Skip to Content

May 5

Newfoundland

I first read about Newfoundland in a book, The Shipping News written by Annie Proulx. I then came across these buildings designed by Saunders Architecture, all on Fogo Island, Newfoundland. I also came across some wonderful illustrations by Lizzie Stewart depicting scenes from the book and the characters. I find the landscape of the island fascinating.

Long Studio, Fogo Island, Newfoundland.

Bridge Studio, Fogo Island, Newfoundland

Tower Studio, Fogo Island, Newfoundland.

Lizzie Stewart, Illustrations

May 4

Fortress of Franzensfeste, Italy | Markus Scherer and Walter Dietl

This renovated fortress in Northern Italy has been tastefully developed to host a regional exhibition. The fortified site was originally constructed in the 19th Century. Two sandblasted concrete towers lead visitors through a ticket office, shop, bar, restaurant and exhibition area. Steel bridges emerge from windows which create external routes over an artificial lake. I really like the palette of materials the architects have chosen to use.

May 1

Melvin the Mini Machine and Melvin the Machine | HEYHEYHEY

In 2010 HEYHEYHEY created the biggest Rube Goldberg in history which they named Melvin the Magical Mixed Media Machine. The success and size of Melvin the Machine meant that it could not be easily transported for exhibitions for everyone to see. The HEYHEYHEY team therefore decided to create  Melvin the Mini Machine, a portable mini version of their original project.

Melvin the Mini Machine

Melvin the Magical Mixed Media Machine

Apr 25

Cumberland Park, Nashville, USA | Hargreaves Associates and EOA Architects

Former riverfront wasteland has been transformed into a play park for families. The variety of activities in one space makes this park look like a fun place to be. I particularly like the water fountain / water fall and how they’ve integrated the play elements into the rest of the park, without creating clear fenced off boundaries.

Apr 24

Zmianatematu, Poland | xm3

The city of Lodz, where the cafe is located, is aiming to be a design, fashion and film capital of the country. The client had a very small budget but wanted to create a space that would be suitable to host the artistic and culture parties. The idea was to leave the space as raw as possible. The only added element is the plywood structure which helps to create different zones in the cafe and a unique character, which morphs into a bench and forms the counter top.

Apr 23

Delta Shelter, Washington, USA | Olson Kundig Architects

Delta Shelter is a 1,ooo sqft cabin set on a 100-year flood plain adjacent to the Methow River. The owner sought a compact, easy to maintain house for himself and his friends for fun and adventures in the mountains. The exterior is comprised of steel moveable panels which allow the house to be completely secured or opened up to the surrounding landscape. The panels can be opened and closed simultaneously by using a hand wheel. At the lowest level there is a carport and utility storage room, the middle level consists of the two small bedrooms and bathrooms, the top level is a large open space which includes the living, dining and cooking area.

Apr 20

A Rolling Masterplan, Andalsnes, Norway | Jagnefalt Milton

This masterplan scheme uses existing and new railway tracks to move new buildings around according to seasons or events. The proposal included a mobile hotel, swimming pool and concert hall. The competition Jury were impressed that no new city blocks were to be built and that the project focussed on the existing rail network. They were moved by the presentation, stating that the images had a Tarkovsky-esk atmosphere that contatined a surreal mood with magic. I think this project is ingenious.

Apr 20

Naust paa Aure, Norway | TYIN tegnestue

A new trend has seen traditional Norwegian boat houses being converted into summer houses. The existing boat house that sat on this site was in poor condition, however the architects felt that the simplicity of the house, its materials, and siting would inspire the new building. The photos of it are beautiful, as is the building itself, the materials used, the adaptable walls, the hanging wood-burning pan and the detailing.

Apr 20

Public Space Installation | Numen / For Use Design Collective

The Croatian / Austrian Design Collaborative Numen / For Use create sculpture-like large scale installations which can totally change a public space. The structures allow the public to interact with their familiar surroundings in ways they have never done before and changes the experience between participants. The temporary nature of the work allows them to be put up almost anywhere and can create fun and play in the standard everyday public space.

Apr 19

Holo Pendant Lamp | Patrycja Domanska

This lamp is made from aluminium and is applied with a special paint the changes colour when the light is turned and the shade heats up.

Apr 15

Coromandel Bach, New Zealand | Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects

This house was conceived as a natural container sitting lightly on the landscape. The architect has tried to reinterpret New Zealand’s building traditions in a contemporary setting with the expression of the simple structure, cladding, lining and joinery. The central living area opens up on both sides, in turn creating a deck to sit on, and providing protection when closed. I really like the simplicity of this home.

Apr 13

Steilneset Memorial, Norway | Peter Zumthor and Louise Bourgeois

The memorial is to commemorate those persecuted in the seventeenth-century Finnmark Witchcraft Trails. The work is a collaboration between Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and contemporary artist Louise Bourgeios. Zumthor’s pine structure supports a 400ft suspended silk cocoon, which visitors can walk along. A hanging lightbulb sits behind each of the 91 windows, which is accompanied with a plaque that reveals the story of each individual. Bourgeois’s last major installation contains an endless burning flame upon a steel chair that lies within a hollow concrete cone surrounded by several circular mirrors.

← Older Entries