* Residential Architecture: Riva Lofts by Claudio Nardi Architects

Residential Architecture: Riva Lofts by Claudio Nardi Architects: “..Halfway between being at home and halfway between being away, these lofts are testimonials and participants in contemporary living yet also travel experiences through time and space. The spirit of sharing is another inheritance from the past, linked to the culture of working, part of the historic vocation of places like this..Thus the nine interiors, all distinctly unique in size, shape and arrangement,boast a well-defined and recognisable character. They also offer a series of different perceptions of the environment thanks to the possibility of choosing between a suite with a private terrace, a suite directly overlooking the garden, or offering panoramic views either over the Cascine Park or towards Brunelleschi’s Cupola, the most classical icon in Florence.. Apart from the private suites, guests can also make use of a spacious sitting room with stone walls, cross vaults, bookcases and large fireplace, which is designed to continue the idea of blending experiences, tastes, philosophies and lifestyles.The large picture window overlooks the private garden and the spectacular pool lined in white sandstone..”  Interesting renovation and repurposing; materials sensibility; stylish interior decoration..

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image: © Studio Nardi; article: Arthitectural

* Residential Architecture: 25th Street Residence by Shimizu + Coggeshall Architects

Residential Architecture: 25th Street Residence by Shimizu + Coggeshall Architects: “..The project hinges on the following main ideas: the first was to insert a LEED platinum contemporary renovation into a 1920’s structure in a way that would contrast and complement. Small unused spaces were reconfigured by expanding them for a multiplicity of programs..Connections with the exterior were set up where every space has a unique relationship to the outside; sometimes framing a view, sometimes blurring the boundary between inside and out.The street elevation scale was preserved while the entry and site were designed to promote neighborhood interaction on a corner in a highly walkable area..Strategies to reduce demand include improved daylighting, 90% high efficacy lighting, and relocating openings. Additional sustainable issues for this project combined passive and active technologies: radiators fed by a high efficiency boiler, solar water heating, improved existing envelope, greater water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, phase changing drywall, and photovoltaics..Simultaneously, there was a material agenda that not only contrasted new from old but re-used materials on site: beams became benches and counters became fountains. Salvaged walnut slabs became a counter and framing harvested from a local demolished factory became the living room floor..The result is a high-performing home that has been completely transformed while respecting the layered history of the house..”  Interesting form, interior volumes, fenestration, materials; ample glazing; contextual and indoor / outdoor sensibility..

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image: © LEE; article: “25th Street Residence / Shimizu + Coggeshall Architects” 14 Sep 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/168587&gt;

* Architecture: Imperial Buildings Revitalization by Fearon Hay Architects

Architecture: Imperial Buildings Revitalization by Fearon Hay Architects: “..fearon hay architects of new zealand have revitalized ‘the imperial buildings’ in downtown auckland. the culturally rich buildings originally built between 1886 and 1911 now provide five levels of bars, dining along commercial office and retail spaces. additionally, a new street aptly named ‘imperial lane’ has been carved through the once closed-off edifices to activate previously inaccessible components of the project through internal circulation components. navigating the change in grade across the site, the inclined service-way houses the public food establishments with stepped tables that follow the contours of the ground plane, creating a new hub for socialization..light shafts of semi-translucent glass panes within metal frames penetrate the floors to naturally illuminate each section and expose the discovered brickwork, stone, timber trusses and weathered concrete structure. slender blackened steel members and corrugated metal panels support these original elements without distracting from their industrial character. a centrally located spiral staircase connects the new interior road with a large courtyard on the first storey which was re-purposed from the old service light well, and contains several stairs and balconies linking the upper levels to the open area..”

See our posts on other work by Fearon Hay Architects, including a winery and a private home:

• Architecture: Brancott Estate Heritage Centre by Fearon Hay Architects
• Residential Architecture: Island Retreat by Fearon Hay Architects with Penny Hay

image: © patrick reynolds, courtesy of fearon hay architects; article: Designboom

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* Residential Architecture: Seaside Single House by modostudio

Residential Architecture: Seaside Single House by modostudio: “..The house is located in the Monte Argentario National Park on the top of an hill with an amazing view facing the sea and the islands just in front of Tuscany. It is an old agricultural warehouse which has been completely rebuilt in its shape using recovery stones from the old building..The particular roof system has been built following a local tradition which was performed in a  contemporary way. New openings create windows which allow to enjoy the beautiful view from all the sides of the house..The stones and the white plasters of the windows width create a sophisticated atmosphere which gives to the building a strong image..Passive solar systems make the house heating to be completely energy self sufficient..”  Lovely site with superb views; ample glazing, natural light; white interior with exposed rafters; stone, wood, concrete..

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image: Courtesy of modostudio; article: “Seaside Single House / modostudio” 26 Jul 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/257478&gt;