Tag Archives: Architecture

This No AC Tiny Home Uses Nature To Regulate Temperatures & For Optimal Cooling

Posted on by

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.

The post This No AC Tiny Home Uses Nature To Regulate Temperatures & For Optimal Cooling first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Element Tiny Home Is Cozy To Live In & Easy On The Pocket With A US$23,500 Price Tag

Posted on by

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!

Designer: Dragon Tiny Homes

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.

The post The Element Tiny Home Is Cozy To Live In & Easy On The Pocket With A US$23,500 Price Tag first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Star: MAD Architects’ Visionary Proposal for Hollywood’s Future Work Spaces

Posted on by

MAD Architects unveiled a visionary proposal for The Star in September 2021, a dynamic creative hub slated for Hollywood. Although the design was ultimately not chosen for realization, its innovative concepts continue to resonate, offering a glimpse into the future of workplace architecture. MAD Architects’ proposal was characterized by a biomorphic form, lush vertical landscaping, and a commitment to integrating the built environment with nature.

Designer: MAD Architects

Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich architectural heritage, including landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, Capitol Records Building, Hollywood Bowl, and Cinerama Dome, MAD Architects envisioned the “Star” as a shimmering addition to the urban landscape. Despite its towering presence, spanning 500,000 square feet across 22 floors, the building’s design aimed to harmonize with its surroundings, seamlessly blending into the fabric of Sunset Boulevard.

What set the “Star” apart was its focus on addressing the needs of the post-COVID reality. Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and mental well-being in the workplace, MAD Architects prioritized elements like natural light, ample ventilation, and outdoor spaces. The design incorporated tree-filled gardens, terraces, and sky gardens throughout the building, providing employees with opportunities for relaxation, inspiration, and connection with nature.

Collaborating with local design studio SALT Landscape Architects, MAD Architects ensured that the extensive landscape design complemented the building’s architecture, creating a harmonious environment that fostered creativity and productivity. From the ground level to the uppermost floors, every aspect of the “Star” was meticulously crafted to enhance the pedestrian experience and nourish the community’s spirit.

MAD Architects’ proposal for The Star captivated imaginations with its striking resemblance to three funnels stacked within each other, topped by an elegant glass dome. This distinctive architectural form wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was purposeful, accommodating innovative amenities that set the project apart. Among these features was a remarkable funicular track, providing visitors with an exhilarating journey skyward to an enclosed rooftop restaurant, event space, and observation deck. From this vantage point, panoramic views of Los Angeles would have unfolded, offering a unique perspective on the bustling cityscape below.

Central to MAD Architects’ vision was a profound emphasis on public access and engagement. The inclusion of a rooftop garden and observation deck open to all underscored their commitment to fostering a sense of community within the bustling heart of Hollywood. Moreover, the design of the building’s facade, characterized by tessellated glass, served a dual purpose. Not only did it maximize usable outdoor space, but it also maintained transparency for neighboring residents, ensuring that The Star would seamlessly integrate into its urban context without creating barriers or shadows.

Despite The Star remaining an unbuilt vision, its impact continues to reverberate within the architectural community. It serves as a compelling catalyst for conversations about the future of workplace design. MAD Architects’ deliberate prioritization of employee well-being, public interaction, and environmental sustainability resonates profoundly, offering a glimpse into a future where buildings serve not just as functional spaces but as vibrant hubs of creativity and sustainability.

The post The Star: MAD Architects’ Visionary Proposal for Hollywood’s Future Work Spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Amazon Is Selling A Modern Foldable Tiny Home That You Can Build Within 15 Minutes

Posted on by

No matter what you are looking to buy, you’re almost always bound to end up on Amazon. Amazon is lovingly called the Everything Store: Anything, and quite rightly so because you get everything on there, and now even a foldable tiny home! Yes, you can now go house shopping on Amazon. So next time you’re out shopping for pillow covers or a book or two, you can add a tiny home to your shopping cart. Meet Officer Owl’s Modern Foldable Home – a 20-foot by 20-foot kit that helps you build the cozy little tiny house of your micro-living dreams!

Designer: Officer Owl

Click Here to Buy Now

The oversized kit includes a steel frame, amped with a hydraulic ceiling, floor, and four walls. The Foldable Home is quite user-friendly, you don’t need to be a construction wizard to set the little house up. Follow the directions, put in a bit of effort, and you can easily lift the hydraulic ceiling, set up the walls, and lay down the floor in around 15 minutes! Pretty quick, right?

It’s the kind of DIY project you could easily take up in your free time, if you’re looking to build a guest unit in your backyard, or even your own private office. Since the prefab home kit is so easy to set up, you may feel that it’s not designed to last, but that is not true in the least! The home has strategically placed windows to offer plenty of sunlight and air circulation. The frame is flame-retardent, waterproof, and thermally insulated as well. It can also withstand grade-eight earthquakes and grade-ten winds. Officer Owl claims that the home can last 25 years!

The home features a built-in electrical system complete with LED. It is also equipped with a fully plumbed kitchen and bathroom, allowing it to function as almost anything – from an office to even a gym. You don’t need to limit the space to a garage or a tool shed! I mean, you could even use it as your full-time home. Although you may need to consider the price. The tiny home is priced at $13,450, so it isn’t a cheap housing solution. But when you consider having to build a guest unit from scratch, the Modern Foldable house does seem so much more convenient, and worth the price!

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Amazon Is Selling A Modern Foldable Tiny Home That You Can Build Within 15 Minutes first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Simple Boxy Home Conceals Multiple Gardens & A Light-Filled Interior Within

Posted on by

Dubbed The Lang House, which is Chinese for pretty, this lovely home in suburban Melbourne is designed by Australia’s Austin Maynard Architects. When you first look at it, you may find the home quite simple and unassuming. It features a plain boxy exterior which is certainly no eye-grabber, but as you venture deeper into the home, you are welcomed by an ingenious space-saving layout that includes multiple gardens, filling up the space with warm natural light.

Designer: Austin Maynard Architects

The exterior of the home is clad in equitone cement fiber panels, which can be quite hard-wearing and is intended to be resistant to scratching and graffiti. The interior occupies 2,700 square feet and has loads of clever features that maximize the space available, accommodating concealed guest quarters at the entrance. This space includes a Murphy bed and heavy curtains.

The kitchen is located in the center of the home, and it is connected to two separate gardens, which provide loads of natural lighting and ventilation throughout the home. The cabinetry in the kitchen cleverly hides the appliances, as well as a little study area and a pantry. The upstairs section also accommodates a dedicated laundry and outdoor area, along with three bedrooms, and a bathroom with a neat sunken bathtub inside. The home also includes a multipurpose room which occupies the area located between the bedroom. This space functions as a playroom for the owner’s two young children. The home also contains a garage which can be utilized as a party area as well.

“The owners provided a thorough and well-researched brief; specific in their goals, aware of the site limitations, and encouraging creative solutions and architectural flair,” explained Austin Maynard Architects. “They were determined to live in a home without hallways and corridors, to avoid feeling boxed or compartmentalized, and to circumvent poor ventilation and heat retention in summer. They asked for their home to be highly pragmatic and efficient – in energy, cost, and use of space, but also to show uniqueness and creativity. To make something different.”

The Lang House features a roof-based 7-kW solar power system which is connected to a Huawei battery. and an electric car charging hookup. The home is oriented in such a manner that it makes good use of the winter sun, which warms the home in the cold months with the help of underfloor heating.

The post This Simple Boxy Home Conceals Multiple Gardens & A Light-Filled Interior Within first appeared on Yanko Design.

Super Compact Tiny Home Brings Back The True Micro-Living Experience Back To Us

Posted on by

As you may have noticed nowadays tiny homes don’t really tend to be very tiny. They feature generous interiors packed in not-so-compact homes, that somehow manage to fall just a little short of full-sized houses. In a world where the tiny home movement is honestly losing the meaning of its name, Dragon Tiny Homes bring to us a home that is actually tiny, and is accompanied by a corresponding low cost. It is by no means a full-sized apartment, and thankfully isn’t priced like one either, allowing users to truly enjoy a ‘true tiny home’.

Designer: Dragon Tiny Homes

Named the 16’THOW With Loft, the tiny home quite honestly has its measurement stored in its name, however in meters, it is 4.8 meters long. It isn’t the smallest tiny home on wheels we’ve seen, but it is smaller than the typical US models which tend to measure 30 feet usually. Based on a double-axle trailer, the 16’THOW With lift is a towable dwelling amped with a steel frame, cement board siding, and a shiplap interior. It occupies 136 sq ft, and much of the floor space is occupied by the living area. The home isn’t large enough to accommodate a big family quite evidently, but it can house a couple or a single person for a weekend or so.

The interior of the tiny home is light-filled and free-flowing. It includes a combined living and kitchen area, with some comfy seating, cabinetry, quartz countertops, a two-burner induction cooktop, and a stainless steel sink. A sliding door leads you to the bathroom, which houses a shower and a flushing toilet.

The 16’THOW With Loft includes only one bedroom, and it can be accessed via a ladder. The bedroom is a typical loft-based tiny home space, accompanied by a low ceiling and a double bed. The rooms are cozy and well-equipped, although they aren’t luxurious in the least. But they’re great for a cozy getaway with your partner, or if you’re in the mood for some alone time away from the hustle and bustle of your life. The tiny home starts at a price of US$44,950.

The post Super Compact Tiny Home Brings Back The True Micro-Living Experience Back To Us first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Sangja House Perfectly Combines Portability & Comfort To Create The Ultimate Tiny Home

Posted on by

In all honesty, tiny homes don’t seem to be oh-so-tiny lately. They’re getting to be bigger and bigger, as people want to downsize, but without having to cramp themselves up in completely uncomfortable homes. Modern Tiny Living is one of the tiny home builders on the market who manage to create homes that are a good mix of portability and comfort, and one such tiny home by them is Sangja. Measuring 28 feet, Sangja is a cozy home with a master bedroom with sufficient standing space, a well-designed living room, and a bathtub!

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

Based on a triple-axle trailer, the Sangja’s exterior is finished in engineered wood with a smooth cedar accenting. The Sangja also features massive windows and a skylight which maximize daylight within the home, creating a well-lit and free-flowing living space. Although Sangja has a modest length, it is not the smallest tiny home on the market, but it is tinier than the North American towable homes we usually see.

As visitors enter the home, they are welcomed by a living room equipped with a large sofa and some functional integrated storage, as well as a custom maple vertical slat wall. Besides the maple slat wall, the rest of the interior is finished in some soothing plywood. Next to the living room is a kitchen, which features a breakfast bar with stool seating, a fridge/freezer, a propane-powered stove, and an oven, as well as some shelving and butcher block countertops. As you walk further into the home, there is a bathroom opposite the living room. You can access this space via a sliding door, and it includes a washer/dryer, composting toilet, bathtub, and a built-in shower.

The Sangja includes two bedrooms – a master bedroom downstairs, and a second bedroom placed directly above the master bedroom. The master bedroom is placed on the side of the home that is opposite the bathroom. It includes a double bed with built-in storage and has plenty of headroom allowing visitors to stand upright. This space also contains shelving and a bedside cabinet. The second bedroom above the master bedroom can be accessed via a ladder.

The post The Sangja House Perfectly Combines Portability & Comfort To Create The Ultimate Tiny Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Cedar-Clad Beach House Is The Ultimate Summer Home For You

Posted on by

Dubbed the Heatherhill Beach House, this wooden holiday home is topped with a sedum roof designed to “change colors with the seasons”. The home is nestled away in the hills on the Danish coast and is designed by local studio Norm Architects. It occupies 232 square meters, and is intended to be used by its owners as “a getaway from everyday life in Copenhagen”.

Designer: Norm Architects

The beautiful holiday home is tucked away on the hills on the Danish coast and features a covered walkway. The Beach House is made up of two volumes, and it references traditional Danish barns but with an innovative twist. “We started from the traditional barn typology,” said architect Sophie Bak. “This traditional structure we then ‘pulled’ apart and moved around to create a space in-between serving as a nod to the traditional courtyard.”

The interior of the home is equipped with wooden pillars. The stunning beach house has a linear silhouette with the aforementioned covered walkway circled with wooden pillars that lead up to its entrance. This pillared design is also engraved on the inside, which adds a classical touch to the entire home. The home is completely clad in cedar, and it hosts four bedrooms, and two bathrooms, which are designed to harmoniously merge with its coastal surroundings.

“The color and qualities of the cedar wood complement the raw nature in which the house is located,” Bak said. “Moreover, it’s going to take on a silvery color as it patinates – that is not only beautiful but also corresponding to the colors of the nearby ocean,” she added. “Together with the sedum roof, the house will change its colors as the seasons pass, being one with its surroundings.”

The house’s beautiful green sedum roof adds a really natural and green aesthetic to the whole space, and it matches the heather-covered hills. The sedum was added to the home since the owner had a personal affinity for such kinds of designs. “Regarding maintenance, the sedum roof has great advantages,” Bak said. “Being located this close to the salty sea, some materials were ruled out from the beginning. Moreover, the owner grew up in a home with a sedum roof and wanted to recreate this sense of home – in this way, it’s a nod to personal history as well as ancient building traditions – with a twist.”

The post This Cedar-Clad Beach House Is The Ultimate Summer Home For You first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa

Posted on by

Nestled amidst the lush woods of Bali, a symmetrical haven awaits those seeking solace and elegance. At first glance, it’s apparent that this villa is not just another architectural marvel; it’s a seamless blend of Japanese inspiration with a touch of Balinese flair, creating an atmosphere of understated grace and natural harmony. I find a lot of overlap between the two architectural styles.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

The villa’s design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, evident in its distinctive Yosemune roofs. These exaggerated curves immediately capture the eye and evoke the essence of Japanese design principles overlapping with the Balinese. But what truly sets this villa apart is its ingenious incorporation of these elements into the tranquil landscape of Bali.

Wood is the cornerstone of Japanese architecture, chosen for its resilience in the face of earthquakes. Similarly, this villa embraces the warmth and versatility of wood, creating a space that not only withstands the test of time but also invites inhabitants to coexist harmoniously with nature. Every corner of the villa exudes a sense of tranquility, with natural materials seamlessly blending into the surrounding environment.

Perched on the slope of a mountain, the villa offers a journey of discovery from top to bottom. Upon entering from the top, guests are greeted by a central stairway leading to the heart of the villa. Here, an open kitchen and dining area await, seamlessly transitioning to a poolside oasis where one can indulge in a refreshing dip while savoring the beauty of the surroundings.

The bedrooms, situated on either side of the pool, offer a serene retreat with their cantilevered net seating—a Balinese interpretation of traditional balconies. Inside, wood and bamboo interiors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, inviting guests to unwind and rejuvenate.

Throughout the villa, a variety of seating areas are available, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. From day beds to sunken seating areas, there’s a spot for every mood and occasion, ensuring that guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the woods at any time of day.

At the lowest level, an open bath awaits, allowing guests to shower amidst the serenity of the woods—a truly immersive experience that reconnects them with nature. A distinctive element of every property in Bali!

Perhaps most importantly, the villa’s design prioritizes privacy, ensuring that every room and corner offers a sanctuary away from the outside world. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal al fresco, guests can relish in the seclusion and tranquility of their surroundings.

The post The Enchanting Overlap of Japanese and Balinese Architecture in a Woodland Villa first appeared on Yanko Design.

Not-So-Tiny Purple-Themed Tiny Home Is Truly Pushing The Boundaries Of Micro-Living

Posted on by

There’s something about the Purple Heart Manor being called a tiny home, that just doesn’t sit completely right. Maybe because it really isn’t that tiny, to be completely honest?! Designed by Canada’s Acorn Tiny Homes, the Purple Heart Manor is a large towable dwelling that draws inspiration from the owner’s love for medieval literature, as well as the color purple! Amped with loads of comforts and amenities, including some cute cat comforts, the Purple Heart Manor is quite an ideal tiny home.

Designer: Acorn Tiny Homes

Measuring 43 feet, the Purple Heart Manor also has an impressive width of 10.6 feet. The not-so-tiny tiny home’s massive size means it needs a permit to tow it, and also that it has quite a spacious and apartment-style interior. It is founded on a quadruple-axle trailer and has a lovely finish of faux stone and wood siding with a unique roofline. The home also features a cat patio or a “catio” which has its own access door and floor drain at the rear.

As visitors enter the home’s living room, they are welcomed by a spacious space, unlike those you find in a typical tiny home. Acorn Tiny Homes did a fantastic job of customizing and tailoring the home to the owner’s interests and preferences. It includes a custom-made purple sofa bed, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with an interesting library-esque movable ladder on rails, as well as a video gaming station, drop-down dining table, activities area, and a cat rope bridge and sitting area. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, it is equipped with a fridge, dishwasher drawer, and an oven with a propane-powered stove. There is also a pull-out pantry, a massive sink, and custom cabinetry.

The bathroom has a cozy tub and rainfall shower, including a flushing Japanese toilet with a bidet, heated seat, and warm air dryer. There is also storage space, a custom moss wall, and a washer/dryer. A storage-integrated staircase leads to the master bedroom, which has plenty of standing room, a queen-sized storage bed, stained glass bedside scones, and a feature wall with medieval-themed wallpaper. The same ladder on rails used for the bookshelves leads to a secondary loft bedroom, which includes a double bed and more storage space.

The post Not-So-Tiny Purple-Themed Tiny Home Is Truly Pushing The Boundaries Of Micro-Living first appeared on Yanko Design.