Posted on

Bring on the New! Challenge your architecture in 2021

If you’re like us – in fact most people we know – you’ll be glad to say good bye to 2020. And, with Christmas early done and dusted, it’s time to seriously start thinking afresh. So, what does a little New Year spruce up in the architecture department entail for your space, place or house in 2021? Not sure? Well, you’re not alone – so why not take some creative inspiration from the horse’s mouth – or in this case, architects house. There’s nothing wrong with daring to be a little different – after all you’ve got to do for you not everyone else. Here’s what a few top architects have injected into their own home design – and are still loving . . .

Frank Gehry (designed the Guggenheim) – Transformed a Dutch colonial style house into a ad hoc home using corrugated iron, chain-link fencing – deliberately aiming for the ‘deconstruction’ look, engaging shadows and angles.

Daisuke Ibano – This Tokyo architect built himself a house of boxes. It is both light, slender and although it may look a little precarious, it is enchanting.

Luis Barragán – Known for his sparse and cool architecture, injected a flash of ‘something else’ into his home he designed in 1947. Think a full-window wall with cross-shaped glazing bars, pastel geometry on the rooftop, sculptural monoliths (very on trend currently) and concrete.

Albert Frey – His 1960 Palm Spring construction cantilevers itself from a huge boulder which bursts through the living space.

What ever your creative flair or penchant for the different – regardless of where you seek your inspiration. Life’s too short not to surround yourself with the right design for your speak. www.coalesce.nz

Posted on

Take the Long Road – Design for timelessness, not just the here and now

Living Coral may be the colour of 2019 but when you’re planning on living in your home beyond Christmas, the love and goodwill may be hard to muster in amongst a pink headache. It’s true, our tastes change and our needs change – what we sort five years ago in a lounge suite isn’t going to cut it with the two-year-old. When it comes to art there are no rules that say we have to stick with one particular style – some of the most inspirational artistic people out there make the biggest shifts – Frank Gehry for example.

However, when it comes to architectural design, there are a few timeless choices we can implement first and foremost, that will provide the necessary platform to shift with our lifestyles, mould with our latest furniture purchases and accommodate our on-trend must-haves.

So, if you’re in the business of a new build or renovating a home, apartment or office space, here’s where we think timeless decisions will serve you better than trendy . . .

Height – A featured ceiling with a high stud will never date.

Clean lines – In terms of architecture, a ‘clean line’ in a building emphasises strength and provides a sharper contrast between other elements in the space.

Flooring – Black and white kitchen tiles, solid wooden floors – both will look good in five, 10 and 20 year’s time.

Nature – High-quality materials never go out of style. Wood, stone, leather exude a comfortable classic look and develop a natural patina over time.

A favourite timeless architectural design example of ours . . . The Conversation Pit – think Mad Men – popularised in the 1960s and 70s. In a world where everyone’s starring at screens, a designated spot that brings everyone together for a good ole yak has got to have ageless appeal.

Ready to start your architectural conversation? Let’s coalesce!