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Barrel Studio in Boetia, Greece

An art studio is fashioned from a barrel vault in Boetia by Greek architectural firm A31 Architecture.

The bold and simple shape makes possible a straightforward mezzanine loft layout for an open space workshop and gallery.

The design couldn’t be simpler. A glass front intersected by metal frame: a curved concrete exterior.

A rusted iron door contrasts with the formed concrete and relates to the sculptor’s own works constructed of rusted metal.

A sculptural element in their own right, integral stairs were also formed onsite.

These make an honest connection to the formed-concrete wall. Read the rest of this entry »

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Long House Has Beach on Top

A unique long, narrow house set in a wide open rural landscape, by Shinichi Ogawa & Associates, is designed around the concept of putting a 40 meter (120 foot) pool on a roof like a sand berm.

As you can imagine: this immense rooftop pool means the house underneath is extremely long and narrow; 150 meters (450 feet) long.

The family’s living quarters are grouped in glass clusters under the immense roof.

The ground floor under the pool is sheltered by a verandah overhang that goes the full length of the structure.

Opposite the pool on the top deck, an enclosed spa.

Near the mid-length point, a white cube connects both levels and takes you up and out to the pool roof.

But from the big white cube, no cramped little exit leads out to the pool.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Design Dilemma: Making Your Balcony More Inviting

Are you one of those people who has a balcony that you never use?  With a little forethought you can make your lonely little balcony a well-used retreat during the summer months. But first, you must do a little soul-searching. Why are you not using your space?  There are a myriad of  reasons that might keep you indoors.  Perhaps you live in a tiny apartment and your balcony has become a defacto storage room (you can fix that). Or perhaps your balcony faces a noisy, uninviting street (you can’t fix that.) Here are three common reasons why people don’t use their balconies, and what you can do about them:

1). Your balcony feels too exposed.

This one has a quick fix. If your balcony is extremely visible to the street and neighbors and that makes you feel uncomfortable, create privacy. A clever use of trellises and plantings can act as a shield from pedestrians at street level and neighbors next door. For example:

The patio above features a tight-knit trellis that acts as a barrier from prying eyes. Below, a balcony off a bedroom features a high-railing and built-in bench that provides not only a place to sit, but privacy as well.

If you prefer to create a natural barrier, create a group of tall plantings. Like this:

Or this:

Is your concern more the balcony next door? Create a privacy shield with either the use of clever plantings, or even an architectural structure, if your building allows it.

Here’s a simple way to create privacy:

And here’s a more elaborate way:

Here’s yet another fabulous idea:

2) Your balcony is too hot and sunny.

Here’s another common problem that can be solved. One of the most popular ways of dealing with this issue, especially in Europe, is having an awning installed.

Here’s another example:

Or this:

But there’s no need to get fancy. If you don’t have the bucks for an awning, just put up an umbrella instead.

Something like this:

Or this:

3. Your balcony doesn’t feel comfortable.

This may be the easiest fix of all. You may not use your balcony simply because you haven’t furnished it properly. If you’ve got enough space, create a place to lounge and put up your feet, as well as to eat and to entertain. If you have less space, then a simple table and chairs will do. Every balcony featured in this blog post is equipped with just enough patio furniture to create an inviting space. Even the tiniest balcony usually has enough space for a couple of folding chairs and a tiny table. Like this New York City balcony:

When you’re furnishing your balcony, don’t forget the touches that really make it feel like home. Flowers are always a winner. Planters and window boxes make a balcony feel lived in and inviting. A balcony resplendent with greenery can even make a balcony facing a noisy street seem pastoral.

In short, there’s no need to ignore your balcony any more. Pull out your lounge chairs and prepare to enjoy the summer months outdoors!