Modern Residential Design

Lund Hagem - again with another cabin I love, this time in Stavern and with a far more challenging plot. Backed into the rock face, the Z shaped plan again provides sheltered outdoor space, and privacy for guests and owners. Location: Stavern, Norway Size: 80 m2 Completed: 2008 Three natural stone platforms define the site at heights of 21, 24.5 and 27 meters above sea level. The cabin sits on the crevice which separates the different levels, and in this way the utilization of these natural terraces is maximized. An outdoor living space defined by the two bedroom bodies and the wall of the highest platform, welcomes you to the site. The cabin continues zigzagging up to the intermediate level, where the living room enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding forest to the east and the sea to the south and the west. Taking the notion of summer encampment further, Cabin Karevold is a series of rooms connected by a large timber deck. Braving the elements is mandatory, with on halls or cir...

Lund Hagem , based out of Norway have a fantastic site, and collection of baches. Cabin Ameln, a providing sheltered BBQ retreat, and views out across the fjord. Contour hugging hunkered in design, connects with the site while minimalist layout and crisp finishes set it apart from your ordinary weekend retreat. Location: Østerøya, Sandefjord, Norway Size: 90 m2 Completed: 2009 The building sits in sloping terrain in close proximity to the sea. It has been designed to create favourable, screened outdoor areas. Previous buildings (4 in total) have been demolished and replaced with one new building that collects all functions under one roof. The L-shaped layout uses steps to follow the terrain so that the building can utilise existing vegetation and trees to avoid visibility from the sea. This layout creates one upper and one lower outdoor area/patio. The upper patio has been duly screened from the seafront, but offers views through the building due to glass walls. I think I've fo...

As an alumni and architecture fan I’m excited that Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand’s capital city, has been selected as one of 20 university teams to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 – the only entry, ever, from the southern hemisphere. The First Light house channels the essence of the iconic “Kiwi bach” – a focus on recreation, socialisation, and outdoor living. As primarily a summer destination, life at the bach takes place as much outside, on large decks and patios, as it does inside. Our house brings these ideals of bach life into a contemporary setting, providing a permanent residence where recreation and social activities are united with environmentally sound technologies. Here are a couple of videos and pics highlighting this impressive project. And what a kick start to practice your career this way! More available at   http://firstlighthouse.ac.nz Pics Plans Follow along with their progress here: BLOG FACE...

Summer Camp - Villa Mecklin looks like the perfect weekend retreat. A stylish, minimalist interior being all you need to really detach yourself from work. Underfloor heating is taken to a new level here with a sunken fire pit! Strong south orientation for solar gain and a wood burning stove - winter or summer it's another great escape. Overview Villa Mecklin is located in the Finnish archipelago. It sits in a small depression in the rocks, its sheltered terrace extending over the summit of the rock. In connection with the shoreline sauna, there is also a stove-heated cabin for guests. The building materials selected for Villa Mecklin are uncontrived, basic ones suited for the archipelago. All wood surfaces have been left untreated and will turn grey naturally. The Villa was built in 2008. The floor area of the villa is 70m2 and the sauna is 20m2. Although angular in lines and form, the cabin's extended outer walls provide the deck with what could be described as a comforting ...

Herbst Architects Lindale Bach Sticks and stones - Blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior, Lance and Nicola Herbst have become the masters of the simple, elegant, functional beach retreat. If they'd take the job, Lance and Nicola would be my choice for designing an eco retreat. Overview Built on an island with no mains electricity and daily ferry connections, the Lindale residence on Great Barrier Island HAD to be as energy efficient as possible. Minimal materials were freighted in and the central Gabion wall of the residence an ideal solution. Using local river stones, the wall provides a fantastic heat store and structural backbone to the build. The wall also counters the wind in covered outdoor spaces, together with a cosy fire making this retreat and so special. Prior to the build beginning, large rainwater and sewage treatment tanks were buried under the site. The cooler environment promoting less bacterial growth and leaving the relatively pure rainwater, coll...

MacGabhann Architects Tuath na Mara Residence Armoured Longboat - Standing vigilant over a northern Fjord in Ireland, the Tuath na Mara Residence, by MacGabhann Architects appears solid as a rock. Zinc clad for resilience, the low slung house blends seamlessly into the heather-covered rocky landscape, its own seams, echoing the strata of surrounding rocks. Contrasting a well hunkered core, the roof line warps and twists upwards like wonderful grey weathered seaweed, revealing the surrounding views to the living areas. Overview The project's focus around the specifics of the site and putting the personal and particular experiences above the powerful and the public, seeks to create a mood which is meditative instead of tensing or relaxing. The site is hidden from the public road and is accessed from high ground on the landward side where the first experience is of an elevated view of the site and the sea beyond. Therefore the importance of the roof, or fifth façade, dictated a me...

Melling:Morse Architects Ltd Split Box (Un-)divided attention - Melling:Morse have created seaside loft style living, which sits as lightly as possible, near remote Kennedy bay, New Zealand. Overview The Split Box residence in Tuateawa Bay, Coromandel, New Zealand adapts the traditional bach materials, wood and corrugated iron into a spectacular two storey loft. The forward glazing and open planned layout, wouldn't look out of place in a down town Wellington penthouse. Yet here, the expanses allow undivided attention to the beach and are used to passively heat the concrete slab, which releases it's warmth in the evening. To compensate in mid summer, slat windows at the bottom and top of the glass expanses produce a cooling airflow. Renewable and low impact materials are used and the holiday home is a perfect combination of form and function. Above it's architectural and aesthetic functions, the split divides the house into cosy, functional parcels of: living and dining dow...