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OUTSIDEIN

AITANA LLEONART

A VISUAL TOUR OF INDOOR GARDENS, GARAGES, POOLS, SPAS, AND MORE

OUTSIDEIN

OUTSIDEIN
AITANA LLEONART

A VISUAL TOUR OF INDOOR GARDENS, GARAGES, POOLS, SPAS, AND MORE

Copyright 2008 by LOFT Publications First published in the United States of America by Rockport Publishers, a member of Quayside Publishing Group 100 Cummings Center, Suite 406L Beverly, MA 01915 Telephone: (978) 282-9590 Fax: (978) 283-2742 www.rockpub.com ISBN-13: 978-1-59253-508-8 ISBN-10: 1-59253-508-9 Editor and text: Aitana Lleonart Triquell Translation: Bridget Vranckx Art Director: Mireia Casanovas Soley Layout: Esperanza Escudero Pino Editorial project: 2008 LOFT Publications Via Laietana, 32, 4th floor, Of. 92 08003 Barcelona, Spain Tel.: +34 932 688 088 Fax: +34 932 687 073 loft@loftpublications.com www.loftpublications.com Printed in China

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Loft affirms that it possesses all the necessary rights for the publication of this material and has duly paid all royalties related to the authors and photographers rights. Loft also affirms that it has violated no property rights and has respected common law, all authors rights and all other rights that could be relevant. Finally, Loft affirms that this book contains no obscene nor slanderous material. Whole or partial reproduction of this book without editors authorization infringes reserved rights; any utilization must be previously requested.

CONTENTS
6 8 100 156 184 206 264 298
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 INTERIOR PATIOS AND GARDENS CHAPTER 2 INDOOR POOLS CHAPTER 3 GYMS AND SPAS CHAPTER 4 GARAGES CHAPTER 5 NATURAL MATERIALS CHAPTER 6 OUTDOOR FURNITURE DIRECTORY OF ARCHITECTS

INTRODUCTION
The concept of the home is often associated with the idea of shelter and protection, a place where ones private life unfolds and where the most intimate spaces are found. This is linked to the feeling of a distinction between the exterior and the interior. Each space is reserved to a specific area and the interaction between the two is limited to projecting exterior spaces, such as balconies, terraces, and porches, which represent an extension of the home, but are completely outdoors. There are, however, a number of architectural and decorative methods that can bring these two spaces together and make the most of the advantages: placing elements normally found outside, inside the home, such as patios and gardens, for example, or indoor pools.

These elements are usually found in the front of the house or in the surrounding yard, but if designed for the interior they sometimes can become the main element that defines the design of the rest of the rooms. Another example of this dynamic is the garage, which is visually linked to a part of the houseusually the living room or dining roomand is sometimes separated by a simple glass wall. The use of outdoor furniture, such as rattan tables and chairs in the living room or hammocks in bedrooms, are other ways of transmitting the feeling of a link bethween the exterior and the interior.

These small spaces, which become the lungs of the home, are usually placed in the middle of the house or apartment. The rest of the rooms are distributed around this space so that they can make the most of the ventilation and natural light created by an interior patio or garden. Interior patios also offer an outlet and access to the outdoors, without foregoing privacy. These spaces are protected inside the home itself and are not oriented toward the street, which means they can be enjoyed to the maximum without having to worry about what may be seen from the outside. Sometimes patios have small gardens with a parterre and grass, flowers, and even trees with branches that reach the highest levels of the building. Sliding glass doors or fixed windows usually separate these spaces from the home, allowing the residents to enjoy the view and light, and protecting the interior at the same time. Another very common type of patio is one that is inspired by the Orient or the Zen movement: spaces with sand, white boulders, fountains, and oriental plants encourage relaxation and apply the millennial art of feng-shui to harmonize energy. Some homes have multiple patios, so that each room, level, or area has its own exterior outleteven bedrooms and bathrooms.

CHAPTER

Interior Patios and Gardens

Annie Residence
This house was built for two families, which is why it is divided into two living areas: two spaces that are connected by a glass hallway. Each building has a central nucleus, which consists of a steel structure covered with red or blue acrylic panels, which contain the service areas. The pool is the projects focal point, with all of the houses rooms distributed around it. Both sections have different levels in which pleasant spaces have been created to enjoy the outdoors.
p. 10 The reflections that the water, windows, and blue and red lights create in the pool help create a very special ambience in which to enjoy summer nights.

p. 12-13 Those open-air spaces around the pool, which are adjacent to spaces such as the living room or kitchen, are covered with wooden floorboards.

p. 14 The dialogue with the exterior is maintained from within, thanks to colors such as blue and materials like glass and metal, which reflect the light like water does.

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Bercy Chen Studio LLP Austin, Texas, USA Mike Osborne

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4 3 6

5 7

1 2

1. Bedrooms 2. Bathroom 3. Living room 4. Hall 5. Bathroom 6. Kitchen 7. Dining room

First floor

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10 11 8. Bathroom 9. Laundry room 10. Pool 11. Terraces on the roof

Second floor

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S Residence
p. 17 Small trees that reach the maximum construction height and span the

This three-story house in Tokyo with a large terrace on the top floor has a recurring element on all three levels: terraces and patios, which allow the interior to be connected with the exterior. These openings provide many rooms with natural light throughout the day, as well as adequate ventilation. The home also has a Japanese room where the inhabitants can enjoy their food in the traditional manner.

houses three levels have been planted on one of the patios.

p. 18 The walls in some of the interior spaces as well as the opening toward the patios have been replaced with translucent windows to let in more natural light.

p. 19 The patios can also be separated from the rest of the home by folding glass doors, which can also be completely opened and remain closed on one of the sides.

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Edward Suzuki Associates Inc. Kyoto, Japan Nacasa & Partners Inc.

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Cross section

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1 1

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Terrace Games room Bathroom Office Guest room Storage room Japanese room

First floor

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Alessio House
p. 26 The skylight not only visually connects the interior with the exterior, but it also illuminates the garden on the lower level and avoids the feeling of

A winter garden was made possible thanks to the restructuring of this house. The living room and kitchen on the top floor are situated around a skylight, which illuminates the interior patio. Both the skylight and a glass wall illuminate the central patio as well as the houses lower level, with its small garden, where several other rooms are located, including the game room and the library.

being closed in.

p. 27 The staircase, with metal banisters and whitened pine wood steps, leads to this interior space which was created through a restructuring of the house.

p. 28-29 This large winter garden leads to several of the houses rooms, such as the gym, laundry room, game room, library, and office.

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Roberto Lanaro Bassano del Grappa, Visenza, Italy Paolo Utimpergher

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Attic in Frankfurt
This attic, situated in an impressive modern building built in 1954, is a wonderful example of how renovations can harmonize and merge with the context. The day area is distributed around two open patios, which also let light in. One of the patios is surrounded by a bamboo garden and has a hydro-massage tub and a shower, which can be enjoyed when the weather is nice. The other patio, covered in wood, is an area for meditation, and is clearly inspired by the Orient.
p. 30 The area designed for the dining room, with a low table and cushions, is flanked by two openings towards the exterior: the terrace on one side and one of the apartments patios on the other side.

p. 31 Almost all of the homes rooms receive natural light and the exterior is felt throughout the house, thanks to the strategic positioning of the interior patios.

p. 32-33 One of these patios even contains a small pool with floorboards and comfortable loungers where the inhabitants can relax amid the citys hustle and bustle.

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Hollin+Radoske Architekten Frankfurt, Germany Ludger Paffrath

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1 6 7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Interior patio Bedroom Bathroom Living room Kitchen-dining room Bedroom Bathroom

3 2

Floor plan

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Cross Sections

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Davol Loft
Two facing apartments were joined to create this house. One of the bathrooms was transformed into an interior patio, which creates a link with the exterior. The patio lets in natural light as well as any weather, such as snow or rain, while the interior of the home is protected thanks to a complete glass enclosure. Skylights above the bath tub and one of the showers also let in natural light, and translucent windows surrounding this space ensure the light also reaches the bedroom and office.
p. 36 The interior patio is in between the kitchen and the hallway that leads to the living room, thus illuminating two areas that are used a lot.

p. 37 Both the floor and the non-glass wall are covered with wooden floorboards. The patio is accessible thanks to sliding doors on either side of this space.

p. 38 The top part of the patios internal walls is covered with metal plates, which bounce the light toward the inside of the apartment.

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Hweler +Yoon Architecture LLP Boston, Massachusetts Courtesy of Hweler +Yoon Architecture LLP

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4 2 1 3 10 9

1. Terrace 2. Bathroom 3. Living room 4. Bedroom 5. Master bedroom 6. Bath with skylight 7. Office 8. Small living room 9. Dining room 10. Kitchen

Floor plan

Cross section

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House in Tokiwa
p. 42 Interior patios prevail in this house, which has a minimalist style both on the inside and the outside. The rooms of the house are distributed around the patios.

This house is situated in the northwestern city of Sakai, in Japan, and was designed for a young couple with a baby. Although this area is fairly quiet during the day, at peak times traffic and noise levels are rife. For the owners of this house, escaping the city on the weekend, getting close to nature, and escaping stress are necessities. Thus, to emit the feeling of proximity to nature, they designed a house with several patios featuring small gardens and trees.

p. 43 There is a feeling of continuous communication between the interior and exterior thanks to these landscaped patios placed throughout the home.

p. 45 Even the private and functional bathroom has a small patio, through which the top of one of the trees stretches.

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Kenji Tagashira Architect Sakai, Osaka, Japan Kei Sugino

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5 2

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Patio Living/Dining room Office Garage Kitchen Bathroom

First floor

7. Master bedroom 8. Childrens bedroom Second floor

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South elevation

East elevation

Cross sections

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Selfish House
The choice of this strange name for this dwelling is based on the fact that, despite the 2,906 square feet available, only one bedroom was designed. Subsequently three more guest bedrooms were added, but these rooms were placed in a new volume, which was turned into a top apartment. In order to provide a spatial and visual continuity between the different areas, an interior patio was designed with the hall and living room placed around this space to benefit from the natural lighting.
p. 48 A small fountain in the patio, like this Oriental-style one, emits feelings of relaxation and serenity.

p. 49 This space, open to the exterior, can be fully enjoyed thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, which take up the length of the first floor walls.

p. 51 The walls of the patio are painted white and harmonize with the interior of the home, thus creating a visual coherence between both spaces.

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Marqa Arquitectos Marbella, Spain James Silverman

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House in Takanohara
This home is situated in Takanohara, a small village in the district of Nara in Japan. The building unites the interior and exterior spaces, emitting harmony toward both spaces. The house is open toward the outside and its main feature is a large central patio, which most of the rooms look onto. A small garden on the same level as the living and dining room can be reached through huge sliding windows, which ensure ventilation of these rooms.
p. 52 The living and dining room are laid out in an L-shape and the interior patio is placed in the remaining space, so it can illuminate both rooms equally.

p. 53 All of the rooms on the upper level have large windows which look out onto the patio thus making the most of the exterior.

p. 57 The other, smaller, patio is right next to the bathroom. Both spaces are separated by a glass door, which lets in plenty of light.

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Kenji Tagashira Architect Kizugawa, Kyoto, Japan Kei Sugino

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6 7 1 2

5 1 4 1. Exterior and interior patios 2. Bathroom 3. Garage 4. Living room 5. Kitchen 6. Hall 7. Dining room

First floor

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Second floor

8. Childrens bedroom 9. Master bedroom 10. Closet

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North elevation

South elevation

Cross sections

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Eddis House
The conditions surrounding this house were not excellent, which is why the architect decided to design a central patio, which turned into the homes focal point. All the spaces are carefully and strategically turned toward the patio, which not only allows sunlight to reach the interior but also allows the place to be naturally ventilated. The balcony stretches out over the patio, creating a pleasant open-air space, which becomes the intermediate point between the outdoor and the indoor rooms.

p. 60 Large windows take up almost the entire surface of the walls facing the patio, in order to make the most of natural light.

p. 61 This little terrace, covered with floorboards, on the interior patio allows the residents to enjoy the open air within the home, without having to forego privacy.

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Edward Suzuki Associates Inc. Nara City, Japan Nacasa & Partners Inc.

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4 2

6 7

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First floor

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Hall Bedroom Toilet Bathroom Closet Master bedroom Interior patio

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Second floor

8. Terrace 9. Room for multi-use 10. Storage 11. Hallway 12. Kitchen 13. Living/Dining room

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Red Cover/Winfired Heinze

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Gallery

Red Cover/Winfried Heinze

Large sliding doors separate the interior from the exterior and provide plenty of ventilation for these rooms.

The raised floor and sun loungers lend a completely relaxed ambience to this interior patio, which is slightly higher than the rest of the home.

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Red Cover/Michael Freeman

An interior patio always manages to fill the room inside with life, even if the room is small and the openings are small.

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Red Cover/Michael Freeman

The doors and windows are the most important elements of these spaces as they visually connect the exterior with the interior of the home.

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Red Cover/Michael Freeman

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Jordi Miralles

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Jordi Miralles

The stairs on one side of the interior patio, next to the large window that separates it from the interior of the home, provide access to this space.

The small white boulders that cover this floor, as well as the wooden bars on the walls, add an Orient-inspired and minimalist touch to this home.

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Jordi Miralles

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Dreamstime/Kheng Guan Toh

Flowerbeds are another common feature of interior patios. Here the green of the plants is in perfect harmony with the wooden floorboards.

An exotic touch can be added to these kinds of spaces with plants with big leaves or with a palm tree, as seen here.

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John Lewis Marshall

Interior patios are extensions of the home, outdoors, so one tries to be consistent with the decorative style.

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Luis Hevia

The use of simple and neutral tones and decorative elements can turn any place into an oasis of calm, like this illuminated patio.

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Red Cover/Michael Freeman

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Red Cover/Michael Freeman

When the glass sliding doors to the patio are completely open, they are hidden in one side of the wall, making complete interaction between both spaces possible.

Sometimes openings in the interior space allow the exterior to fuse with the interior. The space can be defined by a change in the material of the flooring.

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Red Cover/Tim Evan-Cook

These spaces can, in some cases, become almost picturesque landscapes in themselves. Besides providing views to the exterior, they become works of art.

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Paul Rivera/Archphoto

Although they are normally placed next to the living room, interior patios can also be found in other rooms, such as the bedroom. Here it becomes an unique headboard.

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Kouji Okamoto

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Kouji Okamoto

When this patio is completely open it is almost totally connected to the living room and both spaces seem like one space with similar tones in the flooring and on the walls.

The blue color of the shutters surrounding the large windows of this patio emulates the color of the sky, from which faint sunlight descends into the interior.

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Red Cover/Henry Wilson

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Guy Wenborne

The beams on the ceiling slightly protect this patio, which can be reached through rotating glass doors connected to the living room.

Skylights and patios have a similar function: light enters through the windows, illuminates the interior, and distributes its energy.

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John Lewis Marshall

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John Lewis Marshall

As well as being able to enjoy the views toward the exterior through the window that faces the patio, there are openings in the ceiling of the bedroom which let in plenty of light.

This patio is surrounded by different rooms on three of its four sides. The last side is almost completely connected to the exterior through a stone wall with a large opening.

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Ross Honeyset

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Ross Honeyset

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Red Cover/Henry Wilson

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Guy Wenborne

Although the bathroom is one of the spaces in which one would not necessarily design an interior patio, views of a small landscaped corner do revitalize this room.

Open-air spaces, which are inside rather than outside the home, can enjoy the open air without having to sacrifice privacy and intimacy.

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Dreamstime/Shawn_tsk

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Galder Izaguirre

A small illuminated glass compartment with a plant inside has been placed in the entrance hall, right next to the door of this apartment.

Boulders and wooden floorboards are two of the most common materials used for these kinds of spaces; here both have been used.

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Laurent Brandajs

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Miquel Tres

Even though the living room is tucked away in a corner of the apartment, it does benefit from the light coming in from the interior patio and the views to the exterior.

More than just a patio, this home has a small winter garden. A skylight brightens the whole interior.

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Miquel Tres

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Red Cover/Winfried Heinze

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It is not always possible to make the most of a private pool during the hottest months of the year. However, if the pool is indoors, rather than in the yard, it becomes a luxury to be enjoyed all year round. Although you may have to forego the sun or a summer breeze, indoor pools offer many other advantages: neither the temperature, nor the season or climate are important as it is always time for a swim. Most indoor pools are on the lower level of the home, in a space designed to avoid the filtration of any humidity: the walls, floors, and ceilings are covered with impermeable materials and varnishes that ensure insulation. A small space next to the pool is often reserved for lounge chairs, as this is the perfect place to relax after a swim. Some pools even become a part of the decoration of the home. Small windowlike openings offer a view of the water, which can be appreciated from the living room, bedroom, or even the bathroom. The exterior can also be visually connected through large windows, allowing the landscape to be appreciated from inside the pool.

CHAPTER

2
Indoor Pools

Villa Deys
Both the architects and the owners designs are reflected in this project, which perfectly adapts itself to its surrounding natural environment, integrating completely in the landscape. The house is divided into three clearly differentiated strips. The most southern part contains the common areas, such as the kitchen, living room and office, while the bedrooms and garage are in the space further to the north. A big indoor pool with glass windows and doors, and a roof that partially lets in natural light, is the main feature, situated in the middle of the house.
p. 102 The pool is situated in the middle of the house. The corridors surrounding the pool lead to different rooms.

p. 103 A glass wall on one side of the pool and translucent skylights let in natural light, and help create a very relaxing ambient.

p. 104-105 This space is visually connected to the rest of the house thanks to the glass surrounding it, which also prevents humidity from escaping to the rest of the house.

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Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter Rhenen, The Netherlands Rien van Rijthoven

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4 5 3 2

10 1. Entrance hall 2. Garage 3. Guest bedroom 4. Bathroom 5. Bedroom 6. Terrace 7. Pool 8. Living room 9. Kitchen 10. Office

Floor plan

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Cross sections

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Flooded House
This residence is situated in Kurucesme, near Istambul, on a steep hill and offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus, the strait that separates European from Asian waters. The areas old Turkish constructions provided the inspiration for this house: boats were kept in the area beneath the house where a covered pool is now situated. The interior can be observed through the openings from the yard, which also connect the interior and exterior and let through light.
p. 108 This home had to be constructed in a staggered way because of the sloping terrain. The open-air pool can be seen from the upper garden.

p. 109 The original skylights connect the inside of the pool with the extending garden and also let through natural light.

p. 113 The dining room is adjacent to the covered pool. The spaces are separated, yet visually connected, by a large glass sliding door.

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GAD Architecture Kurucesme, Istanbul, Turkey Ali Bekman/GAD Architecture

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1. Pool 2. Dining room 3. Toilet

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Cross section

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Home in a Boat
p. 116 An indoor pool was designed for this home, despite the fact it is completely and constantly surrounded by water.

A fomer cargo ship was remodeled and converted into a unique houseboat, which includes a private loft, four guest bedrooms, a dining room, living room, and indoor pool. The pool is placed in the middle of the boat and separates the loft from the rest of the spaces. Wooden floorboardsa material widely used in the naval worldhave been placed in the small space next to the pool. The white walls and ceiling help emit a relaxed ambience.

p. 117 An area near the pool with hammocks and covered with floorboards also serves as the area that connects the boats two extremes.

p. 120 To maintain the feeling of living on a vessel, all the hatches were preserved rather than replaced with normal doors.

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Vittorio Simoni Hasselt, Belgium Luc Roymans

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6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Skippers cabin Loft Pool Guest cabins Hall Reception Lounge and breakfast room

Floor plan

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Rota House
p. 122 The first floor, where the pool is, has been designed to endure humidity: the veneer stairs have been treated with marine varnish.

This three-story house is situated in the center of Madrid and only has one faade facing the exterior, which is a dark alleyway. Thus, the hardest thing was to illuminate the houses three floors with natural light. But by demolishing small areas the framework is opened and light is let in. The pool on the lower level is an idyllic and serene space that can be enjoyed all year round.

p. 123 The pool can be seen from the second floor. Moreover, enclosing this space with glass prevents the humidity from spreading to the rooms on the next floor.

p. 124-125 The original drawings on the bottom of the pool, which add an element of fun to the home, can be seen from any level, through the gaps in the stairs.

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Manuel Ocaa Arquitectos Madrid, Spain Miguel de Guzmn

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Bioclimatic section

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Cross sections

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Casa Ramos
This house, which is situated in a dry and austere terrain, consists of two volumes: one contains the different rooms and the other is made of a piece of concrete which penetrates the hillside and contains a pool. The private area is on the lower level, while the kitchen, living and dining room, and the homes most conspicuous featurethe huge terrace and poolare on the next level. The oddest thing about this pool is that it can be seen from within the house, though a window in the master bathroom.

p. 128 One of the two areas that make up this concrete home contains a large terrace and pool.

p. 129 The bottom of the exterior pool can be observed though an open window just above the bath in the master bathroom.

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Daniel Carratal Climent and Lino Bellot Garca Sant Vicent de Raspeig, Alicante, Spain Joan Roig

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Drawing

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Cross section

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Red Cover/Graham Atkins-Hughes

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Gallery

Red Cover/Adambooth

A large building adjacent to the home contains a large pool with a Jacuzzi. As it is covered, the pool can be enjoyed all year round.

This wonderful indoor pool also has space for some loungers. Both the pool and some of the walls are covered in blue mosaic tiles.

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Red Cover/Chris Tubbs

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Dreamstime/Kjpargeter

There is a remarkable interaction between the interior and the exterior in this space: both the window and the ceiling provide a view of the surrounding landscape.

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Paul Czitrom

This space includes a small private club: a large bar with barstools and tables near the pool.

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Ph. Van Gelooven

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Ph. Van Gelooven

Natural light discreetly shines through a small opening through which the tree branches reach. The rest of the pool remains in a calm darkness.

Like a fairytale, the colors and ambience of this pool on the third floor manages to transport the user to a completely different and special place.

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Red Cover/Ken Hayden

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Red Cover/Andrew Twort

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Dreamstime/Auris

This room with a pool could be any other part of the house if it werent for the floor tiles, skirting boards, and air-conditioned ceiling.

The living room is on the other side of the long space, that includes the pool. The double height of this space allows light to flood the whole area via the staircase.

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Jordi Miralles

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Mateo Piazza

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Jos Latova

The soft, calm tone of the pools blue tiles contrasts with the cold concrete walls and the metal industrial-style staircase.

To make the most of all the levels of this home, the attic was moved to a small and modern area with a raised pool surrounded by loungers.

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Red Cover/Winfried Heinze

The pool extends beneath the gap in the floor and becomes a wonderful counterpoint for the sauna, situated in the same space, next to the gym.

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Laurent Brandajs

This pool is not even covered inside the home; it is placed on the terrace at the top of an urban, six-story residence.

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Laurent Brandajs

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Dreamstime/Jerko Grubisic

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For some to break the routine and relax in a pleasant spa or de-stress with a good workout in a gym, it is no longer necessary to leave the house. Some homes now incorporate these spaces, a luxury that means you can make the most of its benefits at any time of the day. Sometimes just a Jacuzzi can turn any corner into a place of complete relaxation. Other examples include pools with different temperatures, waterfalls, hydro-massage, and even special illumination with chromotherapy to increase relaxation and regeneration. Until recently it was more common to find a gym in a private home, which was usually limited to a small space with one machine and a mat for stretching. Nowadays, gyms are no longer the privilege of luxurious homes; they have become a part of the design of the house from the start, with designers ensuring an area big enough for several machines is reserved. There are even homes with basketball or squash courts, either inside the house itself or in adjacent spaces.

CHAPTER

3
Gyms and Spas

Private Spa
Going to the gym or enjoying a refreshing session at a spa usually involves travelling somewhere and losing time. In this case there is no excuse not to work out or relax, as there is a gym and a spa in the basement of this home in Florence. The walls of the gym are covered with small black, red, and gray cushions placed in such a way that they emulate the scales of a snakes skin. The spa enjoys natural light, which enters through the glass patio.
p. 160-161 The walls of the spa are covered in a mosaic of small tiles in tones of gray and silver, which is reflected in the pool.

p. 164 The walls of the gym have been covered with small cushions in different colors, which emulate the skin of a snake.

p. 165 This unique dcor also plays with tones such as white and black, as well as red, which adds a touch of energynecessary for this kind of space.

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brh+ Florence, Italy Alberto Ferrero

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Residential Gym
p. 166 The owners of the building with the basketball court and gymnasium

Although they initially wanted to destroy the old building adjacent to their property, the owners decided to remodel it and turn it into an additional residential space. One part is turned into a garden, while the other space is dedicated to the gym and entertainment area. The latter includes a half-court basketball court, for which the living room on the top floor had to be eliminated, in order to obtain the right height.

already owned a house next door and decided to transform this building into a space for leisure.

p. 167 A curtain of vertical steel cables protects the staircase that leads to the entrance of the sports area from off-course balls.

p. 169 The basketball court, which is wide enough to feature the area for free throws, can be seen from the top floor.

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Leroy Street Studio Architecture, P.C. Scarsdale, New York, USA Paul Warchol

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Cross section

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5 3 4

2 10 1. Baketball court 2. Gym / Entry 3. Changing room 4. Storage room 5. Garage 6. Billard room 7. Lounge 8. Kitchen 9. Bedroom 10. Garden access 1

First floor

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Red Cover/Mark York

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Gallery

Red Cover/Mark York

This exercise area is situated only a few meters from the main house, which contains the rest of the rooms, distributed over different levels.

A visual connection with the exterior (a large landscaped patio) is established thanks to two glass walls around the space that contains the gym.

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Red Cover/Mark York

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Red Cover/Douglas Gibb

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Red Cover/Grey Crawford

This suite, with a raised bedroom and bathroom, also has a hydro-massage pool, which turns this space into a small private spa.

A gym with parquet flooring, mats, and exercise machines, is situated in the attic, on the top level of this home.

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Lus Ferreira Alves

The squash court seems more spacious and less stifling, thanks to the double-heighted ceiling and the natural light that enters through the windows.

Basements do not always have to be garages or storage rooms they can also be turned into a squash court as in this home.

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Lus Ferreira Alves

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Dreamstime/Cookelma

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Red Cover/Jumping Rocks

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Dreamstime/Krzyssagit

The dark brown tones surrounding this Jacuzzi, the lights, and yellow illumination help spa guests to completely unwind and relax.

Water runs through the stones of the walls of this idyllic corner. The wooden windows turn this space into a warm and cozy room.

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These spaces, reserved for vehicles, have always been kept away from the home, slightly separated from the rest. They were either placed outside, to one side of the house; or indoors, in the basement or on the first floor. Nowadays, however, there are garages which have become an integral part of the house, either by its complete insertion in the interior or through a visual connection thanks to a glass wall or window. This architectural or decorative resource is often related to the owners passion for their cars or motorcycles. An opening or glass wall ensures the garage can be appreciated from the living or dining room, turning the vehicle into a peculiar decorative element. Sometimes the decision to link both areas responds to a new concept of space: by replacing a wall by a piece of glass or completely connecting the garage with the rest of the home, the space feels larger, more open, and an increased sense of depth is obtained. Moreover, these interior garages are not only for cars, but also for motorcycles, or bicycles. The latter can be hung from the walls, which becomes a practical and handy storage space.

4
CHAPTER

Garages

The Car Rules


The owners of this house in Herentals, Belgium, are die-hard lovers of Italian cars and design, which is why the architect, Jos Vanderperren, designed a space in which this passion can be reflected and coexist with the rest of the spaces. The garage, kitchen, and living room are on the first floor and are visually connected, and the bedroom is on the second floor. The Italian sports cars in the garage become a part of the dcor and can be appreciated from the living room through a glass wall.
p. 187 Besides the cars, this apartment has contemporary designer furniture and accessories, which add a touch of personality as well as color.

p. 188-189 The whole apartment is open and visually connected. Even the bedroom on the top level looks onto the rest of the home.

p. 190 Thanks to an exterior handrail made of fine steel cables, the staircase is not a visual obstacle.

186

Architectenbureau Vanderperren bvba Herentals, Belgium Luc Roymans

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188

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190

4 10 5

1 7

First floor

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Garage Dining room Kitchen Larder Living room Hall Toilet

Second floor

8. Bathroom 9. Dressing room 10. Bedroom

191

Loft in La Corua
An industrial warehouse was restructured and turned into this modern and bright home, in which some of the rooms are visually connected with the garage. These two parts of the house are separated by one piece of glass, turning the car into another decorative element. The apartment has two floors. The living/dining room and toilet are on the first floor, from which the garage can be seen. And the kitchen is separated by a small drop in the floor and a change in the height of the ceiling. The bedrooms, dressing room, and bathroom are on the top floor.

p. 192 The car becomes a part of the dcor in this tiny loft as the garage can be seen from the lounge, as if it were a display cabinet.

p. 193 By using glass rather than a partition or separating wall, a sense of depth is created in the rest of the house, which in turn creates the feeling of more space.

192

A-cero/Joaqun Torres Architects A Corua, Spain Luis Hevia

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4 6 5

1. Lounge 2. Living / Dining room 3. Kitchen 4. Toilet 5. Hall 6. Garage

First floor

11

12

9 10 8 7. Bedroom 8. Bedroom 9. Dressing Room 10. Bathroom 11. Loft 12. Staircase

Second floor

194

Longitudinal section

Cross section

195

House with Garage


p. 196 The exterior wall was replaced by a large glass structure, creating views towards the yard and flooding the interior with natural light.

This apartment was designed by Brunette Fraccaroli for the Brazilian Decoracin Casa Cor exhibition. The design is for a young person living with his parents who wants a space that is independent and separate from the rest of the house. The room chosen to develop this idea was the garage, which the architect remodeled to create a modern and sophisticated apartment. The young adults vehicle lives harmoniously in the same space.

p. 197 Considering this is a home in the garage, the space was designed so that both spaces can interact in a modern and harmonious way.

p. 198 An area next to the vehicles parking space was reserved for the typical garage shelf, right next to the bar.

196

Brunete Fraccaroli So Paulo, Brasil Tuca Reins

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Paul Czitrom

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Gallery

Luis Hevia

In this case, translucent glass separates the garage space from the rest of the house, letting through light and connecting both sides in some way.

The garage is situated on the first floor of this six-story home. To make the most of the double height, this area also contains the office space.

201

Jordi Miralles

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Dreamstime/Shawn_tsk

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Jordi Miralles

Some vehicles are as valuable as a work of art, a sculpture or a painting, thus one could reserve a space to exhibit this prized item as well.

Considering the bicycles increasing popularity as a mode of transport in the city, it is not a bad idea to save a small space to store it.

205

Elements inspired by nature liven up the sobriety of the construction materials and furniture in some homes. Some houses have literally been carved out of the rocks, creating natural walls, which are combined with painted plaster or concrete to add a unique decorative touch to any room. Stones, such as boulders (which are usually white), are another common trick used for both the flooring of interior patios and for small parterres or corners of the house to create original and unique gardens. Sometimes the use of natural materials is taken one step further and large plants or even trees are used as decorative elements. In addition to patios, terraces, and balconies, these elements can sometimes be found in the middle of the living room, in the form of a small garden or a floor that has been opened to create room for a tree trunk. These rooms have high or double-height ceilings, so that the tops of the trees can rise up effortlessly. The green color of the plants and any other type of vegetation adds vitality and freshness to any corner of the house, bringing nature closer to the interior.

CHAPTER

Natural Materials

DN Residence
Nature can be found inside the living room of this house. Thanks to the high ceilingsthe result of a remodeling of this homethese trees could be planted next to the sofas. The trunks protrude through small holes made in the parquet, while the tree tops almost reach the ceiling. Another focal point of this house is the pool underneath the staircase in the middle of the first floor. The tree, pool, and the space that has been created with the remodeling of this home, give the impression of being outdoors, despite being inside.
p. 208 Although the pool is inside the home, the double-height windows of the living room create a feeling of being almost outside.

p. 209 The trees add an exotic touch to the decoration of this home, which despite its spaciousness, is cozy thanks to the soft tones of the walls and parquet.

p. 210-211 The whole lower level, which brings together a number of different elements, can be appreciated from the office on the top floor.

208

Bernardes+Jacobsen Arquitetura So Paulo, Brasil Leonardo Finotti

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210

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Ron Ron House


This home opens out towards its surroundings, almost melting into the terrain, to make the most of the impressive views of the islands of the Papagayo Gulf in Costa Rica. The interaction between the interior and exterior is visible throughout the project. Two large blocks of cement in the entrance are separated by a labyrinth of water and river stones, penetrating the house, cooling the air and filling each corner with reflections. These natural elementswater and stonesare present throughout the house, even in the bathrooms.
p. 212 The water labyrinth, which extends throughout the exterior of the house, penetrates inside, beneath the stairs that lead to the upper levels.

p. 213 The water flows through the blocks of cement, which are placed close together like a puzzle.

p. 215 The blocks of cement are repeated in the bathroom. The toilet rests on top of one of these blocks, surrounded by round stones.

212

Caas Arquitectos Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Jordi Miralles

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214

Research House
This house-garden is inspired by previous architectural projects, such as the Featherston House designed by Robin Boyd in 1967 and by the work of the American architect, Paul Rudolph. Small hanging gardens placed on platforms on different levels loll down to other interior gardens and even down to a waterfall. The stairs bring together the different levels on which the interior spaces are distributed, such as the dining room, the kitchen, or the living room, each one decorated with the owners eclectic furniture collection.
p. 216 Hanging gardens and different types of plants, such as creepers, can be hung from platforms at different levels.

p. 217 The translucent ceiling, with a thermal protector which regulates the temperature, acts as a huge skylight that floods the green interior with natural light.

p. 219 The gardens are not the only conspicuous feature in the house; a waterfall, surrounded by stones, situated beneath one of the platforms is also a striking sight.

216

John Henry Architects Melbourne, Australia Shania Shegedyn

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7. Office 8. Bedroom

Mezzanine

1 4 2

6 3

First floor

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Kitchen Dining room Living room Laundry room Bathroom Waterfall

223

Teng House
These kinds of constructions, characterized by their height and narrowness, have become the new standard for residences in the suburbs of Singapore. This three-story house takes up almost the entire plot, except for a space for the front yard and a narrow strip for a side and back yard, with tall plants that can be seen from the living room. The interior is a combination of minimalist design and decorative vegetation, including a cactus in the bathroom and other types of plants.
p. 2-3 Large windows with shutters and an interior patio to its left ensure the living room receives natural light from three of its four sides.

p. 2-3 The bathroom has a small parterre: a big cactus placed inside wood floorboards.

p. 2-3 White walls and ceilings, and touches of dark wood, help the green of the plants stand out and also allow natural light to be reflected.

224

SCDA Architects Singapore, Singapore Peter Mealin, Jacob Termansen

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226

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228

Third floor plan

Second floor plan

First floor plan

229

GR House
This house in Brazil is completely connected with the exterior. A large window that stretches to both sides of the house is placed on the first floor, where the living room and dining room are situated. Through the windows one can see nature outside and feel its presence inside. A tiny oasis in the shape of a small garden with water sits just beneath the stairs that lead to the second floor and is an original and conspicuous way of making the most of corners.
p. 230 A small water garden has been designed for one of the corners next to the living room, underneath the stairs in one of the corners of the first floor.

p. 231 Natural elements, such as plants and water, are found inside as well as outside of the home and create a visual harmony between both areas.

p. 232-233 The area above the living room has been eliminated to create a double-height space, which allows the exterior to be seen from all levels.

230

Bernardes+Jacobsen Arquitetura So Paulo, Brasil Leonardo Finotti

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232

233

Jordi Miralles

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Gallery

Jordi Miralles

From the top floor, which looks down on the first floor, one can see how the living room is almost completely connected to the exterior spaces, like a labyrinth of stones.

Stones and pebbles surround this concrete and wood footbridge in a space that links the exterior of the house with the interior.

235

Jordi Miralles

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237

Jordi Miralles

238

Red Cover/Nina Asma

A base of boulders for a porcelain piece is a very special decorative resource that adds a different touch to this bathroom.

Different textures merge on the first floor of this home and each one visually defines the different spaces.

239

Jordi Miralles

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241

Jordi Miralles

242

Red Cover/Jumping Rocks

A combination of rocks around the bathtub or Jacuzzi and wooden walls makes for a very relaxing and harmonious ambience.

Walls of rock can also be found in other rooms, such as the bathroom, where the rock becomes another decorative element.

243

Luc Roymans

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245

Luc Roymans

246

Luc Roymans

These beams become part of the decoration: entwined in the top part of the home and purposely exposed in some places.

The wooden structures that support the weight of the house have been maintained practically in their natural state, barely treating or hiding them to add a rustic air.

247

Luc Roymans

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249

Red Cover/ Richard Powers

250

Luc Roymans

The photo covering one of the walls perfectly combines with the natural elements, such as the wooden floor or the logs underneath the chimney.

This quiet part of the house, which can be reached via the spiral staircase, blends in with the rocks of the mountain into which it has been built.

251

Steffen Jnicke & Jens Vogt

252

Miquel Tres

The stairwell has been used to create a small decorative garden with stones, fine, and twisted logs and very subtle lighting.

The bedroom and shower are in the same room, but are not separated by any divisions or doors.

253

Steffen Jnicke & Jens Vogt

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255

Llus Gen, Ramon Robust

256

Llus Gen, Ramon Robust

The plants in this bathroom have been placed in such a way that it looks like they are in the middle of a garden, rather than the interior of a home.

The wooden steps of this staircase are interspersed with the rocks. This fusion creates a pleasant corner inspired by nature.

257

Steffen Jnicke & Jens Vogt

258

Grupo Redis 6, s.l.

This small indoor Zen garden adds something different to the decoration and manages to break the sobriety and straight lines of the rest of the house.

Instead of covering the floor with wood, marble, or another material that would create a smooth surface, the floor of this bathroom is covered with small stones.

259

Leonardo Finotti

260

Leonardo Finotti

This space merges with the exterior through the use of natural materials, such as the wood used for the ceiling and most of the furniture.

This small garden decorated with different plants and small trees serves as a separation between two rooms: the dining room and the living room.

261

Red Cover/Michael Freeman

262

Red Cover/Michael Freeman

A small garden with a tree and white boulders is placed next to the bedroom and underneath a big skylight which lets through natural light.

The small Japanese garden in this apartment is decorated with different plants and round stones which contrast with the bricks of the wall.

263

Houses by the sea were the first to include outdoor furniture in their interior decoration to evoke a similar feeling inside as in the outdoor spaces. Nowadays, the use of this type of furniture indoors adds a different and modern touch to any house anywhere and is part of a deliberate interior design. It is not unusual now to replace the almost mythical chaise-longue with a lounger to add a carefree touch to a living room or bedroom, or even to place outdoor chairs around a dining table or rattan armchairs and rocking chairs next to fabric or leather sofas in the living room. There is a wide variety of materials for this kind of furniture, with new, more resistant and elegant material appearing every season thanks to technological advances. Teak, exotic materials, and aluminum are some of the most common materials used, though vegetable fibers, resins, glass fiber, and loom, a new material made with cellulose-covered aluminum are also widely applied. Combined with other kinds of indoor furniture, these pieces create an exotic living room, hall, or bedroom, fusing two opposing concepts.

Outdoor Furniture

6
CHAPTER

Red Cover/Grant Scout

266

Gallery

Dreamstime/Elena Pokrovskaya

In some living rooms indoor furniture is combined with rattan furniture made with rattan, such as these chairs complemented with comfortable cushions.

Outdoor furniture, like this chair, can be used inside to help create a feeling of being outside making the most of the natural light that illuminates the interior of this home.

267

Red Cover/Mark Williams

268

Red Cover/Andrew Twort

Placing outdoor chairs around the dining table adds a touch of freshness, which cannot be achieved with other materials, such as wood or even leather and fabric.

Using materials meant for outdoor furniture is another resource that can help create an indoor atmosphere with an exotic touch.

269

Red Cover/Andrew Word

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271

Steffen Jnicke & Jens Vogt

Loungers are usually found in back yards, around a pool or on a porch, but they can also be used to decorate bedrooms.

272

Steffen Jnicke & Jena Vogt

This outdoor furniture placed in indoor spaces can add a more carefree, fresh, and summer feeling to any part of the house.

273

Red Cover/Andrew Word

274

Red Cover/Andrew Word

The warm brown tones found in the wood of this furniture combine perfectly with the blue of the walls and mattresses and create a calm ambience.

The walls, made of bamboo canes, and the original sofa, made with superimposed trunks, add a very exotic touch to this peculiar living room.

275

Red Cover/Grey Crawford

276

277

Red Cover/Victoria Gmez

278

Dreamstime/Stratum

These hanging chairs which are usually found on porches facing the yard or the pool can also decorate indoor rooms, like this one.

Although some rooms have a more classic and less bold style, like this living room, outdoor furniture can still be included without disrupting the harmony.

279

Jordi Miralles

280

Jordi Miralles

The light, which penetrates through the shutters surrounding the terrace, helps create a relaxed and calm ambience for this interior space, ideal for resting.

This fabulous terrace is decorated with furniture specially designed for the outdoors. Even a comfortable daybed has been added at the end of the space.

281

Edward Suzuki Associates Inc.

282

283

Jordi Miralles

284

Jordi Miralles

The original rattan chairs contrast with the sobriety of the rest of the furniture and decoration, and add a touch of freshness, which breaks the monotony.

The fusion of styles and decorative elements normally reserved for other spaces can sometimes add a touch of personality to the home, as in this living room.

285

Red Cover/Bieke Claessens

Intertwining branches have been used for the headboard of this bed, which gives this room a rural, country look.

286

Michael Moran

The lounger at the foot of the bed is a reference to the fabulous maritime landscape on the other side of the walls of this home.

287

Barclay & Crousse Architecture

288

289

Red Cover/Mark Williams

290

Jordi Miralles

A comfortable chair has been placed on this balcony next to the bedroom and separated from the exterior by shutters and a lattice.

This original bench is in perfect harmony with the floral wallpaper, creating a quiet and relaxed space.

291

Dreamstime/Ramon Grosso

Any space of the home, even if it is indoors, can be turned into the perfect corner to enjoy a moments peace.

292

Dreamstime/Shawn_tsk

This space designed for relaxation and decorated with outdoor furniture is placed on the first floor next to the stairwell which lets through sunlight.

293

Dreamstime/Sklepspozywczy

294

Jordi Miralles

A cool breeze can be enjoyed during the summer months on this terrace covered with sailcloth and decorated with a large sofa, big flowerpots, and a hassock.

The majestic rattan chaise longue and the table of the same material are eye-catching features of this unique living room.

295

Dreamstime/Gina Smith

296

Red Cover/Tim Evan-Cook

The green color of the walls in this small living room, and the outdoor furniture, such as the chairs, fill the space with freshness.

Despite their apparent instability and fragility, outdoor furniture can be combined with other materials, such as glass, to create a solid coffee table.

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DIRECTORY OF ARCHITECTS
A-cero/Joaqun Torres Architects Parque Empresarial La Finca Paseo Club deportivo, 1, bloque 6 A 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcn, Madrid, Spain P: +34 917 997 984 www.a-cero.com Loft in La Corua Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter Leidsestraat 8-10 Amsterdam 1017 PA, The Netherlands P: +31 20 626 32 44 www.paulderuiter.nl Villa Deys Architectenbureau Vanderperren bvba Nijverheidsstraat 7a 1930 Zaventem, Belgium P: + 32 2 725 29 04 www.vanderperren.com The Car Rules Bercy Chen Studio LLP 1111 E 11th Street, Suite 200 Austrin, Texas 78702, USA P: +1 (512) 481 0092 www.bcarc.com Annie Residence Bernardes+Jacobsen Arquitetura Rua Corcovado 250, Jardn Botnico Rio de Janeiro 22460-050, Brazil P: +55 11 3082 6834 www.bjaweb.com.br GR House DN Residence brh+ Via Valprato 70 Docks Dora, 10155 Torino, Italy P: +39 011 238 6119 www.brh.it Private Spa Brunete Fraccaroli Arquitetura e Interiores Rua Guarar 261, 7 andar Jd. Paulista, 01425-001 So Paulo, Brazil P: +55 11 3885 8309 www.brunetefraccaroli.com.br House with Garage Caas Arquitectos Apartado 340-2050 San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa Rica P: +506 2253 2112 www.victor.canas.co.cr Ron Ron House Daniel Carratal Climent Maestro Clavet 3, puerta 5 46001 Valencia, Spain P: +34 661 288 369 Casa Ramos Edward Suzuki Associates Maison Marian 3F, 15-23, 1-chome Seta, Setagaya-ku Tokyo 158-0095, Japan P: + 81 3 3707 5272 www.edward.net Eddis House S Residence GAD Architecture/Gokhan Avcioglu Tesvikiye Cad. 69/2 Sisli 34367 Istanbul, Turkey P: +90 532 770 8148 F: +90 212 258 1663 www.gadarchitecture.com Flooded House

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Hollin+Radoske Architekten Goldsteinstrasse 61a Frankfurt 60528, Germany P: +49 699 553 0751 www.hollinradoske.de Attic in Frankfurt Hweler + Yoon Architecture Lincoln Street 3A Boston, MA 02111, USA P: +1 617 517 4101 www.hyarchitecture.com Davol Loft John Henry Architects 131 Thompson Crescent Research Victoria 3095, Australia P: +61 3 9437 2030 F: +61 3 9437 2031 www.johnhenryarchitects.com.au Research House Kenji Tagashira Architect 3-10-13 Isoji Minato-ku Osaka Japan P: +81 6 65737100 F: +81 6 65737300 http://kenji-tagashira.com House in Takanohara House in Tokiwa Leroy Street Studio Architecture, P. C. 113 Hester St. New York, NY 10002, USA P: +1 212 431 6780 www.leroystreetstudio.com Residential Gym

Sagasta 23, 7 izqda. 28004 Madrid, Spain www.manuelocana.com Rota House Marqa Arquitectos Av. Santa Mara 2358 F Providencia, Santiago, Chile P: +56 2345124 www.marqa.cl Selfish House Roberto Lanaro Architetto Via Fontanelle 2 Bassano del Grappa VI, Italy P: +39 424 504 106 F: +39 424 504106 www.robertolanaro.it Alessio House SCDA Architects 8 Teck Lim Road Singapore 088385, Singapore P: +65 632 45458 www.scdaarchitects.com Teng House Vittorio Simone Hentjenslaan 9-11 3511 Hasselt, Belgium P: +32 11 253 502 www.simoni.be Home in a Boat

Manuel Ocaa Arquitectos

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New experimentation in architecture and design is rethinking the idea of the home and its frontier between the interior and the exterior. Modern vision is working toward new ways of dissolving these boundaries while still maintaining the peace and privacy that the traditional home boasts. Bringing, for example, the pleasure of a never ending summer inside your home is without a doubt a very powerful interior design element. It changes the perception and the ambience of a space not only in the way it looks, but also in the mood that it projects. Let these possibilities and exciting designs bring new dimension and added pleasure to your indoor living spaces.

Art/Design
$19.99 US 12.99 UK $24.99 CAN EAN UPC

ISBN-13: 978-1-59253-508-8 ISBN-10: 1-59253-508-9

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