Living comfort

01-t-wohnsolitaer-bei-turin-von-archisbang

27 8 2022

Residential Solitaire near Turin by Archisbang

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Energy renovation of buildings, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Energy renovation of buildings, Flat roof, Interior eqpipment, Living, Living comfort, Plaster, Renovation, Roof terrace, Sustainable projects

Fortress on a rock

Architecture: Archisbang
Client: privat
Location: Ivrea (IT)

Structural engineering: Marco Cuccureddu
Contractor: Perino Costruzioni

In the small Piedmontese town of Ivrea at the northern edge of the Po Valley, the architectural practice Archisbang has turned a house that had seen better days into a solitaire that can be flexibly adapted to various residential requirements. Their work involved energy-efficiency upgrading, structural alterations to the interior and substantial transformation of the outer appearance.

© Aldo Amoretti

The planning team had all overhangs removed from the house from the 1960s and pared it down to its cubic volume. Now lightweight cement panels plastered in lime mortar conceal the newly-installed exterior insulation, while large square openings provide interior spaces with abundant natural light. The windows on the southern side look out onto rock, staging the architecture’s relationship to the site.

The building is divided into three living units accessed by external stairs, while an interior staircase and elevator can also be used to link the apartments if required. The ground floor acts as a communal area featuring a laundry room, a rock cellar and parking space for two cars.

© Aldo Amoretti

On the first floor, two small apartments share a living area, whereby a wooden partition wall can be used for flexible allocation of the space between the two, or for combining them into one floor-sized unit. The main apartment comprises the second story and the roof above it.

The walls in the private areas are in exposed concrete, while the rough stucco of the facades is repeated on the interior walls of the communal areas. Floors in polished concrete are punctuated by sections of parquet. Custom-made furniture as well as doors and window frames out of wood soften the stark architectural language.

© Aldo Amoretti

A special feature of the house concerns the roof terrace, which is accessed from the large apartment on the second storey. Surrounded by the crowns of trees, it offers views of the Serra d’Ivrea moraines at the foot of the Alps and also has a swimming pool – an amenity for which the load-bearing walls were especially reinforced.

Source

Gallery Fortress on a rock

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25 8 2022

SoLo Demonstration House near Vancouver by Perkins&Will

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Interior eqpipment, Living comfort, sustainability, Sustainable projects, Wood

© Andrew Latreille

Architecture: Perkins&Will
Client: Delta Land Development
Location: Soo Valley (CA)

Structural engineering: Glotman Simpson
Building services engineering: Integral Group
Facade planning, building physics: RDH, Perkins&Will

The name says it all: amid the forests near the ski resort of Whistler, Perkins&Will have erected a holiday home on behalf of a property developer. The structure will set new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. The client, Delta Land Development, states that it would like to test technologies and construction methods that may be used in larger future projects set in the urban environment.

© Andrew Latreille

In terms of scale, SoLo is in a completely different, significantly smaller league. However, for a weekend house the new building is quite impressive: it is nearly 30 m long and measures 380 m². To keep the house from being snowed in, the structure stands conspicuously above ground on a steel framework.

© Andrew Latreille

The (ground-floor) basement accommodates only a technical room for the ventilation system, the geothermal pump that heats the house and the water treatment unit. Because its location is remote, SoLo is self-sufficient with respect to energy and water supply. A well beneath the house provides potable water, while grey water is recycled and waste water passes through a small treatment unit before it seeps into the earth.

© Andrew Latreille

The main source of energy is a 32-kW photovoltaic array mounted on the southeast longitudinal facade; a wind-power system is slated for future installation. An ancillary building a bit away from the house contains battery storage and, should there be periods of no sunshine, a fuel cell.

© Andrew Latreille

For the self-sufficiency concept to work, the house’s energy requirements first had to be lowered. The building was planned according to passive-energy principles, which in this particular location meant around 60 cm of insulation inside the building shell. From the inside out, the shell consists of dowelled solid-wood panels, a vapour barrier, the insulation layer between the timber cross-pieces and a second, independent wooden framework that bears the exterior covering of the house. The latter consists of the above-mentioned PV modules on the southeast facade, wooden boarding on the northeast side as well as a standing seam cover on the shed roof. On the east-facing end, the house opens onto the terrace with floor-to-ceiling glazing. Behind this, visitors enter a two-storey living room and continue into the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. A sauna and storage space are located in a small annexe on the north side of the structure.

Gallery

24 8 2022

Earth House near Osaka by Tomohiro Hata

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Concrete, Roof terrace, Single-family house, Skeleton construction, Steel

Architecture: Tomohiro Hata
Client: Tetsuya Matsuoka
Location: 2-chōme-6-14 Asahigaoka, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0022 (JP)

Structural engineering: Takashi Manda
Landscape architecture: Toshiya Ogino
Lighting design: Daiko Electric
Contractor: Asa Kenchikukoumu

Large two- or three-storey houses on small plots and narrow gardens frequently hidden behind high walls typify the extensive residential areas in Ikeda, a suburb north of downtown Osaka.

© Toshiyuki Yano

The Earth House by Tomohiro Hata was designed for a client who wanted more contact with nature and a building that is meant to be long-lasting and – as so often in Japan – not demolished well before the end of its technical lifespan and replaced by a new one.

The architects’ response to this challenge brings nature into the house – not on the ground floor alone but likewise on the rest. A forest of round steel supports bear the floor slabs, provided concavely curved edges to make room for the trees and bushes. The latter are rooted not only in the garden but also in trough planters on the deeply cantilevered terrace decks of the upper floor and the roof. The steel supports also stiffen the construction – the house not having a concrete core, not even for the elevator.

© Toshiyuki Yano

Three staircases connect the storeys in the building, namely two internal, more functional ones, and an external one in a small, covered inner court, where the architects have crossed stairways leading to the flat roof to stage movement through the building.

© Toshiyuki Yano

The structural system of the Earth House and its interior works are completely separate. Solely non-load-bearing stud walls and expanses of steel-framed glazing enclose the rooms, which facilitates later alteration. The exterior of the few load-bearing walls is clad in titanium sheeting. Inside, the architects used oak boards for the floors, the ceilings and also the walls.

Source

Galerija

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: © Toshiyuki Yano

: Graphic © Tomohiro Hata

: Structure, Graphic © Tomohiro Hata

Pavilion-A-Pool-House-Maurice-Martel-architecte-1

23 8 2022

A Glass House Inspired Pavilion Houses an Indoor Swimming Pool

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Interior eqpipment, Living comfort, Wood

Maurice Martel architecte gives nod to iconic modern architecture in a project in Montréal where they designed an indoor swimming pool that can be enjoyed all year long, even during the long Quebec winters. Pavilion A references Philip Johnson’s Glass House and the Ben Rose House, featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, with its minimalist structure made of metal and glass. Massive windows float floor-to-ceiling with a flat roof that appears to float on top.

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The exterior part of the structure might be black, but the interior is bright with the help of skylights and a white ceiling.

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Inside, much of the perimeter is lined with plants to give a tropical feel that evokes relaxation, while offering added privacy.

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A circular structure clad in warm red cedar cleats hides the bathroom, which opens up to reveal a bright white interior flooded with natural light from above.

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Photos by Adrien Williams

Source

Galerija

21 8 2022

Scandinavian house

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Living comfort, Single-family house, Wood

SMALL SPACES: A CHARMING SWEDISH SUMMER COTTAGE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Location: Malmöju (Švedska)

As with all Swedish summer cottages, simplicity is the order of the day.

The emphasis is on relaxation and warmth – and that starts with the glowing string lights and a an inviting ochre front door.

Inside, the walls and ceilings have been clad in wood panelling.

Vintage touches help to create a relaxed feel.

Ideal extra space for additional storage.

Mix and match furniture is key to creating a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Photography: Krister Engström

Source

Galerija

01-einfamilienhaus-portugal-numa-architects

21 8 2022

Single-Family Dwelling in Portugal

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Interior design, Living comfort Architecture, Single-family house

A modernist home

Santa Joana is a community in the city of Aveiro, which is located south of Porto. It is here that the Portuguese studio Nu.ma architects realized a 230 m², ground-level house for a family. The planners based their design on the surrounding urban structure, which is characterized by narrow rows of what were once workers’ quarters.

© Ivo Tavares Studio

In planning the house, architect Nuno Silva took up the surrounding urban structure, which is characterized by narrow rows of what were once workers’ quarters. Therefore, Nu.ma architects based their design on the ideas of repetition and systematization. They divided the building into three long, parallel volumes which are complemented by a nearly square garage in one corner of the entrance area. All four structures feature saddle roofs which continue the rhythm of the neighbouring roof shapes.

The building stands back from the road and is delimited from it by a low wall. The yard behind the wall acts as both forecourt and driveway to the garage. As the lot is slightly sloped, the house sits on a base that protrudes significantly towards the rear garden.

© Ivo Tavares Studio

In this spot, a ramp creates a connection between the different levels. The terrace in front of the main living spaces, which is set a bit higher, is bounded by the northern volume, which is twice as long as the two others. The white plastering on these volumes still forms a dramatic contrast to the nearby buildings. The climate in the north of Portugal, which is damp in wintertime, will eventually help the façade fit in with its surrounding environment.

© Ivo Tavares Studio

The public living areas are situated closer to the road and encompass the foyer, sanitary facilities, kitchen and garage access. The private living areas and bedrooms are oriented towards the inner portion of the lot, where they open onto the terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows. While the three main volumes are clearly discernible when seen from outside, inside the boundaries blur so the spatial impression of the individual spaces is determined by the various slopes of the roof. Several skylights and a narrow, upward-facing light shaft allow daylight into all areas of the house.

Architecture: nu.ma architects
Location: Santa Joana, Aveiro, Portugalska

Source

Gallery A modernist home

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

: © Ivo Tavares Studio

Quarry-House-Montecito-AB-design-studio-1

20 8 2022

A Humble 1950s Wood Cabin Becomes a Retreat

Blanka de Far 2022, Architecture, Living comfort Architecture, Living comfort

Situated between the Santa Barbara foothills and the Santa Ynez mountains in a rock quarry in Montecito, California, the Quarry House went from being a humble 1950s wood cabin to a modern, retreat-like residence designed by AB design studio in collaboration with House of Honey. The property houses two structures, a single-story home and a new guesthouse by the pool – both black and boxy with large expanses of windows. The elongated main house features a long hallway that connects the public space to the primary bedroom suite at the opposite end.

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A large wooden deck wraps around all sides of the house creating opportunities for a connected indoor/outdoor lifestyle prominent in California.

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A stepped pathway joins the two structures with a garden courtyard in between.

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Black-framed windows replace solid walls offering ever-changing views of the surrounding oak forest.

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The light-filled interior is designed by House of Honey who gives nod to the property’s Zen and artistic past when it was inhabited by a collective of bohemian poets, writers, and artists. Original elements are maintained and stones found on the property have been reused in the project.

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The ceilings are clad in birch veneer, which complements the light wood flooring throughout.

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Photo: Jason Rick in Sam Frost

Source

Galerija

25 1 2020

Visit “Triplets”

Blanka de Far 2020, Architecture, Baby's room, children's room, Energy renovation of buildings, Heating, Interior design, Living comfort

First - 59th Home Fair

When: 4. – 8. March 2020

Where: GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Center

Second - Ambient Ljubljana

Furniture and Interior Fair

When: 11. – 15 November 2020

Where: GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Center

Third - Dom plus

Autumn and Construction Fair

When: 11 – 15 November 2020

Where: GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Center

25 6 2019

Refreshing drinks tea

Blanka de Far 2019, Architecture, Living comfort, Thinking Architecture, Living comfort

Refreshments can be prepared only on the basis of tea. Home-made ice tea is ready quickly and easily. Because of its natural appearance, it will be a pleasure for every guest, and it will also be a relaxing ambience.

Top 5 refreshing beverages:

Lemonade
Green tea with fruit added
Ice coffee
Yogurt or \”kefir\”
A natural smoothie

I\’ve prepared some recipes so that you can make homemade ice tea at home.

YES - Please for recipes

15 12 2016

Infrared panels – IR panels

Blanka de Far 2016, Architecture, Energy renovation of buildings, Heating, Interior design, Living comfort Heating, IR panels, Living comfort

Verjetno ste že velikokrat zasledili Infrardeče panele krajše imenovani IR-paneli. Infrardeča svetloba je del nevidnega spektra.

Prednost IR panelov je, da se ne izrabijo v primerjavi z drugimi ogrevalnimi sistemi kot so na primer plin, drva, olje in druga fosilna goriva.

IR grelni paneli so odlična naložba, za katero ni potrebno globoko segati v žep. Prihranek pri energiji se povrne že v nekaj mesecih. Z uporabo IR-panelov lahko privarčujete kar 60% letnega proračuna za ogrevanje (v primerjavi s kurilnim oljem). V primerjavi z lesenimi paleti pa do 20%. Ja prav ste prebrali, to omogoča IR-panel omogoča pretvoriti kar do 100% električne energije v toplotno.

Prednosti IR-grelnih panelov:

Bistveno hitreje lahko ogrejemo prostor. Zaradi akumulacije v stenah se bo toplota v stenah in predmetih v prostoru veliko dlje časa zadrževala.
Idealna rešitev za vlažne stene ali prostore (npr. kopalnice, mansarde, itd.), saj infrardeči žarki prodirajo veliko globlje v steno. To omogoča sušenje stene in s tem omogočamo tudi, da se izboljša bivalno ugodje.
Vgradnja ni zahtevna, saj s samimi inštalacijami ni večjih posegov v prostor ali objekt.

IR-grelne panele lahko uporabljamo v skoraj vseh prostorih in je ekonomična in udobna rešitev v skoraj vseh situacijah.
Uporabljamo ga lahko:

v bivalnih prostorih
v mokrih prostorih
v sobah
v kmetijstvu
v zdravstvu
v savnah ali wellness
v proizvodnji
v gradbeništvu za izsuševanje

Velikokrat, so me stranke spraševale, kakšen panel naj kupim za v kopalnico, dnevno sobo, otroško sobo in tako naprej. Zato sem se odločila, da pripravim razpredelnico okvirno moč IR-panela, ki ustreza določeni prostornini prostora.

Moč *	Montaža *	Velikost ogrevalnega prostora *
270 W	stena/strop	2-4 m2
350 W	stena/strop	3-6 m2
550 W	stena/strop	5-9 m2
700 W	stena/strop	7-15 m2
1000 W	stena/strop	10-20 m2

* preveri, pri proizvajalcu

Kaj moram vedeti preden kupim IR-panel?

Iz česa je izdelan grelni element. Večinoma so izdelani iz ogljikovih kristalov. Od tega je odvisen izkoristek in življenjska doba IR-plošče.

Kakšen izkoristek energije ima. Izkoristek energije mora imeti čim višji.

Pomembna je tudi življenjska doba. Samo življenjsko dobo se definira v urah ali letih. Dobra IR-planel ima življenjsko dobo cca 30 let ali do 100.000 ur. Nekatere blagovne znamke ponujajo tudi dodatno opremo.

Pri Archistudiu vam nudimo celotno svetovanje za potencialne investitorje ali lastnike, ki potrebujejo energijsko svatovaje, da bi optimizirali stroške in izboljšali bivalno okolje. Z energijskim svetovanjem in se profesionalno ukvarjamo že od leta 2010. Kontaktirajte nas in vam bomo z veseljem svetovali.