Architecture & House Design

Tower House in Austin, Texas is a new project by Andersson Wise Architects. On the shore of Lake Travis there are several single-storey summer houses built in the 1930s. Tower House was one of them, surrounded by oak and pine trees, the house consisted of one small bedroom, a living room, kitchen and a terrace overlooking the lake. The client wanted to expand the residence, adding two bedrooms with a bathroom and more spacious living room. So the architects have erected an additional tower, made of wood, where sleeping area is situated. Two small bedrooms occupy the first and second floors. Above, a third level terrace opens to a panorama of the lake and distant rolling hills. On this terrace, some thirty feet above the ground, even the hottest summer afternoon can be enjoyed under a roof. Light breezes and a canopy will take care of it.

Designers from Dorrington Architects presented the project of Rutherford House, located in New Zealand. This modern residence was designed for rest during the summer and winter vacations. Due to Lake Taupo and the ski resort nearby it is an ideal place to be in connection with nature. The house consists of 4 main parts: a concrete foundation, two bedrooms units with black cedar finish, and open terrace. In the spacious veranda there is a kitchen, dining and sitting area. Bedrooms and living room are situated in separate blocks. It was done to hide from the bad weather or sweltering heat.

Architects from YH2 presented an unusual project in Quebec, Canada. La Cornette is a country house, located on the slope of a small hill surrounded by fields and ordinary agricultural buildings. The house is built in traditional style, typical for the area - a spacious, functional home for families with children and lots of relatives. Designed for two families, the project includes lots of bedrooms and general recreation area, which is a central link. Transverse strips of small windows, huge blinds attract attention and add originality. Interiors are made of natural and painted wood in planks and panels. La Cornette is a beautiful place to spend time in the countryside and have a rest.

In the Bellevue Club you can find a social and fitness club, library, sport courts and hotel under one roof. The authors of renovation and expansion were Baylis Architects. Located in Bellevue, Washington, the club consists of three  floors. While maintaining full operation for its 3,000 members, the club had a 35,000 SF expansion. The expansion included new yoga, kinesis, pilates and fitness studios. A new library and outdoor Zen garden provide diverse settings for relaxing social space and additional bathrooms and elevator were added for convenience. The concept of the project, inspired by Asian northwest architecture, combines such elements as sloped roofs with large overhangs, cedar siding, stucco finish, and a horizontal window mullion pattern.

Brick and white mansion is a beautiful combination of contemporary and traditional design ideas. Designed by Salvador Cejudo architects, the residence is located in Sevilla, Spain not far from one of the best golf courses in Spain, namely Real Club de Golf de Sevilla. The customers wanted every room at the house to provide views to the green lake, and sun, to the south. In fact, the mansion is divided into two blocks. In the first one there is a living room, a guest bedroom and studio (above these two rooms there is a terrace with a garden), and on the second floor you'?ll find a bedroom, a dressing room and bathroom. In another block, facing the street, on a ground floor kitchen and service rooms are situated, while the second has three bedrooms with dressing rooms and bathrooms. In the basement there is a game room, maid's room and technical facilities. Patio with pool and garden, of course, gladdens the eye. Via

Architect Manuel Aires Mateus presented an interesting project of the house, located on the outskirts of Leiria in Portugal. Its functionality is quite usual: there are several bedrooms and living room there. The white facade design is very simple, but it is the main feature of the project at the same time. Such an "cardboard box", actually, is not so primitive. The void in the centre of living area provides natural lighting. It?s very important, because private areas are at street level under the plot in an intimate environment. Uncomplicated but high-quality interior decoration and furniture emphasize the minimalist style.

Leaf House is a mansion, designed by architects from Mareines + Patalano Arquitetura. This beautiful eco-friendly Brazilian flower was "planted" near Rio de Janeiro on a small beach with turquoise water. Leaf House is an ideal refuge from hot tropical climate. The roof in the form of giant petals protects from the sun, and plenty of verandas provide a perfect area for enjoying an ocean breeze. The complete absence of corridors not only promotes natural ventilation, but also creates welcoming atmosphere. The mansion is ideal for young and energetic people, as an open plan with interconnected rooms and spacious terraces give an opportunity to arrange parties and meetings with friends. True to say, it?s just an amazing masterpiece.

Located on Lopez Island, Washington, this residence was designed for modern living close to nature. The authors of the project became David Vandervort Architects. As we can see on the pictures below, the residence is surrounded by beautiful trees, which were carefully saved during the construction. The project consists of main house and the studio which houses his and hers art spaces.  The studio is connected to the house via an arcade which also serves as the main approach to the house. High connection with nature is realized due to lots of windows, which overview the forest and water. Wood was used as in the interior and exterior design, so the Lopez Island residence looks very warm and welcoming.