neon's flickering glow is surrounded by Ando's concrete walls and skylight above. Photo Courtesy 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia via flikr.

The Benesse Art Site Naoshima, located on Japan's Naoshima island, was concevied in 1985 thanks to a collaboration between a wealthy businessman and local mayor. Benesse - combining Latin's words for "well" and "being" - describes the site's complex aim of promoting connections among art, religion, nature, and education. Among the site's holdings are the Benesse House (above) and the Chichu Art Museum (two slides ahead), both of which were designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. His iconic use of concrete is in full view at the Benesse House Musuem (completed 1992) which holds numerous artworks. Photo Courtesy 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia via flikr.

“We talked about creating a sense of mystery when [guests] walked in from the street,” says Christopher. A gate swings open on a steel bar-stock frame to reveal a courtyard and the dining room beyond.