THE CRIB PREFAB

The Crib is a new concept that they’re calling “enviresponsible” — a miniature prefab that can be used as a weekend cabin, a backyard office, studio or guest house.
There are two models to choose from: the basic, which features 175 square feet of enclosed space with 125 feet of deck space and the full, which has 250 feet of indoor space and 125 feet of deck space. The structure is inspired by basic American corn cribs that were commonly used to store dry corn and protect it from rodents.

Brick Countryside Home in Italy with Central Courtyard for Entertaining

Italian architects Park Associati designed this fresh countryside home with a nod to tradition, but its modern aesthetic is definitely the shining star.

This brick exterior home welcomes residents and guests with an outdoor entertaining area we just love. This central courtyard provides the perfect spot for an alfresco meal or sipping a grass of vino while admiring the lush landscape here in the foothills of the Val Tidone, in the Piacentine countryside of Italy.

The stone patio floor continues inside, creating a seamless transition from outside in, bordered only by expansive windows that offer endless views and lots of natural light. More than just looks and light, these massive glass walls also have an eco agenda, positioned to maximize sun exposure during the winter months while minimizing exposure during the hot summer season.

On the other side of the sliding glass doors, interiors ooze country charm but also enjoy their own contemporary flair, like the modern kitchen area with stainless steel details that's open to the cozy living and dining areas, all with direct access to the outdoors. Exposed brick walls enhance the home's rustic style and sense of warmth.

At the center of the living room, a stunning stone fireplace feature cranks up the heat, both in terms of look and feel.

Park Associati
photo credit: Andrea Martiradonna

Posted on April 16, 2012 11:14 PM

Brick Wall House boasts minimalist style with maximum appeal

The Netherlands' 123DV architecture & consult sent us some photos of this unique house in Woerden. Tucked between a five-storey apartment and a classical style home, this place stands out for its modern take on traditional residences.

Right off the bat, the blocky brick house intrigues with its puzzle-like aesthetic, its various volumes appear pieced together, protruding from the main structure. Aptly dubbed the "Brick Wall House," this cool home features an abstract wall from which the rest of the structure seems to project. And while it looks cool, this distinguishing wall also serves a practical purpose, providing privacy from the apartment building next door.

From the front, windows are few, but impactful in appearance. At the back, floor to ceiling glass doors lighten the exterior and illuminate the interior.

Inside, the style is cool, clean and minimalist. But simplicity is accompanied by a few ultra modern details, like the glossy floors and artful lighting. The white floors, walls and ceilings almost have a two dimensional effect. A warm wood wall draws the eye to its warm honey colored grain.

On the other side of the wood wall, the futuristic kitchen carries the same contemporary color palette (or lack thereof) to complement its ultra modern aesthetic. Clean cabinetry without hardware seems to melt into the background, while at the center, a white island and hood fan anchor the extendable food prep and dining bar.

Like the kitchen, the bathroom is a picture of perfection, with a place for everything and everything in its place. Bathed in white (pardon the pun), this sweet but simple bathroom space is modern and minimal - a relaxing spa experience without ever leaving the comfort of home!

123DV architecture & consult
Photo credit: Martijn Heil

Posted on December 7, 2012 4:32 PM

Converted Barn Home: a modern take on tradition

There's something to be said about great converted barn homes, like this rustic farmhouse by SHED Architects. Maintaining the character while catering to modern tastes is no easy feat. We love that this countryside home carries the original shape of the structure, its wood clad facade and barn doors, and brings that characteristic aesthetic inside with natural elements like warm wood floors and walls, and exposed-beam ceilings repurposed from the barn. Contemporary touches like the living room window wall and open industrial-style staircase take this barn conversion design out of the "Little House" era and into the modern day. SHED Architects
via DigsDigs

Posted on March 31, 2012 7:49 PM

Modern Studio House Plan in Rhode Island by Native Architect

Just down the street from the home where he spent his childhood and where his parents still reside in Newport, Rhode Island, architect David Daniels designed this modern studio house plan with plenty of room to live, work and play. Set on a ¼-acre lot with greenspace and water views, 5 Ellery Road is phase I of what will eventually be a larger 3,000-sq.-ft. modern-style glass house. Compact but so cool, the 500-sq.-ft. main-level garage and 500-sq.-ft. upper-level studio pack lots of punch. Lots of windows reveal sun-soaked interiors. The style of home is warm and welcoming, with a contemporary urban flair. The bed is cantilevered off the wall and most of the furniture and storage space is built-in, maximizing every inch of available living space. A stair tower leads you up to the studio area, complete with a walk-out terrace. Continue up to the rooftop garden area and with it, endless waterfront views that make it a hotspot on balmy evenings and on crisp mornings. “Although it’s a small building, it catches the eye with a powerful grip and it’s starkness provoke long, lingering stares mainly because it looks like nothing else in the New England neighborhood,” says Daniels. David Daniels Design.

Posted on March 9, 2011 1:45 AM