Home Design Find

Sleek and Glamorous Beach House in South Africa

This luxurious seaside house on Bantry Bay in Cape Town, South Africa comes to us from Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA).

Unlike many beach houses or coastal houses, there is no bringing nature in, in this house.

On the contrary.

Refined and chic, its sophisticated glossy interiors are the antithesis of the coastal scrub outside.

But ‘interior’ is a relative term.

Sliding floor-to-ceiling glass walls completely open each of three floors creating an open air living space.

Its terraces cantilever out over the romantic outdoor rooms into the gigantic view beyond. Read the rest of this entry »

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Glass House Features Dream Lap Pool

At first sight, this huge steel framing structure capturing the sky appears to be an open pavilion.

In fact it is entirely glassed in, to house what must be the most glamourous lap pool ever, in a double height glass pavilion.

It is one of several sweet surprises in this unusual renovation.

It is entered through the small original cottage on the site – on the third floor – shown at the back here.

On entering, the first interior sight is this stunning view that captures a huge sky and overlooks the city lights in the harbour through the second floor double-height lap pool atrium.

Next to the glass atrium of the pool, the living room occupies a cosy space to the back of the house.

The kitchen/dining is placed in the front, suspended right within the harbour view, creating a blissfully happy place for making food and enjoying it. Read the rest of this entry »

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A Solar Dream Realized in Korea

On this perfect-for-solar house in Korea, the roof is sloped at an angle to receive best sun exposure year around and sized for 3KW PV system providing all its electricity, and solar heat collection tubes to heat its water.

In addition to the solar energy, efficiency is key. Windows are sized to prevent heat loss, and placed to facilitate easy cross ventilation.

This net zero energy house in GyeongSangNam-do was inspired by an experience of the client’s; an architectural educator.

As a student in Milan, Italy, she was affected by a local truck-drivers’ union strike against the rocketing oil price.

Within three days into the strike, there were no fresh groceries to be found in the city.

The experience drove home our reliance on fossil fuels.

She decided to imagine an alternative vision for future architecture. Read the rest of this entry »

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Design Dilemma: Patio Inspiration for Warm Weather

Contemporary Porch by Austin Architect Black + Vernooy

Spring is here, the days are getting longer, and it’s time to prepare for life outdoors. That means it’s time to think about patios! What does yours look like?

If your outdoor space isn’t quite what you’d hope, take a look at these spaces for ideas.

Protected Patios that Function as an Extension of the Indoors

Traditional Porch by Dallas Architect Symmetry Architects

If you live in either a very hot, sunny climate or a very cool climate, you might find that a patio that functions almost as an extension of the indoors works best to protect from intense sun and heat, or, on the other hand, from rainy weather. These kinds of patios allow you to stay outdoors, even in less than ideal conditions. The above two pictures are examples. Both feature a solid construction roof and one even features an outdoor fireplace. Both also feature a wall of glass doors that can be opened up to bring the outside, inside and vice-versa.

The Outdoor Room

Some patios feel more like an open, outdoor room. Here are some examples:

contemporary landscape how to tips advice

Contemporary Landscape by Denver Interior Designer markdesign, llc

Above, this raised patio snuggled between two segments of a home truly feels like it’s own little room. The raised patio, the wall hangings and the furniture encourage the feeling. The tarp stretched overhead acts as a filter for the sun on especially bright days.

Below, the patio feels like an outdoor room because it is walled in on at least three sides. Wide, comfortable, cushioned furniture really makes this a spot feel like an outdoor family room.

Mediterranean Patio by Phoenix Interior Designer Palm Design Group

Who wouldn’t want to whip up a meal in this outdoor kitchen, complete with cupboards, a gas grill, a full-size refrigerator and a kitchen island? Hey, the burgers are almost ready!

Contemporary Patio by Mountain View Photographer mark pinkerton – vi360 photography

Below, this outdoor terrace feels very room-look, despite it’s relative simplicity. Vivid paintings, a container garden and a simple bench lend the space an easy structure.

Modern Patio by Seattle Interior Designer Faith Sheridan

The Natural Space

While the patios above feature a lot of constructed space, the alternative is creating a simpler outdoor space with fewer “built” elements:

Contemporary Patio by Seattle Landscape Architect Scot Eckley Inc

Above, the patio has a natural feel, simply by virtue that it uses loose gravel as flooring rather than tiles or bricks.

traditional landscape how to tips advice

Traditional Landscape by Sydney Landscape Architect Arthur Lathouris Garden Designer

Here, this patio’s use of abundant plants in vases mixed with outdoor shrubs and trees lends a feeling of casual, natural openness. Below, a verdant surrounding of trees, and an uncovered patio right in the middle of it all, makes this space feel special.

Traditional Landscape by Seattle Landscape Architect kim E. rooney

Whichever type of patio attracts you, keep in mind a few pointers to create an inviting space:

Consider your borders. Edging your patio area with plants can help your space feel more inviting and intimate.
Find a focal point. If you intend to use the space mainly for dining, make the table and chairs the centerpiece of your outdoor grouping. On the other hand, if you envision your space for just “hanging out” make outdoor chairs and couches the main focus.
Keep your mood in mind. What’s the feeling you’re going for? Modern and sleek? Quirky and offbeat? Moroccan? English manor? Mexican casita or Italian villa? Deciding on a feel up front will help you find cohesive garden furniture that will instantly speak to users.