Style of Design

Providing “comprehensive protection from evil, power surges, and AC contamination.”, this unusual electrical extension comes from architect Alexander Pincus and was designed for Means of Production. What you can observe in the pictures below is a surge protector shaped like a crucifix which has no less than 12 outlets. The project’s name is “Power”, which does not come as a surprise, considering the amount of energy it can offer indirectly. The product can also accommodate oversize adapters, ones that don’t usually fit in a common single power outlet. We have to admit we were a bit surprised to see the shape of this surge protector, but hey, perhaps the designer was not so much trying to shock, but rather offer a practical solution. What do you believe his intention was?- via Dezeen

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Located in Venice Beach, California, this inspiring contemporary home comes from architect Lewin Wertheimer and combines modern living with quality design. Here is a general description from the architect: “The house was stylistically conceived as a hybrid of early modernism, influenced by architects such as Rudolph Schindler, and contemporary Japanese, Mediterranean and Californian architecture. These styles respond to the climate of Southern California and the eclectic nature of Venice Beach.” The total surface of this residence is 288 square meters (3100 square feet) and its architecture is mesmerizing. Aside from the more “common spaces”, this family home houses a garage for two cars, two bedrooms and a guest studio. Large windows create a strong bond with the exterior and allow unobstructed views towards the patio, garden, porch and pool. All the rooms within the residence are “L”-shaped and are said to create “a three dimensional harmony of form and proportion”.

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Polyhedron Habitable is a charming tiny relaxation space from Colombian architect Manuel Villa located in Bogota, the capital city of Colombia. The owners of the home near by wanted a special miniature crib in their back yard where the parents and their small child could spend some time quietly. “Polyhedron Habitable” is meant to serve as a refuge and shelter, but also as a getaway. The wooden unique-shaped building will soon be the place where the smallest family member will play and escape whenever he feels the need. From this point of view the building can be resembled with a tree house.  Here is more information from the architects: “The outcome is a Regular Polyhedron –a “Truncated Cubic-octahedron”– transformed into a inhabitable space; a self-standing volume with one of his faces opened to the surroundings, and little windows on the sides and at the top that supply day light and optimal air circulation conditions.”

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The Safe House below looks like a modern fort and it definitely doesn’t excite the eye, at least not at first. But once you pass through those concrete gates and enter the actual Safe House, you’ll be surprised by its inner beauty. And it’s not a cheap cliché either but a marvelous architectural idea. The “Beast” looks simple on the outside, but it’s on the inside where the architect really shows talent. The Safe House looks like an actual two-story safe as it has plenty of moveable components that will isolate you from whatever is happening in the world. Once you open those doors and windows, light comes in and we get to see everything. Would you go for such a secure mansion? Via kwk promes

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Are you a person that works from home on a regular basis? Then, instead of trying our space-saving office solution why not “plant” your office in your garden? The Garden Office in the images below is definitely a daring concept, which will make working from home a lot more interesting. Shaped almost like a regular cubical, the Garden Office offers you the possibility of taking coffee breaks right in your own back yard while also giving you the feeling that you’re leaving to work every morning and coming back from work every evening. The Garden Office has plenty of open spaces that will let you enjoy your garden while working and it’s pretty easy to build. Before hiring your architect friends to build it for you, make sure you actually have a tranquility oasis / garden to go to work to every day. Via Jordan Ridgley

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A beach house is exactly that kind of perfect oasis that would draw you out from the city. Forget about business meetings and deadlines for the weekend while enjoying the sea and the sky straight from your simple, but yet very ingenious Modern Beach House. With simple lines and lots of open spaces, the Modern Beach House has everything it needs to help you relax and enjoy life to the fullest. It might not look like much of a design from the distance, but once you approach it you’ll understand the magic of this very practical home. The open living room turns your Modern Beach House into a convertible house ready to take you to your next adventure. The only things you need now are a few days off and plenty of sun. The Modern Beach House will take care of the rest. Oh, and make sure you find the right architect to build it! Via

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The iconic architect and product designer Zaha Hadid has created four stunning wallpapers called Swirl, Cellular, Elastika, and Stria and each wallpaper surpasses design expectations. The visually striking wallpapers banish the banal and avoid the usually cliched motifs and color schemes.

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Italian company Mastella has made a name for itself with its unique, egg-inspired bathtubs. Architect Oriano Favaretto has designed this contemporary, black and white variation to turn bathroom design on its head. Gone are the days of the boring box equipped with a three-piece suite that’s as bland (and the same color as) oatmeal. The Party bathtub is sure to splash up your bathroom. Inspired by the company’s existing Lviv design, these egg-shaped bathtubs feature a dramatic, black exterior and a clean, white interior. The contrast is as alluring as the thought of a long, luxurious soak. This elegant bathtub will look great as the centerpiece of your white minimalist bathroom, or as a bold accent in any space. For more info visit Mastella.

We received these photos of a new project in Las Vegas called the Mandarin Oriental. This building contains 228 units located at the CityCenter. The bathrooms feature fixtures by Axor from its Philippe Starck inspired collections: Axor Starck and Axor Starck X. The inspiration was to create a modern respite when taking a break from the Las Vegas action.

Photos: James Steinkamp
Consultant: Kay Lang
Architect: AAI Architects

Post from Stylish Bathroom Fixtures by Axor at the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas

For anyone who has been in a metro station or subway for our American friends, chances are you saw no redeeming interior design qualities to speak of. Eduardo Gutierrez and Jordi Fernandez Rio of ON-A-Architect may change your mind if you are ever the Drassanes Metro Station in Barcelona. The swank modern interior was transformed from the typical sterile building originally designed in 1968 and I must say is a vast improvement with artistic colors and lighting that may make a trip to work something to look forward to.

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