New stories by Architonic

Redefining bathroom planning with smart technology by Villeroy & Boch | News | Architonic

Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

In a competitive product market where options are endless, sometimes the things that make a brand stand out are not physical. One of those things being an intuitive digital platform and smart tools that make choosing and customising products efficient, work on the go easy and collaboration straightforward. Today, using a brand with a well-thought out digital user experience can end up saving money, stress and time – all extremely valuable in the fast-paced design industry. Knowing this, Villeroy & Boch has been working on a suite of useful tools to make the designer’s work as streamlined and simple as possible. The international lifestyle brand specialising in ceramic production for bathroom and wellness has had the mission since 1748 to enhance people’s lives – and this is true for both its products and the way it collaborates with people. With much experience working closely with architects and interior designe…

The Eames Lounge Chair: how a design classic was made | News | Architonic

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Timeless. Possibly one of the most over-used words in designer diction, timeless objects are those that span across lifetimes, comfortably sitting in any period you choose to (re)create. But while certain materials, lines, patterns and textures can connect new products to past times, only a select few have real, proven lastability. With a legacy that changes the course of design history and breaches popular culture by transcending the design realm, these iconic forms continue to inspire to this day. The first design classic worthy of focus, is a product so well-known, that we need only two words to introduce it: the Eames Lounge Chair. Mid-century creative power couple, Charles and Ray Eames met while working on a design project at the Cranbrook Acad…

BoConcept: Miami vibes and Scandinavian sensibilities at Casa Palma | News | Architonic

Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

When a Norwegian investor placed a brand-new 20-million-dollar villa on the real estate market in Miami, it could have been fitted out with the most exclusive luxury furniture in order to impress buyers, yet he prioritised infusing the house with a Scandinavian atmosphere, above all. ‘The interior really had to evoke the feeling of "hygge" – this was very important to the client’, says Senior Design Consultant at BoConcept Miami, Daniela Contreras, ‘And with the BoConcept interiors, we were able to fit out the house with furniture and accessories that all shared the same taste and feel.’ The investor came across the BoConcept store in Miami somewhat by chance, while out on a walk. ‘Seeing the furniture and going through the possibilities with our design team, he quickly became convinced that this was the right match and directly put us in…

Social revolution is on the MENU | News | Architonic

Thu, 05 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Challenging social spaces to properly reflect our modern existence should be an important quest for all designers – the power of progressive interiors should not be underestimated, and can even contribute to a change in the course of history. Danish design brand MENU is driven by a human-centric approach rooted in social agency – with the end result of each product design being to forge a sense of community and belonging in the real world. With every furniture, lighting and interior accessory, MENU looks for how a product can truly connect an individual to a space. This is achieved through softly minimal products that are both versatile and accessible, and their collaborative team spirit which combines a wide range of experience and expertise. Plus, MENU's experiential showroom and concep…

Dinner with a show: six theatrical restaurant projects | News | Architonic

Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

With the modern prevalence of high-quality ingredients, gastronomic apparatus and culinary skill, the renaissancing restaurant scene is saturated, with five-star venues popping up everywhere from expensive postcodes to vans on street corners. In order to compete in a competitive marketplace, many restaurants are branching out into other hospitality areas, offering much more than just a Sunday Specials board. By focusing on the experience portion of the eating-out experience, entertainment has become the discerning restaurant’s fourth course. Here are six restaurant projects that sprinkle their meals with entertaining seasoning. Blue Frog by Serie Architects Mumbai, India The Blue Frog Lounge combines performance and dining spaces, simultaneously immersing diners in the performan…

TON 822 Chair: an icon for the 21st century | News | Architonic

Fri, 06 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

There’s nothing unusual about an architect extending their artistic vision beyond the bones of a building, and into the detail of its content – iconic pieces of 20th century furniture design are often attached to a specific building. Among those practising such gesamtkunstwerke, or the art of synthesising all aesthetic aspects of a site, were often the authors of architectural movements; the artist and crafter William Morris, the Bauhausian lead Walter Gropius or the Secessionists Joseph Maria Olbrich and Josef Hoffmann. Today the practice is less common, but there are those, such as the distinguished and independently-minded Swedish architect-designers Claesson Koivisto Rune, who operate in a similar way to these early modernists, crafting every last detail of an assignment. And as was the case for their forerunners, in their…

Letting it all hang out: textiles in wellness spaces | News | Architonic

Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Stone, steel, concrete – fabric. From a purely structural point of view, textiles represent a secondary medium in architecture, as they are neither load-bearing nor especially durable. They are dependent on suspension and therefore react to the structural elements that have already created the space. As far as atmosphere is concerned, however, textiles certainly contribute to setting the tone. Few things can affect a room as uncomplicatedly and impressively as fabric. Textiles help to remove the hardness within a space and allow completely new contours to be drawn, while curtains also have something theatrical and performative about them – playing the game of showing and concealing. In places where one reveals oneself and one's vulnerability, such as health centres, yoga studios or wellness temples, it is particularly important to create friendly, welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable letting it all hang out – a fitting phrase for our selection of textile- and relaxation-re…

Bring kitchens to life with open storage products | News | Architonic

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Doors. As required for kitchen cabinetry as the front of a house, right? They’re almost as ubiquitous as the frame itself, and not without reason. Not only do they cover a multitude of untidy sins and bring a clean, minimalist look to the home’s most used storeroom with a gentle, soft close, they also protect their internal environment from the natural dirt and dust accumulation that affects other less-used household surfaces. There are, however, advantages to opening up the kitchen storage landscape that can be easy to miss. It seems such a waste to hide the aesthetic qualities of contemporary dinnerware,

Editor’s Letter – April 2022 | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Architects love themselves. And why shouldn't they? Of course, I'm being somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but, certainly, if you've trained for all those years and are tasked with shaping in the most fundamental way possible our physical environment, our cities, our behaviours and our very daily experiences, you've got something to be proud of. So it's not often you hear an architect talk about what they can't – or rather, shouldn't – do. In conversation with Franklin Azzi a few weeks ago, the French architect and Maison&Objet Designer of the Year 2022 spoke of the need for greater collaboration, particularly in the age of sustainability: 'We are not God,’ he explained to me when we met up at his special installation at the Paris fair. ‘An archit…

'The best products use two materials, maximum': Monica Armani | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Four elements for all needs by cbdesign | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

ISE 2022 launches inspiring creative programme | Architecture | Architonic

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Integrated Systems Europe has announced a raft of activities set to light up Barcelona, highlight creativity and technical prowess and showcase the power of the AV experience. ISE’s keynote speakers have been chosen to reflect creativity using technology and three projects will perfectly showcase to visitors how, when integrated into a collaborative solution, the pro AV industry helps to deliver stunning immersive experiences. Opening Keynote: Refik Anadol: ‘In the Mind of Gaudi’ 10 May: Media artist and pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence, Refik Anadol will give the Opening Keynote Address at ISE 2022. Anadol paints with a thinking brush, offering radical visualizations of our digitized memories and expanding the possibilities of architecture, narrative, and the body in motion. Anadol has created ‘In the Mind of Gaudí’, an immersive installation inspired by Casa Batlló and Antoni Gaudí’s work is showcased in the Gaudí Cube, the world’s first six-LED-wall…

'You shouldn't socially engineer outdoor space too much': Christina Seilern of Studio Seilern Architects | News | Architonic

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

'Outdoor furniture is now made like cars': Patrick Jouin of Patrick Jouin iD | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Shifting industry: moving towards full-service partners | Architecture | Architonic

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

While Frankly Amsterdam is well-known for their high-end rug collection and single order custom rugs, the Dutch soft furnishing brand continues to broaden their collection to become the ideal partner for interior architects. Understanding the importance of versatility, the brand has recently launched a range of stylish curtain fabrics. In addition to their residential and soft contract collections, they have also added a full range of carpets, both wall-to-wall and finished rugs, especially designed for contract use. Offering both functionality and style, these new collections compliment Frankly’s existing high-end rugs, luxury throws, and bespoke bed linen. The recently launched contract collection was a natural progression for the brand, co-founder Johan Beentjes said, “It made sense for us to move in this direction, offering our clients a contract option while respecting our philosophy. With a close-to-home production, our lead time is short, we are able to produce qualities within…

Craftwand: working towards a more circular office | News | Architonic

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The idea of a circular office designed around the ecological principle of a circular economy to minimise environmental impact has been around for the last half-decade. As far back as 2017, the UK-based non-profit Business in the Community, launched its Circular Office Campaign to encourage workplace providers and users to adopt a more sustainable approach to designing, furnishing and managing their facilities. In addition, three-quarters of European businesses believe a more integral approach to sustainability is key to keeping their companies' ability to deliver long term value, according to a 2019 report by French consultancy Mazar. Creating a workplace in which materials can be reused and reconfigured instead of being unceremoniously discarded in yet another resource-intensive revamp is firmly on the agenda. And as the events of the past two years clearly demonstrate, the need to respond to cha…

Sustainability is front and centre at Heinze | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

With so much commitment to a change in awareness in the construction industry, it goes without saying that the actions of Heinze as an information service provider must also follow sustainable concepts. In this respect, all signs point to green: Whether it’s through renewable electricity, company-owned hybrid vehicles or sustainable office materials – wherever possible, Heinze employees try to protect the environment and do their part. The brand’s four magazines, which will be printed on PEFC-certified paper from this year on, also make a contribution to this. All paper used comes from ecologically, economically and socially sustainable forestry. As a company, Heinze is also committed to the United Nations' Agenda 2030 and its 17 goals for sustainable development, also known as SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). In addition, Heinze goes one step further to include even its online presence in this initiative. For the use of the int…

Setting a new course for construction at the climate festival | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Climate change is undoubtedly the greatest global challenge of our time: melting glaciers, droughts, heat waves and heavy rainfall are already the visible and tangible consequences of global warming. Around 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the construction sector. For a long time, the topics of sustainability and environmentally friendly building have tended to lead a niche existence. Heinze created its climate festival in order to underline the necessity of a change in construction, spread clear and unified messaging and provide architects and the entire industry with much needed additional know-how. The event will take place from November 2-4, 2022 in the Alte Schmiedehallen (Old Forge Halls) in Düsseldorf, Germany, and will use new ideas, concepts and positive future models to show how sustainable building is possible. The festival in the Rhine metropolis sees itself as a platform for interdisciplinary exchang…

Heinze gets involved at digitalBAU in Cologne | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

There is no doubt about it: the enormous advantages of digital tools for architects and for the trades involved in a building project are obvious. Because the latest forms of digital building allow for various planning measures to be precisely coordinated and optimised. Used correctly, problems can be identified in advance, costs can be saved and projects can be realised in a more environmentally friendly way. Information about the various possibilities and the current state of affairs of such digital tools will be provided at digitalBAU in Cologne, Germany, from May 31 to June 2, 2022. Heinze will also present itself at this budding trade fair: the information service provider for the construction industry now offers its services via a variety of analogue and multimedia channels. Or in person and up close at the second edition of digitalBau. Notable personalities on the lecture list include Luigi Serra of Chipperfield Architects, Dipl.-I…

'There are almost no borders anymore in terms of aesthetics': Luca Nichetto of Nichetto Studio | News | Architonic

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Echoing the Bauhaus spirit: the D2 shelving system by DIEZ OFFICE for Wagner Living | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Making a splash: waterside properties with their own pool | News | Architonic

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

When asked to name their top dream home locations, the words 'beach' or 'coast' come easily to many people's lips, while for me personally, 'lakeside' springs instantly to mind. But whether you prefer your neighbouring water enclosed and peaceful, or to breathe in and out like a living thing and stretch out over the horizon, waking up to a glistening landscape or the soundtrack of lapping waves can bring the visual and acoustic wellness properties our hectic lifestyles crave. Instead of forcing residents to leave the comfort of their home to enjoy it, however, these selected projects let their natural environments flow into the floorplan, with cleaner, safer, sheltered pools, and, in one case, even the sand, too. Tinos, Greece by Aristides Dallas Architects Inspired by the rocky cliffs and natural cavities found along the coastline of the Greek Island, Tinos, The Lap Pool H…

Furns: designing for nature and nurture in urban spaces | News | Architonic

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Increasingly, the planning of outdoor urban spaces is less an exercise in prettifying unbuilt areas for the benefit of lunchtime strollers and office smokers; more a heavily-laden exercise in making these spaces actively support life in our cities and on our planet. Enmeshed in the fabric of metropolitan working, cultural, ecological and social life, it has become a tool with which to encourage good mental health, respond to climate change and reinforce cultural identity. That’s a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of a park bench, a flower bed, a stretch of grass or a water feature. But these are the building blocks; making them count towards a holistic green urban space is where the challenge lies. Reduced to its simplest message, the role of public space in towns today is to mutually benefit nature and the community, and the practices of all protagonists, from planners to architects, horticulturalists to urban furniture designers need to be engaged to this end. Dutch urban f…

Five ways to customise surfaces with single-colour tiling | News | Architonic

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

There’s one element above all others that every specifier, from self-taught own-home designers to professional interiors specialists with years of experience, looks to bring to their projects. Originality. Bold colours, intricate patterns and more various textures have transformed every type of interior surface product. From the permanent: three-dimensional or light-up wall panels, to the semi-permanent: textured wallpapers and photographic coverings, or even the temporary: re-upholstered furniture, any ele…

Building blocks for the office future | News | Architonic

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

De Vorm's designs have always recognised that the best workplaces offer flexibility while being comprehensively fit for purpose. As the office is increasingly engineered around there-when-you-need-to-be intention rather than there-out-of-obligation routine, De Vorm’s design offer the essential building blocks for designers and architects to create offices exactly suited to multiple purposes and common goals. De Vorm’s designs can create spaces for collaboration and creativity, for video conferencing (now a permanent fixture of working life), for flow-state deep work and for the essential social interactions that cement a collective culture. The LJ and Hale series of PET Felt stacking chairs, armchairs and

An urgent interrogation of working practices | News | Architonic

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Experiments in how, when and where we work best pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic. Hybrid working is not new and more cutting-edge companies were already experimenting with three and four-day weeks and work-from-anywhere models. The pandemic's prolonged out-of-office notice though sparked an urgent interrogation and supercharged evolution of working practices. The 9-5, five-days-a week office job is suddenly all but extinct. For De Vorm, time at the shared workspace is no longer a matter of routine or obligation but intention. On a practical level, workers will come to the office only when that is the best place to get done what they need to get done. On a more elevated level, the office or studio or similar will be where we go to refresh our sense of common culture and purpose. The office is the best place for creative collaboration with your team, it’s the best place to access materials and equipment you don't have at h…

How De Vorm paved the way – with PET Felt | News | Architonic

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Established in Arnhem, the Netherlands, just over a decade ago, De Vorm creates furniture and fittings for the truly modern office. That means no standardised desks or over-engineered task chairs but the durable, customisable, flexible multi-purpose essentials of a creative workspace. De Vorm has also been committed to sustainable manufacturing from birth, pioneering the use of PET Felt – made using recycled plastic bottles – in furniture design. Its breakthrough product – the Pod Privacy Chair, designed by the then up-and-coming Benjamin Hubert – alerted the world not just to the potential of De Vorm but to PET Felt as a mate…

Lincrusta: a sense of history | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Lincrusta, the 145-year-old embossed wall covering brand, is attracting fresh interest in this new age of tactility. Based around a product invention that transformed the decoration of stately houses and institutions, the flexible textural panels were the brainwave of Frederick Walton, who had previously invented Linoleum. It is made, today as then, from linseed oil, mixed to a paste and pressed between steel rollers, one side of which carries an embossing pattern. The invention was originally hailed for its ability to replace more time-consuming, less hardy and expensive relief made through plaster moulding. Originally named Linoleum Muralis, the brand Walton founded in Sunbury-on-Thames in 1877 to produce the covering, had opened a factory in France by 1880 and in Connecticut, USA, by 1883. It lined walls in palaces, in the White House and on the Titanic and has featured in films such as the 2012 version of An…

Feeling good: Lincrusta has customisation covered | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Lincrusta began its life on the walls of stately buildings around the world, and in more recent times has found its niche in hospitality venues, where sculptural Georgian panelling and embossed patterns bring a sense of history and grandeur to venues. But the appeal has started to broaden with the new yearning for both pattern and tactility wherever we seek to shelter. Reports from the latest design shows seem to bolster the new trend for texture – a trend that like so many recent interior evolutions may have been happening anyway, but has been expedited by the sensorial deprivations and increased demand for comfort and cosseting during lockdowns. ‘It is very evident that after two years of not being allowed to touch anything, the world is after tactility and warmth,’ says Amy Heffernan, Creative Consultant at StudioHeff. ‘In Paris, texture was everywhere – walls and surfaces were decorated with patterned relie…

Lincrusta: more than a wall covering | News | Architonic

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

While interior walls are typically the place we find Lincrusta’s historical embossed coverings, increasingly it is being used to bring textural pattern to other surfaces, too. In the spirit of free-thinking that Lincrusta’s founder Frederick Walton brought to the invention of the linseed oil-based panels, interior professionals are finding new places to employ it as a textural accent. The resurgence of tactility in our interiors is bringing back texture not only to our vertical walls but to the architectural fifth wall – or ceiling – too. Where once it might have been chosen to help disguise structural defects, it is now being seen as a lesser-exploited resource for creative expression. It’s an opportunity that wasn’t missed by William Morris, or more recently, by contemporary promoters of pattern House of Hackney. Where four or five walls of texture might be deemed overwhelming, sunken spaces provide intimate stability when feeling alone. Either by ourselves or in a group. Digging living spaces down into the ground is an architectural technique that’s so synonymous with our nature it’s spanned across boundaries and cultures. These six projects, from five separate continents, are selected to illustrate the practice. Toronto, Canada by Studio AC By positioning cosy living areas at its front and rear with workplace design, when I designed my own office pod’s interior last year, I threw popular opinion out of the non-existent window. Creating a personal workspace means really knowing oneself, what makes you comfortable and perform at your best, and the dark, enclosed, cave-like environment is what works for me. Faced with the challenge of teasing people back into the office, workplace designers must create homely, personal environments, customisable to suit employees’ individual preferences. Social, open office architecture can be retained for those who prefer it, but for those like me, with a hankering for the tranquillity of solitary confinement, BOMMA. The glass-lighting producer, based in the Czech Republic, fuses centuries of glassmaking tradition as hand-blown, monumental-sized designs take shape and form through the use of unconventional materials, daring colours and modern technological advancements. These combinations characterise each of BOMMA’s seventeen collections, five of which can be arranged into otherworldly constellations. To expand the artistry further, designers and architects are invited to project their boldest creative visions of space through several of the brand’s collections. BOMMA brings stellar magic indoors, as the glass-lighting manufacturer transforms free-form blown products into extremely precise jewels. The brand is solely focused on production by hand which preserves traditional craftsmans…

Seven projects that use 3D visualisation to give the full picture | News | Architonic

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Gaming and cinematic entertainment has been on the frontline of computer-generated visual and interactive content’s epic rise, on a journey from what now seems laughably unreal, to the ultra-realistic sandbox environments we’re able to fully immerse ourselves in, today. It’s this ability to actually be in a space that doesn’t – yet – exist, experimenting with the fundamental laws of physics to alter the experience in real-time, that's a game-changer for the architecture and design world, too. These seven projects were able to utilise 3D visualisation software in a variety of ways, to enable faster, clearer communication between all parties from initial designs through to completion. It may seem like a game of Spot the Difference stuck on pro, but noticing the difference between 3D visualisations with realistic NOA's supersized garden pavilion, visitors are met with a setting, created purely for the sake of experiencing. ‘NOA is a never-seen-before total experience’, says Hilde Baekelandt, Concept Manager at NOA, ‘We show rather than tell.’ The NOA concept has been carefully prepared, the brand-new premises developed and built over the course of recent years, and now, it's ready to open its doors in October 2022. 25,000 sqm of indoor and, notably, outdoor space will be ready to receive professionals – architects, designers, planners and specifiers – who are particularly curious about the potential of the outdoor environment. ‘Th…

Lobby lounges according to Minotti | News | Architonic

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Welcome to the age of the lobby lounge – a space that perhaps characterises our society’s cosmopolitan nature the most today. The lobby lounge is a space that feels transitory, a bridge between public and private, yet increasingly it is also becoming a destination. No longer just a place to check-in and wait, lobby lounges have evolved into social spaces for meeting and sharing, re-charging and working, relaxing and dining. The lobby lounge must meet our fickle desires for both comfort and flexibility, durability and elegance, becoming both a forum for exchange and an intimate private zone. Plus, it must serve us effortlessly with ambient, welcoming warmth. So, how to design for a space as demanding as this? As well as anticipating its relevance today as a typology, Italian design brand Minotti has long seen the importance of the lobby lounge – present in many contexts from residential to hospitality, from corporate…

New build is old news: Franklin Azzi on the architecture of the future | News | Architonic

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

'Seven years is too long,' Jacques Chirac famously argued in his attempt to sell reform of the presidential mandate to the French public at the turn of the millennium. 'Five years is more modern.' A national referendum saw les citoyens express their agreement, which was followed a few years later by an amendment to the constitution that limited the number of terms a president can hold office to two. Ça suffit. I'm sure esteemed French architect Franklin Azzi has no need for such checks and balances in spite of the fact that he's twice been named Maison&Objet Designer of the Year. And in a row. Admittedly, the circumstances are somewhat unique. Having been declared the fair's patron par excellence for 2020, the pandemic went and put paid to any physical event. Hence Azzi 2.0 last week in Paris at the fair'…

ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan 2022: Building a better future | News | Architonic

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

In the early days of the pandemic, MOMA curator Paola Antonelli and London-based design commentator Alice Rawsthorn started an Instagram Live series called Design Emergency. It documented the more phenomenal design solutions emerging from the Covid crisis – those tackling pressing health and societal needs with unprecedented focus, clarity and speed, often in a very local way. May sees the launch of the book that evolved from the conversations they had with the problem-solving protagonists and moves those conversations on to the next focus for the design world: how to build on the experience and become agents of change. It’s apt then, as the New York design shows, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and WantedDesign Manhattan return to their regular springtime slot from 15 to 17 May at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, that…

Bringing the great outdoors inside with cero by Solarlux | News | Architonic

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Making the unplannable plannable is always a special challenge for architects. However, it can succeed, as a residential project outside Berlin shows. The refined, multi-faceted glass facade of the building is designed in such a way that it takes on a different visual appearance depending on the incidence of light and time of day. It either dissolves visually, is highlighted or merges with its scenic surroundings. At the idyllic Schwielowsee lake near Potsdam, which Berlin's upper middle classes had already discovered for themselves as a popular recharging location in the last century, history is being retold in a special way. Only a stone's throw away from the Villa Frank, which banker Theodor Frank had built for himself in the 1920s as a structure with characteristic projections and recesses as well as a striking red brick facade, a new member of an architectural ensemble now rises on a hill with a wonderful view over the lake. The striking private villa, which combines living and wo…

Tala: turning a light-bulb moment into a lighting revolution | News | Architonic

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Sometimes in this business called design, you just need one smart idea to set you off. A light-bulb moment, if you will. A product that does something novel and timely, offering customers something they didn’t know they needed, but most definitely now want. This, however, is just the start of a journey. Once the noise dies down, how does your hit item evolve into a rounded, sustainable business with impact beyond its initial revolution? It’s the question that Tala faced after it launched Voronoi in 2016, a potentially game-changing piece of lighting design that made the bulb the protagonist. Freshly possible because of advances in LED technology, the statement bulb was the brainwave of three friends who had met and evolved the idea at Edinburgh University. They imagined a way for a climate-conscious light source to be independently…

Arper's environmental ethos and outdoor seating | News | Architonic

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

How to design your own poolside paradise | News | Architonic

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

A private pool is a sign of affluence in cooler climes, remaining just a pipe dream for most. While in the hottest areas, it’s a ubiquitous necessity. Like off-street parking or multiple bathrooms. Whatever the climate, private pools, be they heated or unheated, inside or out, keep residents and selected guests cool, relaxed, revitalised and entertained, all with the added comforts of home. With more time spent poolside than in the water itself, the cost, time and effort put into poolside design pays dividends when it comes to its long-term usability. Here are the key points to consider to make the poolside work for you. When drawing up the size, it’s tempting to squeeze in as…

'A render of space without furniture is cold and inhumane': Katy Ghahremani of MAKE | News | Architonic

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

'Furniture is the first prosthesis that we have': Alfredo Häberli on furniture as an extension of ourselves | News | Architonic

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

'The roof or the ceiling is also a piece of furniture': Benedetta Tagliabue of EMBT | News | Architonic

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

'We need to learn again about the slowness of design': Sebastian Herkner on investing in quality design | News | Architonic

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Win-win situation: Joulia's energy-saving shower system | News | Architonic

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

I had never thought about my own environmental footprint in the shower as much as I have since my conversation with Reto Schmid. The designer is CEO and co-founder of the Swiss company Joulia, which is entirely dedicated to heat recovery from shower wastewater. It makes sense that there is potential behind this, because it is the same with personal hygiene: while generations before us had no running water at all for a long time, washed at the washbasin and took a warm bath perhaps once a week at the most, in modern western civilisation, we generally shower every day – sometimes even twice a day. We use enormous amounts of energy to heat our shower water, to insulate the pipes that carry the warm water from the boiler to our rain shower – only to watch it flow away once it has doused us from head to toe. Could there be any better way to waste resources? In modern, well-insulated homes, more than half of the heat deman…

Lofty ambitions: converted loft spaces | News | Architonic

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

With ever-increasing pressure on space, materials and resources, particularly in high-density urban areas, not to mention the demand for more sustainability-driven approaches to architecture and building, it's not surprising that renovation projects rather than new builds represent particularly attractive propositions to architects wishing to tread as lightly as possible when it comes to the environmental footprint left by their work. Here we present a selection of loft conversion projects from cities around Europe that not only help to reduce the damaging impacts of the building industry on the planet, but also contribute to breathing new life into formerly disused and derelict spaces, thus offering social benefits to local communities as well as environmental ones. 01 Hayloft Kyiv, Ukraine Project by loft buro The Hayloft is not only a dwelling, it’s a cocktail restaurant, an experimental kitchen, a bar counter, a showroom and DJ place that offers a friendly welcome to b…

Elegance is in the details with Occhio's new phantom surfaces | News | Architonic

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

A few years ago, the Zurich Museum für Gestaltung put the focus on something that actually seems obvious: the surface of design products. But the exhibition 'Make-Up' surprised even die-hard design lovers with new perspectives – because even though we perceive the exterior, we as viewers are not always aware of what the surface texture triggers in us. One of the exhibition pieces was the famous Panton Chair, which looks much classier in the shiny original version from 1967 than in the matt version from the 1990s. Also presented was the can of terrycloth Super Deo Spray, which wrapped itself in bathrobe fabric at the end of the 1970s to arouse pleasant feelings, or a computer mouse that seems to be carved out of wood and humorously irritates the user. At Occhio, surfaces are chosen as carefully as the designs themselves. Instead of trends, the guidelines of good style are followed here. Only surfaces that achieve excitin…

mudra: Brunner meets Diez office | News | Architonic

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Certain chairs make such a strong first impression that they immediately take a place in our consciousness. Some powerful, solid and deliberately down-to-earth. Others because of their playful lightness and elegance. mudra, the new universal chair by Brunner and Diez Office, definitely belongs to the latter category. The sculptural chair acts like an inviting gesture that brings the formal and ecological possibilities of shaped wood technology into the present. Its subtle yet present character is determined by the curved opening of the backrest, which beautifully encloses the back without limiting it to one sitting position. At the same time, it is light and elastic so as to yield to all movements. Ergonomics in an endless loop – as if

Sustainability in the UK: residential projects | News | Architonic

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

With the climate crisis firmly at the top of the agenda and rising energy prices becoming one of the most pressing global issues, the need for ever more energy-efficient and sustainable homes has rarely been more pronounced. These radical residences not only help owners to reduce their property's environmental impact, they also contribute to reducing heating and electricity bills. Given that the UK has some of the oldest and least energy-efficient housing stock in Europe, many local architects manage to improve the energy efficiency of already existing buildings. And while this presents its own set of challenges, it sidesteps carbon-intensive new construction and demolition considerations, thus creating further environmental benefits. In the north London suburb of Muswell Hill, Architecture for London have renovated and extended an existing terraced residence into the HD Expo + Conference, a key industry coming together, return…

A grand gesture, down to the smallest detail | Architecture | Architonic

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Dataflex, the Dutch manufacturer of ergonomic workspace accessories, took it upon themselves to develop a cable management solution that not only perfectly sorts lose cables and integrates in the existing interior design they also created the most environmentally friendly cable guide ever! Dataflex wanted their cable guides to be unique, thoughtful, high quality and as sustainable as possible. To meet these requirements, they chose to manufacture them locally. This gave them control and flexibility from the first sketches to the final product. The result is a robust and attractive cable guide with an incredibly low ecological footprint. The series of cable management products are made from 100% recycled PP. Polypropylene well known for its excellent recyclability. It is a material that is both strong and flexible. It is easy to add individual elements or to remove elements from the cable guide. This makes the product very adaptable. Due to its stability and flexibility, the cable guide…

An all-round approach to interior design: Bonaldo | News | Architonic

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The idea of a gesamtkunstwerk, or ‘total work of art’ is understood to mean a project in which every detail is consistent and contributes to a cohesive overall scheme. This principle has historically been used to describe iconic buildings and spaces where an architect or designer has exerted full control over the project. For Italian furniture brand Bonaldo, however, creating a contemporary gesamtkunstwerk means developing and combining pieces that share a unifying concept and quality – or, in their words, B/Style. B/Style is a curated furniture programme in which each selected item is integral to a space or theme, resulting in a dialogue between products created by different designers, but united by Bonaldo’s distinctive style. In each virtual space – with concepts varying from ‘Iconic’ to ‘Sculptural’– different furniture elements are combined that interact harmoniously with…

Around the world with Pedrali's premium outdoor designs | News | Architonic

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

90%. Nine, zero. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, that's the amount of time Americans spend, on average, indoors. And the picture is just as eyebrow-raising in the UK with the pandemic having increased the average Briton's time dodging fresh air by a staggering eight hours a day. If ever we need to step outside again, it's now. With Covid restrictions being eased, the return to a large extent of our previous behavioural patterns is attended in many by a reevaluation of what it means to be outside. There are the health benefits, of course, but also social ones (the two are, let's be honest, bound up with each other), as we seek to define anew what our shared public spaces should look like and the kind of experience they should deliver. ‘Outdoor spaces are ever more being designed to ensure well-being and for an escape from everyday life,’ suggests Monica Pedrali, CEO of heavyweight Italian manufacturer P…

Creating studio conditions for hybrid work with Steelcase's Eclipse Light | News | Architonic

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

A welcome outcome of two years of lockdown, is, for many, the relocation of the office to, well, wherever you lay your hard drive. Hybrid working has become the norm, and with it come the conveniences of saving on commute time and being master of your own, more flexible timetable. With it also comes the need for remote meetings, and a reliance on our webcams to beam us into virtual conferences. This, in turn, can prompt all sorts of energy-zapping visual distractions and quality concerns. Broadcasting ourselves into homes and offices around the world is leading to a need for studio-like conditions if we are to retain some boardroom decorum. With remote convening seemingly here to stay, product designers are thankfully coming to the rescue with a new category of lighting designed to bring just such professional polish to virtual gatherings. US-based Steelcase, a leader in the development, production and supply of offi…

The new M collection by Modelec | News | Architonic

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

‘See. Touch. Feel…’ While smart houses with touchscreens and fully integrated home management systems are now being rapidly developed, French high-end switch manufacturer, Modelec, is offering another solution for turning the light on and off – one that speaks directly to the senses. In car design, for instance, the sound made by the car door closing is a whole science on its own which indicates just how big a role our senses play in our experience of everyday life. In a way to describe their approach, Modelec proposes embracing the visual and tactile, and its new collection of switches, called M, fully lives up to this declaration. With a design that is easily recognisable and that references the elegance of the 1960s, M highlights values such as the simple appreciation of a re…

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (9/9) | News | Architonic

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Over the past few weeks, we have presented almost all 112 award winners of this year's ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior. We have written about trends, colour diversity, simplicity, bathrooms, furniture for the home, kitchens, lighting and offices. Now, in the last part, we turn the spotlight on things that make everyday life more beautiful in a very universal sense: from clever household appliances to decorative objects and elegant tableware. Let's start with the aperitif: what would life be without reasons for a toast? With their

Nine designer radiator typologies that turn up the heat | News | Architonic

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The simple science of radiators has remained relatively unchanged for over 150 years. And although the traditional cast-iron column radiator is going through a retro-resurgence, the heating appliances are often left out of an interior architect’s creative mindset. More imaginative designs, however, are gaining prominence in the radiator market, as modern manufacturing and materials allow them to serve wider purposes. Here are nine types of radiator, both standard and less common, that give designers and their clients more creative options when choosing how to warm up their interior and its look. Vertical radiators At the height of popularity in contemporary interiors of rece…

Design thinking strategies that help you find elegant solutions, whatever the job | News | Architonic

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Berlin in the early 2000s: I had just graduated from high school and was taking a taxi home one evening. Chatting, the driver asked me what I wanted to do with my life and I replied that I would maybe become an architect. He was thrilled with my answer, exclaiming that he too, in fact, was an architect! I can't deny that this incident didn't cause me to have a rethink... It's true, of course, that not every architecture student becomes an architect and not every design student becomes a designer in the classical sense. However, those students of architecture who cannot or do not want to follow a traditional career path have many other options open to them than becoming taxi drivers. Budding architects and designers are equipped with a toolkit of skills and problem-solving strategies that are highly valuable in a broad variety of professions.…

Five projects that top it all off with unique ceiling designs | News | Architonic

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Making up a third of the visible interior, ceilings are an axis unaffected by distracting furniture or architectural elements such as doors or windows, yet are rarely considered as a creative design element. Often left exposed in an honest architectural style with pipework and rigging out for all to see, modern ceilings are at least treated with respect for their exposed location, so influential to a building’s heating, cooling,

11 tips to design form-fitting walk-in wardrobes | News | Architonic

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Many people dream of a private dressing room all to themselves, but it can be difficult to imagine where that extra space could come from. They seem only possible in homes with crazy levels of surplus bedroom-neighbouring space, or when grown-up children finally fly the nest. The luxury of a walk-in wardrobe, however, doesn’t necessarily require that much additional space, just a little rethink. But where do you start? Size While it’s possible to do on a relative size-budget, planners and designers must remain generous with their estimates on required space. It’s tempting to simply squeeze clothes in, but users must be able to retrieve items without more frustratingly tumbling out. To avoid over-stuffing, Ayuppie, a game-changing, AI-powered tool for professionals that allows you to create inspired lighting designs for your projects, as well as connecting you with the right manufacturers and retailers. ‘Lighting is very complex,’ says 26-year-old Italian entrepreneur and company CEO Piera Poser. ‘It involves specific skills, regulations for compliance. You have to know what products are available, which manufacturers can give you solutions. You have to configure products, make lighting calculations. It's a mess.’ Poser likens Vank's Peel chair which was awarded the title 'best of best' at the ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior. Designed as a visitor and lounge chair, the furniture is made of moulded plywood, as it has bee…

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | News | Architonic

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The kitchen is a special place. It's not just where food is prepared, it's where friends and family get together, where people talk, laugh and celebrate. At parties, the best conversations always seem to take place in the kitchen. For the great architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, the kitchen was even a place of transformation. In his book 'Adesso Però', he poetically formulated his perception of the kitchen: ‘I always think that the kitchen is the place where the infinite encyclopaedia of substances and planetary states is gathered, unites and then assembles, organises, catalogues, proportions, takes shape, assumes a recognisable meaning, transforms itself into something usable, to then design that which is the daily ritual of eating.’ Without a doubt, the Corona pandemic has intensified our relationship with kitchens in the last two…

Build a career with DAAily jobs | News | Architonic

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Designboom, Architonic and ArchDaily have a collective remit to enhance the lives of our users and their clients, providing design intelligence, innovation and inspiration with information on the latest trends and industry news, the latest products and materials to come to market and the latest groundbreaking projects and construction or design techniques. Together, DAAily platforms uses its trusted industry knowledge and experience to fuel DAAily jobs, a powerful recruitment and employment tool that serves both sides of the conversation. By signing up to the platform, job-seekers on the hunt for more seniority, more creative freedom, a change of scene or a change of city, can search through a list…

Speaking to nature: VOLA | News | Architonic

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

We all now have a deeper understanding that we need time in green space, whether that’s an urban park or somewhere more wild and remote. That need is fundamental, hard-wired, flowing along neural pathways. We also know that our ache for blue space is just as powerful and water's capacity to restore and invigorate is just as profound. And few places offer raw green and blue space, nature not managed or manicured, like Iceland. ‘Water is everything for Iceland,’ says local architect Palmar Kristmundsson, founder of PK Arkitektar. ‘It's in our culture and it underlines the landscape. It's surrounded by water. It's filled with ice, rivers, waterfalls and glaciers and thermally heated water is carried from the centre of the Earth to the surface for us to make sensible use of it.’ Building in that environment carries a deep responsibility, a duty of care and attention not lost on Kristmundsson. One of his latest projects is Arborg House, set on the banks of the river Hvita, two hours east…

Embracing the darkness with Karcher Design's Black Edition | News | Architonic

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Black is the new black. While designers and architects will always seek at particular times to employ certain on-trend colours, dependable, reliable black is itself coming back as a trend. Black is, however, more than that, of course: it is the ultimate timeless classic, a colour indeed with which art history could be said to have begun in the famous cave of Lascaux and which still consistently continues to help shape fashion and design today. And while it is not always so straightforward to effectively transfer the dark depth of this colour to the surface of objects, German handle specialist Karcher Design is a company that can boast of a multi-award-winning surface treatment that has set new standards in terms of colour design. Cosmos Black has been impressing experts since it was first launched at BAU 20…

Virtual winners' podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (5/9) | News | Architonic

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

If you think about it, the design of luminaires today offers the greatest creative scope imaginable. LEDs now enable designs that would not have been conceivable with conventional lighting technology. Of course, design is always dependent on technical conditions, but today, strong light no longer requires voluminous light sources – and heat generation is also largely eliminated as a problem. This enormously increased design freedom, however, sometimes leads to formally questionable excesses, and this is where the designer's vision and perception of beauty is needed more than ever. Beauty can be the result of special balance, subtle surface treatment, appropriate proportions, durable materials and subtle colours. With this in mind, let's take a look at the winning luminaire designs that were singled out at this year’s German Desi…

Going underground: ten subterranean building projects | News | Architonic

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

‘But down here, underneath the ground, I’ve got all the space I want!’ The slightly unhinged ramblings of Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ may just be a way for Dahl to explain the never-ending sprawl of the eponymous factory, but by placing the majority of the novel’s surreal locations below the surface, he allows our childlike imaginations to soar. Although it requires a little extra digging and provides a little less natural light, with innovative engineering and lighting, this sustainable architectural technique provides, as Wonka tried to tell us almost 60 years ago, all the space we need. Here’s a selection of recent architectural projects to go under construction, under the surface, and the benefits they bring. The owners of Two-Fold Yard by stationery began with the rise of technology, with cloud computing and a work-from-anywhere culture the final nails in its coffin. Whether a permanent home setup or one-size-fits-all office desk, however, individuals’ workspaces can vary as much as their personalities, from barren minimalist desktop landscapes where even a lonely pen lid raises alarm, to cluttered-up Little Island Park by Heatherwick Studio rises gracefully out of the Hudson River, offering visitors views of the city over the water. Concrete piles transform into planters that form the park's rolling topography, accomodating an amphitheatre, a compact plaza and various lookout points. Indigenous trees and plants provide habitat for insects and birds, while the still visible wooden piles that once

Square deal: new public space design | News | Architonic

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

For as long as societies have existed, there have been spaces in villages, towns and cities designated for people to gather communally, whether for conducting business, holding civic celebrations or protesting injustice. Traditionally situated right at the heart of a community, the town square remains a place that is symbolic of the human need for communication, cooperation and togetherness. Still today, public squares and plazas continue to hold the power to bring people together and have also, in many cases, evolved into multifunctional hubs that offer services and attractions beyond their more traditional role of marketplace or social gathering place, as our selection of projects here suggests. 01 Fundamental Transformation Of Plaza Mallorca Inca, Spain Project by Son Estudi Transformation is at the centre of Son Estudi's Plaza Mallorca project in the town of Inca on the island of Mallorca. Located in the town's historical centre, the multi-level, multi-functional ameni…

Approaching personal hygiene the holistic way: GROHE Sensia Arena | News | Architonic

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Flowing water is not only the source of life, but also the epitome of purity. We tend to forget that there is often nothing more to add to this natural effect – especially when it comes to our body care. Nothing cleanses more easily and gently than a pure stream of water. A realisation that can also be applied to our everyday visit to the toilet. Shower toilets have become a worldwide trend and are fast on their way to becoming the new hygiene standard. Manufacturer GROHE makes full use of these versatile advantages with its Sensia Arena model, whose two separate and adjustable spray arms combine the practicalities of both toilet and bidet. In doing so, the leading specialist for holistic bathroom solutions and

Sygnard's Art Deco update for the 21st century | News | Architonic

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Through the course of the 20th century, notions of noble and elegant design were transformed by the modernist movement, which took us from stripped down Bauhausian geometry to the pattern-infused geometry of Memphis. The 21st century design elite has largely drawn on this European and American mid-century heritage when shaping contemporary interiors. But there are signs that design eyes are casting their gaze back further now, to a time pre-dating modernism. Art Deco was the style that straddled the early 20th century era of refined ornamentation and an emerging architectural purism in the late 1920s. Its opulent woods, shaped with symmetry, alongside sweeping curves, stepped lines, mirror details, and sun and fan motifs were all intended to communicate a spirit of of positivity and playfulness. Could it be time for its return? For Hungarian-born Béla Balázsi, founder of Swiss-based furniture brand

Petite Friture: bringing panache to patios | News | Architonic

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Not so long ago, the choice of garden furniture was limited to a few pre-ordained styles: bistro-style tables, chairs made from white latticed ironwork, teak-slatted everything and blocky patio sofas and armchairs made from synthetic rattan and all-weather beige padding. Moves to blur the lines between our furnishings indoors and outdoors, boosted by enforced hosting under open skies over the past two years, has, however, opened up a whole new playground for our imagination. With outdoor furniture specialists loosening up aesthetics to allow for creative curating outside as inside, while more generalist furniture design brands adapt their existing portfolio and new offerings to weather life in the back yard, the potential for exteriors to be honed to individual tastes and made as liveable as the living room is vast. ‘The last two years were full of surprises, driven by urgency and centred on the essentials; improving the comfort of our homes, setting up our outdoor spaces in order…

Virtual winners' podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (4/9) | News | Architonic

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Less than two years have passed since COVID-19 forced us to postpone long- and medium-haul travel until further notice. During that time, those seeking relaxation either spent their holidays regionally or opted to stay at home entirely. Stay-cationers were able to gain a completely new perspective on the things that surround them every day. Many came to recognise their home's untapped potential for transformation into a more relaxing place, one capable of suppressing wanderlust. And one of the key building blocks for this was the bathroom. That the bathroom is increasingly becoming a compact oasis of wellness is not entirely new. What is becoming more apparent, however – and is recognisable among the winners of the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior – is the important role played by the fulfilment of individual…

Showcasing Ukrainian architects and designers | News | Architonic

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Ukraine is a common visitor to Architonic’s digital pages of recent architecture and design projects, and with good reason. An interiors scene with its own character and style has emerged in the country, with many eager offices and studios impressing on the international stage and gaining respected recognition. Recent contemporary interiors that marry the rough with the smooth. A certain roughness, a certain rawness, delivered via highly textural exposed concrete, offset by a judicious use of warm wood elements and soft, upholstered furniture. Just one strand in the work of a proud creative community…

Fixing the gender imbalance of design | News | Architonic

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

From product sizes (phones and smartwatches), architecture (public toilets) and A.I. (voice recognition), to ill-fitting PPE and stab vests and even crash test dummies based on the average male, it’s clear this is a world not just designed for men, but dangerous for women by design. Matter of Course is a Berlin-based collective that champions the work of 11 independent female designers who create innovative, empathetic products. These holistic collections from original female voices take creative risks with bold adventures in materiality and sculptural form, while helping to create a more comfortable, functional world, suitable for all genders. Everyone is different, so why would we need the same things? Nicolene van der Walt When press coverage highlights independent startup businesswomen, it often refers to ‘mumtrepreneur’ stereotypes: Etsy-selling crafts, gift baskets of homemade soap, or sickeningl…

‘Darkness and light complete and nourish each other’: Bernhard Dessecker on not using more light than necessary | News | Architonic

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

© Architonic

‘Daylight is directly linked to the quality of the space’: Daniel Monheim of Christ & Gantenbein | News | Architonic

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

© Architonic

‘For me, technology is always dictated by a conceptual necessity’: Carmelo Zappulla of External Reference | News | Architonic

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

© Architonic

‘Everybody has a right to see the stars’: Daan Roosegaarde on reconnecting with our environment | News | Architonic

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

© Architonic

A brushless, water-efficient future for hotel bathrooms with Villeroy & Boch | News | Architonic

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

As the hotel industry picks up with renewed energy post-pandemic, hygiene is under the spotlight like never before. Today, products specified for hotels must not only be aesthetically pleasing, but must also consider the effect of ongoing maintenance – particularly when it comes to well-used spaces held to immaculately high standards of cleanliness such as hotel bathrooms. According to industry research by ceramic specialist Villeroy & Boch, hygiene is one of the most important factors to guests when choosing a hotel. Cleanliness makes guests feel safe and relaxed, and a luxury hotel experience is impossible without it. Headquartered in Mettlach, Germany, Villeroy & Boch has been pioneering ceramic products in the bathroom,

Lighting up cultural venues | News | Architonic

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Light, whether artificial or natural, is an important component of any architectural space – it can give warmth, emphasise different spatial features and create conditions for different activities and uses. Today, lighting designers have a vast range of tools to create interior and exterior lighting schemes that bring drama and impact to their projects. In Stuttgart's Liederhalle Kultur- und Kongresszentrum, Pfarré Lighting Design has redesigned the existing ceiling of the building's main foyers to create a more inviting, intimate space, while providing the interior with an even level of illumination throughout. The ceil…

Unilin: a contemporary brand story | News | Architonic

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

When Unilin Panels established in the 1960s, nobody had heard of a circular economy. Yet this spirit of constructive reuse was at the heart of the new brand. Born in Belgium, Unilin Panels drew from what the environment had to offer from the outset, using by-products from the flax and wood industries to produce new materials. Today it is known for its highly-researched and continuously developed wood-based panels, used in the construction industry and interior design. The principle raw material in its highly-refined output is, as it ever was, recovered wood. Adapting to ever-more pressing environmental concerns, it also uses unusable raw materials to produce its own green energy, while employing a local workf…

Great materials for big ideas – made by Unilin | News | Architonic

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

It’s a bold claim, but Unilin Panels are undeterred in making it. One of the surface specialist’s newest decorative panels, Master Oak, is indistinguishable from its natural-world inspiration. In fact, since the durability of the oak-style HPL and Melamine surface pips the real wood equivalent, they dare to declare it better than nature’s work. This season Unilin Panels is honing its decorative range, in a bid to present architects and interior professionals with a broad but carefully-curated collection of colours and textu…

Case Study: home comforts with Unilin at TrueLime HQ | News | Architonic

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Netherlands-based Art 2 Go Interieurprojecten is an interior design firm which seeks to create characterful spaces that stimulate the senses, and it puts focus on the choice and finesse of the materials to achieve this. In 2020 they took on the design of the new Breda-based offices of software company TrueLime, and discovered textural satisfaction in the material palette offered by Unilin. 'The assignment was to design a future-proof office where employees could work both as a team and for themselves,' says Erik Remmers, co-owner of Art 2 Go. 'The interior design had to have a modern and business-like look with some playful accents.' For each team there is a central glass meeting room and several informal meeting spaces, in addition…

How to rezone the open plan | News | Architonic

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

While open-plan living benefits larger residential groups through regular and simpler connections, when a little more privacy or quiet is required, it can be difficult to stop the action in one area affecting the atmosphere in another. Commercial spaces, meanwhile, have managed to evolve the open plan far better to fit their own requirements, providing private sanctuaries alongside larger, more social areas, using little more than the design and arrangement of products therein. By taking examples from offices, ho…

Bath with a view: eight uncommon places to put the tub | News | Architonic

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Blending together various competing functionalities in a restricted space, bathroom design can feel like banging your head against a tile wall. The bathtub itself is often tucked away in a shadowy corner, ensuring space for other primary elements, but by making the tub the hero, either with central positioning or by bravely breaking the concept of the bath ‘room’ entirely, a more tranquil solution can be found. Centre stage If the square metres allow it, a centrally-positioned bathtub becomes the hero of the Michele De Lucchi developed it 35 years ago together with the architect Giancarlo Fassina, they achieved what should ideally be the claim of every design, but rarely manifests itself in such a puristic way: a timeless creation designed to persist. We are talking about Artemide's Tolomeo luminaire family which has been growing since 1987 and no longer just illuminates desks but also living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hotel rooms, gardens and many other areas with glare-free light. Characteristic among all are their reduced appearance, slender profile of polished, matt or lacquered aluminium, flexible joints and a fine wire that holds the swivel a…

Let's go outside with LEYASOL! | Architecture | Architonic

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Leya model developed by the design duo Birgit Hoffmann and Christoph Kahleyss has become a new classic for indoor or outdoor use: Leyasol! The Leyasol collection features nearly 14 pieces which correspond to the classy Freifrau model Leya in terms of design language. An elegant, weather-resistant wire frame pays tribute to the feminine lines, maintaining the shape of the shell and yet creating a unique look all of its own. Large down cushions provide the typically soft and casual feel of the seat. And its winning feature: Leyasol is designed for use both inside and outside. In combination with Leya, this model adds its own form of excitement to the dining table arrangement at home or outdoors in the summer. The cushions are filled with high-quality artificial down and can be removed and stored with ease. Some of the upholstery is even weather-resistant and for the colder season, Freifrau also offers weather-resistant covers for all the outdoor furniture. © Architonic

Straight out of Sweden: new Skargaarden outdoor-designs for 2022 | News | Architonic

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Scandinavia is known for being home to some of the world’s top indoor furniture manufacturers, but when it comes to outdoor furniture, it’s probably not the first region that springs to mind. Yet in the town of Gävle, on Sweden’s Baltic coast, a company called Skargaarden has been producing high-quality outdoor furniture since 2008. As it prepares to launch its 2022 novelties, the firm’s co-founder Jari Visuri explains why being based in Scandinavia helps Skargaarden to stand out in a challenging and competitive market. According to Visuri, who founded Skargaarden with his wife, Anna, one of the main benefits of being based in Sweden is having access to the best Scandinavian design talent. Skargaarden works exclusively with designers from the region such as Alexander Lervik and

Ultimate hygiene with style: discover GROHE Sensia Arena | News | Architonic

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

© Architonic

New stories by Architonic

Redefining bathroom planning with smart technology by Villeroy & Boch | News | Architonic

The Eames Lounge Chair: how a design classic was made | News | Architonic

BoConcept: Miami vibes and Scandinavian sensibilities at Casa Palma | News | Architonic

Social revolution is on the MENU | News | Architonic

Dinner with a show: six theatrical restaurant projects | News | Architonic

TON 822 Chair: an icon for the 21st century | News | Architonic

Letting it all hang out: textiles in wellness spaces | News | Architonic

Bring kitchens to life with open storage products | News | Architonic

Editor’s Letter – April 2022 | News | Architonic

'The best products use two materials, maximum': Monica Armani | News | Architonic

Four elements for all needs by cbdesign | News | Architonic

ISE 2022 launches inspiring creative programme | Architecture | Architonic

'You shouldn't socially engineer outdoor space too much': Christina Seilern of Studio Seilern Architects | News | Architonic

'Outdoor furniture is now made like cars': Patrick Jouin of Patrick Jouin iD | News | Architonic

Shifting industry: moving towards full-service partners | Architecture | Architonic

Craftwand: working towards a more circular office | News | Architonic

Sustainability is front and centre at Heinze | News | Architonic

Setting a new course for construction at the climate festival | News | Architonic

Heinze gets involved at digitalBAU in Cologne | News | Architonic

'There are almost no borders anymore in terms of aesthetics': Luca Nichetto of Nichetto Studio | News | Architonic

Echoing the Bauhaus spirit: the D2 shelving system by DIEZ OFFICE for Wagner Living | News | Architonic

Making a splash: waterside properties with their own pool | News | Architonic

Furns: designing for nature and nurture in urban spaces | News | Architonic

Five ways to customise surfaces with single-colour tiling | News | Architonic

Building blocks for the office future | News | Architonic

An urgent interrogation of working practices | News | Architonic

How De Vorm paved the way – with PET Felt | News | Architonic

Lincrusta: a sense of history | News | Architonic

Feeling good: Lincrusta has customisation covered | News | Architonic

Lincrusta: more than a wall covering | News | Architonic

Seven projects that use 3D visualisation to give the full picture | News | Architonic

Lobby lounges according to Minotti | News | Architonic

New build is old news: Franklin Azzi on the architecture of the future | News | Architonic

ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan 2022: Building a better future | News | Architonic

Bringing the great outdoors inside with cero by Solarlux | News | Architonic

Tala: turning a light-bulb moment into a lighting revolution | News | Architonic

Arper's environmental ethos and outdoor seating | News | Architonic

How to design your own poolside paradise | News | Architonic

'A render of space without furniture is cold and inhumane': Katy Ghahremani of MAKE | News | Architonic

'Furniture is the first prosthesis that we have': Alfredo Häberli on furniture as an extension of ourselves | News | Architonic

'The roof or the ceiling is also a piece of furniture': Benedetta Tagliabue of EMBT | News | Architonic

'We need to learn again about the slowness of design': Sebastian Herkner on investing in quality design | News | Architonic

Win-win situation: Joulia's energy-saving shower system | News | Architonic

Lofty ambitions: converted loft spaces | News | Architonic

Elegance is in the details with Occhio's new phantom surfaces | News | Architonic

mudra: Brunner meets Diez office | News | Architonic

Sustainability in the UK: residential projects | News | Architonic

A grand gesture, down to the smallest detail | Architecture | Architonic

An all-round approach to interior design: Bonaldo | News | Architonic

Around the world with Pedrali's premium outdoor designs | News | Architonic

Creating studio conditions for hybrid work with Steelcase's Eclipse Light | News | Architonic

The new M collection by Modelec | News | Architonic

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (9/9) | News | Architonic

Nine designer radiator typologies that turn up the heat | News | Architonic

Design thinking strategies that help you find elegant solutions, whatever the job | News | Architonic

Five projects that top it all off with unique ceiling designs | News | Architonic

11 tips to design form-fitting walk-in wardrobes | News | Architonic

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | News | Architonic

Build a career with DAAily jobs | News | Architonic

Speaking to nature: VOLA | News | Architonic

Embracing the darkness with Karcher Design's Black Edition | News | Architonic

Virtual winners' podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (5/9) | News | Architonic

Going underground: ten subterranean building projects | News | Architonic

Square deal: new public space design | News | Architonic

Approaching personal hygiene the holistic way: GROHE Sensia Arena | News | Architonic

Sygnard's Art Deco update for the 21st century | News | Architonic

Petite Friture: bringing panache to patios | News | Architonic

Virtual winners' podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (4/9) | News | Architonic

Showcasing Ukrainian architects and designers | News | Architonic

Fixing the gender imbalance of design | News | Architonic

‘Darkness and light complete and nourish each other’: Bernhard Dessecker on not using more light than necessary | News | Architonic

‘Daylight is directly linked to the quality of the space’: Daniel Monheim of Christ & Gantenbein | News | Architonic

‘For me, technology is always dictated by a conceptual necessity’: Carmelo Zappulla of External Reference | News | Architonic

​​‘Everybody has a right to see the stars’: Daan Roosegaarde on reconnecting with our environment | News | Architonic

A brushless, water-efficient future for hotel bathrooms with Villeroy & Boch | News | Architonic

Lighting up cultural venues | News | Architonic

Unilin: a contemporary brand story | News | Architonic

Great materials for big ideas – made by Unilin | News | Architonic

Case Study: home comforts with Unilin at TrueLime HQ | News | Architonic

‘Everybody has a right to see the stars’: Daan Roosegaarde on reconnecting with our environment | News | Architonic