iDesignArch | Interior Design, Architecture & Interior Decorating eMagazine
Interior Design, Architecture & Interior Decorating eMagazine
This modern residence in Kona, Hawaii designed by Belzberg Architects is situated on a site with views of volcanic mountain ranges to the east and the ocean to the west. Solar panels and rain water collection system help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house. The different living areas with its own features and views are assigned as a series of pods distributed throughout the property.
Situated on a hill overlooking Lake Lugano in Italy, this polygonal shaped glass house with round edges is optimized for thermal efficiency. The glass pavilion has two defined areas — mountain view and lake view. The living room, dining room and kitchen are located in the pavilion, while the bedrooms, bathrooms and garage are in the lower underground block. The use of geothermal energy, rain-water collection system and efficient low-emittance glass insulated with argon gas makes this the ultimate energy efficient home.
MC1 House is a residential project located near Manuel Antonio Park, Quepos in Costa Rica. Designed by Robles Arquitectos, this luxury house was built on a site where it was possible to protect the ecosystem as much as possible. The use of glass lets natural light to filter through, minimizing energy consumption, and allowing the integration or exterior and interior.
Skywave House located in Venice, California is an eco-friendly and artistic contemporary home designed by Anthony Coscia of Coscia Day Architecture and Design. This unique house’s open scheme and its landscaping maximize the potential of this landlocked site. The floating living room and bedroom suite hover over transparent 12 foot high glass walls. The interior space provides uninterrupted views of the landscape. Sliding doors and moveable interior partitions can open to reveal even private areas to the rest of the house and nature beyond.
Balancing Barn is situated by a small lake in the countryside near Thorington in Suffolk, England. The traditional barn shape modern country house cantilevers over a slope at midpoint. The rigid structure of the house makes it possible for 50% of it to balance in free space. Reflective metal sheeting covers the exterior. The highly ventilated and insulated house is warmed by a ground source heat pump resulting in a highly energy efficient building. The interior theme is dominated by timeless timber and a neutral palette.
The Popomo by Tumbleweed is a small house that is very affordable to build. This 172 square foot tiny house is small enough that no special permit is required to tow. A three panel sliding back door maximizes the view and allows plenty of light to filter through. It has a tiny kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom that sleeps two people. It also has a stainless steel propane fireplace to warm the house. A ready made house costs $44,997, or you can build it yourself for $20,000.
This sustainable modern home located on Emu Bay on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia has a relaxed design by Max Pritchard Architect that maximizes the views. Timber decks on either side of the living area provide sheltered outdoor living. High performance glass with double glazing and high efficient combustion heating minimizes energy use.
The Taliesin Mod.Fab™ is a 600-square-foot, one-bedroom prototype prefabricated home designed and built by students at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. This elegant and sustainable home relies on panelized construction to allow for speed and economy on site or in a factory. It can be connected to utilities or be “unplugged”, relying on low-consumption fixtures, rainwater harvesting, greywater re-use, natural ventilation, solar orientation, and photovoltaics to reduce energy and water use.
