Category Archives: Tours

Architecture, Homes, Tours, Videos

Architecture Tour: Light Scoop House In Australia

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Situated on a site measuring only 6 metres wide, Light Scoop House required a compelling architectural response. As is necessary when an architect designs a narrow home, Molecule Studio enables function in a compact space, crafting a serene residence well-suited to the lifestyle of the client. Understandably, when an architect designs a narrow home, access to natural sunlight is given high priority.

00:00 – The Local Project Print Publication 00:18 – Introduction to a Narrow Home That is Only 6 Meters Wide 00:47 – The Clients Original Goal 01:06 – The Architects Pre-Design Process 01:25 – Zen Vibes and Interconnected Design 02:05 – Behind the Narrowness of The Home 02:39 – Landscape Courtyards and Garden Connection 03:06 – Architectural Elements within The Home 03:37 – Central Materials and Their Links to Light 04:46 – Achievements of The Original Brief 05:54 – Subscribe to The Local Project Print Publication

Located in the bay-side suburb of Brighton, Light Scoop House is named in reference to its tapered-edge pavilion roofs which pull natural light into the home and lift the gaze upwards. If an architect designs a narrow home without considering the lifestyle of the occupant, the design will not succeed. Molecule Studio thoroughly examines the personal likes, dislikes and daily habits of the client, producing a tranquil home that captures sunlight across its textural surfaces. Molecule Studio punctuates the spatial plan of Light Scoop House with landscaped courtyards. In doing so, the architect designs a narrow home that fosters a distinct feeling of retreat, effortlessly connecting the occupant to nature. Light Scoop House demonstrates that when an architect designs a narrow home, the outcome can exceed expectations. Using a limited materiality, Molecule Studio creates a sense of calm and careful construction that extends far beyond the demands of the brief. 00:00 – The Local Project Print Publication 00:18 – Introduction to a Narrow Home That is Only 6 Meters Wide 00:47 – The Clients Original Goal 01:06 – The Architects Pre-Design Process 01:25 – Zen Vibes and Interconnected Design 02:05 – Behind the Narrowness of The Home 02:39 – Landscape Courtyards and Garden Connection 03:06 – Architectural Elements within The Home 03:37 – Central Materials and Their Links to Light 04:46 – Achievements of The Original Brief 05:54 – Subscribe to The Local Project Print Publication

Tourism, Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Travel Guide: 7 Things To Do In Big Sur, California

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Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean, it’s traversed by narrow, 2-lane State Route 1, known for winding turns, seaside cliffs and views of the often-misty coastline. The sparsely populated region has numerous state parks for hiking, camping and beachcombing. ―

It includes beaches like Sand Dollar Beach, hiking in places like Andrew Molera State Park, places to eat like Nepenthe and the sushi restaurant at Treebones, waterfalls like McWay Falls, and iconic spots like Bixby Bridge. You can see more here: https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2022/06..

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Stories, Tours, Videos

Home Renovations: May House, Malvern, Australia

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When an architect designs a house with consideration and care, dwellings such as May House emerge. Taking a playful approach to colour and materiality, Neil Architecture reimagines a 1980s home as a relaxed, modern family residence.

Video timeline: 00:00 – The Local Project’s Print Publication 00:10 – Introduction to the House 00:45 – Complementary Design 01:01 – Exterior Renovations 02:03 – 1980s Materiality 03:12 – Landscape Architecture 04:09 – A House Made for Entertaining 04:42 – Timeliness Rejuvenation 05:17 – Subscribe to The Local Project’s Print Publication

When an architect designs a house, the design brief can often stipulate a complete renovation. However, Neil Architecture recognised the value of the original 1980s construction – settled into the leafy suburb of Malvern – and decided instead to complement the home with architectural additions.

To maintain the strong and simple form of the original structure, Neil Architecture covers the pre-existing truss with a perforated screen. Off-form concrete is used to create the carport, whilst a roughcast concrete render is applied to the fence – in doing so, the architect designs a house that interacts with the local built environment. As an architect designs a house, the intent can be expressed through the finer details of the scheme.

In May House, rusty red and green tones appear in the material palette, paying homage to the colours present in 1980s interior design. May House sees a 1980s residence both celebrated and reimagined, embraced and rejuvenated. Managing the external architecture and interior detail, the architect designs a house that is imbued with a sense of warmth and continuity; a house for the future that is inspired by the past.

Cities, Culture, Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Colombia Views: The Food & Culture Of Medellín

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Medellín is the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province. Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather, it hosts a famous annual Flower Festival. Modern metrocables link the city to surrounding barrios and offer views of the Aburrá Valley below. Sculptures by Fernando Botero decorate downtown’s Botero Plaza, while the Museo de Antioquia displays more of the Colombian artist’s work. 

Incredible food, amazing art, friendly people all nestled in a breathtaking landscape. Medellin was my first visit to South America, believe it or not and I was captivated by everything it and Colombia has to offer. We were joined by Medellin and Colombia food experts and enthusiast Gaston from Palenque tours to experience some of the lesser known Colombian food. Spoiler alert: it was all absolutely delicious. https://palenque-tours-colombia.com/

Cities, Tourism, Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Travel Guide: What To See And Visit In Sofia, Bulgaria

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Sofia – The capital of the Balkan state of Bulgaria is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city’s landscape is a blend of Eastern and Western architecture, from the Roman and Ottoman empires as well as Brutalist buildings from the Soviet era. YouTuber @Veneta Nikolova takes you on a walk through her hometown.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world.

Architecture, Art, Homes, Interviews, Stories, Tours, Videos

Art & Architecture: The ‘Ex Of In House’ In New York

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Today Architectural Digest brings you two hours north of New York City to Rhinebeck, NY for an in-depth look at a home that feels like an inhabitable work of art. Architects Steven Holl and Dimitra Tsachrelia explain the design philosophy and inspiration behind their secluded, off-grid “architectural wonder in the woods,” breaking down the intent behind each design choice and how they work together to create a uniquely meditative but stimulating space.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Tours, Videos

Modern Architecture: Rose Bay Duet In Sydney

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Harmoniously engaged with its constituent parts and context, Rose Bay Duet is a residential work by Stafford Architecture. Utilizing the interior comforts of Poliform Australia, the two modern homes propose a lifestyle of relaxed family living.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Modern Homes 00:55 – The Client Brief 01:27 – Using Poliform Throughout the Home 03:13 – Materiality 04:40 – The Roof Terrace 05:06 – The Master Bedroom Area 05:35 – What the Architect is Most Proud Of

Named in reference to the Sydney Opera House, Rose Bay Duet is similarly settled on the eastern side of the city. Comprised of two modern homes, the project pays homage to the idea of lyrical, architectural narrative – in particular, the project celebrates the operatic relationship between the two modern homes, the sloping site, the Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Appointing a specific design team to each of the two modern homes, Stafford Architecture creates dual unique outcomes that share select character qualities. Whilst both houses maximise the incredible views available and feature an exterior of simple materiality, one house has feminine characteristics while the other projects a more masculine impression.

Collaborating with Poliform Australia, Stafford Architecture enjoyed a smooth creative process. With access to the entire Poliform range, seeing both modern homes benefit from elegant joinery, textures, finishes and soft furnishings. Rose Bay Duet is a well-considered and intuitive feat of interior design and architecture. Stafford Architecture applies the Poliform Australia collection with enthusiasm and intent, crafting modern homes that rejoice in a sense of connection.

Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Travel Guides: Top Places To Visit In South Carolina

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South Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state known for its shoreline of subtropical beaches and marshlike sea islands. Coastal Charleston is a historic city, defined by pastel-colored houses, Old South plantations and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War’s opening shots were fired. To the north is the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile stretch of beachfront known for golf courses and the vacation town Myrtle Beach.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Tours, Videos, Views

Design Tour: Queens Park House In Sydney, Australia

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Queens Park House is an architect’s own minimalist oasis. Designed by Kyra Thomas Architects, the calming suburban home strongly contrasts its previous iteration as a storage warehouse.

Video timeline: 00:00 – The Local Project’s Print Publication 00:10 – Introduction to the Architect’s Own Home 00:49 – Warehouse Conversion 01:23 – The Brief 02:41 – Green Spaces 03:05 – Lighting 03:31 – Materiality 04:15 – The Architect’s Favourite Room 04:43 – The Finished Project 05:06 – Subscribe to The Local Project’s Print Publication

Located in Sydney, Queens Park House was originally a storage warehouse with brick walls built to the boundary of its site. Converting the commercial property into an architect’s own minimalist oasis required opening up the building and rewriting its internal character.

Structurally, turning the warehouse into an architect’s own minimalist oasis involved removing the pre-existing roof and inserting walls into the interior of the building. The brick boundary walls are retained, enabling a sense of privacy within the suburban setting and paying homage to the history of the building. As an architect’s own minimalist oasis, Queens Park House embraces natural light and fresh air.

Four courtyards punctate the spatial plan, creating green space for different aspects of the house to relate to, as well as facilitating internal lighting and ventilation. Responding to the residential needs of the client, Queens Park House stands as an architect’s own minimalist oasis. Custom and considered, the home testifies to the skill of Kyra Thomas Architects in transforming a commercial space.

History, Museums, Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Venice Walks: Santa Croce To Cannaregio District

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Santa Croce is a laid-back, slightly off-the-beaten-track area with a local vibe. After school, kids play in Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio, and this square and nearby streets are home to casual eateries serving global cuisine. On the Grand Canal, the imposing Fondaco dei Turchi features exhibits on natural history while the nearby Ca’ Pesaro palace showcases contemporary art and Asian decorative arts.

Lively Cannaregio is known for the 16th-century Jewish Ghetto. The Strada Nova is a popular local shopping thoroughfare, and the backstreets are a destination for crafts and vintage goods. Casual canalside restaurants and bars line nearby Fondamenta della Misericordia and Fondamenta dei Ormesini. The stately Ca’ d’Oro palace displays a Renaissance art collection.