The Stepping Park House by VTN Architects

I remember back in my early days of blogging when I would obsess over all things architecture. In fact, architecture might've been my first love. My tumblr is a testament to that. October 4th was World Architecture Day and though belated, we're still going to acknowledge it with this beauty called the Stepping Park House by VTN Architects that I spotted on Archdaily. As an avid nature and plant lover, I love how the architects seamlessly integrated the outdoors. I am drooling over all the plants inside! 

Stepping Park House

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

GFA: 475m2

Photography: Hiroyuki Oki

 

According to the architects- STEPPING PARK HOUSE was designed for a typical Vietnamese family with three generations. Each private function is packed into a concrete box that is seemingly stacked randomly. The horizontal concrete slabs, between boxes, are the terraces where trees grow. These semi-outdoor spaces serve as living and dining rooms where people gather.

The architects also said;  The void that is opened diagonally upwards brings natural ventilation through the house, as a result of the chimney effect. In that way the use of air conditioners is minimized. Walking through the space, one will feel the wind moving from the living room to the top floor of the house. Green façade eases the intense sunshine of the tropical climate. The model becomes a precedent for housing in tropical climates.

 Photography: Hiroyuki Oki

 

Staircases and Martin Luther King Day.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today we observe Martin Luther King's birthday and that is one of my favorite quotes of his as my own life experiences are a testimony to its truth. I also couldn't resist showcasing some amazing staircases as an ode to that quote... Above is the well known 'La Muralla Roja' built by the amazing Ricardo Bofill. 

La Muralla Roja

La Muralla Roja

Have a lovely day everyone. xx

images not noted from pinterest

Moment Factory in Montreal.

Industrial architecture, open space, lots of plants, really cute doggie equals a space I'd totally work in.  Designed by MU Architecture, the challenge was to develop a large “work and live” area for 250 people on two floors totaling approximately 45 000 sq. ft.  I think they definitely achieved that goal! A huge 40 by 60 feet studio on two floors is set in the center of the project, radiating as the heart of Moment Factory.

How cool, right? I wonder if they have any openings...

Moment Factory is a multimedia entertainment studio specializing in the conception and production of immersive environments combining video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create remarkable visitor experiences. Since its inception in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 350 shows and destinations across the world for big-name clients such as Cirque du Soleil, Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Disney, Microsoft, Sony, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Images: Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard  YUL Photo)

Tropical Vibrations.

via

It's no surprise that the tropical landscape is a favorite of mine since I was born among its lushness in Jamaica. I am loving the tropical vibrations of all of these spaces adorned with the quintessential banana leaf and palm tree tropical plants. 

via

Have a lovely day everyone. xx

Alfred House Embraces Color Pop and Genius Design.

 Alfred House designed by Austin Maynard Architects is filled with innovative ideas on space extension and maximization. The pops of my favorite color, orange with some yellow and lovely art add a layer of hip that I can totally get down with.

Have a lovely Tuesday everyone. xx

images: Fraser Marsden and Tess Kelly

Beam Me Up.

Photo by Brian. W Ferry

I know I've noted here before just how much I love this architectural feature. Beams are a great way to add elegance and charm to ones home and I've rounded up a couple that caught my eye. The space above and immediately below is a 19th century barn converted into a home and was featured in the current issue of Dwell Magazine. So much eye candy. 

Photo by Brian W Ferry

Happy Weekend everyone! xx

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Library Escape.

The Wine Library at B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa

You guys, this is a Wine Library! It's located in Zurich at B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa. You go there to drink wine and read books. You can even get something to eat!! Sign me up please but first I have to find a sitter...sigh.

There is nothing more relaxing than getting lost in a good book. Unfortunately, I don't get to do this often because well, I am a Mama and you Mamas with little ones know how it is! One can barely go to the bathroom without a shadow. Anyway, this is what I want to do this weekend; curl up with a great book and get lost in a great story...

AD Espana

AD Espana

alvhemmakleri.se

I had to share one more from the Wine Library in Zurich!

I hope you all have a great weekend everyone. Fingers crossed this Mama will be able to get her library escape! xx

Jessica Helgerson's Tiny House.

Interior Designer, Jessica Helgerson has been living in this ingenious and sustainable tiny house with her family for the last several years. It sits on a five-acre property on Sauvie Island, an agricultural island on the Columbia River 15 minutes north of Portland, Oregon, USA. The tiny house is an interesting experiment in reduction and reuse not only because it is only 540 square feet or because it was remodeled using nearly exclusively reclaimed materials, but because the building itself is now being recycled for the fourth time. The layout of the project effectively makes use of the available spaces: a great room houses the kitchen, dining room and living room with large, comfortable, built in sofas that double as twin beds for guests.

Tiny house living is being embraced by many  as people seek a lifestyle that is more simple. What are your thoughts? xx

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