coming renovation

Adair has long wished for Togo chairs, but as much as she loves the design, she tries not to be too precious about it. “We let the kids use them how they want, and they’re perfect fort furniture,” she says. “They’re really durable. It’s a design that makes architect parents happy.”

Architects Camilo Fuentealba and Eduardo Díaz created a split-level layout for their vertically aligned home near the Chilean resort town of Puerto Varas. Rooms branch off from a central atrium as you climb up stairs and ladders. “The idea was to replicate the way trees grow to look for light,” says Camilo.

Floor Plan of Poet’s Corner by Oliver Leech Architects

The existing stairs were painted in a dark yet neutral blue-gray, with a runner on top that has a coordinating pop of orange. While most of the home's historic details were removed by former owners, Leech's team tried to preserve what they could.

The owner, a school teacher, reads with her child on the banquette, which is bathed in rare London sun.

The wildflowers on the roof can be seen through the skylights throughout the day. A duo of sliders allows for a clear connection to the garden.

Skylights allow for sun to reach the inside of the home, while providing views of the sky and wildflower roof.

This eco-friendly extension in Melbourne was designed by Ben Callery Architects. The light-filled space incorporates renewable features including high levels of insulation, double glazing, and recycled and locally sourced materials. A corrugated metal roof was designed to glide over the 1,650-square-foot home.

Cecilia Yuan, principal at Blank Canvas Architects, and her husband bought this Victorian-style abode in Port Melbourne, Australia, for its heritage charm. So, during a renovation that re-configured wasted space, like moving the bathroom to create a larger dining area that mingles a Muuto Split table with Phoenix chairs and a marble-wrapped island, she also saw an opportunity to replace such features as deteriorating iron lacework.

The steel-framed doors fully open to the courtyard, maximizing indoor/outdoor living space on the small lot.