Hasta La Ideas

Local firm Klima Architecture prioritised energy efficiency and a low-maintenance exterior while designing this three-level family residence near Park City, Utah.

The studio designed Maple Haus for a site just outside of Park City, a ski town on the eastern front of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.

The project was designed by Klima Architecture, which was founded in 2010 as Park City Design + Build and took on a new name last year.

The house was initially designed by to be a home for the studio’s founder Chris Price. But due to the area’s favourable real estate market, he ended up selling the home to new owners who use it as a full-time residence.

The house sits within a forested community with an eclectic mix of abodes, from older cabins to contemporary dwellings. Price has lived in the neighbourhood for over a decade and has designed four homes there, including the Meadows Haus and Tree Haus.

“I gravitated here because historically you could get really cheap lots, and there is the utmost advantage of not having an overarching homeowner’s association with design guidelines,” said Price.

He added that many Park City neighbourhoods have adopted restrictive guidelines, resulting in an “uninspiring built landscape.”

While designing Maple Haus, Price took inspiration from an adjacent property – the Cube House, designed by the late architect John Sugden, who had apprenticed under Mies van der Rohe.

“In true Mies/German efficiency, the house was built around a rigid grid of steel and glass, all on a concrete plinth,” said Price.

“I wanted to take a notch out of this philosophy and design this house with the same rigour, but with modern materials and Passive House detailing.”

Approximately rectangular in plan, the Maple Haus rises three levels on a sloped site. The house measures 60 by 24 feet (18 by 7.3 metres) and is laid out on a 12-foot (3.7-metre) grid.

“This helped minimise material waste when framing, and allowed us to work faster,” said Price.

Creating an air-tight building envelope was a key concern. The architect used double-stud construction to form super thick walls filled with insulation. Triple-pane windows help lock in heat.

The base has a concrete exterior, while the upper levels are wrapped in Corten steel – a low-maintenance material that holds up well against fire, bugs and sunlight.

“On top of the steel siding is a second solar screen made of steel angle iron,” said Price. “This functions solely on the southwest and northwest sides of the home, blocking around 30 per cent of that harsh western light.”

Within the home, the team created light-filled spaces with crisp detailing.

The lowest level holds two bedrooms, while the middle floor contains a garage and guest quarters. The top level encompasses the main suite and an open-concept kitchen, dining area and living room.

All three levels are connected by a staircase made of black-painted steel with wood-veneer treads. Price and his father built all of the home’s steelwork.

Earthy materials help tie the home to its natural setting. Hem fir was used for walls and ceilings, while maple was used for floors. Counters are topped with black granite.

Rooms were initially dressed with furniture from the Italian brand Poliform.

Large stretches of glass help occupants feel connected to the scenic landscape – a high desert, alpine ecosystem with pine and oak trees. An operable, triple-pane skylight brings in light from above while also allowing hot air to escape.

The roof is designed to allow for photovoltaic panels and a roof terrace in the future.

Once a mining area, Park City is now a beloved destination for skiers and nature enthusiasts. Other projects in the mountain town include a residence by Imbue Design that consist of wood-clad, rectilinear volumes that are positioned around a central courtyard.

The photography is by Kerri Fukui and Lauren Kerr.

The post Klima wraps Maple Haus in the Utah mountains in weathering steel appeared first on Dezeen.

Green roofs have been gaining a lot of popularity these days! They are slowly and steadily cementing their place as a beneficial addition to sustainable living setups in the world of architecture. They’re an eco-friendly alternative to conventional roofs as they provide natural insulation against heat and maintain a cool temperature. They also serve as efficient rainwater buffers and reduce energy usage! Not to mention they add an organic and natural touch to homes and help them effortlessly integrate with their surroundings. We’re major fans of green roofs, and we’ve curation a collection of architectural designs that truly showcase their beauty and utility. From a passive house with a living green roof to a rammed earth tiny home concept with a pitched green roof – these structures will have you ditching traditional roofs, and opting for greener ones!

In the hills of Harriman State Park (New York), plans were made to build a beautiful, contemporary-style hobbit hole known as the Black Villa. The house is stunning inside and out, especially its most eye-catching feature: the luscious grass-covered roof. Green roofs have been growing slowly in popularity over the past decade, due to their economic and environmental advantages. They can reduce energy usage by 0.7% by providing natural insulation against heat and maintaining temperatures that are 30-40°F lower than conventional rooftops. (The Black Villa also decreases the need for electricity by using skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows.) Green roofs also reduce and slow down stormwater runoff, which helps immensely in areas with poor drainage systems (usually in urban areas).

Hill House is a passive house designed and constructed by Snegiri Architects with a living green roof that blends the home seamlessly with its natural woodland surroundings. Plotted with diverse plant life and shrubbery, Hill House’s living green roof sprawls with a grass carpet filled with stonecrop and dwarf plants including chamomile and sedum. The gradual incline of Hill House’s green roof conceals the home’s structural presence, bringing the home inch by inch into the bordering woods. The rest of Hill House’s exterior strikes a balance between black-stained wood-paneled facades and natural, unstained wood-paneled eaves.

Tucked in a coastal town outside of Rio De Janeiro, Ortiz designed the residence using the ancient indigenous ‘Taperá style’ as a reference. This unique style is usually characterized to be a visually simple home with open enclosures. And this particular home follows the Taperá style in true fashion! The minimal structure features large glass facades that allow for an ample amount of natural lighting to enter and then carefully uses the streams of natural light and ventilation to its advantage. Of course, the home’s most exquisite feature is its sleek and curved green roof. The monumental roof unifies the entire home, which has been separated into three levels and follows the gentle slope of the landscape, almost concealing the segregated sections of the home, making it seem like one long and leveled structure.

In conceptualizing the Rammed Earth House, the team of architects set out to balance contemporary energy production practices with traditional building methods. Located in Dobrava, a settlement in Slovenia’s flatland region, the Rammed Earth House is inspired by the famed floating roof designed by Slovenian architect Oton Jugovec. Since rammed earth involves compacting a mixture of subsoil into an externally supported framework, the three architects behind Rammed Earth House conceptualized a concrete foundation and timber framework. It’s generally difficult to make changes to a rammed earth structure, but the home’s overhang roof allows cement to be added in the case that extra stability is needed.

Known for designing bold, daredevil retreats stationed on the edge of mountain summits and cliffsides, Eshtiyaghi maintained the same mythical energy for his most recent rendering of Tehran’s Modern Art Museum. From an aerial viewpoint, Eshtiyaghi’s museum does not form any distinct shape, progressing past geometric, sharp angles for a gleaming white roof that slopes and bulges like a white tarp covering a wild landscape. Modern museums are generally known for their conceptual architecture, a form Milad Eshtiyaghi executes well considering his wide array of escapist hideaways. The green space that surrounds Eshtiyaghi’s museum tightens the museum’s abstract energy with rolling green roofs that mimic the overlapping lines of soundwaves, offering a place to rest on its manicured lawns.

Parking Parc was inspired by the pun in its own name– Maeiyat reinterpreted the garage as both a space for parking the vehicle and as an actual greenway that resembles a children’s park. Shaped like a rolling hillside, Parking Parc provides a storage area for parked vehicles that rests beneath the garage’s grassy, recreational exterior. As currently conceptualized, photovoltaic panels punctuate the taller regions of the garage’s exterior, providing clean energy for Volvo’s XC40 Recharge to well, recharge, and enough energy to sustain the rest of the garage’s inside operations.

WTTJH is built within a rejuvenated heritage façade of rendered masonry, steel, timber, and greenery – it is where Victorian row terrace housing meets and a post-industrial warehouse aesthetic. The two-story home was close to collapse and originally occupied the 90sqm triangular site. Due to strict heritage controls, it was untouched and in despair till the rejuvenation project by CPlusC brought it back to life in a way that was conducive towards a better future for the industry and the planet. The rooftop is made from steel planter beds that provide deep soil for native plants and fruit and vegetables. The garden beds are irrigated from the fishpond providing nutrient-rich water created by the edible silver perch (fish)!

Architecture firm Coldefy will be creating a mixed-use building in Northern France. Named ‘Echo’, the structure will include an office space, and a catering and recreation program. The building will be accentuated by green terraces that will cascade one after the other, almost resembling a green river. Echo will be the ‘first bio-based building in Euralille’!

Cuba-based Veliz Arquitecto conceptualized a modern eco home called Hugging House that integrates the land’s rolling terrain and surrounding trees into the layout of the building. Hugging House is a large, bi-level, cantilevered home located somewhere with dense forestry and overhead treetop canopies. The two sections that comprise Hugging House merge together as if in an embrace. Concrete slabs comprise the home’s surrounding driveway that leads to the ground level and outdoor leisure areas.

Cohen developed the Living Shell, an architectural shell built by growing jute, felt, and wheatgrass into a form of a textile that’s laid over a bamboo frame. Turning to textile technology, Living Shell was born from Cohen’s quest to evolve layers of wheatgrass root systems into elastic, textile materials. Settling on the shell’s curvilinear structural shape, the wheatgrass textile wraps over its bamboo frame, forming layers of insulation and shade while it continues to grow. Cohen found durability in the inexpensive building material he developed from jute, felt, and wheatgrass. Layering the different roots together in a pattern that allows room for sustained growth periods, the textile’s thickness and durability increase over time as the roots continue to interlace and grow.

With Halloween approaching, our latest lookbook highlights 10 dramatic dark interiors from the Dezeen archive, including a concrete-walled restaurant and a gothic nightclub.

These ten projects each make use of dark colours and low light to create an intriguing atmosphere.

While in some cases – such as in a nightclub – the dark colour palette suits the function of the space, other projects chose monochrome hues to minimalise visual distraction or stand out from more colour-saturated competitors.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbooks series that provides visual inspiration for designers and design enthusiasts. Previous lookbooks include smart storage solutions, homes with playful slides, and interiors with window seats.

Voisin Organique, China, by Various Associates

Cavernous ceilings and low lighting was used to create a dark and moody setting at this farm-to-table restaurant in Shenzhen by Various Associates.

The studio took advantage of the space’s shadowy qualities to create an experience that aims to mimick “wandering in a valley”.

Surfaces were covered in a matte-finish foil that only dimly reflects the light, which was used sparingly throughout the restaurant. Just a handful of spotlights were added to the ceiling.

Find out more about Voisin Organique ›

Shibuya apartment, Japan, by Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects

Hiroyuki Ogawa Architects overhauled two apartments in Tokyo, renovating one of them with a material palette of dark plaster, concrete and grey carpet.

The walls and ceilings of the Airbnb apartment were covered with dark plaster which is illuminated by a large full-height window. Matching dark concrete fixtures were added to the living space, including a kitchen island and bar.

Find out more about Shibuya apartment ›

House H, Taiwan, by KC Design Studio

KC Design Studio applied a greyscale palette to its renovation of this cave-like apartment in Taipei.

A corner-fitted staircase folds and rises along the textural plastered walls of the basement, below a large window that connects the two floors of the apartment. Cabinetry and fixtures were coloured in a slate hue to further add to the dark look of the space.

Find out more about House H ›

B018, Lebanon, by Bernard Khoury

Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury designed the dark interior of the B018 nightclub in Beirut to have a gothic feel. It references both religious architecture and abattoirs.

The interior was built with solid stone, including walls, floors, ceilings and furniture. Altar-like seating was added to the space, with carved-out grills that provide glimpses into neighbouring booths.

Find out more about B018 ›

The Krane, Denmark, by Arcgency

An industrial coal crane on the waterfront of Copenhagen was renovated by Arcgency into a luxury retreat with black interiors.

The space features all-black interiors with built-in and custom furniture crafted from leather, wood, stone and steel. The studio clad the walls, floors and ceilings of the space in wooden panels that were stained jet black.

“Black plays a pivotal role in muting and minimising visual distractions so people feel almost enveloped in the interior,” the studio explained.

Find out more about The Krane ›

Danilo showroom, China, by JG Phoenix

Located in Shantou, China, the Danilo paint showroom by JG Phoenix was informed by the ancient philosophy of yin and yang.

Muted, red vaulted corridors are connected with dark cave-like spaces through circular openings in walls. Boldly shaped furniture was placed in front of the textural walls to accompany the space’s curving form.

Find out more about Danilo showroom ›

IN 2, Canada by Jean Verville

Canadian architect Jean Verville transformed the interiors of a 1950s cottage into a monochromatic home that was stripped of its original features, fixtures and finishes.

In places, rooms were swathed in black paint. The kitchen features an all-black interior with walls, ceilings, cabinetry and fixtures removed of colour. Windows looking out to the garden provide the interior with pops of green.

Find out more about IN 2 ›

Terrace House, Japan, by Atelier Luke

Japanese-Australian architecture studio Atelier Luke renovated this house in Kyoto, stripping it back to its structural elements in an effort to highlight the previously hidden beams.

The studio stained the upper level of the home and the internal timber structure and ceiling black to create “a spacious void of shadows”.

The black-stained skeleton extends to the poured concrete floors and highlights a warmly-hued cedar volume at the centre of the space that contains a bathroom, kitchen and lofted sleeping space.

Find out more about Terrace House ›

Lucky Cat restaurant, UK, by AfroditiKrassa

AfroditKrassa blanketed the interior of this restaurant in London with moody tones in an effort to separate it from the colour-saturated Instagrammable aesthetics of many other restaurants.

The studio looked to underground Japanese jazz cafes to inform the design, incorporating wood parquet flooring, an ink-black ceiling, black painted bamboo and black-linen screens.

Find out more about Lucky Cat restaurant ›

Salón Sociedad, US, by Communal and OTRA Arquitectura

Mexican studios Communal and OTRA Arquitectura added a dark and rustic palette to the interior of Salón Sociedad in Monterrey.

Dim lighting filters through the space via frosted glass panels set between vaulted brick arches. At the rear of the space, arches were filled with concrete and clad with dark wood panelling.

Find out more about Salón Sociedad ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen’s image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing smart storage solutions, window seats, plywood interiors and marble bathrooms.

The post Ten elegant interiors with a dark and moody atmosphere appeared first on Dezeen.

“The cabinet that burns carbs.”

The ‘boîtier for bike’ is an unusually functional bit of furniture. The internet is filled with gimmicky cabinets that transform into beds, sofas, or dining tables, but they aren’t quite as impressive as this little number right here. The boîtier for bike, as its name would suggest, is a cabinet or housing (or boîtier in French) that actually comes with a dedicated space for your stationary exercise bike. Aside from having a chest of drawers that let you store your belongings, the boîtier for bike actually is meant to conceal a mini-gym within it. A pull-out drawer on the side reveals an exercise bike on the inside, allowing you to get some cardio right in the comfort of your home… when you’re done, the bike slides back into its boîtier, looking like an unsuspecting mid-century cabinet that your guests will probably think you picked up from Pottery Barn.

Designer: boîtier

Click Here to Buy Now: $1450 $1599 ($150 off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

Hand-crafted furniture made for riding and hiding your stationary bike.

Made from beautiful Cherry hardwood, veneered wood, and antique brass.

Now, the boîtier for bike doesn’t, actually come with its own stationary bike, but rather, is designed to be compatible with your existing stationary bike. Designed to fit Pelotons as well as bikes from other brands (there’s a list on their website), the boîtier comes with a load-bearing slide-out drawer made from steel that actually lets you mount the bike on it. The drawer’s built to withstand up to 180 kilograms, so you can actually work out right on the boîtier, and slide the bike in once you’re done. It’s weirdly convenient, and your guests won’t even know that you’ve got a makeshift gym in your living room.

Compatible with Peloton and other popular stationary bikes.

Stable, durable – custom-built, steel-enforced drawer made from industrial components.

Each boîtier is crafted from cherry hardwood and finished off with a veneer and brass furnishings. The overall cabinet measures 60″ in width, although you’ll need to place your boîtier in a relatively open space to provide a clearing for the open-out drawer (which brings its overall width to 116″). The drawer stands at 72″ in height, and comes with a nifty slim shelf on top to store other items too. Moreover, the bike chamber of the boîtier is also accessible via 2 front doors and has ample space to store your other gym equipment like your yoga mat, shoes, weights, skipping rope, etc. As a clever bit of customization, you can even choose whether you want the slide-out steel drawer on the left or the right side of your boîtier, to account for your living space and furniture placement.

Shelving for books, plants, speakers, etc. to match your living space.

Available for an early-bird price of $1450, the boîtier is available to a limited set of people within the USA. The price includes shipping and installation, and the boîtier itself comes with a 3-year warranty. Oh, and if you’re still wondering, it’s pronounced bwa-tje.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1450 $1599 ($150 off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

A Porsche racing car tailormade for young racers to hone their skills at the very basic level, along with the go-karting drills. The designer envisions a future where the open racing cars will replace the Porsche Supercup, prior to the Formula-1 extravaganza.

Porsche carries the crown of being one of the most iconic automotive brands in the last century or so. The German luxury and high-performance sports car manufacturer based in Stuttgart has Volkswagen AG as the current owner – but the core values of the brand haven’t been tampered with. The single-seated Porsche 804 and Porsche 718 racing car for the Formula One championship are great examples of the German brand’s growth curve all these years.

Passionate automotive design student Jan Bendixen relives that golden era of Porsche open-wheel racers with his modern interpretation that’s purely magnetic. The concept renderings here of the Porsche open-wheel racing car is in fact Jan’s internship project done at Porsche’s Designstudio in Weissach. So a very good probability you might get the traces of the design elements in future Porsche designs or even better, a similar-looking open-wheel racer. According to him, the idea was to create a “tiny E-Fuel driven formula car for Porsche.” The final 4 cylinder boxer engine-powered car came out to have minimal aerodynamic drag, lightweight credentials.

This Porsche concept is highlighted by clean, flowing lines that give it a unified dimension. The classic open-wheel racing character is pretty evident in the very low center of gravity dimensions – hug very close to the tarmac. The car is only going to be limited to race tracks and the cockpit positioning suggests that. Modern interpretation comes in the form of the black and silver combo skin – giving it a great sense of depth and contrasting muscular aesthetics. Match that with the uber-cool wet of wheels and this Porsche racing concept is ready to take on any challenge.

Taking a cue from the Porsche Supercup, the open racing wheel series will use 100% carbon neutral E-Fuel for a new era of green and sustainable motorsport racing. Formula-1 is also headed in the clean fuel direction by the way. This way, Porsche will acquire fresh talent straight from karting and lower racing series. Then polish their racing craft and give them the opportunity to move to the big league of advanced racing series – the likes of F1, WRC, or World Endurance Championship.

Designer: Jan Bendixen