Omata Beach House

Designed by Herbst Architects, the beautiful Omata Beach House is located on the coast of Northland, New Zealand, surrounded by steep hills covered in native bush and ancient Pohutukawa trees. The architects had to take into account the geotechnical challenges of the site, including the threat of large rocks being dislodged by seismic activity and slips from high rainfall events.

The house is divided into three basic components: living, sleeping, and storage. The sleeping and storage functions are part of the plinth, which is low and clad in rock. The living pavilion is a light timber structure with glass on three sides, and is designed for outdoor living with easy flow between home and shore. It also provides shelter from winds and sun with a series of integrated screens and sliding doors. An outdoor kitchen allows for year-round al fresco dining beside a concrete fireplace.

BLACK PINE CABIN

Located by a lake in Seattle, the gorgeous Black Pine Cabin was designed to encourage enjoyment of the shoreline and movement between the interior and exterior. The weather resistant house is wrapped by a monochrome black-stained spruce cladding, that contrasts beautifully with the warm and light pine interior. The house serves as guest quarters, a small refuge for reflection, writing, reading, and garage – all while anchoring the west side of the property to form...
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CHICAGO ANSARADA OFFICE

Our dream office this week was developed by Sydney-based firm Those Architects. The spacious loft-like office belongs to Ansarada (a growing young tech company) and spreads across an 880 sqm area on the fifth floor of an old warehouse. The old materials, exposed bricks, posts and beams are still present and mixed with modern details and materials. A giant black box volume sits at the center of the space and defines the three zones of the office, it is detailed with ...
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RESPIRA NATURAL AIR PURIFIER

At first glance this might look like a vertical planter, but Respira is much more than just that. The sleek device filters out dust and particles and then pulls air through its wall of 13 natural plants. Beneficial organisms living within the root zone capture and permanently destroy airborne toxins and chemicals that we would otherwise be breathing. Naturally purified air is then released through the front of the unit. Respira also adds additional humidity to enric...
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