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Design, Home Design, Homes, Profiles, Tours, Videos, Views

Christmas 2022 Views: A Design Tour Of A 17th Century Palazzo In Venice

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House & Garden (December 16, 2022) – Cook and author Skye McAlpine welcomes us into her 4,000 square-foot Italian apartment — part of the 17th-century Palazzo Gradenigo — just off the Grand Canal in Venice. Layered in history,

Video timeline: 00:00 – Inspiration: “It’s imperfect perfection” 02:00 – Living Room: “It’s where the real Christmas moment happens!” 05:20 – Kitchen: “I love the way that food brings people together” 07:50 – Breakfast Room: “It feels like a chocolate box…” 08:53 – Dining Room: “It feels very ramshackle”

Skye McAlpine’s Venetian sanctuary maintains plenty of the palazzo’s original details, such as the 18th-century fresco in the living room and the decorative flowering of rocaille in the breakfast room. As we’re guided into the light and airy kitchen that is set apart by its high-beamed ceilings, Skye McAlpine reveals a staple festive treat… a snowy panettone cake from her cookbook ‘A Table For Friends’. In the grand dining room, Skye’s dinner table is layered with a mixture of small plates over larger plates from her ‘Tavola’ tableware collection, which is inspired by ‘la dolce vita’ or ‘the sweet life’. The snowy panettone takes centre stage as it is served on a cake stand which towers above the rest of the festive treats, to complete her “over-the-top” Christmas table.

“Life is slower here. It’s unchanged, it’s like a time capsule,” McAlpine explains as she contrasts between her life in London and the Venetian way of living. “I think that’s part of the charm, it really is like stepping back into a different era”. Watch the full episode of Design Notes with Skye McAlpine, as we tour her slice of an Italian palace that is expertly decorated for the Christmas holidays.

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

Tours: Cascade House In Queensland, Australia

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The Local Project (December 13, 2022) – Designed to feel like one is living in a garden, Cascade House by John Ellway seamlessly blends outdoor and indoor living. Located in Queensland, the family home of interior designer, stylist and client Jacqueline Kaytar is a traditional cottage home that was in dire need of repair.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Garden Home 00:26 – The Inner-City Location 01:14 – An Overview of the Home 01:49 – A Walkthrough of the Home 02:28 – The Key Brief of Garden Connection 02:50 – Original Timber Cottages 03:18 – Separation of Old and New 03:53 – The Kitchen 04:11 – A Seamless Integration of Fisher & Paykel 04:44 – The Fisher & Paykel Fit 05:16 – Key Materials 05:59 – A Connection of Texture and Detail 06:22 – The Connection Between Owner and Architect 06:59 – Proud Moments

Working closely with Jacqueline, the architect avoided building underneath the home to keep the streetscape intact. Instead, John Ellway used the vacant land to the side of the original cottage to provide a much-needed extension that leans into the cascading landscape of the site. Found by the client, the cottage home was in a dilapidated state, though internally and structurally the house was in good condition with a much-needed update to accommodate the contemporary needs of the family.

After bringing John Ellway on board, Jacqueline expressed an aspiration to instil a feeling like that of living in a garden. Beginning the house tour from the parking area, the entry to the home opens to the kitchen, dining and living spaces. Immediately connecting to the gardens through large glass doors and windows, the house opens up onto a grass patch for the family to enjoy. Providing the space to embrace living in a garden, the grass patch also offers a private outdoor reprieve. Connecting the new extensions with the older parts of the cottage, a breezeway also adds another layer of connection to the garden.

The private rooms sit in the old section of the cottage, with the entertainment spaces confined to the new extensions. The home’s extended veranda instils the experience of living in a garden as occupants step into the new volume. Incorporating seamless connections throughout the architecture, John Ellway has made additional interior design choices in the kitchen, adding nooks and crannies to conceal appliances and ensuring the interior architecture is kept sleek and simple.

In the kitchen, Fisher & Paykel’s integrated appliances seamlessly blend into the joinery, providing a cohesive effect. Aside from aligning with budget and aesthetic desires, John Ellway used Fisher & Paykel to coincide with the broader context of the kitchen. Focused on using key materials to further assist with the idea of living in a garden, the client and architect chose plywood, brass countertops and polished concrete to foster a warm and natural connection. Together, John Ellway and Jacqueline work to combine finishes and textures to create an uplifted and refreshing home.

Home Design, Homes, Tours, Videos

Tours: ‘Hinterhouse’ Glass Cabin In Quebec, Canada

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Exploring Alternatives (December 2022) – Tour this stunning and modern 1000-square-foot cabin where every detail has been meticulously designed and executed to provide a comfortable space that merges with nature.

Built all on one level, the cabin has a carport and firewood storage at one end, and then the cabin itself has an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, as well as two beautiful bedrooms and a spacious bathroom. The most impressive part of this cabin is that 60% of the house is windows, which takes the concept of indoor/outdoor living to a whole new level.

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Home Design, Homes, Sustainability, Tours, Videos, Views

Pre-Fab Tiny Home Tours: ‘The Cutting’ In Australia

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The Local Project – The Cutting by Small and Ample is a DIY pre-fab tiny home that encompasses sustainable living. Designed to shatter the idea that small homes cannot be generous, Aaron Shields, Director at Ample, and aspiring architect Nick Lane collaborate on The Cutting, a DIY pre-fab tiny home.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the DIY Tiny Home 00:36 – The Brief – Small but Generous 00:54 – Situated on a Patch of Farmland with Views of The Cutting 01:11 – A Tour of the Tiny Home 02:30 – The Challenges in Designing a Small and Transportable Home 03:14 – A Reclaimed and Recycled Material Palette 03:35 – Textural Materiality 03:52 – The Aussie Shed

Promoting a better future with the idea that less is more, the designers have provoked others to think outside the box when crafting residential projects. Looking over The Cutting, an area where the sea cuts into the sand dunes, the home provides plentiful living within its 30 square meters. The house tour of the small home begins at arrival, with basalt pavers that lead up towards the DIY pre-fab tiny home. A set of steps – made from cow trough supports, reclaimed hardwood and perforated mesh salvaged from an old farm shed on the property – brings the occupants to the front door that pivots into the passive house.

Once inside, the kitchen, dining and living spaces are infused with warm timbers and bamstone cobbles, which together pare back the interior and tie the cabin into the surrounding landscape. At the south-western end of the DIY pre-fab tiny home, a double-glazed and steel window section with operable awnings allows for cross flow ventilation throughout the small home. Up on the mezzanine level, a study nook has been inserted into the floor and blurs the connection between upstairs and downstairs.

To cooperate with Victorian road rules, Aaron and Nick needed to design to specific dimensions in order to make the DIY pre-fab tiny home transportable. After collapsing the roof by 1500 millimetres, the small home can then be moved to its new location and settled on the land. With a hope to change the perception surrounding how homes can contribute to sustainability agendas, the designers use reclaimed materials. By doing so, every piece of furniture within the DIY pre-fab tiny home is built from reclaimed wood.

The floor is recycled iron bark, while many of the other timber elements have been sourced from other structures. Futhermore, the designers have championed the idea of the Australian shed with the use of timber and metal on the exterior, reflecting the history of the landscape. Overall, Aaron and Nick have created a modest home with an unexpected perceived spatial generosity that celebrates the value of materials.

Design, Furniture, Home Design, Homes, Videos, Views

Homes: Interior Designers Transform Same Bedroom

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Architectural Digest – We gave interior designers Lula Galeano, Laura Hodges, and Alvin Wayne a photo of the spacious bedroom – then asked each of them to create a design for it in their particular style, however they pleased. Three artists, one canvas, each bringing something different to space. See which designer comes closest to creating the bedroom you see in your dreams.

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

Top Architectural Tours: Waikopua House, Waiheke Island In New Zealand

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The Local Project (December 6, 2022) – On the far side of Waiheke Island – just off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand – a cabin house becomes an escape for its occupants, offering unparalleled views of the island and ocean.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Wooden Cabin House 00:37 – The Meaning and History Behind Waikopua 01:17 – The Original Weatherboard Bach 01:48 – A Walkthrough of the Cabin House 02:15 – Establishing Relationships Between Architect and Builder 02:37 – A Reflection of the Beach 03:35 – A Special Customised Feature 03:54 – The Method Behind the Design 04:26 – Controlling the Light 04:51 – A Durable and Evolving Material Palette 05:35 – Dash’s Collaboration Method

With architecture and interior design from Daniel Marshall Architects (DMA) and construction by Dash Build, Waikopua reinstalls a resilience through its built form and establishes a connection to the surrounding land. Originally a colonial farming site, DMA and Dash Build relay a connection to the site’s history by positioning the cabin house to embrace the green life that surrounds it.

Forming the design moving forward, the foliage and island landscape provide the basis for the modern and sculptural extensions of the home. Referencing the home’s previous iteration, the architect and builder have employed the same aluminium louvers and double-height space of the original home. With the consistency of interior design choices and detailing of weatherboards, a refined touch seamlessly transpires through each room and building.

Inspired by the idea of a campsite, the Waiheke Island cabin house takes the forms of separate accommodation units. The main pavilion houses the kitchen, living and dining rooms downstairs, whilst upstairs provides a shared bunk room and bedrooms that are detailed with honeyed timber accents to further relay the connection to the surrounds. Located just behind the main pavilions, the guest house is a separate living area, allowing for a sense of a privacy within the campsite-inspired layout. Nestled between the main pavilions, a weatherboard and concrete deck allows for an informal gathering space where guests can relax and enjoy the island life.

From entrance, the driveway becomes the focal point, used as both a guide for guests and allowing for unencumbered sightlines down to the ocean. To embrace natural light, DMA and Dash Build employed elements upon the exterior of the home to harness the changing sunlight. Able to be admired from sea, large louvered fins have been fixed at a set angle to stop the harsher light of day from coming in and provide the owners a space of reprieve.

Moreover, the materials used upon the exterior have been selected for durability against the intense environment of salt spray and the changing weather. From the black weatherboards that blend with the fauna to the tiles that reference the surrounding rockface, Waikopua by DMA and Dash Build evolves and further embeds itself into the landscape over time.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Profiles, Tours, Videos

1959 Mid-Century Modern: Tour Of ‘Tracey Residence’ In San Pedro, California

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Open Space – David and Arienne are no strangers to Mid-Century Modern homes having lived in a few others years past however this one of a kind Architectural home sited upon the hillsides of San Pedro is perhaps their most special, A home built by Rolly A. Andrew in 1959.

After stepping in the home they both looked at each other and instantly knew they wanted the home, picturesque views that span from the Hollywood sign all the way past Laguna Beach, this is truly a home that was perfectly positioned to enjoy it all. Fast forward a few years, some restoration and remodeling and they share the story of what it’s like to live in such a home.

The indoor/outdoor flow alongside the walls of glass throughout the entirety of the home is something that needs to be enjoyed in person to truly understand. The Architect Rolly wasn’t particularly a well known architect and after doing some research Arienne came to find out this was Rollys first Residential project after obtaining his license. Aside from Green Hills Memorial park there isn’t much more about Rolly that David and Arienne were able to find out.

Could this be the only residential project from an architect that seemingly blended the home perfectly into the hillside or are there others out there? Driving up the coast in their restored Porsche’s to pull into the driveway of their beautifully restored home with endless views doesn’t sound like a bad day.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Reviews, Views

Home Design: Top Remodel Extensions 2022 (Dezeen)

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Dezeen (December 2022) – Continuing our 2022 review, we have collected 10 residential extensions featured on Dezeen this year, from a weathering steel structure perched on top of a bungalow to a pair of concrete volumes added to a remote farmhouse.

The Perch
Photo is by Casey Dunn

The Perch, USA, by Nicole Blair

This weathering steel-clad asymmetrical house extension is perched two centimetres above a family bungalow in Austin, hence its name. Architect Nicole Blair was tasked with expanding the occupants’ living space without sacrificing any of the home’s existing back garden.

The unusually shaped extension rests on four steel columns and was assembled off-site to avoid disrupting the lot’s vegetation. Inside, living spaces are dressed in pinky hues and framed by tongue-and-groove wooden planks on the ceilings and walls.

Find out more about The Perch ›

Cascada House by Ana Nuño de Buen and Luis Young
Photo is by Luis Young

Cascada House, Mexico, by Ana Nuño de Buen and Luis Young

A rectilinear metallic frame in a dark shade of green forms Cascada House, an airy apartment nestled within a lush surrounding that tops an existing 1950s concrete building in Mexico City.

Architects Ana Nuño de Buen and Luis Young designed the structure with two roof slopes that drain towards a central gutter which manages rainfall, while inside, the steel structure is left exposed to create a distinctive interior.

Find out more about The Cascada House ›

Casa San Cristobal by Marc Perrotta
Photo is by Fabian Martinez

Casa San Cristobal, Mexico, by Marc Perrotta

Local architect Marc Perrotta replaced a “clumsy” volume with a concrete, glass and brick extension at Casa San Cristobal, a house in Mexico’s Mérida.

Containing most of the living spaces, this two-storey, U-shaped addition creates a trio of courtyards filled with lush native plants that are designed to provide relief from the tropical heat.

Find out more about Casa San Cristobal ›

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

Home & Kitchen Design: Queens Park, Sydney

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Designing a modern house for a young family, Pohio Adams Architect has introduced space, light and robust materials to provide the clients with a home that would last for years.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to The Modern House 00:29 – The Architects and The Location 00:49 – A 1980s House Renovation 01:10 – The Brief 01:29 – A Walkthrough The House 02:22 – Reinstating The Original Details 02:33 – A Simple Material Palette 03:09 – Creating a Functional Home 03:21 – The Full Suite of Fisher & Paykel Appliances 03:48 – The Design of The Appliances 04:25 – The Park Setting and Views 05:08 – Working in Heritage Areas with Heritage Houses 05:40 – The Transformation of The House

Beginning the house tour from the Centennial Park entrance, the architect has reinvigorated the two formal living rooms with coffered ceilings and, where needed, has replicated the missing cornices throughout the interior architecture. Alongside this, the master bedroom has been imbued with privacy and given a luxuriously proportioned ensuite. Throughout Queens Park House, the architect has continued to infuse a fundamental connection to the gardens while also introducing a wealth of light. Responding to the client’s desire to connect to the surroundings, Pohio Adams Architects has opened the rear of the house with a series of French doors. Established to create a visual connection, the French doors enhance the modernisation of the interior while also connecting to the backyard and pool. By positioning the key living areas at the rear – the kitchen, dining and living spaces – the architect has introduced open plan living for the family’s dream home. Additionally, when designing a modern house, the architect has implemented an extra powder room and scullery laundry that sits just off the kitchen. Throughout designing a modern house, the architect has chosen black timber floors to showcase a continuity from the old parts of the home into the new. Simple oak joinery has also been employed through the main living spaces to provide a robustness and comfort to the living areas, while aged brass is used for detailing and hardware. Emphasising the home’s modern renovations, handmade Moroccan tiles have been placed in the bathrooms and kitchen. Offering comfort and warmth, the interior design connects to the exterior through material and architectural choices made by the architects when designing a modern house. To complement the interior when designing a modern house, Pohio Adams Architects has used a full suite of Fisher & Paykel appliances – including an integrated French door fridge and a kitchen island, which includes a cool drawer and full stack dishwasher, a gas cooktop, ovens and extractor hood. Following a long-standing working relationship with Fisher & Paykel, the architect has employed the brand’s appliances throughout the home to directly respond to the client’s desire to enhance the way they live for years to come.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Tours, Videos

Minimalist Design: ‘House K’ In Fairfield, Australia

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The Local Project – Increasing the efficiency of an existing residence, Kart Projects crafts K House, a minimalist home with a considered spatial plan. A house tour of the residence reveals a dwelling strongly connected to its external garden space, speaking to the virtues of mindful design.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to the Minimalist Home 00:30 – The Brief 01:05 – Minimising the Impact on the Garden 01:29 – The Original House 01:45 – A Reference to the Extension 02:04 – A Walkthrough of the Home 02:58 – The Ceiling Registered Floorplan 03:32 – Extending the Spatial Strategies to the Garden 03:59 – The Extension 04:16 – The Material Palette 05:26 – The Perks of Designing Every Aspect

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Fairfield, House K possesses a similar architectural history to the neighbouring builds. A weatherboard residence, the existing home was slightly worn and featured a small extension that was almost unusable. The original brief requested the existing house be reinterpreted as a minimalist home with a new extension added to allow for an altered internal layout. However, the condition of the essential architecture of the house meant that a more substantial renovation was required.

The resulting minimalist home retains much of the original garden space and effortlessly connects the landscape to the interior. Though repainted, the minimalist home retains its original weatherboard façade. Only the addition of a red fence outside the building offers a clue to the renovation work that lies beyond. A house tour of the home begins with a corridor intentionally kept dark in order to showcase the artwork purchased by the client. Compressing down into a steel transition space, the corridor leads to a large pivot door.

A nearby study and library space represents the last portion of the original house. The extension space is defined by a large storage volume and day bed, which together establish different zones, including the living room and dining area. Reinforcing the spatial plan, a coffered ceiling gently delineates the areas below. Extending the spatial strategies of the interior into the garden, Kart Projects creates a series of social amenities. The pool sits elevated on one side – in proximity to an outdoor dining area – whilst the space behind is detailed by a small deck and lawn which maximise the functionality of the landscape. Turning to face the exterior of the minimalist home, occupants will see a red-painted façade exclusive to the rear of the building. In materiality, House K reflects a taste for minimalism.

The material palette is stripped back, consisting primarily of timber-lined features sitting below the coffered ceiling. In the kitchen, the visual impact of a black kitchen island and bench is contained by means of elevation, so that the amenities appear to float in place. In addition, the interior design of the home is uplifted by the inclusion of multiple skylights. Exerting influence over all aspects of the project – including the architecture, interior design and garden landscaping – Kart Projects establishes a cohesive and contemporary home. House K embodies the thorough execution of a singular design concept, expressing the importance of effective spatial planning during renovation projects.