Simple & modest beach shack

This "beach shack" created by Neil Architecture was designed to not only capitalise on the stunning natural surroundings of the Gippsland Lakes, but also to celebrate the simplicity and modesty of the Australian beachside lifestyle. Using a compact floor plan merging the existing shack and a new addition, the new dwelling features large panoramic windows with uninterrupted views of the lake.

Sustainable features: This home is completely self-sufficient as it has no access to utilities. All electricity is from solar power, water is harvested in water tanks and gas bottles to run the hot water and cooking appliances.

Design Upgrade for Three-Level Waterfront Home Near Sydney Harbour

Close to the waterfront in Sydney, Australia, this three-level home is a contemporary remodel of an existing dwelling on the lot. When challenged to revive the decaying construction, Luigi Rosselli Architects opted for a daring project: “It is quite rare, in Woollahra Council’s municipality, to have a house waterfront residence so close to the water. Adaptive reuse is the best way to keep a carbon footprint small and the strategy was rewarded in this waterfront property by maintaining the foreshore building line just a few steps from the water. 

Landscaping by Dangar Group / William Dangar Associates adds aesthetic value to the property: “The entry courtyard was originally a cramped driveway with three garages as main features, the solution was to relocate the garages and have a Will Dangar designed courtyard with sculptural plants and textural architectural details. The result restored a sense of dignified arrival where people, not cars, are welcome.” Adapted to the living needs of a couple of art collectors, the residence had to exude an elegant, urbane character, fit for displaying their collection. A tour of the residence will reveal specific features such as sculpture nooks and art lighting.

LILY BY MARC THORPE FOR CASAMANIA

Lily is a collection of low lying, padded surfaces that offer up various functions depending on their height. Designed by Marc Thorpe for Casamania, the system was inspired by the Nymphaeaceae, a flowering plant, hence its name. Higher pads accommodate seating and tables, while the lower ones offer display and utility.

Depending on its intended usage and how they’re arranged, Lily can create spots to encourage community and conversation. Grouped together, they become their own conversation piece.

Interforum Holdings plans to break ground later this spring on a three-building project in Lakeview. 

Northfield-based Interforum Holdings is adding to an already bulging list of projects: a proposed row of three buildings in the 2800 block of North Halsted Street that would contain 24 condominiums and three first-floor retail spaces.

Dubbed L3, for Lakeview Luxury Living, the project is the latest piece in what Interforum's chief, Alex Zdanov, said is a $100 million portfolio of condominiums and houses the company is building in the city and suburbs, including Ukrainian Village, Orland Park and Park Ridge. He said that is twice the value of what his firm built in 2014.

An entity associated with Interforum bought the Lakeview site for $4.5 million in December, according to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Dennis Shaffer, a Baird & Warner agent who is representing the condos, said groundbreaking on the first building in the trio is scheduled for later this spring. One unit has already been reserved by a buyer, he said.

The condominiums will each be about 1,600 square feet, with outdoor terraces, and prices will range from $665,000 to $695,000 in the first phase, scheduled for delivery in 2016, Shaffer said. All floorplans will have three bedrooms and two baths and come with a single parking space, although buyers can pay to have a second-car lift installed in their space. Shaffer said the cost of that upgrade was not yet confirmed.

Zdanov said all buyers will get 35 hours of concierge service free in the first year, and can pay for the third-party service in subsequent years. The service will help with moving, recommend babysitters and restaurants and provide other services, he said.

Designed by the architecture firm Baranyk Associates in Park Ridge, the three buildings will have exteriors of wood, metal and brick. The contemporary look, Zdanov said, “is where that block has gone with all that's been built since the mid-2000s. We'll complete the block.”

More information at http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150402/CRED0701/150409969/developer-plans-24-condos-on-halsted

First Texas town makes longterm plans to switch to solar & wind energy

Because of its size and intense radiation, Texas leads the nation in solar energy potential, but the solar industry has long struggled to get a foothold in the state... and solar energy currently makes up a tiny percentage of the state’s energy portfolio. That’s beginning to change. Improving technology has driven down the price of solar power, making it more competitive with other resources­ — even without incentives, developers say. — The Texas Tribune

Northwest Contemporary Exterior - Seattle

Love the design and landscape by Paul Moon Design

Pool & Garden Area - A Swedish house visualization 

A Swedish house visualization we did last year. The challenge was to show the existing house with a pool and pool house to visualize how it will look like before actual construction. We modeled the home in Autodesk 3Ds max with the help of only reference photos and hand sketches from client. Rendering with V-ray 3.0. 

Give your CAD a more appealing look !  Contact us Today 

2D floor plan rendering. Architectural Visualization of custom home plan.

Single story house rendering. 

Single story house rendering - Ingham County , Michigan. 

Architecture and Design 

New Dirt brick set to change the face of exterior walls

A new exterior building material has emerged from the U.S.A that manufacturers say is stronger than concrete blocks, cheaper than timber in almost every way and is better for the environment than conventional bricks.

“Titan Brick Inc.” is a new environmental-friendly “earth brick”, conceived in San Antonio, Texas and made from 90 per cent dirt that is waterproofed with non-toxic chemicals. The brick is not fired and is constructed in an interlocking format using glue rather than mortar.

The manufacturers of Titan, who are currently seeking a patent for its design, say that their product is two and a half times stronger than concrete blocks (2500 Psi) and fire resistant up to 1,800 degrees (Fahrenheit). They also claim that it's easier to install, more thermally efficient, requires 90 per cent less energy to produce and has a lower cost than conventional fired bricks.

There is currently no price per brick at this time because Titan will be selling it as a building system so prices will vary on an area basis.