Spring is currently in full swing, and it is the perfect time to spend your days in the outdoors, taking in some fresh air, and letting the lovely spring sun soak through our skin. There couldn’t be a better time to be in your backyard! I mean, you can do a lot in your backyard! We shouldn’t underestimate our backyards, as they can be major spaces of fun, recreation, and relaxation. And a wonderful addition to your backyard could be the Cosmo Pavilion by studio AMDL Circle for the fellow Italian company Ethimo.
Studio AMDL Circile gave the classic garden pergola a contemporary and beautiful twist in the form of the Cosmo pavilion. This stunning and quaint pavilion is created to frame outdoor furniture settings while also providing protection from the elements. It brings a sense of comfort and coziness to the rough outdoors – although for rough can your backyard be? The structure is intended for the evenings, when the integrated LEDS shine upwards, away from the pavilion, scattering light across the fabric canopy, and in turn forming a warm and cozy ambiance.
The pavilion is created by joining FSC-certified teak columns, which is a typical material of choice for furniture, since it artfully weathers over time, with an aluminum upper structure, which beautifully spreads outwards to create a lovely sculptural roof. Ethimo describes the product as “a new dimension for outdoor living in harmony with nature” and makes it available in a number of sizes and configurations. “Cosmo meets a desire to create a private space, an ‘indoors out of doors’ that can be used in any season and at any time of day,” said Ethimo.
The Cosmo Pavilion makes for a wonderful addition to your mundane yard, it adds an almost fairytale-ish atmosphere to the space while functioning as a comfy and serene space to spend your evenings in. Quite obviously, it is quite a large structure, and can only be accommodated in yards with plenty of space, it isn’t a great fit, or rather will not be able to fit in small backyards.
I don’t mean to be controversial, but having a roof over your head shouldn’t cost you your life savings multiple times over. A new report shows that million-dollar homes have now become the norm, with cities being the most affected by rising house rates. It’s a political issue, but the consequences ripple across all fields, especially the design field. We’ve seen a rise in micro-living and tiny homes over the past couple of years, as young people embrace the idea of less-is-more and accept living in cosier spaces as opposed to larger homes.
Prefab houses have easily become the hottest architectural trend over the last decade, and here’s what we love about them – they’re compact, easy to construct (almost like putting a massive puzzle together), often come with a fixed layout so you can choose exactly the kind of house you want up-front, and here’s the kicker, you can even buy them on Amazon! This 2-storey prefab home can be bought online and will deliver right to your address. It comes with a multipurpose lobby, a living room, a quaint bedroom on the first floor with ample natural lighting, an attached balcony, and a tiny parking space underneath. From the looks of it, there’s no bathroom integrated into the layout, but that’s where you have the freedom to play with spaces and add a small loo of your own wherever you please. The entire home costs about as much as 3-4 months of average New York rent, which is practically a fraction of what a brick-and-mortar home would cost in today’s market. There are, however, some minor caveats.
It’s easy to add a house to your cart on Amazon, but what you get is still just a glorified IKEA version of a house. Prefab homes need a LOT of work, they need land which you’ll probably have to own or lease out (although it’s a lot cheaper than an entire house), they need to be constructed (although prefab homes are much easier to put together over a period of a few hours or days), they need to have utilities like electricity and water (and Wi-fi), and they need to be furnished. The good part, however, is that all of this can sometimes still be cheaper than actually owning a house that’s roughly the same square footage.
Unlike most matchbox apartments you’d get in urban spaces for this price, the Anovoal 40Ft. Modern Home is quite quaint. The two-story house gives you 2-and-a-half rooms that you can divide and segregate as you please, with an airy balcony for plants, a small jacuzzi tub, or anything that grabs your fancy. Large windows and skylights mean you get loads of sunlight during the day, practically negating the need for any lights before sunset. Place the house anywhere and you can pretty much treat yourself to any sort of view – whether you want your bedroom facing the sunrise or sunset is entirely up to you. The house uses strong and sturdy construction materials to come together, with a reinforced steel frame, panel walls and floors, and secure doors and windows. Setting the house up is less energy-intensive, making it much more viable than actual concrete construction, and the best part, the house is designed to be disassembled too, so you could shift locations after a year or two.
The best part about the Anovoal prefab home is that it can be treated as a module, allowing you to join multiple homes together to create an even larger one. The homes can stack up in any direction, giving you the layout you choose while also allowing you to have multiple bedrooms, a bigger living room, a workspace, and probably an open kitchen too.
Currently, the Anovoal tiny home is one of many on the e-retail platform with a price of just under 12 grand for one 2-story unit. Each unit comes with a 1-year warranty, along with online after-sales services just in case you need help with the house. The house can be styled/upgraded/moduled in a variety of ways, giving you the freedom that you probably wouldn’t get with other apartment homes. You can turn your tiny home into a smart one using IoT devices, probably transform one of those cabins into a garage or shed, and heck, even add an elevator if you want.
Dubbed the Floating Glass Museum, this mesmerizing and jaw-dropping structure by Luca Curci architects in collaboration with Giulia Tassi Design is something to give a nod to. Designers and architects from around the world, as well as AI were also used to design the fantastic building. It is proposed as a unique and innovative symbol of environment awareness and sustainability, “where the history of glass meets the contemporary experimentation”. While designing the structure, the international design team drew inspiration from the fine art of glass-blowing that has been practiced by Venetians for around 1500 years. They harnessed the amazing power of AI to build the floating exhibition, which looks fragile and yet extremely powerful at the same go.
The setting of the museum is truly beautiful. As you look at it, you will be transported to another world, where the water on which it sits is reimagined as a canvas for artistic expression, while also sending an important message out to the world – the issue of climate change. “Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent,” reads the press release. “It is disrupting national economies, communities, and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme and greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history.”
The AI-generated images and visuals showcase beautiful pastel-colored pieces of various sizes, ranging from hues of yellows, and oranges to pinks, offering viewers with an imagery that is bright, powerful, and almost frenetic. These loud pieces manage to create a space that is tranquil and almost meditative, while other pieces feature bright red and orange glass trees, and rather real-looking pink ones which establish a strong connection to the environment and nature. Other pieces seem to resemble massive chemistry sets!
The Floating Glass Museum is designed to represent a global environmental initiative, and it is created to be a space “where art, nature, and tradition converge: the balanced fusion of contemporary art and sustainable design that will invite contemplation, reflection and discovery” in the context of “cutting-edge design and a dedication to sustainability.”
Called the Elevate tiny home, this unique tiny home by Canada’s Acorn Tiny Homes features a nifty interior layout with an elevating bed, in turn building a flexible room that functions as a bedroom, as well as a light-filled study area. It is always difficult to fit functional and comfy interiors into tiny homes, but Acorn Tiny Homes has truly done an exceptional job with the Elevate. The Elevate measures 24 feet in length and is founded on a double-axle.
The Elevate is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, and the home’s cozy interior is marked with IKEA cabinetry and closet, which were picked over custom units in an attempt to keep prices down. Most of the Elevate’s floor space is occupied by an open and light-filled study space and includes a desk and chair. But when it is time to sleep, the owner simply needs to push a button, and a comfy double bed is lowered down from a stowed position near the ceiling. This allows the space to transform into a bedroom. This system is operated using a pulley that elevates and lowers the bed on all four corners with the help of rails and an electric winch motor, which is mounted on the exterior of the home. Some curtains have also been attached to the pulley system, which offers privacy as the bed moves.
The remaining portion of the tiny home is arranged on the same floor. The kitchen is located next to the study area/bedroom, and it includes a fridge/freezer, microwave, sink, cabinetry, and an electric stovetop. It also contains a large mirrored storage unit. You can access the bathroom via a sliding door, and it is quite spacious for a tiny home. It occupies about 30% of the available floor space. The bathroom houses a shower topped by a skylight, as well as a sink and a toilet.
Elevate was designed when the resident was planning to attend law school abroad but had to cancel because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Instead, he decided to study alone and required a private space at home to study, and this is when the Elevate tiny home came into existence.
Have you seen buildings that sometimes resemble plants, flowers, or animals? Wonder what that’s called? Biomimetic Architecture is a fascinating concept that takes inspiration from nature to design buildings. It’s about bringing the efficiency, resilience, and beauty of nature into our built environment. The Starfish Coffeeshop & Bar, a stunning architectural marvel, epitomizes this ethos with its seamless integration of organic forms and sustainable materials.
At first glance, the structure resembles a starry creature from beneath the waves. This organic aesthetic is no accident; it’s a deliberate tribute to the starfish, with its graceful arms extending outward. This innovative design approach not only captivates the eye but also serves a functional purpose, creating a space that feels naturally harmonious and inviting.
The central disk, reminiscent of a starfish’s body, serves as the nucleus of the coffee shop & bar. Supported by five columns beneath each arm, the structure exudes stability and balance. Here, customers can gather around a 360-degree bar, enjoying cocktails amidst a tropical ambiance. The surrounding seating areas, arranged in a radial fashion, invite visitors to linger and savor the experience, similar to relaxing in a beachside shack with open views on all sides.
One of the most striking features of this coffee shop & bar is its emphasis on natural light and ventilation. Glass panels, resembling the ampullae of a starfish, beautify the ceiling, allowing sunlight to filter through during the day. This not only illuminates the space but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, enhancing energy efficiency.
Moreover, the use of speculative locally sourced materials such as bamboo and wood underscores the project’s commitment to vernacular architecture. By leveraging indigenous resources, the structure seamlessly blends with its surroundings while minimizing its environmental footprint. This emphasis on sustainability extends beyond mere aesthetics, embodying a holistic approach to responsible design.
Perhaps the crowning touch of the Starfish coffee shop & bar is the lifelike sculpture suspended above the bar. Resembling a starfish or octopus, this installation adds a whimsical touch to the space, infusing it with a sense of wonder and playfulness. For customers seated beneath, it creates a sense of being immersed in an underwater world, further enhancing the overall experience.
With its open-air design and ample seating, the coffee shop & bar provides the perfect setting for leisurely conversations and shared moments. Families can gather around the central bar, enjoying refreshing beverages while soaking in the tropical atmosphere. Children can delight in the whimsical surroundings, imagining themselves exploring an underwater kingdom teeming with life.
For those seeking respite from the heat, the coffee shop & bar offers a cool oasis, where icy beverages and frosty beers provide welcome relief. Whether you’re sipping on a craft cocktail or savoring a cold brew, every sip is accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing sounds of nature.
As the sun sets and the temperature cools, the ambiance shifts, casting a soft glow over the surroundings. Couples can enjoy a romantic evening under the stars, sharing sweet moments amidst the enchanting backdrop of the starfish-inspired architecture.
Named Cargo, and designed by the Portuguese studio Madeiguincho, this tiny home was initially an old shipping container but is now an attractive house. The humble metal box was customized and modified to feature a rooftop terrace and a space-saving interior that slowly opens up to the outside. It is based on a standard shipping container and measures 6 x 2.5 meters. The home is finished in wood, and the rooftop terrace features a big overhang. Insulation and operable windows also mark the home, which helps maintain a cool temperature throughout the house.
The rooftop terrace can be accessed via a ladder and one of the exterior walls of the container is uncovered, so that the home can be opened up when the weather allows. The tiny home is also adorned with a deck and massive double glass doors, which were protected by wooden slats. The interior has wooden decor, which is similar to Madeiguincho’s previous works. The studio isn’t too fussy or formal with the layout, since the available space is quite limited. The home features a large room in the center with a raised bed, with some storage space underneath. There is also a L-shaped seating area, with a porthole-style window.
The Cargo also features a simple and compact kitchen with a sink, storage, and basic cooking facilities like an oven and a stove. The home also includes a small bathroom which includes a toilet and shower. The Cargo tiny home is nestled in Portugal’s stunning Algarve region and is intended to be a short-term rental, which does seem to be a better option than a full-time home.
Cargo’s wooden and minimalist appeal lends it a calming and subtle personality. It is a wonderful specimen of how shipping containers can be converted into modern and well-designed homes with comfortable amenities, and all the essentials you could need for a simple and cozy life.
Meet the adorable Chicorée tiny home by Baluchon! It is another spectacular and cozy home by the French firm. It measures only 20 feet in length, and it features a flexible interior layout, which also includes sleeping space for around five people, as well as two separate work areas. The lovely Chicorée is founded on a double-axle trailer, and it has a cedar finish accentuated by an aluminum roof. The home includes a spruce frame, and a mixture of linen, cotton, and hemp insulation, while the interior has a subtle spruce finish.
Designer: Baluchon
The power of the tiny home comes from standard RV-style hookup. As visitors enter the living room, they are welcomed by an airy and light-filled space, which is created due to the generous glazing. The majority of this room is occupied by a large sofa bed which can be used as a comfy sleeping area for guests. This room also includes an electric radiator nearby as well as some shelving.
The kitchen is adjacent to this main room. The kitchen doesn’t include a fridge or a proper oven, since the owners didn’t want them, which does seem a bit inconvenient, but this creates loads of free space which is taken up by a large table/desk area. This table area has a view of the kitchen windows and can be used for eating meals and working from home.
The kitchen also includes multiple storage nooks, as well as some cabinetry, a sink, and a three-burner propane-powered stove. The kitchen is also connected to the bathroom which includes a shower, toilet, and additional storage. The upstairs area of the Chicorée can be accessed via an open staircase which is made from oak and steel, instead of the usual ubiquitous storage-interested staircase we see in typical tiny homes these days. The entire upper storey features a low ceiling and has a main sleeping area which hosts a double bed, as well as a smaller sleeping space and play area for a child. The upper storey also accommodates a second home working area which includes a small oak desk that is placed over the living area. This little feature enables the users to sit with their legs dangling down, which seems like a comfier position than crossing your legs for hours on end.
Sensory design in architecture considers all human experiences within a building, including sounds, textures, aromas, and flavors. Architects create environments fostering emotional connection, cognitive engagement, and well-being. Core principles prioritize immersive experiences, human comfort, emotional resonance, and cultural relevance of sensory stimuli. Here’s how architecture integrates the built and unbuilt environment to engage the senses.
Visual components are pivotal in architectural planning. Incorporating light, color, shape, and texture can evoke distinct feelings and enrich spatial awareness. Architects manipulate visual elements like light, shadow, and contrasting hues to navigate occupants through environments and establish focal points. Our perception of space, light, color, and texture relies on our visual senses.
The Gardens by the Bay Sound and Light Show is a mesmerizing multimedia event at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. The Supertrees, iconic vertical gardens, dazzle with synchronized lights and music, creating an immersive experience. These Supertrees also feature integrated solar panels, enhancing their futuristic design as they illuminate the night sky during the show.
Check out the aerial view of the rockery backyard garden that immerses you in a tactile experience, where lush greens contrast against a backdrop of textured rocky terrain.
2. Sound
Sound greatly influences our perception of space. Architects carefully consider acoustics to create environments suitable for different activities. Whether it’s using sound-absorbing materials in libraries or incorporating natural sounds outdoors, the goal is to enhance the auditory experience and establish harmony. Elements like water features, wind chimes, or musical instruments contribute to a soundscape that enriches the atmosphere.
Experience the mesmerizing Magic of Light through a VFX Projection Mapping Show on a building!
The presence of sound in a water fountain not only creates delight but also adds a sensory dimension, while visually enhancing the relaxing vibe it offers.
In high winds, the wind chime’s music harmonizes with the natural sounds of the wind, resulting in a captivating sensory experience. Whether placed in gardens or at entrances, these chimes emit sweet, melodic notes that enhance the ambiance.
3. Touch
The tactile aspect of architecture involves the physical interaction between people and their surroundings. Architects select materials based on their texture, temperature, and tactile qualities to create immersive environments. Whether it’s marble’s sleekness or wood’s warmth, each surface contributes to the overall tactile experience. Architectural design can also engage the sense of touch through textures, inviting individuals to interact with surfaces. Material selection can influence the temperature and atmosphere, offering comfort or stimulation. Well-designed elements like gloss finish tiles or travertine stone finish on walls pleasant tactile experiences, enhancing the overall impression of a space.
Indus is a tile-based, modular bioreactor wall system designed by architect Shneel Malik to address water pollution in India’s artisan and textile industry. Inspired by leaf architecture, the system utilizes algae in a symbiotic relationship to extract pollutants from wastewater through bioremediation. Locally fabricated using traditional methods and materials, Indus empowers rural artisan communities to regenerate water for reuse in their manufacturing processes. Compact and naturalistic, it offers a sustainable solution to water pollution, recognized internationally for its innovative design.
The rough, coarse walls evoke a sense of ruggedness and solidity, offering both tactile and visual stimulation. The variety of colors, patterns, and textures in the stones creates an intriguing environment, enriched further by the play of light and shadow on the uneven surface.
The Jacqueline tap by Gessi is a sensory masterpiece for your bathroom. Crafted from bamboo as part of the Gessi Spa Collection, it offers a blend of sustainability and elegance. Meticulously shaped using hot bending techniques, the bamboo roots provide a tactile and visually appealing experience. This tap not only adds style but also engages the senses with its attention to detail and eco-friendly design.
4. Smell
Smell, often underestimated in architecture, greatly influences a space’s atmosphere. Natural materials and greenery can bring in subtle scents, linking to nature and providing refreshment. Strategically placed essential oils or aromatic plants can establish a calming or invigorating environment. Architects can incorporate natural ventilation, fragrant plants, and scented materials to enhance the design’s sensory aspects. Whether it’s the aroma of baked goods in a bakery, the scent of wet earth after rain, or the woody fragrance of a forest, smells enrich the ambiance.
Elevate your indoor environment effortlessly with the compact Forest Scent Diffuser, infusing your space with the invigorating scent of the forest or the soothing aroma of the sea all day long. Inspired by the simplicity of a mailbox, this eco-friendly device utilizes tea bags or coffee scraps to emit your desired fragrance, promoting relaxation and focus wherever you place it in your home. Crafted from fabric and metal, its sleek design resembles a wireless speaker, discreetly enhancing your surroundings with the essence of nature while reducing stress and fatigue.
5. Taste
While taste isn’t commonly linked to architectural design, it can indirectly influence experiences, especially in restaurants and cafes. These spaces demonstrate how design can enhance culinary experiences by complementing the food with layout and aesthetics. Material choices also impact taste perception; for example, natural materials promote a more mindful connection with food. Architects in hospitality settings consider factors like dining area layout and food presentation to create a multisensory dining experience, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee further enhances the ambiance.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enhances the dining experience in cafes and restaurants, adding to the sensory delight of enjoying the space within the establishment.
6. Perception
Perception is pivotal, involving manipulation of space, height, color psychology, and light to shape interaction with surroundings. Architects use techniques like mirrors, patterns, and colors for optical illusions of space and depth. Strategic window placement and perforated screens regulate natural light, resulting in dynamic interplays of shadow, pattern, and light.
Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport offers a unique sensory experience, with its expansive skylight flooding the interior with natural light and creating a tranquil atmosphere. The centerpiece is the mesmerizing indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, which cascades down several stories amidst lush greenery, evoking wonder and awe. The scent of foliage fills the air, enhancing the immersive experience, while a silent train glides through the indoor forest, providing a unique perspective for travelers within this bustling terminal. Jewel Changi Airport is not just a transportation hub; it’s a destination where visitors can escape into a world of light, water, and nature.
Square cutouts allow natural light to enter, casting shadows on the floor. The patterns shift with the sun’s orientation, creating a spacious and dynamic atmosphere within the all-white space.
Geometric patterns and shadows form an abstract design.
In architecture, sensory design seamlessly integrates all senses, engaging occupants holistically and nurturing their well-being while fostering a profound connection to the environment. By integrating sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, architects create spaces that deeply resonate with occupants, fostering connection and enriching the overall human experience.
Designed by Columbian architectural firm PAE, this beautiful open-air tiny house is called the Casa Caoba, and it is tucked away into the lush hillside of Anapoima, Columbia. The home is located in a pre-existing mango grove, and it beautifully merges with and accepts the lush natural setting. Featuring a minimalist design ethos, and perched 900 meters above sea level, the home is supported by a stone foundation that artfully follows the form of the steep terrain of the property.
Designer: PAE
The Casa Caoba includes five parallel walls that seem to extend outwards, creating four living spaces within the home. The home has a wonderful open-air element, wherein the open walls allow passive airflow throughout the entirety of the home. To implement this open-air concept, the floorplan of the home minimizes the layout of longitudinal walls and also integrates openings in the transversal walls.
Since the home seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape, the Casa Caoba functions as a space that is truly one with nature and the environment. The open-air design also forms microclimates, wherein cold air from the mountainous side of the home is channeled into the house, offering natural cooling. The walls function as a thermal mass, regulating the temperature inside the home, which is integral since Colombia is known for having high temperatures all through the year.
The home is made using locally sourced stone, bamboo, and timber which are available in the region. The casa also features lovely bamboo ceiling slats and local craftsmen handled the pine wood and carpentry of the teak furniture. The design style and theme of the home are cohesive, with stone and concrete materials creating a contrasting impact, while the wood maintains a cozy feeling. The Casa Caoba is equipped with an open-air minimalist kitchen and dining area which also serves as the home’s entrance. The dining zones connect to the relaxation terrace, which also includes a plunge pool and outdoor lounge. This central space is a great spot to relax and unwind in nature. The home also features a master bedroom, which has a raised bed, providing a hidden storage space underneath. The bedroom is connected to an open-air bathroom.
Dragon Tiny Homes are known for their tiny homes that truly embody the micro-living movement. They bring back the small movement’s humble and modest roots with their tiny home called the Element. The Element features a compact frame and a simple yet well-equipped interior. The home is currently up for sale for an economical price tag of US$23,500. Let’s deep dive into the nitty gritties of the home!
The Element tiny home is quite similar to Dragon’s 16’TWOH With Loft but with a smaller price tag. The tiny home is founded on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 16 feet. In comparison to popular European tiny homes, like the ones from Baluchon, this one is truly quite compact. It is finished in smart siding-engineered wood and weighs around 7000 lb. Since the price point is quite comfy, it is a given that the home isn’t extremely spacious, and you won’t be hosting a lot of parties. And it does lack some of the pristine features you may find in larger tiny homes. The interior is compact and cozy, and clad in rough plywood.
The home is unfurnished, but it does contain a basic kitchen unit with a sink and cabinetry. The main room can also double up as the living area, and besides this space, the only other room downstairs is the bathroom. The bathroom is quite snug and compact too, and it features a toilet and a shower.
The Element features one loft bedroom which can be accessed via a ladder. The bedroom is like most bedrooms found in typical tiny homes, it is loft-style with a low ceiling and has sufficient space for a double bed. Although currently the Element is priced at US$23,500, it can be upgraded with better features and finishes at an additional cost. So if you’re in the mood to splurge a bit, you can elevate the basic Element and get something more to your taste and liking.
