Achitecture and Design

A Passive House community center in Canada focused on social inclusivity

A Passive House community center in Canada focused on social inclusivity

Canadian design firm hcma recently completed a large-scale, mass-timber community center in British Columbia that has been certified as Passive House. The 7,060 sq m Clayton Community Center in Surrey, part of the Metro Vancouver area, mixes leisure and culture areas with a library and surrounding public spaces. Community engagement had a great influence on the design development, and in the lack of an industry standard, hcma developed its own social impact framework for the project based on the concepts of equity, social inclusion, sustainability, and flexibility. Commissioned and run by the local city government, the center involves music and recording studios, a communal rehearsal hall, a gymnasium and fitness center, a community test kitchen, preschool and childcare, a woodworking shop, shared social spaces, and a library. Many of these public programs were formerly held in different facilities, and the city expects to have a stronger influence on the community by pooling them The mass timber structure received Passive House certification for its materiality and ultra-low energy consumption, making it North America's largest non-residential certified project. The structure utilizes 98% less energy than the average performance of similar existing buildings in British Columbia, according to hcma. “Clayton Community Centre demonstrates what’s possible when we prioritize social outcomes alongside design excellence and ultra-low energy use,” says hcma principal Melissa
24.01.2022
RYB Apartment in Kyiv: A minimal interior with a calming palette

RYB Apartment in Kyiv: A minimal interior with a calming palette

Ukrainian studio Men Bureau led and founded by Oleksandr Maruzhenko designed the RYB Apartment, which is a minimal and peacefully soothing interior with a calming palette.

The apartment is located above a commercial area in the Rybalsky residential complex in Kyiv's Podol district, Ukraine. This allowed the studio to better use the space by splitting it into two blocks: a private part (a children's room and a master bedroom with a bathroom) and a public one (consisting of a spacious kitchen-living room and a bathroom and a workplace). This place is intended to fulfill the needs and emotions of its inhabitants, serving as the setting for diverse scenarios of daily life. The primary rooms are composedly linked to one another through materials and textures. Men Bureau was commissioned to create a serene refuge for the owner and his family to escape their cosmopolitan lifestyle. The main goal was to use natural materials to create a clean, basic, but informal ambiance. To get flexibility and minimize excessive separation of an already compact flat, the partitions have been (almost) eliminated, resulting in an open plan structure with one central module defining the primary living space. This module comprises an efficient kitchen set, a dining area, a small workstation, and a big living room — this allows the space to serve several roles without becoming cluttered. Except for the children's room, all rooms face the courtyard, which is lushly landscaped. The children's room opens onto a beautiful view of the Dnieper A single palette of materials was used to visually link the spaces: birch plywood, micro cement, Japanese KitKat tiles, and Caribbean Calcite marble. These materials provide a laconic backdrop for furniture and lighting fixtures. In all rooms, the chilly tones of micro cement were combined with the warm textures of plaster and wood. Famous pieces of furniture, such as Fritz Hansen dining chairs, Norm Architects' Co armchairs, and Pholc's Apollo 180 floor light, are easy to combine with
11.01.2022
An underground house in Mexico looks at the sky

An underground house in Mexico looks at the sky

A few hours from Mexico City, a home enclosed in the belly of the earth embraces the landscape and establishes a mythical covenant between architecture and nature.

To relate to its natural surroundings, which are framed by wooded mountains and carpeted with avocado fields, architect Francisco Pardo literally chose to make this vacation home for a young couple to disappear into the belly of Pachamama, the Mother Earth of Central American cultures, which covers the construction. The partially hypogeal house is built into the hill it stands on, with a green roof from which avocado trees emerge: a solution that is effective both from a landscape and a technological standpoint, as it offers optimal internal thermal conditions in an area subject to significant fluctuations, thanks to the earth on the roof acting as insulation and keeping the home at a constant mild temperature. The volume embedded in the ground unfolds inside like a huge container in exposed concrete, with a practical and flexible layout thanks to the reduced partitions. The central living space unites the several adjacent rooms: the kitchen, dining room, and living room, the bedrooms (the master, children's, and two guest bedrooms), and the study. It has access to a panoramic terrace with a whirlpool tub and views of the forest. A patio dug into the ground on the opposite side gives additional access as well as a second source of natural light and ventilation. The interiors are distinguished by a simple, low-maintenance design that is nonetheless attractive: the exposed concrete structure contrasts with walls covered in Chukum, a natural stucco from the Yucatan region, and recycled raw pinewood; custom-made furnishings - the kitchen, the black metal fireplace - demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and the desire to characterize an essential, almost monastic, but warm and welcoming space. An outdoor cabin made of recycled wood, which serves as a
11.01.2022
The new Normann Copenhagen headquarters is a dialogue of rough concrete and pastel colors

The new Normann Copenhagen headquarters is a dialogue of rough concrete and pastel colors

Normann Copenhagen, a Danish design company, has opened its new headquarters in the heart of the capital. It's a space that represents the brand's soul, a place to connect with clients and design lovers, a working environment, and an exclusive restaurant on the top floor with a panoramic view of the city.

Corporate headquarters projects are undeniably among the most intriguing to monitor. This is because they are not simply workspaces but also locations in which businesses convey their values by integrating consumers and users in set-ups that go beyond utility and have a narrative or experience approach. You can find unexpected hybrids between typical office and conviviality zones and fascinating functional mixtures and novel public-private interactions. The new corporate space located in an industrial building was constructed in 1936 and was previously utilized as a printing works. The work of the company's in-house design department has retained the building's original character, particularly one of its architectural aspects with tremendous scenic impact: the rough concrete coffered ceilings. The project progresses on seven levels, each with its own chromatic motif. Grey concrete is complemented with mint green and flesh-colored walls, ruby red or poppy red parts, blue or canary yellow furniture. The result is a language that connects classic but raw architecture with the brand's collections, distinguished by timeless design and mixes well-known pieces from the firm with a slew of new products. As a result, Normann Copenhagen's new headquarters is a must-see for all design enthusiasts looking to uncover the various faces of Danish creativity. As a result, Normann Copenhagen's new headquarters is a must-see for all design enthusiasts looking to uncover the various faces of Danish creativity.
11.01.2022
How to get monochrome magic: Black and white interior design ideas

How to get monochrome magic: Black and white interior design ideas

Due to their timeless elegance, interiors in black and white are always in great demand. Even more so because the color scheme may be used in any interior design style. However, achieving a precisely styled appearance might be more complicated than it appears. To maintain their sophisticated appeal, these spaces demand balance. Here are some ideas to assist you in nailing the style.

Play with scaling to find the right balance


Black and white interior design provides endless opportunities for tricking the eye to get the desired appearance. Whether used on walls, ceilings, or floors, both colors can make spaces appear taller, shorter, longer, or more profound. White walls make a tiny room look larger, while appropriately scaled monochromatic furniture and accessories give a balanced dynamic that makes the space feel planned and put together. Use patterns to shake things up When it comes to black and white living room decor, patterns are a good idea to avoid the space appearing too strict or dull. Sleek modern lines are ideally supplemented by intriguing forms, abstract details, and strong graphics such as artistic hexagonal tiles. Then, to balance the room, pair them with solid materials. Black and white for creating a stunning bathroom Black and white design concepts can be used to create magnificent bathrooms just as well. The monochromatic pattern is delicate, elegant, and inviting when set against a neutral gray background. A limited color palette's refined simplicity can be accentuated by discrete natural patterns of materials such as quartz and marble. Ceramic tiles with bold black and white designs on a floor or wall will add more visual interest, and a faux plant will
11.01.2022
5 trends designers can’t wait to say goodbye to in 2022

5 trends designers can’t wait to say goodbye to in 2022

Regardless of being in fashion or in the way we design our houses, trends come and go. And, after two crazy years of unprecedented changes in how we live, work, and play, it's no wonder that popular looks and trends are evolving in the new year. But, while there are some amazing trends to look out for in January, there are a few that we may want to avoid.

Here are some of the trends that designers are looking forward to saying goodbye to in 2022.

1. White on white

While there is minimalist beauty with white walls, cabinets, countertops, etc., some designers believe this trend will fade by 2022. So instead, people lean toward a splash of bold color, contrast, and eye-catching components to create a more maximalist style. "White walls are timeless, but once you add white cabinets, white furniture, white accessories, and more, the interior of your home begins to look and feel uninviting," says Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs. "Weaving in bursts of color and doses of warmth creates a home that feels far cozier and inviting!" The same may be said about all-white kitchens. While they have been popular in recent years, designers state they’re taking a significant dip in popularity. 2. Minimalist style It’s not just ‘all white’—the minimalist trend is fading in popularity overall. The "less is more" philosophy is no longer popular; instead, designers are seeing a shift to timeless decor, grand art, and statement furniture over the simplistic elements. “Minimalism and mid-century everything [is] being replaced with a trend towards more 80s and 90s inspired looks, maximalism, and more traditional styles—à la the ‘grand millennial look,” shares Stephanie Purzycki, Co-Founder and CEO of The Finish. 3․ Harsh lines & layouts Round, organic shapes (in both design and décor) or statement items with a powerful, yet softer feel are one of the year's biggest trends.
11.01.2022
6 purple interiors with Pantone's color of the year for 2022

6 purple interiors with Pantone's color of the year for 2022

Colour company Pantone named Very Peri the color of the year for 2022. It's a shade of blue, but most people see purple. In this article, we've presented 6 projects in which designers added statement sofas, bright tiles, and plush carpets in various purple shades to the interiors, showing the striking color's versatility.

Resa San Mamés student accommodation, Spain, by Masquespacio Bilbao


Masquespacio, a Valencia-based creative studio, used its unique color-blocking technique across the Resa San Mamés student accommodation in Spain.

The open-plan area has light purple tiles flowing down the walls, which the studio hoped would foster a sense of community among students.

Photo is by Masquespacio Apartment, US, by Harry Nuriev and Tyler Billinger of Crosby Studios The owners of this New York apartment incorporated their distinct personalities into one space by using vibrant colors, geometric forms, and unusual materials. Purple hues pop up on the walls, carpet, leather cabinets, sofa and shelf unit. The color stands out against the grey walls and drapes in the living room. Photo is by Dylan Chandler Cafe Krujok, Russia, by Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya A lilac tint covers the soft, velvety walls of Cafe Krujok in Russia, created by designers Eduard Eremchuk and Katy Pititskaya to embody "the essence of a donut" (Krujok is a round donut.) The berry-colored purple represents doughnut glazing, and the space also has glossy dough-like beige furnishings. Photo is by Inna Kablukova
11.01.2022
How to choose a rug: Pro tips on size, color & placement

How to choose a rug: Pro tips on size, color & placement

A rug may transform a space by being underfoot but not out of sight. When combined with sound design decisions, floor covering is the anchor that holds space together. But in order to get there, you must first choose the proper one. Continue reading to find out how to select the best rug size, color, and design for each space.

Whether you want to add finishing touches to a living room or zone the living room, a rug can make all the difference. However, an ill-fitting mat might cause more harm than benefit. So, learn the basics of rug selection to assure the best results.

Be generous with sizing

First and foremost, the size of a rug matters almost more than its design. A room might seem uncomfortable or ill-furnished with an incorrectly sized mat. How to pick a rug size is determined by the layout as well as the size of the zone and space. Remember that it is preferable to err on the side of too big than too tiny. Scroll down for tips on choosing the perfect rug size. Consider layering You may be unsure about how to make a space seem warm or what to do with a bit of yet gorgeous rug at times. Layering rugs expertly might be the answer. A pair or trio of rugs will not only give greater comfort underfoot, but they will also add aesthetic depth. This is accomplished by using various patterns, textures, and pile variations.\ Get to know materials and durability Rug materials range from wool to viscose to polyester and are diverse and vast. The composition is also essential since it determines the rug's durability, softness, and chances of shredding. Wool, cotton, silk, natural grasses (such as jute and sisal), hide, viscose, and synthetics are examples of rug materials (e.g., polypropylene). Above and beyond that, the production process has an influence. Handmade (tufted, knotted, or woven) and machine-made carpets, for example, have significantly diverse styles and price ranges. Think about traffic The more traffic, the more durable it should be. A A family lounge, on the other hand, sees a lot of action and spillage. As a result, it will require a long-lasting, comfortable carpet instead. Picking a rug per room With the basics in mind, you may follow this rough approach to choose an area rug based on the space type. Living Room Because the living room is one of the busiest rooms in the house, it's ideal to choose a durable, easy-to-clean rug. The latter is especially important if there are children or pets in the home. So, choosing a rug
11.01.2022