Mercer Residence was designed by Vibe Design Group and displays a bold, fascinating architecture. Here is the press release we were sent by the project developers: “The client's purchased an existing run-down home with the intention of transforming it into a striking contemporary styled residence. Although unattractive to look at, the existing residence was of sound construction and worthy of part retention and utilization. Unlike their previous home that they described as too stark & cold, the client's called for a lively family home with sophistication and warmth. An undeniable street presence was formed with a striking timber-lined shape that extends with the longest street boundary. The bold tapering shape offers the dual purpose of protecting the occupant's privacy and disguising the properties three-storeys within. The garage door is finished in a perforated metal, which is also specified for the adjacent pedestrian entry gate.


The entry gate is afforded all-weather protection from the tapering shape over, and is the property's main access, fitted with an automated intercom system for gate release. Upon entry, one ascends the stairs and is invited into the primary living area. The central streamline kitchen is void of handles and inconspicuously incorporates a scullery/butlers pantry. A clear glass splash-back gives a sneak-peak to the battened timber feature wall beyond. Windows in the lounge area are given a framed view of the beautiful established trees in the streetscape, while the dining at the opposite end of the space spills onto the north-facing outdoor entertaining area. A sliding wall off the dining gives separation to the rumpus / movie room, bedrooms and descending staircase to the garage and laundry below. A battened Blackbutt feature wall disguises doorway access into the bedrooms, bathroom and powder room.









The lounge area affords a quiet desk space beneath the floating staircase, and camouflaged access in the continued battened wall to another bedroom. The staircase leads to the upper storey master bedroom, which includes windows at opposing ends of the room. The protected east facing windows provide a beautiful elevated view over the undulating surrounding landscape. Although not obvious, the transformation used much of the existing conditions. The striking design solution gives the residence an undeniable street presence, combined with optimum liveability, sustainability and privacy for the occupants”. [Photography by Robert Hamer]







Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/18/fascinating-renovation-project-mercer-house-by-vibe-design-group/

Fascinating Renovation Project: Mercer House by Vibe Design Group

We recently ran across this unusual passenger lounge design completed by SHH Architects in Biggin Hill Airport, London (for private aviation group Rizon Jet). The project was developed on two levels and has a surface of 478 square meters (first floor), plus an attic space of 186 square meters. The customer’s brief implied a 6-star hotel lobby with a comfortable lounge feel: “The idea was to create a space where people want to spend time,” asserted architect Guy Matheson. This was achieved by using a simple and calm color palette, luxurious finishes, a significant amount of custom-made furniture, and a strong emphasis on comfort and convenience. The main space is a dramatic double-height volume, which is divided into two rooms with different treatments and variations in the levels of privacy so that customers can easily find an enjoyable space while waiting for their air fare.  [Photo credits: Andy Spain Photography]

Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/18/modern-and-refined-passanger-lounge-in-biggin-hill-airport-london/

Modern and Refined Passanger Lounge in Biggin Hill Airport, London

This uncommon looking contemporary home was designed by German studio Architekten Martenson und Nagel Theissen and is located in Tübingen, Germany. Called “Just K“, the house has an original architecture, a total of five floors and walls covered in rubber. According to the project developers, “the client commissioned the design of a family home that would provide passively heated living space for two adults and four children. Use of energy efficient passive house technology, natural application of materials and prudent use of the resources at hand, make the building sustainable. The question is, what is "good" living space? What defines it and what does one really need? These issues guided us in our approach to the layout of the house, which has been efficiently designed to optimally deliver maximum use of space, functionality and flexibility.maginative overlapping of spatial areas and uses were designed to give the inhabitants a feeling of spaciousness, manifold atmospheres and various realms of possibility—despite minimised living area“. We absolutely love the creativity invested in this project, a delightful crib with such a well defined personality.






















Source: http://freshome.com/2011/08/18/creative-five-level-family-residence-in-germany-just-k/

Creative Five-Level Family Residence in Germany: Just K