House in Aobadai by Satoshi Okada Architects

Location : Aobadai, Tokyo, Japan
Architect : Satoshi Okada
Type : residence
Size : 238.46 sqm.
Structure : RC
Completion : 2004
Project team : Daikichi Honma
Structural designer : Kenta Masaki
General contractor : Fukazawa Construction Co.
Photo credit: Satoshi Okada Architects



















The house is located in the Daikanyama Hill, next to Shibuya district, one of the most fashionable areas in Tokyo, today. On the sloping terrain from north to south, the site figures a trapezoid shape of approx. 9.2m in width by 25.2m in depth upon a narrow front road to the west. The east end boundary is only tilted by 4.19 degree from the right angle.

The client is a young executive person, a car maniac, purchased an expensive lot for his own dwelling as well as for holding a private party with business partners or friends just behind the hot spot. His primary request is to make a garage in order to store 4 cars in the house made of a rigid and safe reinforced concrete structure against fires or earthquakes.























This condition demands, proportionally, a large area only for cars in the limited property; at last, it occupies a half of the whole site. Also, in terms of architectural laws to the cosmopolitan area, tall buildings cannot be realized for maintaining a well-preserved housing environment particularly on the right of light. On the north boundary, a setback regulation in architectural laws restricts the building height less than 5.6meters.

Seifert House by BAU KULTUR

Seifert House by BAU KULTUR

Mrs. Seifert, sixty-three years old and curator of an art gallery, commissioned this house after her previous home, an approximately 150 years old building, burned down. For her new home she demanded a particular requirement - namely, the new house (contrary to her previous one) should fuse with nature in order to give her an immanent feeling of the change of seasons.





















Subsequently, the conception of the house became a deep engagement with Mies, in particular with the Farnswoth House, and the question of how a space should be constituted in order to open itself to the surrounding by simultaneously offering privacy.



























Furthermore, it became an investigation of how much freedom in space effectively determines the way of living in contrast to a few certain spatial determinations that liberate. Whereas the first model refers to Rietveld's attempts to create freedom e.g. by means of sliding doors etc. the later model refers to Mies' structured open plan.

Mrs. Seifert tried to follow and understand the conceptual approach with great interest, and supported final decisions on the construction. She spared no effort to understand Mies' architecture and made educational journeys.






















Architect: Michael Shamiyeh - BAU|KULTUR, Austria
Location: Volkersdorf, Enns, Austria
Structure Engineer: Helmut Schiebel
Contractor: Winfried Orth
Materials: Concrete & Glass
Photographs: Paul Ott

Binder Residence by Syndesis,Inc

This Binder Residence is another residential project of Syndesis,Inc beside the previous one Garell Residence. This Binder Residence is located on a small, 37 foot wide lot on a pedestrian "Walk Street" in Venice, CA. Rather than create one "object building," two buildings attached by an open-air bridge was conceived to create a courtyard space to give the occupant the feeling of being outside or underneath the second floor while maintaining privacy.





















The larger of the structures is use as a residence while the other is use as an art studio and guestroom over a garage. The ground floor extends from the exterior courtyard into the interior and vise versa to blur the definition of interior and exterior space.

Large, sliding doors are concealed so that the ground floor appears to be open to the exterior courtyards. A large exterior 2-story chimney wall frames the terminus of the courtyard while concealing the adjacent 2-story neighboring residence. The exterior fireplace at the second floor flanks an outdoor sleeping porch and seating area off of the perforated breezeway bridge.



























Walls on the first floor are intentionally held from touching the ceiling of the second floor to allow for a clear line of site over neighboring residences and giving the illusion that the second story is floating above the first floor. The mass of the second floor elevations is divided into sections of positive and negative spaces that reinforce the destabilization of the wall plane. Some of the vertical slices are specific to selective views of nearby palm trees. A central floating stair divides the spaces and leads to a usable roof deck framed by high solid parapet walls providing privacy and strategically edited views of the distant landscape.



























A continuous skylight, that opens to serve as a shaft to facilitate stack effect ventilation, frames the stair that will float from the ceiling of the second story. The exterior walls of the second story are covered in a smooth, steel troweled, integrally pigmented stucco and turn inside horizontally to form the interior ceiling of the first floor further emphasizing the weight of the "floating" mass above.

Portable Hot Tubs Collection at Bullfrogspas

Hot Tubs are seen as an item that only wealthy people can really afford. But it is no longer like that, anyone these days can grab themselves a portable hot tub. Yes portable hot tubs now exist in a wide variety of forms and they are just as good as the ones that are fixed into the ground. Another great thing about portable hot tubs is the fact that they are so easy to install, it usually takes around 30 minutes to get one ready and its now becoming a major buy for anyone interested in stress relief or relaxation. The best thing to do would probably be too leave it on a flat surface so that the water can run through easily and not overflow.



Ever hear about the latest technology on hot tubs..? yeah the latest technology has made the best hot tub both affordable and energy efficient. While some maintenance is involved, of course, you might be surprised at the available products that are easy to use and will keep your hottub spic and span. Portable hot tubs can also be moved for you from home to home, making it a good investment for the long term. Simply set the Hottub up again in a level area with access to water and power.



If you are looking for the best place to search and buying the best hot tubs. you can try visit the best place at bullfrogspas.com. Bullfrog Spas are the world's only hot tubs equipped with the patented cutting edge technology JetPak System. JetPak technology is said to deliver incredible power, maximum versatility, and allows you to upgrade your hot tubs jetting with new JetPaks in the present age and in the future as well.

Sebastian Irarrazaval | La Reserva House

Description :
La Reserva House was designesd by Sebastián Irarrázaval and would be built on the outskirts of Santiago and therefore monitoring of the construction could not be very exhaustive. As a result it was decided by a simple cubic matrix.

Moreover, the reduced budget forced us to opt for a constructive economic system and fast. As' we decided to use one, widely developed in the U.S. and Canada and here in Chile is beginning to be use in the georgian houses. which consists of a structure of galvanized iron profiles, chipboard panels OSB siding and sheathing PVC imitation wood.

It is a low-cost housing, 140 m2, to be sold and repeated in many places as concerned people exist. In this regard it relates to the idea of the container since it has no place. With the purpose of reducing construction time, geometry is simple and the construction system is on prefabricated basis. Its arrangement is a cross shaped where, in order to embrace the nearby landscape, public areas are placed in second level in a 4 meters high cube.

This severe volume is covered with steel plates that create a double facade that gets hot and therefore increases ventilation of the space in between , refreshing the inner side of the wall

With regard to materials, the building recognizes the inherent uncertainty and inevitability of weathering as a continuation of the building process rather than as a force antagonistic to it.

Architect: Sebastián Irarrázaval
Associate Architect: Andrea Von Chrismar
Location: La Reserva, Colina, Chile
Constructed Area: 140 m2
Project year: 2005-2006
Photographs: Carlos Eguiguren

Garell Residence by Syndesis, Inc

This Garell Residence was designed for a retiring doctor, who after falling in love with the small town of Yachats, Oregon, decided to relocate to a quiet hillside along its border. The site is characterized by its coastal relationship, both in terms of its beautiful ties to nature as well as in terms of its exposure to severe weather conditions that can take shape in the form of horizontal wind driven rainstorms that can reach speeds up to 140 mph.



















The project is a 3,500 square foot residence located on a south-facing slope above the Yachats River. The area is heavily wooded with spruce, pine, and alder. The house is organized around its scenic views of its surroundings as well as defining a central courtyard that puts the focal point onto the hill above.






















The courtyard was designed following the Japanese garden or "Angawa", which allows for shelter from prevailing winds while still allowing for a connection to the outdoors. Large overhangs also protect the home from the strong winds. The high volume of annual rainfall was considered within the design by incorporating large copper scuppers that divert the water into falling streams above large collection basins.



The entry frames a view onto the central courtyard and allows the residents the convenience of an accessible mudroom to quickly and easily clean themselves after being exposed to the outdoors. The living and dining areas of the home continue to frame views of the courtyard and rock garden while opening up large views on the opposite wall of the canyon and ocean below.

About Syndesis, Inc

Syndesis, Inc. is a design firm which manufactures, fabricates, and installs custom architectural products and surfaces using Syndecrete® as a primary medium. It is committed to innovation, craftsmanship, and integrity. Syndesis is a single source supplier with full services ranging from research and development to design, communication, and coordination through prototyping and mold making from conception to installation.

See the Interior Video of Garell Residence Here : Interior Video1, Interior Video2, Interior Video 3, Eksterior Video

Not-So-weeHouse by Alchemy Architects

A little brief about Alchemy Architects Not-So-weeHouse :
Not-so-weeHouses start with a base weeHouse module, then add additional modules and/or "special use modules" to create a customized modular home. Each project is planned and built individually, allowing for a wide variety of finishes and layouts.


Alchemy Architects Contact :
* Geoffrey Warner - Architect
* 856 Raymond Ave South
* St. Paul, MN 55114
* Tel: 651.647.6650
* Email: info@weehouses.com
* Web site: alchemyarchitects.com



Basic Details of the Not-So-weeHouse by Alchemy Architects :

* basic "kit" price: varies
* sq ft: varies
* kit price/sq ft: varies
* est. finished price/sq ft: $150 - 175
* bedrooms: varies
* baths: vaires
* garage: no
* decks: optional



Base Price Includes:

* all windows/patio doors
* painted interior walls/ceilings
* fiber cement board exterior siding
* EPDM membrane roof
* Insulation - wallsR19/floorR35/ceilingR45

* prefinished bamboo flooring
* IKEA cabinets/sinks | Kohler® toilets | Moen® fixtures
* design costs / site layout / approval drawings
* ductwork for heating/cooling | electrical/lighting
* rough-in for appliances, hot water heater



Also worth mentioning: basic weeHouse pricing for any region in the country is now available. Kudos to the weeHouse folks for making that information so accessible!

model: 2x4 weeHouse
designer: Alchemy Architects
price: from $319,000 (~$150/sf)
size: 2,150 sf
br: 3
style: modern
how: complete modules

model: 4x4 weeHouse
designer: Alchemy Architects
price: from $319,000 (~$150/sf)
size: 2,090 sf
br: 3
style: modern
how: complete modules

"SHIRO" by Takuya Hosokai + Hiromasa Mori

"SHIRO" by Takuya Hosokai + Hiromasa Mori Details :
Design / designer : 1980 / Takuya Hosokai + Hiromasa Mori
Location : Fukui city, Fukui prefecture, Japan
Project : Beauty Salon
Built : June, 2006
structure : Steel-frame building
site area : 194.26 sqm | building area : 78.17 sqm | total floor area : 166.79 sqm



A great building by japanese architect named SHIRO which mean White in english, Shiro is a hair beauty salon located in Fukui, Japan, made by architects 1980/Takuya Hosokai + Hiromasa Mori.



About the Architect "Takuya Hosokai" :

2008 :
- Office for Metropolitan Architecture, Rotterdam

2005 :
- Established TAKUYAHOSOKAI
- Yokohama National University , Yokohama , Japan
- M.E. in Architectural Design

2003 :
- Yokohama National University , Yokohama , Japan
- B.E. in Architectural Design

1980 :
- Born in Niigata, Japan



The design is simple, and with a very eye-catching look. Great outlines, unusual angles with a little tension, and ’sharp’ is sure to add meaning to their hair dressing services! This building was finished in 2006 as the designers say.

Chelsea Duplex Penthouse by Paul Cha Architect

This Chelsea Duplex Penthouse was designed by Paul Cha Architect. The loft occupies the top floor of a seven story glass manufacturing plant that was recently converted to residential units. A simple penthouse addition was added during the conversion. The Chelsea neighborhood is composed of warehouses and light manufacturing facilities.



The client, a young investment fund manager, requested a tranquil living/work environment, suitable for social entertainment as well as work related functions. Typical of the Chelsea building typology of the early twentieth century, the rectangular 'railway' loft is encased by exposed pitched pine ceiling beams supporting oak flooring, while the perimeter brick walls are punctuated by windows all around. The later penthouse addition is capped by an intricate 'A' wood frame construction, with skylights flooding the central loft with generous sunlight.



The architectural design strategy was to insert programmatic architectural interventions within an existing archaeological framework. The loft is divided into three zones: Living, Dining/Kitchen, and Bedrooms/Bathrooms.



Situated above the Dining/Kitchen zone is the penthouse Office, opening to the South and North Terraces while connected vertically by a sky lighted atrium and open staircase. The South Terrace can be seen as a spatial extension of the penthouse office, the center pivot door connects a wall enclosed and wood truss capped penthouse Office, to the tree lined and wood decked South Terrace opening to the sky above.



The private Bedrooms/ Bathrooms zone is designed for maximum spatial efficiency, while the perception of spatial openness is enhanced through the use of sliding 'interior windows' emphasizing the loft's width. The play on the loft's spatial depth is further articulated by an angled wall leading to a Bedroom, mirroring the existing angled perimeter wall. A series of enclosing walls, sliding doors and open cabinetry fulfil multiple functional requirements and spatial divisions.



For instance, the Kitchen's standard box like upper and lower cabinetry evolves into the Kitchen island facing the Dining area, then is transformed into the angular wood 'box' open staircase, finally to the open wood box bookshelving at the penthouse Office.



The design strategy is further articulated though the material finishes and color perceptions. All existing finishes are preserved in their natural states, contrasting with precise shop-manufactured architectural interventions. The careful layering of various construction elements, with attention paid to visual finish, sensual texture, along with functional durability and ease of maintenance, creates a unifying spatial perception and atmospheric warmth throughout the loft.

Blinds to Beautify your Home

Blinds are the good ways to beautify your home, its where you can make a decision on what color and style that fits your home ambiance. Blinds can fashion your windows and add a sense of aesthetics to your home. They are versatile and can be adjusted to give perfect lighting to your home as the day progresses. I like blinds because they give your house a clean, modern look.They don’t necessarily make your house look homey but you can counter that with pillows and comfortable sets. They are also very helpful in keeping out sunlight if it’s right smack into your window.


Window blinds or Window Coverings also look really great, especially in offices or studios but they do look good on homes if they’re well chosen. They’re really good at blocking sunlight from entering your room, a real plus if you live in a hot area.

























If you are one of those people who want to choose the blinds that better suit to your interior decoration. you can go right thru BlindSaver.com. You can find various window shade , Window Blinds , Plantation Shutter products. They provide you extended warranty for your products and an easy way to browse though they offer lots of products of many varieties .

They offer Bali Shades also that is eco-friendly product with its UV protection materials is good for your kids room. If you want samples at your door step you can request to them so you'll know what's the actual color and style of the blinds you wanna get. But they have 3 years extended warranty for the product so no worries if in case something happen cause by your kids and unwanted things.

Zero Plus Architects | Snee-Oosh Cabin

“Like an insect warming itself in the sun, the Snee-oosh Cabin sits in the underbrush at the water’s edge near Deception Pass on the Swinomish Indian reservation. Eight 1-1/2” bolts support steel legs — strategically placed to preserve the old trees that reach in to the earth to support a panelized roof and a suspended “belly” that floats within the coniferous canopy.” Zero Plus Architects

Seattle architecture and design studio Zero Plus Architects designed the Snee-oosh Cabin as a getaway from the city. It "sits in the underbrush perched on a low bank at the waters edge near Deception Pass on the Swinomish Indian reservation." The openness of the plan and wraparound glass offers a view surrounded by a beautiful lanscape.

Taking care not to destroy the special qualities of the site, the home was carefully placed, and built using the smallest footprint possible.

All the pieces of the home -- including a steel skeleton, hanging wooden belly, and an oversized foam panel roof -- were prefabricated offsite, and fit together like a delicate puzzle. Zero Plus hopes that it will become a style of new modern reservation architecture.

Benjamin Murua & Constanza Infante | Countryside House

Architects: Benjamín Murúa A. - Constanza Infante S.
Collaborator: Paula Phillips
Locaction: Lo Prado, Curacaví, Chile
Estructural Engineer: Luis Ignacio Correa P.
Construction company: Carlos Torres U.
Site Area: 3985 sqm
Constructed Area: 415 sqm
Project Year: 2006
Construction Year: 2007-2008
Photography: Cristóbal Palma

The expansion and renovation project of the countryside house is located on the road to Cuesta Lo Prado, on Curacavi city (Metropolitan Region). The building sits on a plain between the hills and the valley on a widely open space overlooking the hills on the east and the valley on the west.

Requirement was to expand the house adding 3 bedrooms and a sala but keeping the existing geometry intact. The objective of the project was to reuse and emphazise some elements of the Chilean houses of the early 20th century present in the pre-existing building like patios, galleries and open corridors.

The house had an “L” shape layout housing a sequence of bedrooms with a gallery on the east side and a open corridor on the west. This 2 circulations were use and extended to the north so as to integrate all with a second “L”where the new bedrooms and sala were included, connecting the old part with the new one with a threshold.

With this operation, the gallery took the place of the core circulation connecting all the areas but also as place to stay because of its width and orientation to the morning sun and the hills. On the other side, the corridor was extended to the garden overlooking the valley and protected from the heat during summer days. The bedrooms and the sala surround a patio that being enclosed becomes an inner court as an extension of the sala.

Once the gates that contain the space are opened, the garden blends with the geography of the hill, bringing it into the project. The configuration of the house allowed working with open corridors, galleries and patios and to give it a fresh look contemporary materials were use like glass, steel, wood and concrete.

The sofits disappeared and special constructive details use on the joints between the windows and the roof taking advantage of the lightness of the materials.