Category Archives: TRAVEL

Renowned for its casinos and yacht-filled marinas, Monaco has become a magnet for the richest and most discerning property tycoons in the world. Soaring to a height of 170m (557ft), the Odeon Tower will be the Mediterranean coastline’s second tallest building. The twin towers will contain 70 luxury apartments with between one and six bedrooms. Also available will be two sky duplexes and a 1,200sq m penthouse. Topping out the block will be a spectacular 3,300 sq metre multi-story penthouse complete with private water slide and exclusive infinity pool. One estimate for the value of this apartment suggests it could fetch as much as £256m when it is released onto the market in 2014. Each apartment will boast floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with panoramic views of Monaco, Larvotto beach and the Ligurian Sea. The block will have Russian and Turkish saunas, several swimming pools, private spas, a full-time concierge, private chauffeured limousines and a cinema. Housekeeping, dry cleaning and valet services will all be organised by residents from touchscreen controls in each apartment. As well as being within easy reach of the Italian Riviera, occupants can take advantage of annual local events such as Monaco’s  Grand Prix and Jazz Festival. Excavation and demolition work began on the towers in 2009. Structural work is expected to be finished by July 2013 before work can begin on the facade. The entire project is expected to be completed by July 2014. The venture was the dream of architect Alexander Giraldi, a master of “belle epoque” design, which is inspired by the atmosphere of early 20th century Paris. The belle epoque (beautiful era) was a period between 1871 and 1914 which was characterised by optimism and peace in Europe, and scientific discoveries. Responsibility for the apartment interiors has been given to the Alberto Pinto agency, whose previous clients include Saudi Arabian royalty and American captains of industry. The grounds will be designed by prominent landscape architect Jean Mus.

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Photographer: fuse-atelier

This project is a residence for a couple in their thirties, built in Abiko City. The client desired a gallery-like concrete-made space where their pleasure of designed furniture stands out.

The location is at the bottom of two plateaus on a soft foundation. Therefore, stakes were necessary to support a reinforced concrete structure. In order to reduce costs, contacting area to the ground was minimized and the number of stakes was reduced. Accordingly, the upper structure was cantilevered. Then, the walls in varying volumes and the roof slab were made into three-dimensional continuous slanted surface and the stress transmission was rationalized, which became a characteristic form.

Living/dining room on the second floor has a large open composition towards the green way so as to take in the trees planted on the south side of the site to the interior space. The haircutting space was raised for 1.2 meters from the second floor, so that people will look at the south side green way and the upper side green way and the upper side of the parking on the north side. It also controls the eyesight from the surroundings. The interior space was given a modulated proportion and scale that respond to each space’s activities.

The monocoque form made of concrete was inflated and squeezed, following the necessary spatial volume at the living room, cutting space and the wet area. The stiff structure enabled a sash-less detail of glass and the exterior wall aligned in the same surface and realizes the exterior that emphasizes various facets.
The residence creates many senses of distance by the form that pursued the relationship of spaces and a rationality of the structure. Moreover, by the angles of the multi-surface composition the space is divided, though connected, and creates various sequences that are accompanied by sensual naturel light’s reflection and refraction.

Design team:
fuse-atelier + Musashino Art University／fuse-studio

Project partners:
Main contractor: Shishido Koumuten
Structural Engineers: Ysutaka Konishi

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Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa has recently completed ‘house & garden’, a residence in tokyo, japan. a series of stacked concrete floor slabs bordered with transparent railings and curtains, this four-storey dwelling is enclosed with walls of household plants growing within pots. generous balconies and terraces push the main living space from the street.
these outdoor areas are filled with greenery, making the home seem more like a vertical garden. The architect has also opted to use curtains on both the interior and exterior of the house to provide privacy and divide up the living space.

Images © iwan baan

Thanks for the link Lachie.

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