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The owners of this duplex apartment, located on a beautiful tree lined street in the East Village, retained Pulltab Design to create a unique living environment for a young family of four.

As a starting point, the clients requested that their 2,400 square foot apartment be selectively renovated and that the new design revolve around not only creative architectural additions but also the thoughtful selection of free standing furniture and lighting.

In the schematic design phase, initial conversations revolved around modern masters such as Geoffrey Bawa, Carlo Scarpa and Richard Neutra. Based on these conversations, it became apparent that the new design should strive to create a warm and open living environment with unique handcrafted detailing.

Materials such as stained concrete, American black walnut, bronze and steel were selected along with modernist finishes, including hand applied active patinas, true pigment paints and high gloss lacquer surfaces.

The heart of the apartment centers around the living/dining areas. As part of the architectural construction, a new cantilevered dining ‘pod’, extending from the 5th floor slab, was added to increase the size of the kitchen. On the outside surface. of this pod, a custom planted garden wall was installed with the intent of creating a focal point, with a slightly mysterious quality, for the living room.

In combination with the vertically planted wall above, a shallow reflecting pool, custom fabricated from folded steel sheets, was placed in the living
room. This reflecting pool functions both as a means to capture water droplets, from the vertical garden wall’s concealed irrigation system, and also allows for the addition of a calming indoor water garden, stocked complete with colorful goldfish.

On the east wall, a new double height panel system was installed, assembled from painted furniture grade plywood. The panels, both fixed and functioning, are separated by a pattern of reveals which add both texture, interest and most importantly a sense of scale, to what was originally an overwhelming surface.

Several of the individual panels, denoted by custom routed hand pulls, open to reveal (from right to left) a chess table, a large 8′ long claro walnut dining table and a fold down illuminated bar with glass shelving.

To delineate the function of each panel, three colors were chosen: a bright orange, a glowing yellow (for the concealed bar) and a deep blue. These colors add an active layer to the space while tracing their connection back to Piet Mondrian’s inspirational composition paintings, from the 1920′s and 30′s.

Visit the Pulltab Design website – here.

Photography by Elizabeth Felicella

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Visit the website of M4 Interior Design Architecture – here.

Photography by Lee Pyo-joon

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Description from the architects:

Bringing light inside and achieving spatiality have been the two main goals of this project. The apartment built in the 70’s is located in a very quite and green area in the city centre of Amsterdam.

The southeast-orientated garden provides the house with fantastic views and light conditions.

The spaces have been very clearly organized: A wooden box separates day and night functions. It contains all the service spaces of the house such us storage, garderobe, WC, boiler, etc. By concentrating all this elements in a box, the living areas are wide and spacious.

The bathroom is situated between the two bedrooms. It receives natural light from both sides. A small wooden window opens up towards the garden.

All doors of the house have been removed and replaced by sliding doors. By doing so, the user has the flexibility of opening and connecting all the spaces or closing them all.

The old lowered ceilings have been removed and the old piping left visible, as a remembering of the past.

Visit the Laura Alvarez Architecture website – here.

Photography by Ewout Huibers

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Visit the Norsman Architects website – here.

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Description from the designers:

Attenuated steel and solid maple treads are used to create a focal point within the home. A walnut cabinet base integrates with the stair and becomes the guardrail for the downstairs run. Slender steel verticals above provide a harmonious backdrop to the living room.

Visit the Build LLC website – here.

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Project description:

Dutch firm laura alvarez architecture has completed the renovation and interior design of a two-floor apartment in Amsterdam. The building is catalogued as a national monument. Architect Alvarez says: The main idea was to transform the dark and claustrophobic existing apartment into a bright loft and at the same time bring into view special elements of the ancient building.

A 70 m2 living area is located on the first floor. It is conceived as a continuous space capable to host different living activities without dividing them into different rooms. A light steel staircase creates a transition between cooking and dining area.

A series of satin-glass walls have been introduced in the upper floor to bring natural light into the lower level and the bathroom.

An oak gray-painted window bench provides a seat to enjoy the beautiful view towards the Amsterdam channels. It is also thought as storage cabinets.

A nut-wood sliding door gives the possibility to close off the entrance hall from the living space.

As the clients enjoy very much cooking, the kitchen has been designed with special kitchen appliances to  fullfill all their needs.

On the upper floor we can find a guest room and the main sleeping room . Both spaces are experienced as one large room that can be split into two in case of need. The bathroom is situated between these two rooms. Existing plaster walls have been removed in order to bring the old roof-beams into view.

An eleven meter long closet has been designed to be used as storage and as wardrobe. An existing colorful closet is been used to definethe hight of the closet and to break the long white line of the new furniture. An indirect light is been placed above the closet to accentuate the continuity of the space.

Lighting has been carefully chosen and indirect light has been designed to allow different possibilities to the apartment

Frameless doors and plain plinths  contribute to perceive the space asa secuence of pure and sharp surfaces

The bamboo floor gives a warm feeling upstairs whereas on the first floor a gray epoxy floor creates a balanced contrast with the nut wood elements.

Visit the Laura Alvarez Architecture website – here.

Photography by Ewout Huibers

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Visit the Camenzind Evolution website – here.

Photography by Soguel Fotograf

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Visit the Poteet Architects website – here.

Photography by Paul Bardagjy, Colleen Duffley, and Chris Cooper

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Visit the Jenner Studio website – here.

Photography © Michael Franke

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Visit the Stephen Williams Associates website – here.

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Description from the designer:

The apartment of 145 m² was almost in the last phase of finishing process when the young brazilian architect met the owners. The couple was displeased with the environment arrangements and the traditional decoration, so they gave the architect free hand to reformulate everything.

The base for the decoration was the fusion of polymer cement, minty and blue colors and the use of a whole wall covered in pinus, a wood that has virtually no commercial value in Brazil. Another high point of the project was to expose the structural column right in the entrance door, composing a beautiful set with the dinner table. An important point is: all the main pieces such as tables, sideboards and sofa are designed by the architect.

The owner was already a great admirer of Guilherme’s work, so during the whole process she insisted on buying several pieces designed by the architect. This partnership worked out so well that she decided to open a company just to represent Guilherme Torres’s products in all Brazil and around the world. Other design pieces that made a difference were the Shadowy chaise, Moroso, Guilherme decided to use inside the apartment, since it is originally an outdoor piece. The rugs and wooden chair with steel legs are from Diesel and the dinner table chairs are from Driade. The piece of art beside Shadowy chaise is by João Machado and the one above the sideboard is by Eliane Prolik. In the master bedroom, the decoration is completely the opposite to the explosion of colors of the living room. Black and white used on furniture, bed linens and even the frames. Above the headboard, an art piece of João Machado and bed linen of Ari Beraldin. The kitchen received furniture in black lacquer, countertops in Corian and Smeg home appliances. The Living room walls, gives continuity to the kitchen, since there are no doors dividing the spaces.

Visit the Studio Guilherme Torres website – here.

Photography by Denilson Machado (MCA Estúdio)

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Description from the designer:

The starting point for this project was Bank’s corporate identity developed by White Cat Studio, above all the modernized logo of PKO Bank Polski in its elegant color version for Private Banking sector – black, white and gold, which created a set of basic colors for the interior. Other graphical elements were also inspiring – in particular one decorative motif consisting of a grid of elegant, sinusoidal lines, consistently applied in the graphic design for the PKO Bank Polski Private Banking.

The theme of delicate grid was treated in a very innovative way – a bi-dimensional pattern was completely transformed by introducing an additional dimension: it was made spatial by being projected on the tri-dimensional model of the interior. To achieve this effect special software for parametric design was used, which allowed for the creation of a complex and ordered structure formed as a transformation of the subtle grid of lines converging in one abstract point. This complicated geometry setting has become a model to be filled with interior design solutions.

As a composition it is coherent and complete, being a real challenge at the stage of realization. The final effect is a balance between purely aesthetic choices and a mathematical order, accepted by the designer, yet generated by software that was treated not only as a tool, but as a creative factor. It is a kind of metaphorical code which presents the character of the institution and its services, being a mix of mathematical analyses and human element of experience, knowledge, and decision making process.

Visit the Robert Majkut Design website – here.

Photography by Szymon Polanski

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Visit the Golucci International Design website – here.

Photography by Sun Xiangyu

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Description from the architects:

Situated between the Meatpacking Districts at the borders of Highline Park the rooftop apartment was remodelled to meet the needs of its new inhabitants. Innocad Architecture changed it functionally and enhanced the design by mixing European design and New York lifestyle and thus creating a fresh atmophere.

Materials and choice of colours represent both high quality standards and relaxed urbanity. Each room mirrors an immediate visual reference to the fascinating land and roofscape of New York City.

The Heart of the apartment, a Marilyn Relief, defines the residential area. It is a functional and artistic attribute and also a tribute to this extraordinary city.

Visit the Innocad website – here.

Photography by Thomas Schauer

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Project description from Eventscape:

Eventscape engineered, fabricated and installed the diverse custom elements with multiple material finishes – each one featuring a high degree of design and engineering sophistication. Completion of this project was required within a very limited time period. Eventscape’s versatile, flexible team provided solutions that could be implemented quickly and efficiently. The collaborative design/engineering and fabrication process facilitated design changes and the precise finishes required.

Custom Sofa:
An impressive 14 ft. long custom organic-shaped sofa covered with embossed leather greets the visitors to the center. Precise templates and careful pattern matching were required to create the complex curved form and flawless finish.

Glass Wall Panels:
Black back-painted glass panels with velour finish and bevelled edges make up the 3 wall surfaces. Additional custom iPad holders, 20 LCD screens, sandblasted backlit lettering with LED lighting and a hidden door were also integrated.

Center Hub:
White faux leather covers the curved wood and metal CNC cut framework of the center hub. The integrated seating niche features elegant complex curved metal benches which transition to the textile. Nestled in the interior, the seats are finished with embossed leather. Eventscape also built the inset fireplace which contains an eco friendly bioethanol burner.

Tile Wall:
Above the benches, glittering glass tiles cover the wall. Glass tiles also finish the exterior of the custom sample table.

Multiple custom elements
Over 15 custom elements were engineered, fabricated and installed by Eventscape.

Curved Ceiling Feature:
White faux leather covers the reception wall, desk and ceiling feature. Rolled aluminum tubes, laser cut integrated light cove and connecting plates complete the 20 ft. long curved ceiling feature.

Decorative Columns:
Decorative Tee columns are built of solid aluminum with a spun aluminum cone top. Custom bronze plating and hand rubbed black oxide give the structures a rich patina finish.

Reception Desk:
The faux leather finished cantilevered desk appears to float in the wall opening. The custom CNC cut electro-plated aluminum trim was finished in brown patina and the corners were hand rolled to fit the compound curves of the wall opening faces.

Backlit Graphics:
Frosted graphic text on back-painted glass panels on the wall, contrast with the warm tones of the sample table. The finish samples were grouped by area by building custom CNC cut trays and highlighted by concealed LED strip edge lighting under the Starphire glass top.

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Location: Toronto, Canada
Design: Cecconi Simone
Engineering/Fabrication /Installation of Feature Elements: Eventscape Inc.
Developer: Great Gulf
Size: 2400 square feet

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Project description from Darren James:

The best of East meets West, this design demonstrates the successful combination of minimalist principles seen in traditional Japanese design with the contemporary Australian lifestyle of a typical modern Australian family. The result is simple clean lines paired with warm earthy tones; rich wood finishes married to organic elements and cabinetry artfully arranged to create a balanced, harmoniousand functional kitchen highly sought after by the client.

Re-building a house brings many benefits including the opportunity to plan a kitchen to meet every requirement. Presented with a large blank canvas the owners requested that I design a kitchen that “made a statement about who they are”. For this young family of four this meant creating a simplicitic, relaxing and functional kitchen environment that paid respect to their Japanese heritage and echoed their love for contemporary Japanese design.

At the heart of Japanese design are the principles of minimalism, simplicity, space and order. Beauty lies in how simple and functional each design element is and how harmonious the overall effect. Incorporating these principles into the kitchen design required an exercise in control and attention to detail.

The Japanese concept of “ma”, a conscious feeling of space, plays an important role in this design ensuring freedom of movement and imparting a sense of calm and ambience in the room. The choice of an open-plan galley style kitchen ensures the space is not overloaded. Set-in kicks and an 80mm cantilevered feature stone island bench allow the cabinetry objects to “breath”; and rather than being regarded as ‘empty’ or ‘unused’ as it would perhaps in western design – the space that surrounds these objects creates a “push-pull” effect between empty and occupied and creates visual interest. Sensitive towards the need for non physical boundaries and with the desire to create a modern twist on the traditional tatami wall a small drop down ceiling incasing LED strip lighting subtly and seamlessly defines the space.

Simplicity & Minimalism

Simplicity and minimalism features in both form and function in this kitchen and the result in a functional yet restrained design.

At the rear of the kitchen a butler’s pantry focused purely on function ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free and houses the refrigerator, stores food and bulky everyday appliances whilst also acting as an out of the way prep zone when entertaining. Sliding shoji doors constructed with timber veneer and rice paper glass are typical of traditional Japanese style and provide the perfect divider and between the two rooms.

Clean lined cabinetry consists of flush lines, recessed handles and thin benchtops. A calming Zen like feel is accomplished through the use of natural materials and subdued colours. Natural elements such as the bamboo flooring (typical in most contemporary Japanese design), textured veneer and stone give the space an earthy and organic feel.

But minimalism is not only seen in the esthetics in this kitchen design. Practicality and functionality is equally important and no individual item has been selected solely for its aesthetic or decorative value. For example the selection of two side by side Electrolux ovens offers the ability to entertain multiple guests (as requested by the client) whilst also creating a sense of balance in the veneer feature. The same applies to the placement of the refrigerator which are strategically placed in the centre of the room ensuring both easy access and balance within the space.

Furthermore, each individual surface has been selected for both functional as well as textural and tonal value. Stainless steel for its hardwearing hygienic surface is the perfect material for a home chef that enjoys entertaining; Staron’s durability and stain resistance properties as well as its ability to be resurfaced makes a smart choice for an ‘everyday’ kitchen centre piece; and the undulated surface of the cantilevered bench top and it’s form within the kitchen space contrasts with the smooth surface of the Staron and stainless steel and ensures the casual dining area is defined. Even accessories such as the solid timber stools with their organic shaped seats reflect the minimalistic style encapsulated in this Japanese inspired kitchen.

Subdued Colour & Texture

Ensuring colours do not stand out from the architecture of the cabinetry provides a sense of geometric order. The soothing neutral palette of brown, creams and grays minimizes the feeling of clutter, which is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. Whilst the tonal values are not contrasting, the statement and perhaps the flagship of this kitchen is in the strong exclamation of predominate texture. In keeping with the yin and yang of Japanese culture the kitchen design seeks balance in opposing and contrasting elements. Rough plays off smooth and the texture of the veneer joinery and the ‘Jaipur undulated’ finish of the cantilevered island bench gives the gloss lacquered cabinetry, Staron and stainless steel benchtops an even smoother appearance.

Besides creating a strong textural element the horizontal express joins seen in the veneer cladding and horizontal bars in the feature lights (often seen in Japanese furniture) represent man’s relation to the earth.

Diffused Lighting

Like all Japanese interior design, lighting is given proper importance. Available natural light is accessed through the narrow slot window which also visually extends the space to the outdoors where the owners are able to keep an eye on their young children playing in the back yard.

In Japanese interiors lighting is not only a functional but an integral part of the interior. Here, particular attention is paid to the Japanese style of diffused light. In addition to the concealed LED lights in the surrounding bulkhead, Japanese style custom made pendant lights hang above the island bench. The rectangular linen shades and white etched glass diffuser combined with the geometrical timber squares resemble that of a shoji screen and ensure the light is unobtrusive and gentle creating a relaxed calming atmosphere.

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Visit Darren James’ website – here.

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The project consists of the renovation of a 130m2 apartment with a terrace, located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, in a catalogued building located behind the City Hall.

The original space is composed of a sequence of bright and spacious rooms connected by large arched openings, with balconies along the façade and an inner courtyard. Original features are maintained such as traditional Catalan ceilings with wooden beams and vaulted arches, as well as exterior carpentry with wooden shutters.

The project is based on a reinterpretation of the existing spatial structure of different rooms with differentiated uses and atmospheres, redefining the assigned uses and functions and creating new spatial and visual connections without allowing the traditional elements to predominate. The aim is to create a peaceful environment which allows its young owner privacy and a work place, while creating a social meeting place for meals and parties.

We find two areas, one open and social and the other one private: the first is comprised of the sequence of entrance hall, kitchen and living room, while the second consists of the bedroom suite.

The kitchen-dining room, a spacious and clean space, warm and elegant, recalls the old clubs and cafes. The ceiling and longitudinal wall, which begins in the entrance vestibule, are paneled with tinted pine wood slats, assembled by hand.  The paneling integrates much of the kitchen furniture and auxiliary spaces, simplifying the geometry of the kitchen space.  The low kitchen furniture is finished, along with the dining table, in bronze metal panel, with a large lid that allows the countertop to be covered. The hanging lamp with its metallic reflection, in gold leaf and Swarovski crystals, contrasts with the warm wood finish. At the back, a division of dark grey glass separates a small guest bedroom from the rest of the space.

The living room is located in the center of the apartment and communicates the rooms with each other. Because of its size and position, it is conceived as a perfect white frame where the furniture, modular and free-standing, can be configured according to the occasion. To achieve this frame the existing walls are rectified, the arched openings are recovered matching the original symmetry, and all the wood carpentry is replaced without losing its original essence.

The bathroom is a place of relaxation, intimate and sensual, oriented towards the courtyard garden. The walls are paneled entirely in phenolic board with a high-gloss finish, concealing the storage and perimeter led lighting fixtures. All bathroom fittings are free standing and rounded to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The shower area and the toilet are hidden behind a translucent glass.

The continuous concrete paving, the walls and new wooden carpentry, all in ivory white, are common elements all through the house, giving light and serving as a common thread throughout the different spaces.

Visit the YLAB Architects website – here.

Photography by Jordi Canosa

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Visit the I Love Architecture website – here.

Photography by Allard van der Hoek

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Sergio Rossi and Wallpaper* magazine continue to collaborate on the Men’s Footwear World Tour announcing the opening of the next location in Casablanca.

Following resounding success with the first stop on the Men’s Footwear Tour in Brera, Milan’s most stylish district, Sergio Rossi launched a second men’s shoe store in Galeries Lafayette Casablanca on December 2011.

The World Tour concept has been inspired by the essence of the ‘Sergio Rossi’ man – an independent, free-thinking, seductive man and importantly, one who is on a constant journey of discovery. It is in Milan that the journey began in 2010 – with the launch of Sergio Rossi’s first concept store. Situated in fashionable Brera, the store showcases the entire men’s collection designed by the Creative Director of the brand, Francesco Russo. In 2011 the tour continues.

The next ventures on the grand tour will be developed along with a rising design star in each country, to create the environments, local vernacular and an understanding of heritage being an imperative part of the experience and journey. “Morocco, a Mediterranean country, both geographically and cultural, is a country where garment is great with refined kaftans and colourful djellabas, where craftsmanship is particularly rich and architecture is majestic” comments Younes Duret, the French-Moroccan designer of the store in Casablanca. He combines strong Moroccan ethnicity with a creative transgression to design a liberated and inspiring space. The motifs Duret has used are a modern inflection on an ancient form, as he creates a composition consisting of a mantelpiece of a repeated 3-dimenionsal oriental pattern as the platform for the men’s shoe collection.

“We apply creative transgression to make the space more free, liberated, inspired, through shifts in proportions, the materials and colours used, the extra detailing and the high-quality craftsmanship” according to Duret, in response to Creative Director Russo – “we steer clear of the conventional, we decry the formulaic, we re-invent the classic. We reject the outdated cliché – we champion the stylish man’s right to look elegant”.

Visit the Younes Duret Design website – here.

Photography by Alexandre Chaplier

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An area where teachers, rectors and managers from the educational sector can get inspired by the latest developmenst in the ICT sector.

STICHTING KENNISNET
Stichting Kennisnet is an expertise centre in the field of ICT in The Netherlands.
Kennisnet offers, as public ict-support organization, every educational institution in the primary- secondary- and vocational education, independent expertise and free services with efficient use of ICT.

STARTING POINT AND DESIGN QUESTION:
Kennisnet rents a number of floors in an office building at the Paletsingel in Zoetermeer. The question was a to present a design proposal for an ICT ‘experience center’ for the third floor, that came to stand empty.
Up to now, it was Kennisnet who always went throughout the country to the educational institutions. But with this ‘ICT experience center’ their aim was to create one location, in their head office, where the ‘ambassadors ‘ from different educational levels could come. In this experience center, teachers, rectors and managers can experience the latest innovations in de field of ICT themselves, and talk about the possible uses in the educational sector.
An important element in the design question was that the groups, besides the exiting ICT experience, also would get inspired with the layout of the area and the use of (applicable in education) materials.

PROGRAME REQUIREMENTS
An area where a group of max. 30 people can simulate a class setting. At least 5 workplaces for smaller groups of max. 6 people. There must be electricity and Internet available and flexible at all the workplaces. A space for storage for chairs etc.

INNOVATIVE MATERIALS
Where there are new developments, other ones are already old, but they will always be a memory.  We gave these ICT-icons a place between the latest ICT-developments that are going to be used there.
From the idea how schools en teachers can use rooms better with easy and inventive materials, we created 3 designs for the coverings of walls.
These can serve as inspiration or motivation to, possibly with a group, give classrooms more identity and (educational) content.
All the different materials and techniques, which are applicable in de education, are there to be seen and felt.
Acoustic solutions are for example incorporated in a panel of second-hand keyboard keys, and fluorescent LED lighting are placed parallel to the print-lines on the floor as walking routes throughout the level.
Straight couches from soft foam and a enlarged blue internet-plug out of Styrofoam invite You to get started!

Visit the Studio 1:1 website – here.

Photography by Sanne Donders

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