Beautiful Furniture Designs Spotted in 2024

Here are the prettiest pieces of furniture we saw this year:

Panter & Tourron’s ANC stool, CNC-machined from an aluminum slab.

Max Lamb’s deceiving-looking 005 Lounge Chair for Vaarnii.

Industrial designer David Raymond’s aluminum Rounded Edges Chair.

The Peace Outdoor Lounge Chair, Faye Toogood’s brutal & sophisticated Finnish-British take on the Adirondack Chair.

A series of stunning pieces by Australian furniture designer Brodie Neill.

These pieces with wood and stone joinery by Maine-based furniture designer Ethan Stebbins.

Austrian designer Laurids Gallée’s “Metropolis”-inspired resin furniture.

German architect Gustav Düsing’s Chair23D is an actually good-looking CNC-cut flatpack chair.

Belgian designer Peter Donders’ Wind Bench, which combines digital fabrication with hand shaping.

South Korean sculptor/furniture designer Soo Joo’s biophilic Dynamic Mirrors.

Studio Toda’s Cocoda Chair is Mid-Century-Modern-meets-Japan.

This gorgeous walking stick/folding stool, by Danish designer/builder Anker Bak, is what he calls “everyday assistive furniture.”

Architect Deniz Aktay’s handsome Fibonacci-inspired wall mirror.

Icelandic industrial designer Hlynur Atlason’s rotomolded Limbo Chair.

Danish architect/furniture designer Leif Jørgensen’s LJ Spider Chair is simple and complicated at the same time.

And lastly, a design classic with a muddy history: Kaare Klint’s Propellor Stool.

Beautiful Furniture Designs Spotted in 2024

Here are the prettiest pieces of furniture we saw this year:

Panter & Tourron’s ANC stool, CNC-machined from an aluminum slab.

Max Lamb’s deceiving-looking 005 Lounge Chair for Vaarnii.

Industrial designer David Raymond’s aluminum Rounded Edges Chair.

The Peace Outdoor Lounge Chair, Faye Toogood’s brutal & sophisticated Finnish-British take on the Adirondack Chair.

A series of stunning pieces by Australian furniture designer Brodie Neill.

These pieces with wood and stone joinery by Maine-based furniture designer Ethan Stebbins.

Austrian designer Laurids Gallée’s “Metropolis”-inspired resin furniture.

German architect Gustav Düsing’s Chair23D is an actually good-looking CNC-cut flatpack chair.

Belgian designer Peter Donders’ Wind Bench, which combines digital fabrication with hand shaping.

South Korean sculptor/furniture designer Soo Joo’s biophilic Dynamic Mirrors.

Studio Toda’s Cocoda Chair is Mid-Century-Modern-meets-Japan.

This gorgeous walking stick/folding stool, by Danish designer/builder Anker Bak, is what he calls “everyday assistive furniture.”

Architect Deniz Aktay’s handsome Fibonacci-inspired wall mirror.

Icelandic industrial designer Hlynur Atlason’s rotomolded Limbo Chair.

Danish architect/furniture designer Leif Jørgensen’s LJ Spider Chair is simple and complicated at the same time.

And lastly, a design classic with a muddy history: Kaare Klint’s Propellor Stool.

It's All Splendor at the 2024 DIA Awards

The 2024 Design Intelligence Award (DIA) ceremony wrapped up the 2024 awards season at the China Academy of Art, Liangzhu Campus. The top honor and grand prize went to the Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1. The THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System, Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition of Beijing’s Central Axis, Pic Copilot, and the Ventete aH-1 Helmet (UK) all earned Gold Awards.

This year’s entries reflect the global diversity and cross-cultural exchange of the contemporary era, featuring work with cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, new materials, and so much more. The work actively explores augmented reality and human-machine symbiosis within emerging industries – like low-altitude economy, digital cultural tourism, and humanoid robotics – promoting the reconstruction and upgrading of global supply chains, innovation chains, and value chains in Industry 4.0.

Founded in 2015, the Design Intelligence Award (DIA) is the first international academy award in the field of industrial design in China. Upholding the core values of humanistic Intellect, life wisdom, industrial think tank, and science-art intelligence, DIA has run successfully for nine seasons. The DIA aims for professionalism, international participation, and perspective, making it China’s most influential industrial design competition and an important global platform for discussing intelligent design and innovative wisdom.

This year’s competition current DIA edition has received over 8,000 entries from 47 countries and regions worldwide, adding seven new participating countries and gathering representation from 76 countries and regions for the first time. Among the entries, 360 works from 21 countries and regions were awarded, with 39 outstanding works reaching the finals. Notably, 58% of the selected works are not yet on the market, and 56% are making their global debut.

The Grand Prize project Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1.

DIA 2024 Grand Prize

The Jury’s top prize was awarded to Shanghai Fourier Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. for the Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1 (China). This is a complete humanoid framework with a robust platform customization, combining bionics with high-performance robotic technology, endowing the machine with a sense of life and immense intelligence potential.

The THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System Industrial Equipment Gold winner.

Industrial Equipment – Gold Award

Hangzhou Jianjia Medical Technology Co., Ltd earned a gold in the Industrial Equipment category for their THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System. This is a dual-mode, multi-configuration, mobile and easy-to-operate robot for the dental surgery field. The integrated digital design enhances precision and efficiency, showcasing the promising prospects of artificial intelligence in the dental field while promoting equitable access to oral healthcare.

The Pic Copilot Digital Economy Gold Winner.

Digital Economy – Gold Award

Alibaba International Digital Business Group took the gold in Digital Economy for its Pic Copilot a clever and simple design with highly efficient and practical AI, integrating multicultural experiences and addressing commercial pain points, effectively covering a wide range of user demands for everyday issues.

Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition takes Gold for Cultural Innovation.

Cultural Innovation – Gold Award

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. earned Gold in the Cultural Innovation category for Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition. The largest hyper-realistic digital twin space of Beijing’s Central Axis to date, marking the first global application of gaming technology in world heritage nominations. The integration of historical heritage and modern technology is profoundly significant.

The Ventete aH-1 Helmet wins gold in the Life Wisdom category.

Life Wisdom – Gold Award

Ventete Ltd (UK) took the Gold in the Life Wisdom category for Ventete aH-1 Helmet, an inflatable, mini-foldable bicycle helmet with a patented pneumatic structure system which delivers unprecedented multifunctionality and convenience.

Check out all the award-winning projects in the Design Intelligence Awards 2024 program and learn more about DIA for 2025 by visiting the official DIA website.

It's All Splendor at the 2024 DIA Awards

The 2024 Design Intelligence Award (DIA) ceremony wrapped up the 2024 awards season at the China Academy of Art, Liangzhu Campus. The top honor and grand prize went to the Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1. The THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System, Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition of Beijing’s Central Axis, Pic Copilot, and the Ventete aH-1 Helmet (UK) all earned Gold Awards.

This year’s entries reflect the global diversity and cross-cultural exchange of the contemporary era, featuring work with cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, new materials, and so much more. The work actively explores augmented reality and human-machine symbiosis within emerging industries – like low-altitude economy, digital cultural tourism, and humanoid robotics – promoting the reconstruction and upgrading of global supply chains, innovation chains, and value chains in Industry 4.0.

Founded in 2015, the Design Intelligence Award (DIA) is the first international academy award in the field of industrial design in China. Upholding the core values of humanistic Intellect, life wisdom, industrial think tank, and science-art intelligence, DIA has run successfully for nine seasons. The DIA aims for professionalism, international participation, and perspective, making it China’s most influential industrial design competition and an important global platform for discussing intelligent design and innovative wisdom.

This year’s competition current DIA edition has received over 8,000 entries from 47 countries and regions worldwide, adding seven new participating countries and gathering representation from 76 countries and regions for the first time. Among the entries, 360 works from 21 countries and regions were awarded, with 39 outstanding works reaching the finals. Notably, 58% of the selected works are not yet on the market, and 56% are making their global debut.

The Grand Prize project Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1.

DIA 2024 Grand Prize

The Jury’s top prize was awarded to Shanghai Fourier Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. for the Fourier General-Purpose Humanoid Robot GR-1 (China). This is a complete humanoid framework with a robust platform customization, combining bionics with high-performance robotic technology, endowing the machine with a sense of life and immense intelligence potential.

The THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System Industrial Equipment Gold winner.

Industrial Equipment – Gold Award

Hangzhou Jianjia Medical Technology Co., Ltd earned a gold in the Industrial Equipment category for their THETA Dental Implant Surgery Robot System. This is a dual-mode, multi-configuration, mobile and easy-to-operate robot for the dental surgery field. The integrated digital design enhances precision and efficiency, showcasing the promising prospects of artificial intelligence in the dental field while promoting equitable access to oral healthcare.

The Pic Copilot Digital Economy Gold Winner.

Digital Economy – Gold Award

Alibaba International Digital Business Group took the gold in Digital Economy for its Pic Copilot a clever and simple design with highly efficient and practical AI, integrating multicultural experiences and addressing commercial pain points, effectively covering a wide range of user demands for everyday issues.

Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition takes Gold for Cultural Innovation.

Cultural Innovation – Gold Award

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. earned Gold in the Cultural Innovation category for Digital Central Axis: Immersive Interactive Digital Exhibition. The largest hyper-realistic digital twin space of Beijing’s Central Axis to date, marking the first global application of gaming technology in world heritage nominations. The integration of historical heritage and modern technology is profoundly significant.

The Ventete aH-1 Helmet wins gold in the Life Wisdom category.

Life Wisdom – Gold Award

Ventete Ltd (UK) took the Gold in the Life Wisdom category for Ventete aH-1 Helmet, an inflatable, mini-foldable bicycle helmet with a patented pneumatic structure system which delivers unprecedented multifunctionality and convenience.

Check out all the award-winning projects in the Design Intelligence Awards 2024 program and learn more about DIA for 2025 by visiting the official DIA website.

Top 10 LEGO Builds of 2024

LEGO is universally loved by people of all ages and stages of life. It has become a tool for artistic creativity and expression, rather than a simple building toy. LEGO bricks are being used by LEGO builders all over the world to form lovely figures and intricate structures. In 2024, we saw a diverse range of exciting LEGO builds – ranging from pop-culture inspired structures to fancy little houses. LEGO blocks truly serve as a platform for creativity and imaginative play.

We have curated a collection of the top 10 LEGO designs of 2024. Each build showcases excellent design and meticulous craftsmanship, with amazing attention to detail. They are visually unique and interesting, while also representing the limitless potential of LEGO as a creative tool.

1. LEGO Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

This LEGO rendition of the SR-71 Blackbird masterfully encapsulates the essence and elegance of the iconic aircraft. Crafted with precision, the model mirrors the SR-71’s sleek, elongated silhouette, boasting a sharply defined nose and elegantly sweeping wings that capture its aerodynamic prowess.

Not merely a static display, this model includes functional elements such as working flaps, retractable landing gear, and a meticulously detailed cockpit, each component thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the original aircraft’s remarkable engineering. Accompanying the model is a supportive base, complete with a plaque that provides key specifications of the SR-71, adding an educational dimension to this fantastic piece.

2. LEGO “Bob Ross: Studio & Paintings” Kit

LEGO-builder Bricknificent created the “Bob Ross: Studio and Paintings” kit, immortalizing the painter and art instructor Bob Ross. Bob Ross is known for his meditative paintings and videos that many people loved. The fan-made LEGO set contains Ross as a Minifigure inside his recording studio, and this is connected to an art gallery.

The art gallery can be opened or shut, and it is integrated with Ross’ most iconic artworks. The whole set includes 1234 LEGO bricks, and it showcases a pretty unique and foldable form. You can display the entire set in one go, or as a closed-loop gallery that resembles the shape of a heart. “As a nature lover who likes to draw and paint, Bob Ross is truly an inspiration. I admire his passion, reassuring voice, and limited selection of tools and colors. With this in mind, I created the ultimate Bob Ross experience in LEGO,” said Bricknificent, the creator behind the LEGO Ideas Bob Ross kit.

3. LEGO Downtown Abbey Set

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the beloved historical drama series Downton Abbey, LEGO builder BRO3 has crafted a special LEGO set that captures the essence of the show. The LEGO Ideas Downton Abbey set is a testament to meticulous design, featuring the iconic Highclere Castle in stunning detail. This set brings to life the expansive Crawley family and the dedicated staff who form the heart of the series, including the butlers and castle caretakers.

Every aspect of the build reflects incredible attention to detail, with multiple intricately designed rooms and a collection of at least 15 Minifigures, expanding to 16 when you include the Crawley’s loyal dog, Pharaoh. The set also includes Lady Mary’s cherished bench, adding an extra touch of authenticity and nostalgia for fans of the series.

4. LEGO Rolex Submariner

The worlds of LEGO and luxury timepieces converge in this remarkable creation: the LEGO Rolex Submariner. Designed as a sophisticated art model, this build appeals to those with a taste for elegance and refinement. The Submariner’s renowned “super” case is expertly transformed into LEGO form, resulting in a visually stunning piece that serves as an eye-catching decor item for any home office.

This model is enhanced with a signed brevet crown, capturing the essence of the Submariner’s iconic design and highlighting its rich heritage of luxury. Additionally, it features a functional and fully operational rotating bezel, mirroring the original Submariner watch’s utility and precision. This LEGO creation not only celebrates the craftsmanship of Rolex but also offers a unique and stylish way to appreciate the artistry of watchmaking.

5. LEGO Cataclaws

Named Cataclaws, this new icon by LEGO is here in time for the holidays. It is intended to be a “CAT-alyst” for play, and it was created from the minds of children, to gently remind the young and the old that there is no limit to how creatively we can use and play with LEGO  bricks. The tuxedo wearing cat downs a red and white beanie that will encourage people to play around the holidays.

The LEGO kitty was introduced in a short film. He goes on an adventure around the city, transforming boring scenarios into playful and fun ones. The video includes around 20 products and builds, and there are a couple of mini Cataclaws builds in the video as well if you’re looking to play Spot the Cataclaws!

6. LEGO Full House

The beloved sitcom Full House has finally been immortalized in an adorable LEGO set! Crafted by LEGO builder obiblock, this set is a is a fine specimen meticulous design, though the exact number of pieces remains a mystery. The level of detail is astonishing, from the plants adorning the kitchen window to the intricately designed front and back doors.

he set recreates the living room, complete with its iconic couch, fireplace, and the staircase leading to the bedrooms. A door opens into the kitchen, which features a cozy coffee table, a kitchen island, and the familiar backdoor that Kimmy often uses for her entrances. The set also includes a delightful array of characters, featuring Danny and his three daughters, Uncle Joey, Uncle Jesse, and Aunt Becky.

7. LEGO Godzilla

Crafted by LEGO builder Matthew Esposito, this LEGO rendition of Godzilla marks the first of its kind, despite the release of over ten Godzilla films. This small-scale version captures the essence of the city-destroying reptile, drawing inspiration from the 2019 movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Although just a few inches tall, this LEGO Godzilla boasts a robust body and an impressive long tail. Remarkably, it can even emit blue flames in all directions, bringing to life the formidable power of the legendary creature. “I was really blown away by the new look of the Godzilla in these newer movies. I was fascinated by how this new iteration of Godzilla was designed, and I thought that this new look would translate incredibly well into LEGO,” said LEGO builder Matthew Esposito. “This model would make a great LEGO set because I believe that, with the new movie coming soon into theaters and onto streaming services, I believe that many people would be hyped and excited to watch this new movie, as well as have their own buildable Godzilla at hand to play with.”

8. LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

LEGO builder Teljesnegyzet has brought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life with a captivating LEGO-based action figure set. This LEGO Ideas TMNT kit successfully depicts the four turtles in their iconic superhero attire. Each turtle is showcased with their signature colored bandanas and bands, along with their preferred weapons.

The turtles sport belts with buckles featuring their initials, and they are meticulously color-matched to their original appearances, displaying four distinct shades of green. This set is a perfect tribute to the beloved heroes in a half shell. It is a complex build, and includes around 2522 bricks, so it isn’t for the younger generation.

9. LEGO Vintage Biliards Table

Created by LEGO builder Golden Eye, this tiny yet playable LEGO billiards set captures the brilliance and granduer of a full-scale billiards table in a miniature size. It is made with all the trims and fittings – the pockets, a gutter, and a cue-stand. It is a super cute tabletop build that you can even interact with.

It is a meticulously crafted and built tribute to classic pool tables. It merges both form and function to create something that LEGO lovers and billiards fans will love. It brings the nostalgia and amusement of vintage recreational games to us, while also presenting a fun and innovative challenge for LEGO builders and enthusiasts.

10. LEGO Turing Machine

The Turing Machine is theoretically the predecessor to the computer that helped the Allied powers win World War II. A Turning Machine is basically any machine that can process algorithms, and a LEGO builder recently built the first operational Turing Machine completely from LEGO bricks! How cool is that?

This fascinating LEGO build isn’t just a sculptural or decorative model, it is a real device that can compute algorithms. And it does this deed without electricity! The model is tangible, and based on the idea that a machine can compute any algorithm as long as the right instructions are fed into it. It includes a physical tape, and a moveable “head” that reads, writes, and moves across the tape.

The post Top 10 LEGO Builds of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Glenlivet Debuts a Tartan to Commemorate Their 200th Anniversary

The single malt scotch brand commissioned heritage producer Lochcarron of Scotland to develop the meaningful amber and teal pattern

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The Glenlivet Debuts a Tartan to Commemorate Their 200th Anniversary

The single malt scotch brand commissioned heritage producer Lochcarron of Scotland to develop the meaningful amber and teal pattern

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Courtesy of The Glenlivet

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With a transformative takeover NYC—from a festive launch party at SoHo hotspot The Corner Store to wrapped taxi cab exteriors and sidewalks, as well as hotel pop-ups—a new tartan has debuted from The Glenlivet to honor their 200th anniversary. The acclaimed single malt scotch producer turned to Lochcarron of Scotland for its development, which found the heritage tartan producer uniting hand-stitched, amber-colored hues—reminiscent of the liquid itself—into The Glenlivet’s signature teal.

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Courtesy of The Glenlivet

The tartan marks the pinnacle moment of The Glenlivet’s yearlong bicentennial celebrations, punctuated by covetable whisky releases and other prestigious partnerships. Though it will likely weave its way further into The Glenlivet brand identity, for consumers it currently comes to life as The Glenlivet Speyside Meets Stateside Holiday Collection ($76), which includes a tartan scarf and bucket hat, as well as a deck of playing cards, a bottle of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old and a recipe for The Glenlivet Tartan Tini, developed in collaboration with their Edinburgh-born campaign star, Thomas Doherty.

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Courtesy of The Glenlivet

Lochcarron of Scotland is the world’s leading manufacturer of authentic tartan, the historic patterns that have defined families and kinship in the Scottish Highlands for centuries. With The Glenlivet’s inception in 1824—representing two centuries of scotch production and advancement—it only makes sense that whisky-maker transform other attributes of Scottish heritage by infusing contemporary flair.

The Bowery Review: New York’s Best and Only Humor Magazine

With a debut print issue now on newsstands throughout NYC—at McNally Jackson locations, Casa Magazines, Iconic Magazines and a handful indie bookstores—The Bowery Review: New York’s Best and Only Humor Magazine features funny short stories, one-liners, cartoons and essays that aim to elicit laughter and, in fact, do so. “The Bowery Review was created to be the humor magazine I wanted to read but couldn’t find,” head writer and editor in chief, Tim Latterner, tells COOL HUNTING. “I came up as a writer for places like National Lampoon, Playboy’s humor section, MAD—all of which are either gone or don’t publish new humor material anymore. I want to keep their legacies and vision alive. There are so many hilarious new writers and cartoonists emerging today that don’t have many places to publish prose humor that puts ‘funny’ first—so we made one.” Since The Bowery Review launch party at Biggie’s Bodega in the heart of Dimes Square,  the literary humor magazine has amassed much attention—and more issues will follow.

Ergonomic window vacuum cleaner concept redesigns tool’s architecture with a stylish twist

The window vacuum cleaner is one of those household tools that we need to be just functional. We don’t really focus that much on the design but rather on how it is able to clean our surfaces well. But what if the design actually contributes to its functionality? Also, a lot of the cleaners in the market are pretty bulky and industrial-looking so we tend to hide it. But what if it’s designed well enough that you can display it in plain sight?

Designer Name: Andrea Tomaciello, Simone Guglielmetti, Tommaso Rossi, Matteo Sagattini

Aria is a concept for a window vacuum cleaner that has completely redesigned its architecture so that the over-all design of the tool can be different as well. The vacuum system has been moved to the top while the dirty water tank is placed inside the handle and is now removable from the bottom so it’s easy to empty it when it’s full.

The cylinder now holds the motor and the superellipse is in the handle. These two are joined together as if they’re a single body, making it seem like they’re just one single body. It also has two interchangeable heads so you can reach both the bigger surfaces and the more confined spaces. It also has a base for easy charging, similar to other current devices like watches, electric shavers, etc.

Instead of hiding a bulky window vacuum cleaner away, you can actually just place it somewhere nearby for easy access. It’s also ergonomically designed so that you can easily use it when cleaning without having to uncomfortably stretch out your arms to reach hard-to-reach areas.

The post Ergonomic window vacuum cleaner concept redesigns tool’s architecture with a stylish twist first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ao-ft arranges mass-timber house around contours of London plane tree

Tree Courtyard House by Ao-ft

A tall plane tree forms a focal point for Tree Courtyard House, a home with a cross-laminated timber structure on a backland site in east London by local studio Ao-ft.

Tucked behind Walthamstow Village’s main shopping street, the two-bed house is designed to blend into its surroundings with dark brown-brick walls that Ao-ft said “minimise attention”.

Exterior view of Tree Courtyard House in London
Ao-ft has completed Tree Courtyard House in London

The 63-square-metre home occupies an L-shaped plan at the north of the site, previously occupied by a restaurant kitchen, leaving space for a generous garden.

According to the studio, the root system of the 15-metre-tall London plane tree guided the house’s form while its windows and skylights were placed to look out over its foliage.

Garden area within a home by Ao-ft
The home is built from a CLT structure clad with brick

“We took advantage of the seasonal changes in the tree’s foliage and location with summer months providing dappled shading to the south-facing facade while allowing more light during the winter months when the leaves have fallen,” said Ao-ft director Liz Tatarintseva.

Inside, Tree Courtyard House’s living area, kitchen, dining and bathroom sit at the centre of its floorplan, bookended by two bedrooms that face out over the courtyard garden.

Close-up of Tree Courtyard House exterior in London
The roots of an existing tree informed the home’s layout

The house’s structure is formed from 43 panels of spruce cross-laminated timber (CLT), manufactured in a factory and assembled within five days onsite in collaboration with mass timber specialist ConstruktCL.

There is also a glue-laminated (glulam) beam, used to support the seamless ceiling panels that appear unsupported internally.

Kitchen interior within Tree Courtyard House in London
The CLT structure is exposed inside

This seamless look is achieved by the supporting glulam beam being cut diagonally, inverted and embedded into the roof construction.

Given the proximity of homes on either side of Tree Courtyard House, one of Ao-ft’s main design challenges was achieving ample daylight while maintaining privacy.

Its solution was to create a mono-pitched roof form with windows positioned higher up, giving views out to the tree foliage and preventing overlooking.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, a large skylight looks out to the neighbouring trees, creating a brighter and more open feeling without compromising privacy.

Corridor within London home by Ao-ft
Openings provide views out to the surrounding foliage

“The backland site is surrounded by neighbouring properties but from within the garden and home it feels very private,” said Ao-ft director Zachary Fluker.

“There is a strong connection to nature with the large London plane tree as the focal point in the garden with all glazing framing it from different vantage points.”

Living space within the Tree Courtyard House in Walthamstow
A concrete floor runs throughout

Inside the house, the spruce CLT has been left exposed to celebrate its natural texture, while a gridded pattern of tiles was picked for the kitchen and bathroom. A polished concrete floor is continuous throughout.

The home is complete with an exhaust air heat pump which reuses energy from waste air resulting in lower operational carbon.

Bathroom interior within the Tree Courtyard House by Ao-ft
A skylight looks up to the trees in the bathroom

Ao-ft has completed other CLT projects in Walthamstow including its first project Spruce House, a two-storey home located between terraced houses. It built Tree Courtyard House with local developer Jonathan Hooker of Castleguard Homes.

Other mass-timber homes on Dezeen include a chalet with a sloped green roof in Quebec and Heath House in London that is designed as a “sanctuary for wellbeing”.

The photography is by Rory Gardiner.

The post Ao-ft arranges mass-timber house around contours of London plane tree appeared first on Dezeen.

Naturehumaine completes Quebec retreat for "well-being and rejuvenation"

Selenite by Naturehumaine

White-painted wooden planks and matching-coloured metal roof panels make up the monochrome exterior of Selenite, a retreat nestled into a forested site in Québec, completed by Canadian studio Naturehumaine.

Named Selenite after the crystalline mineral believed to have soothing properties, the refuge was designed by Naturehumaine to realise their clients’ vision of “combining ecological architecture, wellness and a unique resort experience”.

Exterior view of Selenite retreat in Québec
Naturehumaine has completed a well-being retreat in Québec

“The main concept of the project was to offer an inclusive resting place in the forest promoting well-being and rejuvenation,” studio founder Stéphane Rasselet told Dezeen. “During one of the first meetings, the clients told us about the Selenite stone (or moonstone) and its benefits.”

“We thought of this idea of ​​crystalline prisms for the roof design to get away from a traditional roof form while still referencing it in a way,” Rasselet added. “The white color of the house also reinforces this idea of ​​crystal.”

View of monochromatic retreat completed by Naturehumaine
The structure is finished with an all-white exterior

Measuring 36 x 36-feet (10.9 x 10.9-metres), the Selenite retreat sits on a square plan and is topped with two prism-shaped roofs, which are orientated in opposite directions and punctuated with square skylights.

A wooden ramp wraps around the retreat, connecting the driveway to a sheltered entrance, where a full-height glass door provides access to the interior.

Entrance to Selenite retreat in Québec
White walls, grey-toned flooring and wooden cabinetry define the interior

Inside, the retreat is finished with a similarly monochromatic colour scheme of white walls and grey-toned floors complemented by wooden cabinetry.

Situated on either side of the entrance hall are two bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling glazed openings looking out towards the surrounding greenery. A shared bathroom topped with a square skylight sits adjacent to this.

Beyond this space, the retreat opens up to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, where large, glazed openings and a square skylight draw light into the interior.

Sliding doors lead out from the living spaces to a large decked terrace, equipped with a spa area and outdoor seating space.

Kitchen and dining space within retreat by Naturehumaine
A skylight illuminates the communal spaces

Also hosted within the retreat is a steam bath, cold bath, sauna and salt room complemented by additional features such as a lighting system that synchronises to a visitor’s circadian rhythm.

“The thermal facilities provided in the space allow you to do a complete relaxation circuit,” Rasselet said. “Particular attention was also paid to finishing materials so that they are as healthy as possible for users.”

Living space within Selenite by Naturehumaine
The retreat contains a spa area

Elsewhere, a Swiss chalet has been renovated with mid-century modern furniture to transform it into a secluded retreat, while a lakeside retreat in Austin has been clad in weathering steel.

The photography is by Raphaël Thibodeau.

The post Naturehumaine completes Quebec retreat for “well-being and rejuvenation” appeared first on Dezeen.