What's Up?

Architecture can move you in a number of ways.  So how do you view it?  In this crazy ass example, it's from the ground up.  Check the creativity via various skyscrapers in Hong Kong.  It's texture.  It's movement.  It's about letting your imagination go.

You can also check this over at Fred Flare.

via homedsgn

Wide Open Beach House

Just in time for the holiday.  This little gem off the northeastern coast of New Zealand is fresh.  All one residence designed as a series of pods (or pavilions) and connected by this massive communal deck.

Love the look and feel of the metal roof with the glorified shingle pattern.

Killer views from every angle in this place.  The design welcomes the outdoors inside.

A modern element to the overall design with a subtle retro vibe in some of the furnishings.

You can also check this post over at Fred Flare.

via freshome

The Isolated White Art Studio

They call it the Squish Studio.  A 322 square foot all white, contemporary space located on Fogo Island, just outside of Newfoundland, Canada.  Designed to take on the crazy weather and high winds of the North Atlantic, the front of the building boasts a low ("squished") profile while the rear rises tall.

Standing proud and looking out over the rocky terrain toward the Atlantic.  A place that inspires and embraces the forces of nature.

via homedsgn

Wine Villas

A cluster of 20 villas with killer views, overlooking more than 200 acres of vineyard in Baja California, Mexico. This place is fresh. Minimal details throughout make up these pods. They've been dubbed a "deluxe" camping house.

A fresh, clean, modern vibe make up the interior. Your basic black and white with plywood accents and some cool pipe lighting.

Love the design and feel of the exterior. The idea was to clad the pods with materials that will weather and wear over time and mesh with the surrounding natural elements. A solid foundation and framing of Corten steel and local hardwood siding. A distinct look and such a peaceful setting.

photos via homedsgn

Mexican Cantina

It was by design. The architects purposely left the ceiling unfinished, exposing the structural elements. This is rugged and borderline crazy. I'm all about character. I would just hope it stays up there.

Always conscious of budget, I like the simplistic use of the hose bib style faucet and concrete trough sink.

Regardless of your take on the ceiling I do like the "basic" materials they've paired here from the polished concrete floors to the galvanized metal chairs. Low maintenance and cost effective. A "what you see is what you get" approach to the design. All brought forth by the design team.

photos via ArchDaily

Union Square Loft

Barrel vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and steel columns. The perfect example of an industrial style loft. A great space to work with all of its character and volume. The place is just kickass. Also such a seamless transition from the industrial to the contemporary.

photos via homedsgn.com

Straightforward Refurbishment

I'm a sucker for a good adaptive reuse project. Check this cool little building that definitely needed some love. A basic brick structure that dates back to the 1890's with a slew of various owners and craftsman. A place with a ton of history and a new owner with a vision and passion for revitalizing his neighborhood.

Simple, sustainable, creative living. Solar panels on the roof, large sliding doors for cross ventilation and appropriately placed cabinetry to not only deaden sound but also shield some of the heat from the south.

photos via ArchDaily

On the Water

The floating home. It's just such a cool concept. The ultimate if you want to live right on the water (not on a boat). This place is badass inside and out.

The perfect blend of warm hardwoods, concrete and steel.

So nice. Check this. Roll up that glass overhead door and the water is right there.

And to finish it off, the rooftop terrace with a separate stair. Maximize that tight building envelope and save the space on the interior. You can also check this over at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via Contemporist

Norwegian Pavilion

This is fresh. A design embracing its surroundings in such a creative way with textures and depth. Constructed by Norwegian ship builders this is the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion. The idea behind the design was to mimic the mountain range off in the distance. Genius. They've created both a warm and inviting space that's literally out in the middle of nowhere with these amazing views. And you can check out reindeer. The pine timber beams, which are pegged together, were all digitally milled. The layout is phenomenal and I love how each piece is so distinct. This post also runs at my weekly guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via dezeen

Surf Lodge

A little weathered and maybe a little tired but full of character. This is the Surf Lodge, located at the tip of Long Island.

White washed barnwood walls and bleached pine floors. This place is a classic. Simple design embracing the surrounding natural elements. A nice little color blast too with the high back chairs and stools. Check the weathered, tree trunk high top. Another genius design element.

And the killer idea for an outdoor shower to finish it off.

photos via Remodelista

Artist's Workshop

Here's a little gem just south of Mexico City in the town of Cuernavaca. This is a rustic, open air workshop/coffee house built for artists to collaborate and display their work.

The design centered around creating spaces that would blend with the surrounding landscape, allow the climate to flow freely and at the same time maximize the views of the region.

I like the raw, natural appearance of the materials. The steel was recycled from industrial waste yards and the rock walls were fabricated from stones gathered in the area.

The design centered around the view. Always a top priority. They certainly did not let down. Cool and relaxing. You can also find me at my Thursday guest home, Fred Flare.

photos via ArchDaily

The Clock Tower

I've come across this before while doing some research and it always catches my eye. This is The Clock Tower in Brooklyn, New York. A little background on this place. She was originally built back in 1915 and dubbed one of the largest poured concrete buildings in NY. A former machine room for the clock is now a 6500 square foot apartment with some badass views and a killer contemporary kitchen.

A refined, elegant straightforward style. The original design and character of the building speak for themselves. No need to mess with the history. The kitchen is a nice soft compliment. Today I'm also over at my guest home Fred Flare, hence all the crazy highlighted references.

photos via Contemporist

Old Theaters New Ideas

Here are a few shots of some abandoned theaters. The top photo is from St. Louis and the other is from Detroit. They're both from a post via ArchDaily that documents these great buildings from all over the U.S. The question has become whether or not architects should take on the challenge of renovating them. I love the idea of some form of adaptive reuse. The possibilities are endless for a mixed-use type of development. The architecture is timeless. It's history. How can building that were once so vibrant not only in their purpose but also in their design, become so listless?

via ArchDaily