Downtown Oklahoma City is in the midst of a rebirth and it bears little resemblance to the barren dry landscape that was the backdrop of Steinbeck’s great novel. In the setting of a bustling and revitalized Downtown, The OKasian House was the debut effort of a new architecture firm. Nestled in the heart of the city, it reinterprets the idea of home and downtown living, and serves as home, architectural office, and design workshop. The site, once home to 3 buildings demolished in the 80’s satisfied the owners’ enthusiasm for downtown living and the architect’s belief in urban in-fill.
Atherton Residence by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects Located on the peninsula south of San Francisco, this house sits on an internal suburban flag lot. The previous 1950’s house, which was removed due to structural problems, featured mature landscaping and a manmade pond that the clients wanted to preserve. They wanted their new house to be a private retreat that maximizes the drama of the pond and takes advantage of the privacy of the site. As advocates of year round outdoor dining and entertaining, the clients wanted a house that would open up to the landscape and have as many outdoor rooms as possible. The design solution breaks the program into four buildings – main house, study, pool house and garage – that ring the edge of the site and focus inwards on the pond, garden and pool. The main house features a butterfly roof that turns up to the south with a dramatic overhang. Large sliding glass doors open directly out to the pond and terrace. The roofs conceal photovoltaic and solar hot water panels. The house is heated with a radiant system in the stone floors, and despite the hot climate it is not air conditioned, but passively cooled with a combination of overhangs, shades, and operable windows. The house also features many green building materials, including high fly-ash concrete, formaldehyde-free casework and denim insulation. The new house creates a special place for the clients, making a main residence feel like a vacation retreat. Location: Atherton, California Year completed: 2008
Modern California Home in Santa Monica inspired by trees … The LA Times recently featured the fabulous home in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, California, aptly dubbed King House. This palatial home – truly fit for a king – was designed by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects with an eye for detail and a modern twist. Inspired by light permeating leafy trees, the home’s unique exterior of green and white is a fitting introduction to this fresh, modern design. The house itself is positioned at the back of the lot, providing plenty of greenspace while highlighting the home’s interesting L-shaped configuration. Expansive windows and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors flood this large space with the warm daylight, while a front outdoor patio invites al fresco living. Inside, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom home boasts lots of cool surprises – a great kitchen with a skylight; a comfortable yet professional home office; a temperature-controlled wine cellar tucked under the stairwell; a luxurious spa-inspired master bathroom; and of course, the outdoor living spaces with priceless views. John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects
via Los Angeles Times (via Modern California Home in Santa Monica inspired by trees … | Modern House Designs)
Cottage Home Design - low cost cottage in Argentina This gorgeous cottage home design located in the resort setting of Mar Azul, on the shore of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was developed for low maintenance, low cost and low environmental impact with an eco friendly cottage appeal. Designed by Argentina’s BAK Architects, this cottage home is surrounded by forest, offering a private, peaceful setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The concrete and glass house offers a great view of the outdoors, with an understated look that suits its natural surroundings. The glass wall house boasts a walkout to a wood patio and thus, a deep connection to the environment. Inside, two main living areas are designed for public and private life. The public spaces are housed in the glass-enclosed main floor, including a kitchen, dining and living room, which open to the terrace. The private living areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms are in a more closed-off style. Regardless of public or private, all interiors are finished with pine in this rustic cabin home. BAK Architects via Digs Digs (via Cottage Home Design - low cost cottage in Argentina | Modern House Designs
)
