architecture

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Callao Shipping Container House

Shipping containers repurposed as habitable dwellings? Totally not new. It’s not just homes, even — hightail to your local food truck and you’ll see the ridged outer walls. Yup, your favorite taco shop might have once held stacks upon stacks of Chinese TVs.

But we digress. To be fair to this Callao Shipping Container House, it’s much more chic than any repurpose jobs we’ve come across. Key to this is that asymmetrical translucent roof top the container base, glowing like a chrysalis orb. This is the handiwork of the folks from TRS Studio . designed for a social project in the Callao region of Peru.

The home, for a single family, is a strong argument for low-cost, sturdy living. The cargo container comes paired with strong materials but still boasts low environmental impact. The project draws on community participation by focusing on quality of health and housing in the Pesquero II settlement through sustainable materials.

Modular in design, it comes in two volumes: one of top of the other. The top part includes a social zone and kitchen. The bottom half, meanwhile, provides privacy — the bedrooms, a study, and bathrooms are here. Plus a communal space where the family can spend time together. Lighting is courtesy of the aforementioned roof, large and cavernous. And there are gardens to freshen the air and regulate temperature.

The Callao Shipping Container House is an example of architecture distilled down to its barest parts. Materials. Space. Volume. The result is a comfortable, low-cost dwelling that favors the homey over the abstract.

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Photos courtesy of TRS Studio

May 21, 2019 / Comments Off

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Alphington Tower House

What does home mean? Especially in the context of family? Austin Maynard Architects sought to find out. Its Alphington Tower House is more a meditation on the occupants of space than the space itself. How do we create architecture to accommodate people? Can adults and children share a dwelling that allows them growth, social nourishment? And if yes, how?

The answer? Nature. This home shelters 8-year-old twin boys who needed an outlet for nature, outdoor recreation, and the arts. Which explains why the Alphington Tower House appears as a series of small structures on the exterior. Each one, unique in size and shape, come together in a single material palette for a coherent overall aesthetic.

Turning the concept of outdoors on its head, the house invites neighbors rather than gate them out with boundaries. As such, the front yard becomes a communal garden. A space everyone can occupy, fostering a sense of communal bond even between strangers.

This is also reflected inside. Whereas the exterior look seem to be disparate parts integrated together, the interiors feature free-flowing, cavernous pockets. Hidden sliding panels open up portals to interaction; each much about discovery as they are connection. Whereas minimalist design sometimes becomes the thing admired, here it’s merely a means to an end. Each object has a purpose. Each hole, ladder, flooring detail, is for something.

One final highlight deserving mention is a hideaway rooftop that’s free of definition. It could be for high-altitude BBQs. Or finger painting sessions. Maybe even sculpting in the summer. Whichever, the space lets the kids explore whatever they intend to dip their toes into.

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Photos courtesy of Peter Bennetts

May 20, 2019 / Comments Off

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Pappas House Now For Sale

One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations is officially on the market. The Pappas House is a Usonian-style home sitting on the outskirts of one St. Louis, Missouri. To note, that’s one of Wright’s favorite places. In the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t seem like it matters much. But we are talking about Wright here, a master of American architecture. Suffice it to say that when he loves a place, there’s a good reason for that.

All you home and architecture enthusiasts should already be familiar with Wright, and if not him, his works, at least. People hail Wright as the master of American architectural sensibilities. They’re not wrong. Wright spent his career practicing his unique sense of midwestern style, futuristic design, and honing a vision now largely unequaled. Throughout his life, Wright created a handful of residences across the United States, one of which, the Pappas House, is now on the market. Never been for sale previously, by the way.

There are many reasons underpinning Wright’s building principles. But it’s widely believed that the Pappas House was his way of illustrating the state of middle-class architecture at the time. This house is one of the first to integrate Wright’s automatics, or homes made with cost-effective concrete bricks. These bricks could then be assembled in a variety of ways, negating the need for fancy and expensive construction foibles.

It’s got four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and boasts high ceilings. Add to that an outdoor terrace perfect for social gatherings. And expansive living areas, no less — a Wright signature, if there ever was one.

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Photos courtesy of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty

May 16, 2019 / Comments Off

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Costa Rica Treehouse

This three-story nature hideaway, from American firm Olson Kundig Architects, is the perfect retreat if you ever find yourself smothered by summer in Costa Rica. Clad in local teak wood and built with tree-trunk columns plus slatted walls, this surfer hut quenches the outdoorsy heart.

Sitting in a dense jungle near the Playa Hermosa beach, the Costa Rica Treehouse belongs to surfers and passionate environmentalists. The house embodies a “deep commitment to sustainable land management” in the small country, best known for its clutter of rainforests and volcanoes. Oh, and let’s not forget Costa Rica’s visually gob-smacking coastline.

Firm Cofounder Tom Kundig says the house has a light, natural footprint. Both in terms of the location and the materials consisting the structure.

“The project has a relatively light, natural footprint on the landscape, both in terms of the site itself, but also in using available local materials that are helping advance the next level of environmental stewardship in Costa Rica.”

Both teak and cenizaro wood feature predominantly here, as does wood and metal, which make up the roof. That extends beyond the building, providing ample shade and protection come rainstorms.

Wooden screens act as walls, letting in natural daylight and fresh air. In some areas the walls even slide open to break down the boundaries separating abode from the outdoors. The only glass windows here are on the second floor, and even so they feature minimally usage.

The simple, square plan casts an ode to classic treehouse construction. Here, each of the three floors provides a different experience of the enveloping landscape. Which is exactly why we build treehouses in the first place.

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Photos courtesy of Olson Kundig Architects

May 14, 2019 / Comments Off

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Casa Em Silves

Architect Vítor Vilhena’s Casa Em Silves is a linear, all-white bungalow in southern Portugal. Specifically, it’s in the São Bartolomeu de Messines, an inland algarve village. It’s important to note the place — the residence strays far from the tourism that flocks the coast. And it’s enveloped by a green terrain, like a safeguard, almost.

With that, it’s not difficult to pinpoint where Vilhena’s interests lie. There’s openness, and a sense of calmed-down luxury that prefers the sublime over ingratiating show-offiness. Yet there’s also the matter of its remoteness. The house is heavy with insular appeal — you’ll want to live her if you want to escape the world.

Another example: The home’s open plan includes a lounge, dining room, and kitchen. The bedrooms and service entrance, meanwhile, hide in more private and secluded areas. Go to the north and you’ll find a cantilevered roof, which offers access a two-car garage. Wander further and you’ll end up at a hidden staircase that stretches toward the roof terrace.

It’s got a swimming pool, to boot. But not like your typical pool. The design is pristine, but brutal. The pool’s elements are deconstructed down to their most basic level. It’s a rectangular basin of water. That’s it. Vilhena doesn’t like to complicate. But he doesn’t leave out flair, either.

Casa Em Silves effectively tries to blur the line between indoors and outdoors. It asks not to strip either of their essential components, but instead find what connects them. In this case, shelter doesn’t mean hideaway — it means dynamic space.

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Photos courtesy of Vilhena

May 6, 2019 / Comments Off

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Ventanas House

This massive abode consists of 7390 SF steel I-beam, concrete, and brick. Not the most conventional of combinations, sure, but just fitting for a not-so-typical structure. The Ventanas House sits within a perimeter of lush greenery, and you can only access it via gated security.

Suffice it to say that this super exclusive house is architectural wonder, fitting of its insular placement on the map. It’s not a terribly isolated house, though. Quite the opposite, actually. In fact, the Ventanas House got that name after its 300 windows. Walter S. White designed it, by the way — nope, not that Walter White you’re thinking off. He’s actually Frank Lloyd Wright’s protege, and as this house clearly shows, Wright rubbed off on White aplenty.

The quarter-circle house curves around its hillside plot and is angled to take in the panoramic scenery enveloping the residence. You’ll find Douglas fir ceilings and slate floors throughout, in addition to an outer arc made entirely from windows.

There’s also floor-to-ceiling glazing that inundates both levels with enormous light while offering unbeatable views of the Pikes, Spanish, and Caribou Peaks. If you want a change of scenery, there’s a 900-square-foot Japanese-style sun house inside the property, for good measure. If you get sick of that, too, head to the rock garden. Or the putting green. If all else fails, there’s always a regulation tennis court to tickle your athletic fancy.

Make sure to hit the link below to find out more information. It’s everyone for the taking, provided they can shell out $2,500,000.

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Recolorado’s $2,500,000 Ventanas House is named after its windows. There are 300 of them here, just so you know.

May 3, 2019 / Comments Off

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Four Leaves House, Japan

There’s no shortage of excellent, quirky homes in Japan — such is the Four Leaves villa located in a forest in the Karuizawa, Nagano prefecture of Japan.

The privately-owned house is designed to accommodate the owners and their friends in the rich natural environment surrounding the space. Each facet of the household comes masterfully designed, giving special concern to orientation. For instance, the living and dining spaces face south-east for a brighter environment. On the other hand, the master bedroom and bathroom are facing west for optimum privacy and a grand view of the forest.

Rather than making the environment adjust for the house, the designers opted to do the exact episode. They built the home’s compartments into three interconnected volumes placed on site among pre-existing trees.

What gives the house its name is its uniquely shaped roof. The designers made curved surface that mimic gently twisted leaves. The resulting silhouette resembles a pile of leaves that have fallen from the branches of surrounding trees. A slight dash of architecture parlante, but not too on the nose.

Timber cladding and exposed ceilings keep the structure organic. Curved wooden joists, meanwhile, come naked on the interior to highlight the contour of the ceiling. There’s a strikingly anti-minimalist approach here despite the simplicity of design. It defocuses the structure to let the outside in, making the forest an integral part of the villa. Hit the link below to find out more, and make sure to check out KIAS’ other excellent projects.

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Photos courtesy of KIAS

May 1, 2019 / Comments Off

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Ecoscopic House

At the foot of Sierra Madre sits a neo-monolithic household called the Ecoscopic House. It lies just beyond the fringes of picturesque Monterrey.

The designers had in mind something akin to an assemblage of platforms. To capture the flow of the ecosystems around it, perhaps. Since it rests at the threshold between the city and the mountain, the design had to reflect that transitory synergy.

They took into account multiple natural elements to come up with a special design principle that captures the essence of its surroundings. Also, they conducted geometric solar access tests, for instance, as well sun studies, and even analysis of prevailing winds. They also observed regional currents and local breezes and carefully analyzed flow models of surface runoff.

This complex evaluation resulted in a total synthesis of seemingly disparate parts. That’s most evinced by the house’s linked slabs and variable beams that “speak” with the environment while seeking mutual stability.

Featuring heavy use of steel, glass, and concrete the Ecoscopic House combines these three different materials to output a holistic kind of architecture. As a result, however, the spacious 7,000-square-foot interior barely has anything, setting off the entire house’s minimalist vibe. However, the devil’s in the details, of course — like a huge potted plant inside the shower, the asymmetrical skylight spilling sun into the living room. Or even the slanted grass wall that makes the lower level look like a hangar.

Move to the upper story and you’ll find three bedrooms each with their own patio. Move farther down to hit a spacious enclave that can be your personal theater or rec room.

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Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s

April 30, 2019 / Comments Off

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Lushna Villa Cabin For Glamping

There’s no shortage of scenic places to go glamping, for sure. However, if you’re aching to venture into the woods, you’ll find the Lushna Villa Cabin a perfect place of respite. It’s a minimalist reprieve from the bustling metropolis. And glamping-ready, no less.

These pyramid-shaped structures come from Lushna, which designs and builds the shelters personally. You can put it on your property and start a sophisticated camp ground of your own. Or you can even start a glamping hotel. However, that depends on how much money you have, of course. If neither appeals to you, just make it for personal use.

Lushna’s eco resort concept features sustainably designed structures made from eco-friendly materials. As a result, the Lushna Villa Cabin isn’t just an awe-striking beauty, it’s also a responsibly made structure. Each is built on top of a concrete-free Ground Screw Foundation. Moreover, the construction grows from refined principles of traditional building techniques married with newer types of manufacturing. The result is a staycation shelter with enough flair to hover near avant garde.

More importantly, the shelter consists 100% of larch word and features insulation and heating for year round usage. Inside, you’ll find a king-size bed, an integrated ventilation system, lighting and AC/DC plug-ins, heating, and other furniture. Turn to one side and you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the lush greenery outside. That’s thanks to the picture window overlooking the picturesque outdoors.

If a villa doesn’t tickle your fancy, Lushna also makes luxury tents, wooden eco chalets, pods, cabins, and even saunas. Hit the link below for more information.

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Photos courtesy of Lushna

April 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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Sharp House

The Sharp House, from March Thorpe Design, is a minimalist masterpiece smack dab in the middle of the desert. Developed for a retired couple from New York City, it’s infused with tastefully subtle interiors serving as a sharp contrast to the frenzied NYC lifestyle.

The house sits in five acres of land somewhere in the picturesquely brutal northern Santa Fe, New Mexico. MTD wanted to be as economical as possible when it came to construction. As a result, they went with exposed cast and concrete for the structure. Come to the northern and southern parts and you’ll find full height glass apertures to invite solar gain and efficient cross ventilation.

The interior, at 2,000 square feet, is a spacious, arresting reprieve from the outside heat. There are two bedrooms, dining, kitchen, and living areas, plus a bathroom. Toward west you’ll find an integrated ladder that leads to the roof for phenomenal views day through night. It’s New Mexico, so this should come as no surprise. The state has some of the most scenic natural wonders in the country.

Never mind its neo-brutalist atmosphere being a bit too complementary to the brutalism of its location. The skilled integration of materials with geometrical elements sufficiently makes up for that on-the-nose element. That’s no share to MTD, by the way. The Sharp House remains a fine example of refined design. It stands to accommodate the interplay of space, light, shadows, and shade. It’s a meditation of geography, too, and how architecture can play a role in it. See more below.

Freedomek House No. 61

In the Pilsen Region of the Czech Republic lies the two-story Freedomek House No. 61. It arrived to the site in two modules fully furnished, right down to the cabinetry and furniture. It certainly gives a new meaning to the term “popup house.”

Don’t mistake speed for clunkiness, though. This prefab home boasts some brute thanks to a construction made almost entirely of timber. That includes the wood fiber insulation and the northern larch facade. And don’t forget the oak flooring and gorgeous birch plywood furniture.

The aesthetic is true outside as it is inside. The larch gives the exterior a hint of texture with those ridged panels. Almost staccato-like, but cleaner and more refined. The modest upper level opens into a decently spacious deck, offering views of the country’s ninth most populated region. Minimalism has its ups and downs, and this one is definitely an up.

As a design principle, minimalism is about less, not lesser. The Freedomek House No. 61 nails that concept by keeping both interior and exterior subdued. No overlap exists between the two spaces, offering almost no transitory shock when traveling from one to the other. That’s a hard balance to pull off; Atelier Stepán deserves praise for doing it effortlessly.

Minimalism might not be your preferred your style. It’s definitely an acquired taste. But it’s hard to deny the pristine lines and angles inside and outside the Freedomek House No. 61. Few minimalist homes are as complex with such few elements. If you still don’t like it, check out the link below to see Atelier Stepán’s other works.

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Photos courtesy of Atelier Stepán

April 4, 2019 / Comments Off

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Chicago’s Aon Center Is Getting an 82 Story Glass Elevator

There are so many things to do in Chicago that you could spend an entire week there and not even knock out the most popular options. In addition to trips to the Sears Tower, Hancock,…

New York Pond House

When you hear New York, you think Times Square, brownstone homes in Brooklyn, and mouth-watering pizza joints everywhere. But that’s New York City. You don’t ever think about the rural part of this dizzying state. A slice of American pastoral just miles away from the bustling cosmopolitan.

Hidden somewhere in New York’s lush greenery is the Pond House, a modestly styled abode avoiding the flashy in favor of the neutered. Sitting on 19 acres of vibrant flatland, you’d think it would be a luxurious respite space. A warm, inviting dwelling you go to after leaving the frenzied hijinks in NYC. It’s more of the latter. While the exterior probably wouldn’t make the cover of Architectural Digest anytime soon, it remains quaint, rustic, simple.

The palette consists of rusted corten standing seam panels and blackened cedar. A combination like that seems like it won’t work, but it does. And you have the surrounding nature to thank for that synergy.

Inside, there’s a spacious living area along with three bedrooms. A glass entryway allows the interior t flow into the great outdoors and vice versa. It gives the already brutal-looking shelter some much-needed breathing room. The nearby pond, visible from the living area, is just the cherry on top.

The design avoids convolution and disarray, but in away that employs touches of monolithic sentiment. You’ll find that there’s not much detail at first glance. But on the second and third glances, there’s so much to see. That stilted fireplace. And that exposed beam ceiling whose trunks hide an atrium on the far end. Those wooden stools. Each of those makes this slice of rural New York a joy to live in.

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Photos courtesy of Sundial Studios

March 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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Cree House

Paying $2,500,000 for what’s essentially a house on stilts like something only a lunatic would do. But the Cree House isn’t just a house on stilts. Designed by architect Albert Frey in 1955, thisPalm Springs household is a mode-century modern masterpiece ready for takers.

The residence occupies 8.2 acres is stands on a rocky hillside thanks to a sturdy foundation of steel stilts. The main panels come painted in chic Encelia green, which does a great bit to blend with the surrounding landscape. But what takes the cake are those yellow fiberglass accents wrapped along the deck. Together, they make the overall exterior look camouflaged in with the sparse greenery lining the hillside.

Inside, you’ll find a gorgeous 1,124-square-foot, one bedroom interior. It’s nearly untouched, as well, with the original features in their most pristine. Those include native stone fireplace, wood paneling, vintage kitchen appliances, and cabinets. Wide glazed windows introduce vistas marked by parched uplands and invite a great deal of natural light in. These also expand to the modest living space out to a 600-square-foot deck.

The house also goes by the nickname “The Forgotten Frey.” A single family has owned it for quite some time. And it had not been open to the public until Modernism Week 2019. Suffice it to say that this nearly-untouched architectural marvel will be an easy buy at $2.5 mil for all you takers. Hit up Christie’s International Real Estate for more information, or check out the photos below to see the interior and other views.

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Photos courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate

March 21, 2019 / Comments Off

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Naturecruiser Floating House

We dare you to find something as sleek and svelte as this Naturecruiser home by Die Wohnschiffmanufaktur. It’s got everything you want in a home, except land. That’s right — this thing’s floats, which really redefined the term “outdoor pool.”

If you might think its water-floating capabilities are just for gimmicky spectacle, think again. Die Wohnschiffmanufaktur built the Naturecruiser from the ground up with water in mind. As a result, the houseboat makes nary a peep as it wades across lakes and rivers. That’s thanks to its inbuilt hybrid electric drive, which keeps things to a mum.

The Naturecruiser is also almost entirely self-sufficient, using its own water-purification system and solar panels to provide potable water and pull energy. Additionally, the consummate folks behind the project used sustainable materials to create the entire-thing, making it one of the eco-friendliest boats we’ve featured here.

You get 15 meters of living space. That includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and an outdoor deck, to boot. Moreover, you also get a rooftop terrace.

Are you a house, a boat, or a yacht? Make up your mind, Naturecruiser!

All jokes aside, this thing’s a beaut. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out — one look at its warm wood-clad and modern fixtures will make you want to escape the tangled city life and hop in at once. Wide windows abound in this wee Scandinavian gem, offering you spectacular views of the surrounding water.

If this one doesn’t really tickle your fancy, Die Wohnschiffmanufaktur boasts a number of other houseboats that’s as notable.

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Photos courtesy of Die Wohnschiffmanufaktur

March 18, 2019 / Comments Off

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Dolomite Treehouses

These treehouses look like they came right out of a futuristic fairytale. With modernist touches, accentuated by pointed roofs and blackened wood cladding, these mountain treehouses residing in the Dolomites of northern Italy imbricate gothic and natural.

The result is a mesmerizing mountainscape with black diamonds jutting out of the dense thicket. Seen from afar, that is. But it’s just as gorgeous up close, too. Above all, Peter Pichler Architecture designed these hotel rooms as a way for tourist to connect with nature.

Key to this synergy? Floor-to-ceiling picture windows overlooking the vast mountaintop.

“We believe that the future of tourism is based on the relationship of the human being with nature. Well integrated, sustainable architecture can amplify this relationship, nothing else is needed.”

Each treehouse ranges from 35 and 45 square metres in era. However, all have the same signature pointed roof and base. PPA says those wedged corners will echo the surrounding fir and larch trees.

PPA will cull from almost entirely locally sourced larch and fir wood to build the structures. Moreover, as for the cladding, meanwhile, they plan to stain them black, offering a more gothic feel — a stark contrast to the lush greenery enveloping these treehouses.

Each will have a concrete foundation, and the glass walls will serve as additional structural support. Inside, PPA plans to build warm interiors using untreated fir wood and minimalist furniture. Each treehouse will comprise of two levels. The bottom half will be for reading and lounging, and the upper half for sleeping. An open-tread stair will link the two.

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Photos courtesy of Peter Pichler Architecture

March 7, 2019 / Comments Off

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Beautiful Minimalist Tiny Homes By Escape

DIY culture has been booming for the past several years, and that’s a boon for us all. Firstly, it gives creative folks autonomy on realizing their own vision. Secondly, it provides us consumers a wealth of options beyond the generic, nondescript alternatives huge corporations churn out time and time again.

But although there’s no shortage of alluring DIY flower pots and brooches on Etsy, sometimes it’s best to leave things to the professionals. DIY is great and all, sure, but for some things, you’re going to need an extra push.

In case you’re planning to DIY a tiny home but don’t quite know how to start, leave it to Escape. The company specializes in making small-scale, minimalist, and scaled-back homes. You might think you have all the necessary knowhow and willpower to jerry-rig yourself an entire home, but chances are you’re going to run into a pinch or two.

Which is why it’s probably best to let Escape take care of everything. From the design to the build to the materials to the insulation, the company will handle everything from start to finish. It’s got a quarter of a century to show for it, too, so you’re in very, very good hands.

The home Escape builds are nothing short of mesmerizing, too. The company doesn’t just build tiny homes for the sake of being tiny. It puts a lot of elements into consideration, as well, like where and how to place the storage, bathroom, amenities, and the kitchen to maximize space. Each home is built in its Wisconsin factory and the prices are fairly reasonable.

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Photos courtesy of Escape

February 14, 2019 / Comments Off

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Tree Tents Fuselage Wilderness Cabin

The concept behind the Tree Tents Fuselage Wilderness Cabin is to bring lightweight and portable mini-shelters even at the most remote locations around the planet.

Small homes are all the rage these days, not only because do they look so gosh darn cute, but they’re also marvels of engineering and design. Seriously, it’s probably harder to design a small home than a big one. For Tree Tents, though, it’s not just about size.

Tiny as it is, each Fuselage Wilderness Cabin boasts a stellar design language that makes it perfect for the outdoors. The cylindrical exterior, for instance, borrows heavily from modern aerospace design. The cabin is made to be mounted on stilts or suspended from trees, as well. This allows the cabin to adapt to any landscape with little to no disruption.

Inside, you’ll find birch-lined interiors with only several essentials. There are bunk beds, a dining space that can turn into an additional bed if needed, and others. The flooring features marine-grade plywood, and looking up, you’ll see double glazed windows welcoming natural light in. All this contained by a fully insulated aluminum shell.

Note that each cabin is made to order. You’ll have a number of options for customization. If you want solar panels, that’s possible. Want to add in a wood-burning stove? You can do that, as well. What if you want to throw in a kitchenette? No biggie.

It takes Tree Tents about six to eight weeks to ship out the cabin in a prefabricated and flat-packed package. The company says installation is no sweat. You’ll have the quaint, cozy, and charming little abode fully set up in as little as two days.

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Photos courtesy of Tree Tents

February 13, 2019 / Comments Off

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Hooded Cabin In Norway

Norway is home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes on this planet. But if you’re on a vacation there, chances are you’ll at some point tire of marveling at the sights and would want to retreat somewhere nice and cozy.

Forget the five-star hotels. They’re fancy and offer luxurious lodging, yes. But a hotel isn’t home away from home. The Hooded Cabin might be, though.

This quaint space is not your run-of-the-mill vacation house. Firstly, it’s perched on a mountaintop. Second, it’s got a pretty interesting architectural profile. Because of the region, the architects who designed the Hooded Cabin faced a number of limitations. Among them sectioned windows, standing wood paneling, and gabled roofs slanted at certain angles.

Even with such austere requirements, the architects were able to make do. While the space is boxed within the confines of strict regulation, it still manages to be beautiful. The exterior an ore pine roof, giving an almost modern-mythical feel.

The hood-shaped cabin features cladding laid in an angled pattern, which makes for stark geometric contrast against the black timber facade. Overall, the vibe of the dwelling is contemporary, but never removed from its surroundings.

Inside, you’ll find a warm oak lining set against vast views of the scenery courtesy of the space’s massive glazed windows. The main living space is strategically kept up front to take full advantage of these windows. The bedrooms are cinched further back. There are sliding doors that open out to a wooden terrace with a view of the river down below.

Photos courtesy of Marte Garmann and Arkitektærelset

February 12, 2019 / Comments Off

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How To Score A Private Tour At The Louvre Museum

No Paris itinerary is complete without a stroll inside the hallowed halls of the Louvre Museum. Popular works of art, some of which staples in pop culture dialogue, reside here. Seeing them up close would be an experience like no other.

But why not take it further with a private tour around the iconic museum?

As it turns out, you don’t have to be Beyoncé or Jay-Z to score some alone time with Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo. But you do have to have the same amount of paper to show for it. The Louvre Museum Private Tour, which costs $34,000 apiece, begins with a Tesla ride from your hotel to the Louvre Museum’s glass pyramid main entrance.

From there, you’ll be guided through a private, after-hours Louvre tour starting in the medieval section. No other tourists will be there except those as rich as you who snagged a ticket. A historian will take take you throughout the labyrinthine quarters of the sacred space. During which you’ll see highlights like the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The 90-minute Louvre Museum Private Tour ends on the Pont des Arts bridge, where guests will exit on a private boat for a quaint ride down River Seine.

The solo excursion is obviously far more expensive than the museum’s regular-day admission of €15. But if you think roaming the vast corners and pockets of the Louvre during the quiet hum of night is worth the asking price, then be our guest.

The Louvre Museum houses more than 500,000 works of art, though only 38,000 are exhibited. The pricey Louvre Museum Private Tour isn’t just about luxury, though. It’s also about savoring a handful of the museum’s most treasured pieces without the chaos of crowds.

MORE INFO HERE

February 9, 2019 / Comments Off

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