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A Self-sufficient Luxury Private Island Resort in Fiji

On the northeast coast of Fiji’s Taveuni is an unusual luxury resort, set on a private island undisturbed for centuries.

Its design is in the traditional South Pacific Island vernacular – but with a twist.

The influence of the influx of the Indian immigration to Fiji can be seen in the decor.

The intermingling of India’s spicy earthy architecture moderates the traditional Pacific resort style.

The warm tones of a mud wall hut makes a relaxing earthy outdoor bathroom with a subtle Indian influence.

Chairs are placed facing northwest, seemingly looking back towards India out of sight beyond the horizon.

The earthy resort blends the design signature of both cultures.

Robinson Crusoe-like, the isolated jungle getaway is completely self sufficient. Read the rest of this entry »

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Strange, Super-Vertical NYC Retrofit with a Tiny Footprint

Here’s a sleek loft in a teeny Manhattan apartment that makes interesting use of the tiny space.

Much taller than it is wide, the attic space represented one of the most unusual design challenges faced by Specht Harpman Architects.

It’s difficult to overcome the sense of oppression in a very small space with a disproportionately high ceiling.

The poky but tall space was the attic at the top of a six story building.

As the architects describe it, there was nowhere you could reasonably put a couch or a bed in the original space, even though it was 25 feet tall in places.

Yet they succeeded in creating this restful living space for a generous seating system and a bed!

How did they manage it? Read the rest of this entry »

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Design Dilemma: Up on the Roof

Looking for a little extra outdoor space at home? Consider your roof!

If you live in a city where it may not be possible to expand outward, why not expand upward to find that perfect spot to dine, entertain, garden, or just hang out? The beauty of rooftop living is — one, it’s already there, and two, you’ll have a view, no matter where you happen to live.

Are you looking for a little rooftop inspiration? Here it is:

If you live in a place where you are surrounded by a lot of natural beauty, adding a roof deck is a no-brainer.  A view of a lake, the sea, rolling hills or desert can add lots of cachet to your home, as well as dollar value. And natural beauty isn’t the only kind of beauty that can be exploited with a roof deck. A cityscape view can be just as compelling:

Or perhaps this:

Or this:

Even tree-top views can be deliciously relaxing.

Or this:

And there’s no reason why a roof deck can’t include amenities you might find inside your home: kitchens, fireplaces, fountains, are all possible. Here’s a fountain:

Here’s a fireplace:

Are you inspired yet?

If you are, keep these points in mind:

• Check local building codes to make sure a roof deck is legal.
• Keep your neighbors in mind. Will their views be blocked? Will they feel that their privacy is being invaded by the view you’ll have of their backyard? If so, keep in mind that you may be able to design your deck so that your next-door neighbor retains privacy.
• You’ll need to get a professional involved. A structural engineer can tell you whether your home can support the weight and assess the condition of the roof you are building over. A professional can also advise you on how you will replace the roof when the time comes. You will probably want to hire an architect who can advise you on how to integrate a roof deck with your home’s current design.
• Keep safety in mind. You’ll want a roof deck where you can entertain without worrying that friends will fall off! That means creating railings, strategic planters, firepits and plantings that provide protection from getting too close to the edge.