The clients’ passion for Balinese design and Zen philosophy led to the development of this impressive residence located in the neighborhood of Tarrytown, west of downtown Austin, Texas. The house was envisioned by Webber + Studio Architects with the purpose of providing a holiday-like feel. Wooden facades, a generously-sized swimming pool, plenty of outdoor lounge space and lush vegetation build a fairytale image of modern living.
Slats covering sections of the deck and rails allow a soft breeze inside. The interiors of this Texas home had to be designed for a family with two children, so achieving an optimum relationship between dynamics and comfort was a challenge. All in all, the place resembles a picturesque mountain chalet. Floor to ceiling windows framed in wood, a contemporary fireplace in the middle of the living area and warm hues throughout create a relaxed atmosphere. [Photography credits: Webber + Studio Architects]
San Francisco based MAK Studio Architects, completed the design and development of Hillsborough II, an interesting looking modern residence located in Hillsboro, Oregon. From the street side, the building displays a “reserved” appearance, a rectangular shaped pierced by glass. You can notice the intention of blocking out curious gazes in the blurry, impermeable windows. The opposite facade reveals a high level of openness, all the rooms facing an inner courtyard.
One of the most interesting features of the design is an exterior staircase which creates a visual symmetry, its functional purpose being that of leading inhabitants to the second floor of the residence. An open plan living and dining space bathed in natural light and connected to a spectacular outdoor terrace surrounded by trees acts as the core of the house. Glass is also present in the bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing unobstructed views and bringing the peaceful feel of the garden inside.
Overlooking the waters of the Andaman Sea and the green vistas of Bang Tao in Phuket, Thailand, Villa Beyond combines an original escape with the comfort of modern living. According to the official description, the project is a mixture of luxury and elegance “neatly encapsulated in an architectural symphony of stone, wood, concrete and steel, all effortlessly blended and infused with water and infinite views“. The villa boasts seven bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, dining room, recreation room, a massage room and an impressive infinity pool.
Each interior exudes a highly contemporary design, softened by wood additions and local decorative elements. An open plan social zone connected to the swimming pool deck acts as the core of the residence. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with modern conveniences and luxury counter tops. Inside and out, the villa inspires opulence, making it fit for those in search of powerful holiday statements.
Cascading down a hill in Beverly Hills, California, Laurel Way Residence can easily be mistaken for an exotic holiday resort. Whipple Russell Architects wanted to achieve an unconventional design, where “each room or space should be a jewel box, an individually conceived, precisely functional and dramatic sensory experience with its own depth of architecture”. Marc Whipple’s signature elements are present throughout, such as the use of contrasting textures and glass reflecting water.
According to the architects, “the immediate experience upon entering the house is its inherent weightlessness – the sense that the walls appear to float as panels and you are always connected to the outdoors. This is achieved with adherence to precise symmetry of beams, support panels, tiles, and sightlines, and also that walls do not meet the ceilings – a half-inch gap is left that helps achieve the effect”. Some of the most striking features of Laurel Way Residence include a 14 ft. wood pivot entry door flanked entirely by glass, a Master Suite opening up towards an expansive terrace with Jacuzzi tub, a home theater, a 5-car garage and a zero edge Infinity Pool. [Photography: William MacCollum]
