Shun*Shoku Lounge was recently completed by Kengo Kuma and Associates in Tokyo, Japan. The 1000 square foot creative space functions as an information booth and public relations informal office for Gurunavi, a company which puts all its efforts to establish connections between top-class (gourmet) restaurants and people who grow a passion for exclusive and sophisticated food. The interior, a little bit edgy and unconventional reflects perfectly Gurunavi’s values and the interesting approach to food education.
Lead architect Kengo Kuma reenvisioned the entire space, using only stacked plywood. The unpolished material defines the interior from one end to the other: from shelving units to stairs and desks, every item is made of raw stacked wood. The visual effect is absolutely stunning! The lounge serves fresh smoothies and healthy snacks. What’s really interesting is also the fact that the place houses exhibitions focusing around rare ingredients and seasonal food. Hats off to the creative team behind this great project!
At a first glance, this transparent and inviting residence envisioned by Cornerstone Architects in Austin, Texas, seems literally out of place. A generous swimming pool with fountains, spectacular views from its many terraces and an overall impressive level of transparency are just some of the highlights displayed by the Spanish Oaks Residence. As the name of the project suggests, the architects aimed at developing a home with a powerful coastal design and feeling.
A few original elements stand out: “The light exterior stucco paired with geometric forms and contemporary details such as galvanized brackets, frameless glass and linear railings achieves the precise coastal contemporary look the clients desired. The open floor plan visually connects multiple rooms to each other, creating a seamless flow from the formal living, kitchen and family rooms and ties the upper floor to the lower“. Paintings and other artistic works animate the spaces, adding a touch of elegance and personality.
House of artist Laurie Frick was recently completed by a firm in Austin, Texas, USA, entitled KRDB, and occupies a living area of 1600 square feet. The one-bedroom, two-bathroom house with an office and a 700 square-feet studio sits in an infill lot in Barton Heights and features intriguing design details. Here is more from the architects: “Based on programmatic adjacencies the design is comprised of a series of 16’ structural steel bays wrapped with a metal-clad SIP cowl. Within the cowl, the home is programmatically volumized with tiger-wood and glazing while the studio is defined by integral color stucco. The main entry is activated with a subtle push into a generous hallway that doubles as gallery for the client’s art collection. Ambient light in the studio and living room is provided by a series of large north facing monitors while the more private master suite is volumized in maple mill-work“. There are plenty of photos below to look through and get plenty of ideas. Enjoy!
