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Purple thistles, California poppies, clover, and dandelions have all taken root in the roughly 10-inch-deep, lightweight humus and grape-husk soil in this 580-square-foot green roof. Designer Peter Liang says that he "wanted to plant a green roof for its thermal mass, but I wanted it to be as natural as possible."
Purple thistles, California poppies, clover, and dandelions have all taken root in the roughly 10-inch-deep, lightweight humus and grape-husk soil in this 580-square-foot green roof. Designer Peter Liang says that he "wanted to plant a green roof for its thermal mass, but I wanted it to be as natural as possible."
At the top of the stairwell, a sitting area is outfitted with a vintage Eames lounge, a large Jack Goldstein painting, and a 1970s light fixture found by Marcovitz in Paris.
At the top of the stairwell, a sitting area is outfitted with a vintage Eames lounge, a large Jack Goldstein painting, and a 1970s light fixture found by Marcovitz in Paris.
The view!
The view!
The kitchen features a concrete island topped with marble. Deja-Vu stools by Naoto Fukasawa surround the island. A print by Guy Gormley, as well as a painting bought during holiday in St. Tropez, hang on the walls.
The kitchen features a concrete island topped with marble. Deja-Vu stools by Naoto Fukasawa surround the island. A print by Guy Gormley, as well as a painting bought during holiday in St. Tropez, hang on the walls.
Take a look at some of the most exciting, sustainable buildings around the world, and you may notice something they have in common: green roofs, or rooftops covered with a thin layer of soil to allow for grasses and other low-lying plants to grow.
Take a look at some of the most exciting, sustainable buildings around the world, and you may notice something they have in common: green roofs, or rooftops covered with a thin layer of soil to allow for grasses and other low-lying plants to grow.
New Depths Inspired by a local winery, George Kyprianou wanted a glass top on his subterranean wine cellar. The interior is lit, casting soft light into the living space at night and revealing the 132-year-old stone foundation. The three-quarter-inch glass lid sits flush with the floorboards; it opens with an ingenious device that Kyprianou devised using a 12-volt air compressor and a remote-controlled switch. When you push the button, the glass lifts just enough to be removed by hand.
New Depths Inspired by a local winery, George Kyprianou wanted a glass top on his subterranean wine cellar. The interior is lit, casting soft light into the living space at night and revealing the 132-year-old stone foundation. The three-quarter-inch glass lid sits flush with the floorboards; it opens with an ingenious device that Kyprianou devised using a 12-volt air compressor and a remote-controlled switch. When you push the button, the glass lifts just enough to be removed by hand.
Suzanne and Brooks Kelley at the back of their 1,100-square-foot guest cottage.
Suzanne and Brooks Kelley at the back of their 1,100-square-foot guest cottage.
The owners toured this home, which surrounds a mature tipu tipu tree, while visiting relatives for the day. The brick is original to the 1947 construction.
The owners toured this home, which surrounds a mature tipu tipu tree, while visiting relatives for the day. The brick is original to the 1947 construction.
Light Box Peter created a simple uplight at the top of the wood box by wiring together energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures typically used under cabinets and countertops. “The cheaper magnetic models hum unacceptably loudly, so make sure you get the electronic ballast types,” he warns. He then painted the cavity white to reflect light and covered them with quarter-inch-thick acrylic from TAP Plastics. homedepot.com tapplastics.com
Light Box Peter created a simple uplight at the top of the wood box by wiring together energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures typically used under cabinets and countertops. “The cheaper magnetic models hum unacceptably loudly, so make sure you get the electronic ballast types,” he warns. He then painted the cavity white to reflect light and covered them with quarter-inch-thick acrylic from TAP Plastics. homedepot.com tapplastics.com
A NOR11 chair anchors a sunny corner.
A NOR11 chair anchors a sunny corner.
The facade features a sunny yellow balcony—intended to spark a smile, but it’s also a statement by the architects against the “monotonous and dull color palette” of traditional Japanese neighborhoods.
The facade features a sunny yellow balcony—intended to spark a smile, but it’s also a statement by the architects against the “monotonous and dull color palette” of traditional Japanese neighborhoods.
Sliding doors by Quantum were made to look like the original panes that couldn't be saved, and they lead to a fire pit outside.
Sliding doors by Quantum were made to look like the original panes that couldn't be saved, and they lead to a fire pit outside.
The view of Kapiti Island is fully revealed from the tower.
The view of Kapiti Island is fully revealed from the tower.
The idea of balance is expressed in all facets of the project—from light to dark, indoor to outdoor.
The idea of balance is expressed in all facets of the project—from light to dark, indoor to outdoor.
Braun ET66 Calculator When it originally debuted in 1987, Braun’s iconic ET66 helped elevate the calculator to an everyday personal item. Its sleek styling, slim plastic casing and approachable interface were the masterstroke of influential German designer Dieter Rams and his partner at Braun, Dietrich Lubs. Here the ET66 eight-digit calculator is faithfully reproduced, down to the inviting round buttons and high-contrast palette of its number and function buttons.
Braun ET66 Calculator When it originally debuted in 1987, Braun’s iconic ET66 helped elevate the calculator to an everyday personal item. Its sleek styling, slim plastic casing and approachable interface were the masterstroke of influential German designer Dieter Rams and his partner at Braun, Dietrich Lubs. Here the ET66 eight-digit calculator is faithfully reproduced, down to the inviting round buttons and high-contrast palette of its number and function buttons.
The top container contains Wardell's office—and a "napping nook" above that.
The top container contains Wardell's office—and a "napping nook" above that.
In the dining area, a one-of-a-kind table with a reclaimed Carrara marble top by NET—themultidisciplinary design firm of architect Alejandro Sticotti, with whom Nicolas works—is surrounded by prototypes of the company’s Board chair. The family dog, China, sits on a floor made of travertine tiles.
In the dining area, a one-of-a-kind table with a reclaimed Carrara marble top by NET—themultidisciplinary design firm of architect Alejandro Sticotti, with whom Nicolas works—is surrounded by prototypes of the company’s Board chair. The family dog, China, sits on a floor made of travertine tiles.
The architects added a small circular skylight to serve as a vertical focal point in the center of the fifth floor. The quarter-sawn white oak risers produce a beautiful rippled grain highlighted by the abundant natural light.
The architects added a small circular skylight to serve as a vertical focal point in the center of the fifth floor. The quarter-sawn white oak risers produce a beautiful rippled grain highlighted by the abundant natural light.
The yellow North Face tent looms over the top of the main building.
The yellow North Face tent looms over the top of the main building.
Yvette, Adrian, and their son Julian survey the view from the top-floor terrace. “I’ve never been fond of modernism—I find it cold,” Adrian admits. “But having this house, I have to say, it’s growing on me.”
Yvette, Adrian, and their son Julian survey the view from the top-floor terrace. “I’ve never been fond of modernism—I find it cold,” Adrian admits. “But having this house, I have to say, it’s growing on me.”
Still, it’s possible to remove or relocate non-structural walls in a home with good bones.
Still, it’s possible to remove or relocate non-structural walls in a home with good bones.
The master bedroom occupies a private space on the top floor.
The master bedroom occupies a private space on the top floor.
In the dining room, Guillerme et Chambron armchairs from Maison Gerard surround a CB2 table. The ceiling light is by Lambert & Fils. In the kitchen, rich blue cabinetry with wood details from GD Arredamenti is topped with a Caesarstone “Aire Concrete” counter. The gold artwork is by Joyce Billet.
In the dining room, Guillerme et Chambron armchairs from Maison Gerard surround a CB2 table. The ceiling light is by Lambert & Fils. In the kitchen, rich blue cabinetry with wood details from GD Arredamenti is topped with a Caesarstone “Aire Concrete” counter. The gold artwork is by Joyce Billet.
A Nelson jewelry cabinet and Massimo Vignelli lamp.
A Nelson jewelry cabinet and Massimo Vignelli lamp.
The Piranesian view upwards through the central stair to the top floor skylight.
The Piranesian view upwards through the central stair to the top floor skylight.
On Kawara Stamp Kit by Et Al., Etc. “EtAlEtcStampKit” $135 for the set "At Subports we make it a point to send hand written or adorned mail whenever possible. Just the other day we sent a ransom note styled envelope containing a check over to our friends at Vena Cava. We are still awaiting for our own On Kawara stamp kit to arrive from Japan, and when it does it will definitely put to good use. The On Kawara stamp kit includes seven holds (1-5 line, one oval, one round), a black stamp pad, and 4mm (upper/lowercase and special characters) and 6mm (upper and special characters) letters organized in seven small cases. An empty case is included for letters that stray. An homage to Japan’s most notable conceptual artist and his series of “Date paintings”. Made in Japan in 2010 by Tokyo design firm, Et Al., Etc."
On Kawara Stamp Kit by Et Al., Etc. “EtAlEtcStampKit” $135 for the set "At Subports we make it a point to send hand written or adorned mail whenever possible. Just the other day we sent a ransom note styled envelope containing a check over to our friends at Vena Cava. We are still awaiting for our own On Kawara stamp kit to arrive from Japan, and when it does it will definitely put to good use. The On Kawara stamp kit includes seven holds (1-5 line, one oval, one round), a black stamp pad, and 4mm (upper/lowercase and special characters) and 6mm (upper and special characters) letters organized in seven small cases. An empty case is included for letters that stray. An homage to Japan’s most notable conceptual artist and his series of “Date paintings”. Made in Japan in 2010 by Tokyo design firm, Et Al., Etc."
“When you’re working on something inexpensive and then decide you don’t like it, fine. You’re not tearing down millions of kroners worth of work.” —Mette Lyng Hansen
“When you’re working on something inexpensive and then decide you don’t like it, fine. You’re not tearing down millions of kroners worth of work.” —Mette Lyng Hansen
On an 18th-century farmstead in rural Sweden, two Copenhagen designers handcraft a summerhouse that seamlessly melds the modern and the traditional.
On an 18th-century farmstead in rural Sweden, two Copenhagen designers handcraft a summerhouse that seamlessly melds the modern and the traditional.
Integral glass counter and sink top
Integral glass counter and sink top
Can't find the right table for your space? Another option is to have a custom top cut for a recycled base, which is what the Deams did for their outdoor dining area. They had an existing Scissor table base by Bay Area designer John Randolph sitting unused, so Chris had a piece of hardy soapstone (it stands up to high temperatures) cut to match by Fox Marble. A subtle facet at each corner plays off the base's design and lends a more intimate feel to the long table. For a fraction of the cost of a full piece, the bases of design classics are often available on Craigslist and eBay.
Can't find the right table for your space? Another option is to have a custom top cut for a recycled base, which is what the Deams did for their outdoor dining area. They had an existing Scissor table base by Bay Area designer John Randolph sitting unused, so Chris had a piece of hardy soapstone (it stands up to high temperatures) cut to match by Fox Marble. A subtle facet at each corner plays off the base's design and lends a more intimate feel to the long table. For a fraction of the cost of a full piece, the bases of design classics are often available on Craigslist and eBay.
The bedroom and bathroom make up the private zones on the top floor.
The bedroom and bathroom make up the private zones on the top floor.
With an angled roof designed to resemble the surrounding cliffs, a house in Maui, Hawaii, is built to meld with the landscape.
With an angled roof designed to resemble the surrounding cliffs, a house in Maui, Hawaii, is built to meld with the landscape.

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