Tag Archives: Architecture

Baluchon’s Cottage-Style Tiny Home Is Designed To Be A Full-Time Residence In A Small Body

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Baluchon designed a full-time towable home for one person and named it the Hytta. The Hytta tiny home is equipped with a traditional cottage-like exterior and a pretty comfy interior layout that can also accommodate a guest once in a while. Based on a double-axle trailer, the Hytta features a length of 20 feet, which is pretty common for a European tiny home. The home has a cedar finish and is accentuated by an aluminum roof.

Designer: Baluchon

As you enter the home you are welcomed by an entrance with shoe storage, as well as a massive open living area. The home needed to support remote working, and hence a compact office is placed into the side. The office includes a desk and a chair, as well as a sofa bed which can accommodate any visitors. The kitchen is the usual French-style kitchen you see in tiny homes, and it is quite basic and simple. It contains a two-burner propane-powered stove, a sink, a fridge, a microwave, and some cabinetry. The kitchen also includes a wood-burning stove for warmth, as well as a small dining table.

The opposite end of the home includes the bathroom. The bathroom is pretty small, but it is equipped with a shower, toilet, as well as a washing machine. It also has some storage. The Hytta tiny home includes two loft areas – one is above the entrance, and is quite small, serving well for storage. The other is the main bedroom and can be accessed via storage-integrated stairs. The bedroom is like most rooms found in tiny homes with a double bed, low ceiling, and some storage space.

The lovely little abode was recently delivered to its home, and is being utilized as a full-time home. We are unsure of the costing, but Baluchon tiny homes are usually priced at around US$92,000.

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This Tiny Home Is Portugal Features A Cork & Timber Clad Exterior & A Compact Interior

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Portugal’s MadeiGuincho revealed the Terra m3_Tiny House, their third and final model in the Terra Series. The Terra m3 followed after the Terra m1 and the Terra m2. The lovely tiny home features a cork-clad exterior, and a compact interior layout, which the studio is known for. The home serves as a vacation house for two people. Tucked away in the same Alentejo region of Portugal as the Terra m1 and Terra m2 models, the home is based on a double-axle trailer, featuring a length of 5 meters.

Designer: MadeiGuincho

Inspired by the landscape of the massive reservoir and the cork forests of Portugal, the home is quite unique to look at. It is equipped with an outdoor deck which can be used to expand the living space. The interior decor has a wood finish, with the main entrance opening into the kitchen. The kitchen is pretty basic with a sink and cabinetry. It also includes a wood-burning stove. The living room is elevated and can be accessed via a removable ladder. It is placed above storage, and includes seating as well as the same ladder that can be moved and used to enter the small rooftop terrace.

The bedroom is placed above the kitchen, and it can be accessed via a wooden ladder as well. The bedroom is like most rooms found in tiny homes – it features a low ceiling and a double bed. The bathroom is on the ground floor, and it includes a sink, shower, and toilet. The exterior door allows you to enter the terrace outside. There is another door in the kitchen that also connects to the terrace, and it does seem like an unusual and maybe excessive addition. But the three doors are great for ensuring the home always has a nice cool breeze blowing in, especially during the hot temperatures.

The Terra m3 is a beautiful and cozy home in a series of three wonderful homes. The tiny homes serve as splendid little vacation homes in Portugal.

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Paul Archer’s Latest Home Features A Mysterious Black Exterior that leads to a Pure White Interior

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In the heart of Wivenhoe, England, Paul Archer Design, a UK-based design firm, has crafted a unique and visually captivating home for an artist seeking a light-filled interior. The spatial requirements of the client were simple yet profound: a room to work in and a space to entertain. The resulting design reflects a perfect blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and historical context.

Designer: Paul Archer Design

From the outside, this home defies conventional expectations, making “Dont judge a house by its exterior” the new phrase. With its all-black exterior, it may not immediately suggest the vibrant and creative life within. The exterior features a double-gable roof, dark timber cladding, and metal cladding on the roof. This stark façade contrasts sharply with the colorful and airy interior, creating an antithesis that piques curiosity.

The house is ingeniously divided into two volumes that sit comfortably along St John Road, surrounding a courtyard garden. The different ceiling levels within the home create a dynamic spatial experience, with a lower ceiling towards the front that opens up to a double-height vaulted space at the rear. This design choice enhances the perception of space, making the house feel larger than it is.

The site, located in the Lower Wivenhoe Conservation Area, required a design that reflected the rich maritime history and traditional boat-building sheds of the area. Extensive research into local history and building techniques informed the design, which aims to sensitively integrate contemporary elements with the historic fabric of the town.

The site had been neglected for years, with concrete foundations installed by the previous owner for an unrealized project. Paul Archer Design chose to work with these existing foundations, minimizing groundworks, reducing waste, and reusing what was already there. This approach not only preserved the historical integrity of the site but also showcased sustainable building practices.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by wooden shelves for coats and shoes. To the left, the living room features floating wooden shelves for record players and a cozy space for three to four people. Further inside, a staircase on the right separates the kitchen from the entrance foyer. The kitchen itself is a delightful surprise, featuring pink cabinets, white countertops, and floating wood shelves, creating a convenient and stylish space for one person or a couple.

Natural light is a key feature of the home’s design. Skylights and rooflights along the length of the building ensure ample illumination throughout both levels. The open-plan living areas on the ground floor are connected to the outside by large, glazed doors, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The upper levels of the house are defined by the geometry of the roofs, with open spaces overlooking the living areas below. A small lounge area with a dusty pink daybed at the top of the stairs provides a cozy corner to relax. The bedroom, complete with a wood closet and a balcony overlooking the lower level, also features a charming round window.

The design emphasizes convenience, functionality, and minimalism. Wood shelves in the open-plan dining area, pendant lights above the dining table, and strategically placed niches for storage highlight the efficient use of space. The bathroom features shower walls and a vanity area clad in square green tiles with colored grout, adding a touch of color and texture.

Planters throughout the home bring life to the space, creating a game of light and shadow that enhances the sense of warmth and closeness to nature. The ample natural light makes the space feel inviting and lively, perfectly suited to the needs of an artist.

The client’s brief called for a home that was flexible enough to allow for future separation of the two volumes. The design accommodates this with ease, providing a layout that can adapt to changing needs. Additionally, the home is designed to be energy efficient, minimizing heating costs and ensuring sustainability.

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Arch & Type’s Artistic Chocolate Store Ceiling in Buffalo, NY Captivates and Shapes Consumer Behavior

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The architectural studio Arch&Type has recently unveiled Blue Table Chocolates, a new retail chocolate store located in Buffalo, New York. The store features a stunning interior design that is sure to attract consumers and enhance sales. As a designer, I can attest to the importance of a well-designed retail space in drawing customers and increasing engagement with the products.

Designer: Arch&Type

The centerpiece of Blue Table Chocolates is a stunning sculptural ceiling inspired by the image of flowing, untempered chocolate. This ceiling, with its fluid and dynamic design, is composed of custom fluid ceiling tiles that were digitally modeled and crafted using CNC-milled, hand-assembled, and painted pieces. The visually captivating design extends into the chocolate workshop, creating a seamless transition between the retail and production areas. One of the design’s standout features is the part of the ceiling which appears to flow down onto the walls, creating an illusion of dripping chocolate. This effect makes customers feel more connected to the design, enhancing their sensory experience.

The material palette chosen for the store exudes luxury and warmth, much like the chocolates it houses. Gold, white oak, mirrored dishes, and white marble concrete form the foundation of the interior design. These elements are complemented by mirrored displays and magnetic labels, adding a touch of modernity and sophistication. The uniformly textured groove panels add to the sense of height and luxury, harmonizing with the ceiling’s curvy lines. The wooden finishes evoke the rich and comforting sensation of eating chocolate, enveloping customers in an atmosphere of indulgence and elegance.

Despite the store’s relatively compact size of approximately 900 square feet, clever design techniques have been employed to create an illusion of greater depth and space. The mirrored paneling on the back wall reflects the flowing chocolate ceiling, making it appear as though the design extends far beyond its actual limits. This visual trickery not only makes the space feel larger but also leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The interior design of Blue Table Chocolates goes beyond mere aesthetics. By translating the brand’s values and the essence of its products into the physical space, the store offers a more immersive experience for consumers. This approach allows customers to relate to and engage with the products more deeply, fostering greater appreciation and connection. In recent times, the trend of visiting aesthetically pleasing places for the ambiance, rather than just the quality of food, highlights the mindset of contemporary audiences. This store perfectly captures this trend with its captivating design.

The careful curation of chocolate displays, resembling luxury items boxed in glass, further enhances the sense of opulence. Each chocolate vignette showcases mirrored displays and magnetic labels, elevating the presentation of the products to an art form.

The store’s design is a symphony of carefully curated elements. From the vertical groove panels to the frameless lime plaster door with a brass base, and the recessed white oak millwork with LED lighting, every detail has been meticulously planned. The chocolate workshop continues this theme with a marble table slab featuring tenon details, adding both functionality and beauty.

The creation of this store was a collaborative effort that celebrated local resources and craftsmanship. Designers Seth Amman and Adam McCullough worked with a diverse team, including Amman’s father, Mark, and students from the University at Buffalo’s SMART fabrication factory. This multidisciplinary approach not only brought the design to life but also ensured that every element was crafted with precision and care.

Blue Table Chocolates stands as a prime example of how thoughtful design can transform a retail space into an unforgettable experience. By leaning into the emotional and physiological impacts of chocolate, Arch&Type has created a store that celebrates both the art of chocolate-making and the craft of architecture. The result is a space that is distinctly Buffalo, yet universally appealing, offering consumers a unique and delightful experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re drawn in by the sculptural ceiling, the luxurious materials, or the inviting ambiance, one thing is certain: a visit to Blue Table Chocolates is an experience to be savored.

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Clad In Cork, This Tiny Home Features An Impressive Unusual Layout That Maximizes Space

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Dubbed the Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels, this tiny home by Portuguese woodworking specialist MadeiGuincho is a follow-up to the noteworthy Terra m1. This exceptional tiny home follows suit to its predecessor and features a rather unique and unusual interior layout that spans over three stories. The impressive layout maximizes the space available, and features a quaint little rooftop terrace area, which makes for a cozy little spot to lounge about in after a long day working from home or completing some errands.

Designer: MadeiGuincho 

The Terra m2 is the second of the three homes created by MadeiGuincho for Portugal’s Alentejo area. The home is designed for couples and individuals who intend to use it for short vacations. It is founded on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 16.4 ft. The home has a finish of wood and cork, and it is manufactured sustainably and provides good insulation. The interior has been spread over three floors, and as you enter the home, you are welcomed by a compact and simple kitchen with a sink, cabinetry, and appliances that have been kept away.

Stairs offer access to the living area which has been equipped with seating. In the kitchen, other steps lead downstairs to the bedroom which includes a double bed, and some storage. Much like the other MadeiGuincho models, the interior is quite rustic and attractive. The finish showcases the natural beauty of the wood. The home is equipped with generous glazing, which allows natural lighting to stream in through the day.

The level which accommodates the kitchen also accommodates the bathroom. The bathroom includes a toilet and shower, and it is connected to a second door that leads to a deck. The deck expands the living space. The Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels also includes storage-integrated stairs in the living room, which offer access to a skylight and a rooftop terrace area that provides lovely views of the local area.

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Dubai’s 40-Mile Green Spine Will Include One Million Trees

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The architectural firm URB is following the proposals for the Dubai Mangroves and Dubai Reefs projects to convert Dubai’s landscape into a lush green paradise. Called the Green Spine, it will serve as a highway in the region with park areas, farms, trams, and more than a million trees planted. The Green Spine will cover almost 64 km, and it will be focused around the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, one of the most important highways in the area.

Designer: Urb

The Green Spine will be connected to a massive solar panel array which will offer electricity to power an electric tram system. There will be enough power remaining to provide electricity to nearly 130,000 homes. Bioswales will also be integrated to capture and manage rainwater, as well as greywater. The aforementioned million trees will be placed in parks, urban farms that produce veggies and fruits, as well as gardens.

The Green Spine will also be incorporated with outdoor fitness areas, playgrounds, and dedicated sports facilities. Cycling will also be encouraged since footpaths and High Line-style elevated park areas will also be constructed. The space will also include retail areas and food stores.

“By integrating a comprehensive network of green pathways, pedestrian routes, and cycling tracks, the Green Spine enhances urban connectivity, making it feasible for residents to reach essential services and leisure areas quickly and conveniently,” explains Urb. “This initiative not only promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle but also significantly reduces the need for vehicular travel, thus lowering urban traffic and its associated environmental impacts. The Green Spine’s role in this broader urban planning framework showcases its commitment to creating a more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly city.”

The Green Spine is a multi-year project, and it will be constructed as a component of a much larger Dubai 2040 plan to heighten the city’s sustainability, as well as the quality of life. But, for the moment we aren’t aware when it will be completed.

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Revolutionary Cross-Sea Tunnel & Bridge System In China Has Broken 10 World Records

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Last month China opened the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link – a newly built cross-sea tunnel and bridge system in the Guangdong Province, South China. The impressive architectural wonder broke 10 world records, although pretty specific ones! The Pearl River estuary is where the Pearl River joins the South China Sea, and this is one of the most densely populated places in the world. It includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine other cities in Guangdong, and they are all separated by large water bodies, which is quite difficult to get around. And the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has been built to tackle this issue!

The link measures almost 15 miles and is designed to connect the two cities it is named after. Both cities are situated on opposite banks of the Pearl River Estuary. The link isn’t one whole bridge though, it includes an underwater tunnel in the middle, as well as bridges connecting every island to the city. It features eight lanes allowing speeds up to 100 km/h, and it reduces a two-hour drive to only thirty minutes. The link took seven years to construct, and now it finally opened to traffic on June 30.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has set 10 new world records according to the China Global Television Network (CGTN) –

  1. Largest span for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge (1,666 m/5,466 ft)
  2. Highest bridge deck (91 m/299 ft)
  3. Highest navigation clearance for a sea bridge
  4. Largest offshore suspension bridge anchor (344,000 m3 /12 million cubic ft of concrete)
  5. Highest wind resistance test speed for a suspension bridge (83.7 m/273.6 ft per second)
  6. Largest steel bridge deck with hot-mix epoxy asphalt paving (378,800 m2 /4 million sq ft)
  7. Longest two-way, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel (5,035 m/16,519 ft)
  8. Widest underwater steel shell-concrete immersed tube tunnel (up to 55.6 m/182.4 ft)
  9. Largest single-volume cast for a steel-shell immersed tube using self-compacting concrete (29,000 m3 /1 million cubic ft per tube section)
  10. Widest repeatedly foldable M-shaped water stop used in the final joint of an immersed tube tunnel (3 m/9.8 ft)

The tunnel section also has innovative safety features such as novel firefighting and smoke exhaust systems. Fourteen robots patrol the tunnel throughout and monitor the pipes and cables to ensure everything is working well. The team of robots also keeps a lookout for car accidents, and if one does occur, they direct traffic using built-in loudspeakers, while also filming the scene, and transmitting it to a remote control center.

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This Futuristic Building-In-A-Box Can be Set Up In 11 Minutes & Can Accommodate 8 People

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Meet this building-in-a-box called the CMAX System. The building-in-a-box is well-designed and is intended to be a solid-floored and habitable structure. It is 19 feet in length, and 7.4 feet in width, with a height of 7.2 feet. What makes the CMAX System unique is that you can fold it into a manageable 330-lb unit which can be easily moved from one location to another, in a pickup or trailer. You can set the box anywhere, and elevate it from the ground, leveling it using its adjustable legs. The box can be set up within 10 minutes, and you only need two people and no special tools for it.

Designer: CMAX System

The CMAX functions as a rigid central structure that can be mounted with solar panels, air-conditioning, and a water treatment unit. It is also equipped with a lockable door. It is designed to make use of natural ventilation and features multiple retractable surfaces that can be shut for complete privacy. You can also make it airtight to use it as a mobile medical unit or laboratory. The CMAX’s portable fold-up buildings have a lot of uses – they can be utilized as temporary storage, living or working quarters, or even a shelter, and at economical prices.

Initially, the CMAX System was designed as an emergency shelter for humanitarian aid, but since the design is so versatile, and has so many functionalities, it can be used as a solution for multiple American issues, including affordable emergency housing, to tackle the rising wave of homelessness in the country. The CMAX System is perched on 20 height-adjustable feet, so you can make it stable on flat ground, and emergency teams can set it up wherever needed. The system also offers campers or mountaineers a cabin in the mountains when they need one!

The buildings are being sold to customers on pre-order, and at the moment we are unsure when deliveries are expected.

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Innovative And Sustainable Tiny Homes Transforming Flood-Prone Communities In Bangladesh

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Bangladesh, a country where up to 80% of the land is classified as floodplain, faces significant challenges with flooding, impacting its population of around 170 million. In response to this critical issue, Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, in collaboration with engineers AKT II, has created the Khudi Bari—a simple, low-cost, and highly functional tiny house designed to offer a safe and affordable home adaptable to the country’s challenging conditions.

Designer: Marina Tabassum and AKT II

The Khudi Bari, meaning “small house” in Bengali, stands out for its innovative and practical design. Raised above the ground and accessed via a ladder, this tiny house is not built on wheels but is designed to be easily assembled, dismantled, and relocated without the need for specialist tools. This feature is particularly crucial for Bangladeshi residents who need to quickly move to higher ground to escape encroaching floodwaters.

The construction of this house prioritizes sustainability and local resource utilization. The primary building material is bamboo, complemented by prefabricated recycled aluminum nodes that allow for easy assembly. The walls and roof can be sourced locally and crafted from materials such as polycarbonate and metal. This approach not only reduces costs but also supports local economies.

The interior of the Khudi Bari ranges from 64 sq ft (5.95 sq m) to 144 sq ft (13.4 sq m), consisting of a single, versatile room. This space can be adapted to meet the needs of its occupants, with the area beneath the raised house available for additional living space if necessary. Despite its simplicity, the Khudi Bari provides a dignified living environment for those in need.

The Khudi Bari is not just a conceptual design, it has been put into real-world use. Over 100 units have already been deployed throughout Bangladesh, significantly improving the living conditions for vulnerable populations. The project has been carried out in collaboration with relief organizations and community groups, demonstrating a successful model of community-driven, sustainable architecture.

One of the units is currently showcased at the Vitra Campus in Germany, an exhibition space run by the renowned furniture maker Vitra, known for featuring exceptional architectural designs. This international exposure highlights the global relevance and innovative nature of the Khudi Bari project.

While the exact cost of each unit is not specified, initial prototypes were produced for around £300 (approximately US$380). Efforts are ongoing to further reduce this cost, making the Khudi Bari even more accessible to those in need. This initiative is part of a broader trend in architecture aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change, with similar projects like the Floating Bamboo House and Blooming Bamboo House also contributing to sustainable and resilient housing solutions.

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Lisbon’s Iconic Bica Funicular Railway gets a stunning 2997-brick LEGO recreation

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Anyone who’s visited Portugal has undoubtedly encountered the Ascendor da Bica… either in person or through a postcard, a fridge magnet, or perhaps a tourist recommendation. The Ascendor da Bica is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of Lisbon’s identity. Christened “The Bica Funicular,” it scales the steep hills of the Bica district with a unique charm. LEGO builder Peter_Designs’ creation reflects this spirit faithfully. The tram itself is a marvel of LEGO engineering, built at a 20.5-degree angle to mirror the real tram’s ingenious solution to conquer Lisbon’s challenging topography. This intricate build utilizes 2997 pieces (with 773 being dedicated to the cart alone), ensuring not only structural stability but also a remarkably accurate representation of the tram’s distinctive design.

Designer: Peter_Designs

The set extends beyond the meticulously crafted tram, offering a delightful recreation of the surrounding cityscape. With a staggering 2224 pieces dedicated just to the scenery, the build incorporates colorful buildings in a style reminiscent of Lisbon’s architecture. A detailed platform completes the scene, providing the perfect stage to display the tram in all its glory. The total piece count reaches a substantial 2997, promising a rewarding and immersive building experience for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

But the Ascensor da Bica’s appeal transcends its impressive brickwork. This set offers a unique opportunity to add a historical landmark with a touch of whimsy to your LEGO world. Imagine this iconic tram, painstakingly recreated in LEGO form, gracefully navigating the slopes of your existing LEGO City. The set even includes functional tracks, allowing you to integrate the tram seamlessly into your cityscape and transport minifigures (not included) on a scenic journey, just like their real-life counterparts.

Peter_Designs’ motivation behind this creation is evident – a love for Lisbon and a passion for LEGO. Their design choices reflect a deep appreciation for the city’s charm and the Ascensor da Bica’s undeniable appeal. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of wandering Lisbon’s cobbled streets and marveling at the Bica Funicular, or simply dream of visiting this vibrant city someday, this set offers a delightful way to celebrate Portugal’s rich heritage and experience the magic of Lisbon from the comfort of your home.

The Ascensor da Bica LEGO Ideas project is currently in the crucial stage of garnering support from the LEGO community. With enough votes from passionate LEGO enthusiasts like yourself, this little piece of Lisbon could become a reality for LEGO fans worldwide. Imagine gifting this set to a friend who has fond memories of Lisbon, or displaying it proudly in your home – a constant reminder of the beauty and ingenuity that LEGO bricks can bring to life! Head down to the LEGO Ideas website if you want to vote for the LEGO Ascensor da Bica.

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