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Witty Charm of a Shanghai Boutique Hotel in a 1930s Warehouse

In the entrance to this cutting-edge boutique hotel, the original’s rough edges remain; worn stone flooring and old concrete walls.

The Waterhouse at South Bund by Neri & Hu  in Shanghai, China is a chic renovation of an industrial warehouse from the 1930s.

The dockyards neighborhood of the historic warehouse district remains outside.

A brisk new concrete counter keeps a stiff upper lip, and an ironic chandelier poses an amusing contrast in decor.

But irony aside, peeling paint and stained old concrete is just what the weary traveler has no energy for at the end of a tiring journey.

Which is why the rooms upstairs come as more of a surprise.

Suddenly you are offered a big hot bath in a glass box and a long night’s sleep on fresh white sheets – comfort!

It is almost as if the contrast is intended to maximize the relief.

Smoky glass is used in several rooms to screen off the shower or bath.

Upstairs there are only a few reminders of the antiquated original dockyards structure, like this dark brick wall.

After the historical preservation downstairs, here comfort and peace reign.

Altogether a refreshing spatial experience for guests who seek the extraordinary.

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Quality Workmanship Distinguishes a Remote Washington Home

This remote split-level residence in Washington’s Nahahum Canyon is by Balance Associates

The living room occupies the front double height space.

The house steps up the hill with the bedrooms on top at the back and the entry in the middle of this side.

Here, massive concrete blocks and fine woodworking offer a sturdy welcome.

In such a completely remote setting, the level of quality in the construction is amazing.

Fine cabinetmaker details like the table construction suggest some furniture was made by the builder.

The ‘Goldilocks’ kitchen, dining and living room arrangement is just right, neither too big or small.

Sturdy timber rafters and paneling in the ceiling is continued outside.

An unpretentious kitchen island is no nonsense practical, eschewing the trendy island sink.

Bedrooms occupy the back of the house upstairs.

In front, the ceiling paneling continues to a perfect cosy study nook above the living room.

Everything you need, and nothing more or less.

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The Sublimely Refreshing Los Limoneros in Spain

Los Limoneros is a oil and minimalist private residence in Marbella, Spain.

Barcelona-based Gus Wüstemann Architects have created a bold plan with ingenious sun filtering.

A series of cubes captures attention as an intriguing design – but also functions as a cooling element.

Almost every window cleverly prevents direct access from Spain’s blazing sun.

Oblique openings offer the sense of freedom of wide open windows while keeping the interiors – like this open air bathroom – cool and calm.

The generous bathtub is a cooling relaxation spot entirely open to one of the outdoor courtyards between the cubes.

Where glass does enclose the interior a screen of concrete bricks first deflects the direct sun.

The effect is to create a series of cool cavelike interior spaces.

The back of the house has larger open courtyards pulling in cooler air from the north.

A moat-like lap pool encircles a grass lawn.

Starkly minimalist, cool stone throughout also acts to passively chill the heat of the region.

The result is a refreshing, private and tranquil home.