Tag Archives: Architecture

This 1,388-Foot Tower Is NYC’s First Net-Zero Supertall Skyscraper

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As Midtown Manhattan continues to evolve, 270 Park Avenue rises as a new titan of the New York skyline—a 1,388-foot, 60-story headquarters for JPMorgan Chase designed by Foster + Partners. Not just another addition to the city’s collection of supertalls, 270 Park Avenue redefines what a modern workplace can be, setting new benchmarks for sustainability, urban connectivity, and architectural innovation.

Located on the site of the former Union Carbide Building, the tower’s completion in 2025 marks a significant milestone. The previous SOM-designed structure, once a hallmark of midcentury modernism, was demolished to make way for a building capable of hosting 10,000 JPMorgan Chase employees and meeting the demands of a flexible, future-oriented workforce. What stands in its place is more than just a corporate headquarters; it is a city within a city, conceived to foster collaboration, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

Designer: Foster + Partners

Striking Architecture and Urban Connectivity

At first glance, 270 Park Avenue is instantly recognizable by its dramatic, stepped silhouette and bronze diagrid crown. The architects at Foster + Partners engineered the tower to be visually striking yet structurally daring: the main building mass is elevated nearly 80 feet above street level, supported by colossal fan-shaped columns that give the base a sense of lightness and openness. This not only creates a grand, welcoming entrance but also expands the public realm.

The project delivers 2.5 times more outdoor space at ground level than its predecessor, with a landscaped public plaza, widened sidewalks, and green terraces that encourage community interaction.

Interior Innovation for Human Wellbeing

Inside, the building is designed for adaptability. Large, open floorplates and a split elevator core maximize permeability and flexibility, while extensive use of glass floods the interior with daylight. Gensler, responsible for over 1.7 million square feet of interior space, has created environments focused on human wellbeing, with amenities like gyms, client centers, and communal terraces. Circadian lighting, advanced air filtration, and terrace gardens further support employee health and productivity.

Sustainability as a Defining Principle

Sustainability is a defining feature of 270 Park Avenue. As New York’s largest all-electric tower, it is powered entirely by renewable energy and is designed to achieve net-zero operational emissions. The building targets LEED Platinum and WELL Health-Safety certifications, with 97% of demolition materials from the old structure recycled or upcycled.

Triple-pane glazing, hydro-powered energy systems, and low-emission materials are all part of an integrated strategy to minimize environmental impact. Air ventilation rates are twice the city code, directly responding to research linking air quality to cognitive function, making the tower not just green but genuinely health-centric.

A Blueprint for Future Skyscrapers

The project is a collaboration between Foster + Partners, structural engineers Severud Associates, and Tishman Construction. Its completion signals an ambitious new chapter for both JPMorgan Chase and the city itself. 270 Park Avenue is not only a workplace for thousands; it’s a bold statement about the possibilities of skyscraper architecture in the 21st century, where technology, sustainability, and human experience are inextricably linked. In a city renowned for its architectural icons, 270 Park Avenue stands out—not just for its height, but for its vision of a healthier, more connected, and more sustainable urban future.

The post This 1,388-Foot Tower Is NYC’s First Net-Zero Supertall Skyscraper first appeared on Yanko Design.

5 Best Tiny Homes Of October 2025

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October 2025 has been absolutely incredible for tiny home enthusiasts. We’ve seen designs that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and prove that small spaces can deliver big on style and functionality. These aren’t your typical cookie-cutter tiny houses cramming everything into a loft bedroom. Instead, we’re looking at homes that solve real problems and create genuinely livable spaces.

What strikes me most about this month’s standout designs is how each one tackles a different challenge in tiny living. Whether it’s making homes accessible for everyone, creating space for creative work, or bringing genuine luxury to compact living, these five homes show just how far the movement has come. Each represents a different philosophy about what tiny living can be.

1. Mark VI – VIC

Finally, someone gets it right. The Mark VI – VIC is the first tiny home I’ve seen that truly prioritizes accessibility without treating it as an afterthought. Sonic Steel deserves serious credit for recognizing that climbing into a loft bedroom isn’t realistic for everyone. This single-floor design opens tiny house living to people who have been shut out of the movement entirely.

Walking through this converted shipping container feels surprisingly spacious despite the constraints. The central living room works brilliantly as both a gathering space and a natural room divider between the bedroom and kitchen. What really impressed me is how they’ve managed to fit full-sized appliances without making the kitchen feel cramped. The fridge, oven, induction cooktop, and even a microwave are all here, along with storage that actually makes sense for daily living.

What we like

• Single-floor accessibility opens tiny living to seniors and people with mobility challenges who’ve been excluded from loft-based designs.

• Full kitchen with proper appliances means you can actually cook real meals instead of surviving on microwaved food.

What we dislike

• Container width feels restrictive when you’re trying to move around, especially with two people.

• No vertical storage means you really have to commit to minimalism, whether you want to or not.

2. Nouvelle Danse

Baluchon continues to blow my mind with their attention to detail, and Nouvelle Danse might be their masterpiece yet. This isn’t just a tiny house with a sewing corner tucked in somewhere – it’s a purpose-built creative studio that happens to be a beautiful home. The fact that they’ve managed to integrate a full sewing workspace into a two-bedroom layout without everything feeling cramped is nothing short of architectural wizardry.

The exterior alone makes this home worth talking about. That interplay between natural wood and matte black trim creates visual drama that photographs beautifully but also works in person. Inside, light pours through every window, creating the kind of bright, inspiring atmosphere that creative work demands. The workspace integration feels seamless rather than forced, which is exactly what you want when your home doubles as your studio.

What we like

• Purpose-built creative workspace proves tiny homes can accommodate specialized professional needs without compromise.

• Natural light flooding every corner eliminates that cramped, tiny house feeling.

What we dislike

• Specialized design limits appeal to people who don’t need a dedicated creative workspace.

• Baluchon’s premium craftsmanship comes with a price tag that puts it out of reach for many buyers.

3. The Escapada

The Murphy bed concept isn’t new, but Tiny Tect has executed it flawlessly in the Escapada. This is exactly the kind of flexible thinking tiny homes need more of. Instead of accepting that bedrooms are dead space during the day, they’ve created a room that transforms based on what you actually need. Office in the morning, yoga studio in the afternoon, guest room when friends visit.

At just 20 feet long, every design decision matters, and Tiny Tect has made smart choices throughout. The kitchen doesn’t feel like an afterthought – there’s room for a proper oven, cooktop, and cutouts for full-sized appliances. Those wraparound windows are genius for making the narrow width feel more spacious. The optional loft keeps storage options open without dominating the design like most tiny house lofts do.

What we like

• Murphy bed transforms the bedroom into whatever space you need throughout the day.

• Smart appliance cutouts mean you can have a washing machine and a full-sized fridge without sacrificing functionality.

What we dislike

• Setting up and breaking down the bed daily could get old fast for some people.

• Narrow width creates traffic flow challenges when two people are trying to move around.

4. The Homesteader

Family living in 272 square feet sounds impossible until you step inside the Homesteader. Nordic & Spruce has created something special here – a home that proves families don’t need massive houses to live well together. The Scandinavian design philosophy shines through every detail, creating spaces that feel calm and intentional rather than chaotic and cramped.

What sets this apart is how the design promotes wellbeing alongside functionality. Those clean lines and natural materials create a sense of serenity that’s genuinely beneficial for family mental health. The ANSI and NOAH certifications give peace of mind about structural integrity, which matters when you’re making this kind of lifestyle change with kids involved. This home works for families ready to embrace intentional living.

What we like

• Proves families can thrive in small spaces when design prioritizes flow and functionality over square footage.

• Scandinavian aesthetic creates a calming atmosphere that supports family wellbeing and intentional living.

What we dislike

• $75,000 price point challenges the affordability goals that draw many families to tiny living.

• Successful family living requires major lifestyle changes and significant downsizing of possessions.

5. The Harper

The Harper takes tiny home design into luxury territory without apology. Those curved walls alone set it apart from every other tiny house on the market. Paired with architectural birch plywood and rich oak flooring, this feels like a boutique hotel suite rather than a compromise on space. The 2.5-meter kitchen with Caesarstone countertops proves that tiny doesn’t have to mean cheap materials or finishes.

Every storage solution feels considered and elegant rather than purely functional. The built-in lounge seating hides storage without looking like furniture designed around storage needs. That queen bed with integrated storage and curved sanctuary walls creates a bedroom that rivals luxury hotels. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the space never feels closed in or dark.

What we like

• Premium materials and curved architecture create a genuine luxury experience that rivals high-end conventional homes.

• Thoughtful storage integration maintains elegant aesthetics while maximizing every available space.

What we dislike

• Luxury features and custom curved construction likely price this out of reach for most tiny home buyers.

• Sophisticated materials and unique design elements may require specialized maintenance and repairs.

Where Tiny Living Is Headed

These five homes represent different visions of what tiny living can become. We’re seeing the movement mature beyond basic shelter into sophisticated architecture that often delivers better living experiences than conventional homes. Size constraints aren’t holding designers back – they’re pushing them to create smarter, more thoughtful spaces that actually improve how we live daily.

From accessibility-focused designs to creative workspaces, family-friendly layouts to luxury finishes, October 2025 shows tiny living continuing to evolve while staying true to its core values of sustainability, affordability, and intentional living. The future of tiny homes looks brighter and more diverse than ever.

The post 5 Best Tiny Homes Of October 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

These $300 Bamboo Houses Just Effortlessly Survived A 7.7 Earthquake In Myanmar

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When the ground started shaking on that March morning in 2025, residents across central Myanmar braced for the worst. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that tore through the region left destruction in its wake, toppling buildings and shattering lives. But in Mandalay, something remarkable happened. A cluster of 26 bamboo houses refused to fall, standing defiantly against nature’s fury just 15 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.

These weren’t your typical bamboo huts. They were part of Housing NOW, an ambitious project that began in 2019 when Yangon-based studio Blue Temple set out to tackle Myanmar’s housing crisis. Originally designed for families displaced by conflict, these lightweight structures had become an unexpected testing ground for innovative construction. The earthquake proved what the architects had hoped all along—that bamboo could be transformed into structurally interlocking frames capable of absorbing seismic shocks.

Designer: Blue Temple

Innovation in Construction

Behind this breakthrough stands Raphaël Ascoli, founder of Blue Temple, whose journey into bamboo architecture began in corporate boardrooms in Japan. Leaving that world behind, he moved to Myanmar with a vision of community-centered building that would use local materials in revolutionary ways. When Myanmar’s military coup struck in February 2021, Housing NOW evolved from a housing initiative into something more urgent—a modular bamboo system engineered specifically for emergency and conflict situations.

The magic lies in the details. Ascoli and his team discovered that small-diameter bamboo, abundant and largely overlooked, could be bundled and engineered into something extraordinary. The cost? About the same as a smartphone for an entire house. But this wasn’t just about affordability. Each modular home takes less than a week to assemble, with families working alongside Blue Temple’s technical team in a process that builds both houses and communities.

Building for the Future

The numbers tell their own story. Seventy-nine units now dot conflict-affected regions across Myanmar, while 500 DIY Bamboo Manuals have found their way into communities, empowering people to build their own safe homes. The international community has taken notice, too—MIT Solve recognized the project in their Ecosystems and Housing category, and UNICEF Innovation30 named Ascoli one of their Young Innovators Shaping the Future.

What started as a local solution is becoming something bigger. Blue Temple is planning a 550 square meter bamboo workshop in Bago city that could prefabricate hundreds of houses annually, while the technology itself is crossing borders—engineers are already applying lessons learned in Myanmar to construct larger buildings in Madagascar. That March earthquake wasn’t just a test of structural integrity; it was validation that innovative approaches to ancient materials can provide modern solutions for the world’s most pressing housing challenges.

The post These $300 Bamboo Houses Just Effortlessly Survived A 7.7 Earthquake In Myanmar first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Japanese Architect Just Designed Dubai’s Most Poetic Museum

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Dubai has never been shy about big statements. We’ve seen the tallest building, the largest mall, and artificial islands shaped like palm trees. But something different just emerged on the waters of Dubai Creek, and honestly, it’s making me think about museums in a completely new way.

Japanese architect Tadao Ando has unveiled the design for an art museum in Dubai, which will be housed in a rounded, twisting building overlooking the emirate’s natural saltwater creek. If you’re not familiar with Ando, imagine someone who speaks through concrete and light the way poets speak through words. He received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995, which is basically the Nobel Prize for architects, and his work has this incredible ability to make you feel something before you even understand what you’re looking at.

Designer: Tadao Ando

The Dubai Museum of Art, affectionately called DUMA, does something I find completely captivating. Its distinctive silhouette draws on the sea and pearls and will be raised on a circular platform that extends over Dubai Creek. There’s something romantic about a museum that literally floats above water, especially in a city that was built on pearl diving long before it became synonymous with skyscrapers and luxury.

What strikes me most about Ando’s design is how it refuses to scream for attention. Renders of the five-storey Dubai Museum of Art reveal a curving building finished with white walls, punctuated by triangular windows as they swoop and twist upwards. It’s like watching fabric caught in a gentle wind, frozen mid-movement. The white exterior isn’t trying to compete with Dubai’s glittering towers. Instead, it seems to whisper while everything else shouts.

The interior is where Ando’s signature magic happens. Gallery spaces will be located on the first and second floors, illuminated by a central circular skylight designed to cast light with a pearl-like shimmer. Can you imagine walking through an art gallery where the light itself feels like part of the collection? That shimmer effect, mimicking the pearl that inspired the building’s shell, creates this dreamy atmosphere where contemporary art and natural light dance together.

What I love about this project is how deeply it connects to Dubai’s actual history, not just its futuristic ambitions. The museum’s distinctive, curved shell represents the pearl, a symbol of Dubai’s heritage and its historic relationship with the sea. Before oil, before the towers, Dubai’s wealth came from pearl diving in these very waters. Ando didn’t just design a building. He designed a memory.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Ando for Dubai-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim Group, Dubai Museum of Art, also known as DUMA, is hoped to become a cultural landmark for artists and art enthusiasts. And it’s not just for looking at pretty things. The museum will feature artist talks, panel discussions, educational programs, and even art fairs. There’s also a library and study rooms specifically designed to nurture the next generation of creative minds. Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of the group behind this project, spoke beautifully about choosing Ando for this vision. He expressed pride in working with the renowned architect, noting how Ando’s work captures something intangible through light, silence, and emotional depth. For Dubai, this museum represents a peaceful conversation between the natural world, water, and human creativity.

There’s this gorgeous tension in Ando’s work where massive concrete structures somehow feel delicate and contemplative. At sunset, the building’s surface absorbs the shifting amber tones of the sky, softening its engineered geometry into something quietly atmospheric. I can already picture collectors and art lovers sitting in that third-floor restaurant, watching the creek turn golden, surrounded by walls that change color with the light.

What makes this museum feel important isn’t just its design or its floating platform. It’s what it represents for Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler, emphasized how this cultural addition strengthens the city’s ambition to become a global center for creativity and culture while establishing its significance in the contemporary art world. The city is evolving from a place you visit for shopping and spectacle into somewhere you go for culture and contemplation.

The Dubai Museum of Art proves that the most powerful architecture doesn’t need to be the tallest or the flashiest. Sometimes it just needs to tell a story, capture light beautifully, and create a space where art and humanity can have a meaningful conversation. Ando has done exactly that, and I can’t wait to see this pearl shimmer above the creek.

The post This Japanese Architect Just Designed Dubai’s Most Poetic Museum first appeared on Yanko Design.

Saudi Arabia Is All Set To Construct The World’s Largest Sports Stadium

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Saudi Arabia has been unveiling quite a few impressive constructions and structures recently, and they don’t seem to be slowing down. They recently announced another project – a massive and impressive stadium that is supposed to be the world’s largest once constructed. It is designed to mimic a seed germinating in the desert. Populous unveiled the plans for the stadium called the King Salman Stadium and Masterplan. It will be located in Riyadh, near a big park area that is under construction at the moment.

Designer: Populous

The stadium will include a circular building consisting of segmented sections with green walls and green roof spaces. The roof will also include walking paths. It will be able to seat over 92,00o, making it the largest stadium in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest in the world. It will contain the main seating, a royal box, hospitality skyboxes, and lounges.

It will also hold 2,200 VIP seats and 300 “VVIP” seats. It will be integrated with internal screens, climbing walls, gardens, and an aquatics center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a small athletic stadium. The stadium will also include a running track. The structure is heavily inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural landscapes, and it will resemble seeds emerging from the Earth, thereby showcasing the country’s initiative to encourage sports participation.

“Inspiration for the design is drawn from Saudi Arabia’s mesmerizing natural landscape, with the symbolic concept of each venue within the masterplan representing a seed that germinates, cracks the earth, and emerges as a dynamic yet seemingly natural intervention,” said Populous. “The planting of these ‘seeds’ symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing and growing sports participation across the country, from the grassroots to the elite level.”

The stadium is expected to be completed in late 2029, and it will function as the primary headquarters for the national soccer team. The King Salman Stadium and Masterplan is a part of a whole bunch of stadiums that are currently being constructed in Saudi Arabia – they’re being designed by Populous as well.

The post Saudi Arabia Is All Set To Construct The World’s Largest Sports Stadium first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google Unveil’s Its First Mass Timber Building That Looks After The Environment & Employees

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This week, Google unveiled its first mass timber office building in Sunnyvale, California. It is designed to be a cutting-edge and eco-friendly building that will serve as a productive and conducive workspace for the employees. It was designed, keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the environment and employees. It is a five-story structure that will have 96% less carbon emissions than a traditional steel and concrete building of the same size.

“This building, 1265 Borregas, showcases creating sustainable buildings that empower people to do their best work,” said Michelle Kaufmann, Google’s director of R+D for the Built Environment and the guiding force behind the creation of the new workspace in Sunnyvale’s Moffett Park district.

Designer: Google

As mentioned, it is the first building to be constructed from mass timber, which is a new type of engineered wood. Small pieces of wood are layered and laminated together to build large beams and walls. The office is designed to create an environment of collaboration, support, and focus. It is equipped with neighborhood spaces that will facilitate hybrid connections and interesting collaborations.

It is a representation of Google’s priority to build nature-based or biophilic workplaces. According to research, people work best when surrounded by nature, and with this new workspace, Google is hoping to create a fresh and inspiring work environment. Timber is exposed inside and outside the office, which allows natural light to stream in while offering splendid views of the Northern California landscape. Automatic wooden blinds have been integrated, and they adapt to the sun’s position, minimizing glare.

Mass timber is blessed with regenerative qualities, as it can absorb and store carbon over time. Hence, choosing mass timber was a sustainable and eco-friendly decision made by Google. It also reduces carbon emissions that are emitted from the extraction, production, and transportation of traditional building materials. Additionally, 100% of the structural mass timber lumber used to build 1265 Borregas was sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Around three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants, such as coast live oak, California wild rose, and common milkweed,d were planted at the site and its neighboring sites. This further encourages the creation of an office building and site that is sustainable and efficient. The widespread presence of greenery helps to improve employee wellbeing, ensuring they focus and work better.

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This Little Dwelling For Two Packs A Clever Space-Saving Punch In 248 Sq Ft

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The Urban Park Studio is designed by TruForm Tiny, and it features a modest length of 18 feet. The home isn’t too large, but it does have a genius space-saving layout that can comfortably accommodate one or two people, without too many compromises. It is based on a triple-axle trailer, and it is equipped with two entrances: one made of double glass doors, and another single glass door. Both entrances have been given their awning and direct access to the kitchen. It may not be big enough for socializing, but it is comfy enough for a bachelor or a couple.

Designer: TruForm Tiny

The kitchen in the tiny house is quite small and compact, but functional and well-equipped. It contains a fridge, a convection microwave, a two-burner electric cooktop, a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry. There is a living room adjacent to the kitchen, and it is centered around a big L-shaped sofa bed. The room also includes an electric fireplace, a small table, and some space for a TV. A mini-split air-conditioning unit has been installed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the house.

A mini hallway has been placed behind the living room, and it includes some more storage space. The hallway is linked to the bathroom, which contains a shower, a vanity sink, and a flushing toilet. The tiny home only accommodates one bedroom, which can be accessed through a wooden ladder. This bedroom has a loft-style interior and is like most bedrooms found in tiny homes with a double bed, closet, and small bedside table.

The Urban Park Studio has a bunch of options available – ranging from a choice of exterior materials and flexible interior layout choices. You can exchange the secondary entrance for a large pantry and pull-out table in the kitchen. Currently, the home is priced at US$108,300. However, the price will shoot up if buyers select any of the additional options. The Urban Park Studio is a comfy housing option for couples looking to purchase their first home.

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The Goldstein Estate: A Living Sculpture of Architectural Ingenuity

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Exploring the Sheats-Goldstein Residence feels like stepping into a space where time, design, and personal vision converge seamlessly. Perched in the hills of Los Angeles, this architectural creation embodies the principles of organic architecture while showcasing decades of meticulous transformation under the stewardship of its visionary owner, James Goldstein. Initially designed in 1961 by John Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, the residence has evolved beyond its initial purpose, becoming a continually changing work of art.

Designer: John Lautner

A Home’s Humble Beginnings

Helen and Paul Sheats originally commissioned Lautner to create a family home that would integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Lautner took on this challenge boldly, using expansive glass panels and concrete forms that mirrored the rugged hillside. These choices made the house feel like an extension of the landscape. The original structure, built between 1961 and 1963, featured five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. The home was constructed using poured-in-place concrete, steel, and wood, built directly into the Beverly Crest neighborhood’s sandstone ledge of the hillside. The original living room was completely open to the terrace, protected only by a forced air curtain. The design emphasized open spaces and connections to the natural environment, typical of Lautner’s organic architecture philosophy.

However, by the time James Goldstein bought the property in 1972, it was severely neglected. The living room lacked walls, utilities were in disarray, and the entire structure needed significant repair and revitalization.

Goldstein went beyond simple repairs, working alongside Lautner and later architect Duncan Nicholson to completely transform the property. Together, they took it far beyond its original state, turning it into an architectural icon that reflected Goldstein’s intense attention to detail. The renovations introduced innovative elements for their time—fully automated windows, integrated furnishings, and open spaces that seamlessly connected indoor and outdoor environments. Goldstein’s modifications included removing dated carpeting and exposing the signature coffered concrete ceiling pierced by 750 skylights made from drinking glasses. In the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, “drinking glasses” refer to a unique architectural feature designed by John Lautner. Specifically, 750 drinking glasses were ingeniously cast into the concrete roof structure of the house, creating an extraordinary skylight system.

Architectural Significance

Lautner intentionally used these drinking glasses to create a remarkable lighting effect in the main living space. When sunlight passes through these 750 tiny skylights, it generates a mesmerizing pattern of light rays that dance across the interior, mimicking the effect of sunlight filtering through a jungle canopy.

Design Philosophy This innovative approach reflects Lautner’s architectural philosophy of creating immersive spatial experiences. The drinking glasses transform the ceiling into a dynamic, light-filled canvas, making the interior feel like a living, breathing environment. As one source describes, the skylights create “the illusion of light penetrating a jungle canopy” and produce the impression of “moving lights on the ground,” giving occupants the sensation of walking through a primeval forest.

The drinking glasses are more than just a functional element; they are an artistic expression that blends architecture, light, and natural experience into a single, breathtaking design feature of the Sheats-Goldstein Residence and redesigning key areas like the fireplace and dining room.

The Master Bedroom: A Sanctuary of Precision

Among the many redesigned parts of the home, the master bedroom stands out as a showcase of Lautner’s forward-thinking vision and Goldstein’s desire for something completely unique. Redesigned to fit Goldstein’s preferences, the room features a concrete lounge that appears to grow from the floor itself, positioned perfectly at a glass corner that disappears at the press of a button. This space is a bedroom reimagined—built with exacting precision to meet Goldstein’s vision.

I had the opportunity to briefly chat with James Goldstein, the owner, and asked him what was the most challenging part about the renovation. He shared that the master bedroom was by far the most difficult aspect, taking him over four years to complete. He mentioned that it took longer than if he had just built it from scratch, reflecting the intricacy and dedication in making this space truly unique.

The master bedroom showcases extraordinary design elements that illustrate this dedication. The triangular day bed is designed to align with the room’s shape, its tip precisely matching the tip of the floor slab. The glass walls can slide away smoothly, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. There are also unique touches, such as an embedded hidden scale within the wood floor, inlaid with marble, and an angular glass sink that, when tapped, reveals a wood deck and hot tub beyond a glass partition. The entire suite was redesigned with every element—floors, cabinets, bed, toilets, and sink to closets—to suit Goldstein’s lifestyle.

Beyond the impressive engineering, every detail within the master bedroom reflects an intentional departure from traditional design. The integrated closets have been carefully designed to eliminate clutter, allowing the room to maintain an uninterrupted flow. The sculptural bathroom fixtures feel like an extension of the room’s architectural lines—nothing was installed without consideration for its function and place in the larger composition of the space. Goldstein’s approach made the master bedroom a living sculpture, where every piece contributes to continuity and immersion.

The Pool: A Redefining Feature of Los Angeles Homes

The pool, an unmistakable highlight of the residence, became an architectural feature that pushed the boundaries of residential design at the time. Originally lined with plaster, the pool was transformed into one of the first infinity pools in Los Angeles. Lautner and Goldstein eliminated the traditional railings, instead designing it to give the impression of water merging into the horizon—a visual trick that made it seem like both the pool and the house were suspended above the city.

This design choice wasn’t purely aesthetic. The pool was constructed with thoughtful details that enhanced the experience of the house as a whole. Three underwater windows, installed within the master bedroom, provide a unique perspective into the pool. Initially conceived as a way for Helen Sheats to keep an eye on her children while they played, the feature now offers a whimsical and unexpected viewpoint, adding an element of surprise to the space. Goldstein’s decision to retain and enhance these elements shows his appreciation for Lautner’s original intent while infusing the house with his own personality.

Concrete and Steel: A Dialogue of Materials

The interior furnishings of the Sheats-Goldstein Residence reflect the same dedication to material innovation and permanence that defines its architecture. Much of the furniture was crafted from concrete and stainless steel and installed as fixed features, blurring the lines between structural elements and decor. The living room furniture, for instance, is integrated into the layout, creating a sense of permanence—as though the furnishings are just as essential to the building as its walls.

The dining room contains a custom-built table that exemplifies the home’s material palette. Its thick, beveled glass surface rests upon two angular concrete pedestals, echoing the same angular forms seen throughout the house. The result is a cohesive environment where each piece of furniture serves its intended purpose while contributing to the larger architectural narrative.

The kitchen was also entirely transformed under Goldstein’s guidance. Gone were the original Formica countertops, replaced with wet-sanded concrete that offered both durability and a refined aesthetic. Stainless steel cabinetry adds a sleek and modern touch, reflecting the daylight streaming through an automated skylight that opens above. Left deliberately exposed, a structural beam was finished in glossy stainless steel, becoming less a structural necessity and more an intentional design statement—a demonstration of the beauty in raw functionality.

An Evolving Legacy

James Goldstein’s dedication to the property extended beyond simple restoration or renovation. In 2016, he took an extraordinary step to ensure the residence’s future, gifting the house to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This gift wasn’t limited to the structure alone; it included everything from the home’s extensive art collection to the original architectural models used during its conception. Even a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, often seen parked on the property, was part of this bequest—each piece telling a part of the story of the house’s evolution.

The Sheats-Goldstein Residence is not frozen in time; it continues to grow and change. One of the most recent projects includes the Goldstein Entertainment Complex—an addition that includes a nightclub and entertainment spaces that complement the original design without compromising it. Designed to align with Lautner’s original approach, these new elements add functionality while staying true to the home’s aesthetic vision. The property also includes unique features like a tennis court, a James Turrell Skyspace installation, and plans for a guest house that is currently in development. The grounds, now spanning over 1.5 hectares, are a testament to careful curation—hidden walkways snake through lush vegetation, reflecting ponds create moments of calm, and the Skyspace adds an element of quiet reflection that enhances the overall experience of the property.

A Living Collaboration

The Sheats-Goldstein Residence reflects the collaboration between visionary architects and a homeowner committed to pushing the boundaries of what a living space could represent. Each detail speaks to a profound respect for Lautner’s original vision and Goldstein’s unwavering desire to innovate and improve. This home is a feat of design—a structure that moves beyond the traditional concept of a residence, instead becoming a continually evolving expression of design, creativity, and dedication. It is a true partnership between architecture and lifestyle, continually expanding the idea of what a home can become, inspiring all who step into its space.

The post The Goldstein Estate: A Living Sculpture of Architectural Ingenuity first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Tiny Home Was Stacked On Top Of Another To Create More Floorspace

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Tiny homes aren’t the largest, I mean the name says it all. Often they are made wider to create more space, but Romania-based Cabini decided to stack one tiny home on top of another to create more living space, showing us a novel and interesting way to build more living space in a little house. Called the Cabini Edelweiss, this tiny home comprises a support frame made from square metal pipes.

This frame is insulated with a PIR sandwich panel using Rockwool and then topped with a fiber cement facade and some wooden detailing. The home was constructed at the firm’s headquarters as two distinctive components, and then transported to the stunning property in Rasc, Valea Fericirii, in Romania by road.

Designer: Cabini

The home occupies around 387 sq ft, and it spans over two floors. The interior is cozy and light-filled, owing to large floor-to-ceiling windows. The glazing incorporates blinds for privacy. The furniture and finish are of premium quality, adding a sophisticated touch to the home. An audio system by Bang & Olufsen is integrated into the home. It also includes Schueco aluminum fixtures.

The ground floor holds a large living room with seating and storage space. The kitchen is located nearby and it is equipped with cabinet space, an oven, sink, and an electric hotplate. This section also includes a bathroom finished in Neolith stone, as well as a shower, sink, and toilet. You can access the upper floor via a staircase. This floor includes a bedroom with generous glazing and an ample amount of room to stand upright. A lovely outdoor terrace has also been included.

The model depicted in the pictures costs around US$100,000 including appliances and furniture. However, the price can vary depending on the options the buyer selects. Worldwide delivery is possible, and buyers can opt for an off-the-grid setup with solar panels as well. The Edelweiss is a unique and innovative option in a world where tiny homes have become quite mundane. All of them feature a similar aesthetic and floorspace, this one is quite different.

The post A Tiny Home Was Stacked On Top Of Another To Create More Floorspace first appeared on Yanko Design.

Small School In Sydney Respects Indigenous Culture & Won Best New Building In The World

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Designed by fjcstudio, Australia’s Darlington Public School won this year’s prestigious World Building of the Year Award. This was announced at the World Architecture (WAF) in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The school was appreciated for its sensitive and inclusive approach to early learning and education.

It is the second school to win the World Building of the Year Award in a row, and it is tucked away in an inner-city suburb of Sydney. An old 1970s school on the site was replaced to create the new and improved Darling Public School. The school maintains a strong connection to the local Aboriginal community, and the construction process was a collaborative approach and quite cost-effective.

Designer: fjcstudio

The school adopts the beautiful Indigenous culture by preserving and displaying an amazing collection of Aboriginal artworks around the school. It also includes a community garden with indigenous plants to help students learn indigenous cooking and culture. You can catch a look at the inner courtyard from the main entrance while curving metal screens offer privacy and protection to the outdoor learning and play areas. This creates a pleasant and lovely light. The structure is also equipped with passive elements like sawtooth roof angled to the sun, high-level glazing, and protective curved screens,

“The architect of the winning project explored and extended the formal program of the client, to include the views and experience of the local community and a variety of users,” said Paul Finch, Programme Director of the World Architecture Festival. “This generated a reading of the history of place, culture, and time. “The result of the project is poetic, a building in which topography and landscape, inside and outside, form and materials, flow seamlessly in an unexpectedly delightful way. It is also an inspirational proposition about the acknowledgment and reconciliation of historic difference – a pointer to brighter, better futures for all.”

The building will accommodate a preschool, kindergarten, and primary school. It will be able to accommodate more than 500 students, according to the school’s website. Since the building process included two stages, classes were conducted during construction.

The post Small School In Sydney Respects Indigenous Culture & Won Best New Building In The World first appeared on Yanko Design.