Category: Architecture & Interior design

Novy Dvur Monastery by John Pawson

It’s as if John Pawson is trying to prove that monastic austerity is capable of brightening our spiritual needs—no surprise, considering that with the minimalist British architect, “Every architectural word tells.”

A reductive design process that questions the necessity of every element in the desire to eliminate what is superfluous. This discretion in design is vital for a group of robed Cistercian monks, originally from France, who deliberately seeks seclusion. The restored Our Lady of Novy Dvur monastery, in the Czech Republic is their entire world—based on bare necessities and self denial.

Mr. Pawson’s edgy poetry in the Our Lady of Novy Dvur monastery is evident. Everything is a shade of white. Spartan interiors with a dramatic stripped down elegance of modernism that reveals hidden sources of light. Concrete, plaster and wood; no stained glass; minimal comfort.

This extraordinary serenity is rare. And we are glad that Cistercian monks do these things, so we don’t have to.

For those of Mr. Pawson’s fan club: The London Design Museum’s exhibition “John Pawson Plain Space,” will feature John Pawson’s work from September, 22 2010 to January, 30 2011.

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Tokyo Marc Jacobs Flagship Store

A backdrop that is as edgy as Marc Jacobs’ clothing line; yet it’s quiet with understated sensibility. Marc Jacobs’ new three-story Tokyo store, designed by New York-based architect, Stephan Jaklitsch is scheduled to open in the fall. The design has already received an Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects, New York.

Subtle in the extreme; rigorously designed with an obsession for precision. The façade sets the tone for Marc Jacobs fashion brand with a pared-down modernity of a straightforward structure and a muted palette of gray. Two color-blocked strips sit on top of a glass box which works its magic at night, like a lamp.

Spare simplicity to draw myself in and engage my senses; subtly—notably in the easy-chic. When I enter a store, I want a little Mies van der Rohe.

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GAPs Works House

A peculiar name for an equally peculiar house. GAPs, by NRM-Architects, is a rectangular residential abode located in Aichi, Japan designed for an elderly and younger couple. In reference to the generation gap, the name also refers to the architectural layout of the three-story home. The levels were segregated to accommodate the two couples comfortably. The older couple occupy the lower level, while the younger couple live in the second and third floors.

Although the levels are separated, the inner courtyard connects the entire house, as well as the two families, together. The concept is utterly simple, yet there is an indiscernible elegance to how the space is utilized. I particularly enjoy the contrast between the house’s minimal exterior versus the complexity of its surroundings – the electrical wires and a tightly knit, traditional neighborhood.

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House Tumle

Located outside Gothenburg, Sweden, House Tumle – designed by Johannes Norlander Arkitektur – exemplifies the meaning of black and white living. With an area of 168 square meters, the two-story building is profoundly distinctive as it perches on a knoll overlooking the North Sea.

The white interior – a complete inverse to the corrugated, powder-coated black aluminum exterior – has a humbling ambiance that projects an unassuming sense of repose. The windows are placed in an abstract, almost capricious manner. I particularly enjoy the subtle instances of black around the bookshelf, window borders, and light fixtures. I also like how the glossy concrete floor discretely reflects the white walls and outside surroundings.

Photography by Rasmus Norlander

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Georg Spreng’s House by C18

“If my house was burning down I would try to save my life,” said Michel Roeder, one of three partners of German architecture firm, C18. A less obvious choice for some of us. Once during an earthquake, I quickly grabbed my iPhone before running out of the office building.

Georg Spreng, one of the original founders of Frogdesign, now a jewelry designer, and C18 architects share a taste for clinical precision and pragmatic romanticism. Facing the street, the exterior of Georg Spreng’s home, near Stuttgart, in Germany, is a facade of clinical white, square tiles. It does not reveal what is inside—a great surprise. The house opens into the landscape with splashes of color, that reflects Spreng’s jewelry designs, and light-filled spaces with ultra-modern finishes. On the cooler end: flirtatious curtains and an unforgettably, glamorous lap pool.

A nostalgic mood to the minimalist affair. Can minimalism be deliberately mysterious?

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Minimalist House

There’s a difference between sparse and minimalist, for one example here is the Minimalist House, by Shinichi Ogawa & Associates.

This strip design is built on a 18x3M block, with each area logically divided to get the most out of each living space, without feeling claustrophobic. The hot humid climate of Okinawa where the Minimalist House is built was also considered with eaves designed to be controlled to direct just the right amount of sunlight into the space.

I just love the perfect balance and understanding for the need of space, with the most open area for the courtyard, which is enjoyed by the living room, the dining room and the bedroom without any physical separations. Another minimalistic dream home come true.

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TecARCHITECTURE HQ

Constraints are good for design. Sustainable minimalism can be another set of constraints. Los Angeles and Switzerland-based tecARCHITECTURE firm, approach their projects with a strong green agenda. They have earned environmentally progressive credentials with their sustainable high-tech architectural practices.

TecARCHITECTURE Headquarter is designed as both a house and office by and for tecARCHITECTURE. It has four levels: an open floor office, on the lowest level, two rental apartments and a house for tecArchitecture COO Heiko Ostmann, on the upper levels. Geothermal energy, solar-powered lighting, a concrete open loft in the lowest level, and floor to ceiling windows with an extravagant view of Lake Constance — One super green package.

Environment and design. Apparently oh-so-difficult contradictions?

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The Barn House

The Barn House, designed by architect Rita Huys of Buro2, is a Belgium residence with an interior unlike any farmhouse you’re most likely picturing in your head right now.

Outfitted with designer furniture, white walls, and massive windows, the Barn House maintains its connection with the scenic landscape while providing all the luxuries of modern living. It just so happens that the sloping roof and simplistic structure of most barn houses is a perfect foundation for producing minimalistic, modern architecture.

I simply can’t get enough of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The amount of natural light that comes in during the day must be an experience to wake up to. I will never look at a barn house the same again.

Photography by Danica Kus.

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9 Hours

The 9 Hours is a capsule hotel: a Japanese hotel concept with sleeping pods instead of rooms, and shared bathrooms. They target hard-working business people and travelers.

Usually, these capsule hotels are far from well-designed. The 9 Hours is nothing like that. Instead, it’s an amazing example of applied minimalism.

The 9 Hours is managed by Tokyo-based Cubic Inc., and designed in a collaboration with designer Fumie Shibata of Design Studio S.

Monocle recently did an excellent report on the hotel, which we have embedded here. (Thx, Peter!)

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S-House

The S-House – designed by architect Shizuo Yamamoto – is an ideal house for those who want to live the simple life.

Located in Hamamatsu City, Japan, the architectural wood frame construction of S-House is atypical to the accustomed use of exposed concrete seen in so many Japanese structures. Yamamoto’s focus on natural elements is almost as important as his approach to improve through subtraction. The architecture, in its detail and articulation, has been condensed to its absolute essentials.

I love the transparency of the interior. The opening in the upper-floor not only increases exposure of natural lighting, but also allows for a complete view of the lower level. The S-House is an exceptional example of harmony and balance.

Photography by Hiroshi Ueda.

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