Nestled in the picturesque landscape of northern Catalonia, Límit House enjoys a stunning location amidst the gentle valleys and hills of the Pla de l’Estany and Gironès regions. Perched on the edge between hill and valley, this residence offers panoramic views of the surrounding pine trees and holm oaks.

Architectural Composition

The property’s steep slope, extending from the south entrance to the north end of the plot, inspired the architectural composition of Límit House. A series of parallel walls create visual connections between the north and south, blending seamlessly with the hill and valley. These walls not only provide privacy from neighboring houses but also shape the service spaces while integrating harmoniously into the landscape.

Design Philosophy

Constructed with earthy-colored concrete and vertically jointed formwork, the parallel walls echo the natural surroundings, creating a dialogue with the trees. The intersecting diagonal axis, influenced by the location’s orography, defines the facade’s shape and interior flow, enhancing the spatial experience.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout of Límit House is organized into five parallel modules, each aligned with the diagonal axis. From the gymnasium and amenities to the main bedroom and pool space, every area offers a unique spatial quality, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is a guiding principle in both the conception and construction of Límit House. Designed for low energy consumption and emissions, the house features an aerothermal system for air conditioning and an integrated air renewal system with heat recovery. Passive energy design strategies, such as the use of porches and cross vents, further enhance its environmental performance.

Conclusion

Límit House stands as a testament to architectural excellence and environmental stewardship, seamlessly blending contemporary design with the natural beauty of Catalonia’s landscape. From its thoughtful composition to its sustainable features, this residence embodies a deep respect for both the built environment and the surrounding nature.

A Holistic Approach to Retirement Living

Villa Kameleon, nestled in the serene municipality of Zoersel, Belgium, stands as a testament to compassionate care and innovative design. Crafted by FELT architecture & design in collaboration with a private client and the non-profit organization Emmaus, this care home caters to the needs of the family’s granddaughter and eight other residents with mental disabilities.

Natural Integration and Compact Design

Situated near the Monnikenheide domain, Villa Kameleon seamlessly merges with its verdant surroundings. The architects prioritized preserving the site’s greenery, resulting in a rational and hyper-compact structure featuring a distinctive hexagonal ground plan. Careful positioning within the forest ensures ample natural light while maintaining close proximity to the surrounding trees.

Faceted Façades and Material Harmony

Villa Kameleon’s façades, adorned with light grey plaster and green glazed tiles, create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This thoughtful use of materials and rhythm breaks down the building’s volume, establishing a harmonious relationship with its environment from all angles.

Warm and Welcoming Interiors

Inside, a warm and inviting palette sets the tone for communal living. A central hall, adorned with a spiral staircase, serves as the heart of the home, surrounded by six identical studios on the first floor. The ground floor houses communal areas and three additional studios, prioritizing accessibility for all residents.

Functional Layout and Natural Light Integration

To counter the traditional rectangular layout often found in healthcare architecture, each studio is strategically positioned at a corner of the hexagonal plan. This unique arrangement offers dual orientation and panoramic views of the landscape. Bathrooms, thoughtfully placed along the façades, maximize natural daylight, enhancing the residents’ well-being.

Illuminating the Heart of the Home

A dome crowning the central hall illuminates the interior, providing glimpses of the sky and treetops. This architectural feature not only floods the space with natural light but also fosters a connection to the surrounding natural beauty, enriching the residents’ living experience at Villa Kameleon.

In essence, Villa Kameleon embodies a harmonious blend of care, comfort, and connection with nature, redefining retirement living with empathy and innovation.

Heat poses a significant risk to the functionality, reliability, and lifespan of electronic components, including gaming consoles, audio receivers, DVRs, and 4K disc players, particularly in today’s era of heightened reliance on home electronics for entertainment. Increased usage of audio/visual components raises the likelihood of overheating, potentially leading to irreversible damage over time. Here are some tips to maintain your home theater and gaming systems for optimal efficiency and prolonged performance.

Staying Power

Many electronics, such as powerful home theater receivers and amplifiers, require a considerable amount of wattage to operate efficiently. Without proper ventilation, these components generate high temperatures that can harm electronics and damage the surrounding cabinet. Enclosed systems or stacked components without adequate air circulation can lead to heat build-up, causing expensive damage over time. Electronics begin to malfunction and deteriorate at temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Implementing measures to reduce heat build-up is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring optimal functionality.

Use as Directed

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines outlined in the user manual for proper installation of electronics. Most devices are designed to dissipate heat through the top, so avoid stacking components and allow sufficient space around each side for natural airflow. Placing components sideways can hinder ventilation and accelerate overheating. Consider installing a small fan to promote airflow, but ensure that heated air can escape from enclosed cabinets.

Go with the Flow

Proper airflow is essential for electronics care. Enclosed media units without ventilation can lead to heat accumulation, damaging both electronics and furniture. Opt for media furniture with built-in ventilation features, such as ventilated doors, shelves, base, or rear panels, to facilitate airflow and maintain cool and efficient operation of components.

Play it Cool

Electronics perform optimally at temperatures below 85°F, as higher temperatures can reduce equipment lifespan by 40%. Install equipment away from heat sources such as vents, radiators, and direct sunlight to minimize the risk of overheating.

Keep it Clean

Regularly clean electronics to prevent dust and debris accumulation, which can impair performance. Use an air duster weekly to clear air vents and wipe down electronics, shelves, and drawers to prevent dust buildup.

Beat the Heat

Heat damage to electronics is often irreversible, necessitating replacement or upgrade of entire home theater or gaming systems. By prioritizing proper airflow and ventilation, positioning components correctly, and selecting functional media furniture, you can extend the lifespan of your audio/visual equipment while ensuring uninterrupted entertainment experiences.

The Floating Bamboo House, designed by H&P Architects, presents a novel housing solution tailored to Vietnamese communities whose lives revolve around river-based livelihoods, particularly those residing in the Mekong Delta. This innovative dwelling represents a departure from traditional housing models, offering a resilient and sustainable living space that adapts to the challenges posed by its environment.

Construction and Design Features

The core structure of the Floating Bamboo House comprises solid cored bamboo, meticulously joined together using simple latches and ties. The house is enveloped with lightweight materials, including compressed weaved bamboo sheets, leaves, corrugated iron, and bamboo screens. Its expansive roof not only collects rainwater but also harnesses solar energy, enhancing its self-sufficiency.

Flexibility and Resilience

Flexibility is a key aspect of the Floating Bamboo House’s design. The door systems can open and close flexibly, ensuring the house remains sturdy during adverse weather conditions while imbuing it with a distinctive aesthetic akin to flowers amidst floating waters. Plastic drum systems tethered to the floor beneath enable the house to remain afloat on water.

Functionality and Adaptability

With a square ground plan of 6m x 6m and two levels, the Floating Bamboo House offers functional living spaces that can be expanded as needed. Removing the second-floor panels transforms the house into a more spacious communal area, reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese gathering places such as the Rông house and Đình pavilion.

Future Prospects and Climate Resilience

Looking ahead, the Floating Bamboo House paves the way for the development of peaceful floating communities, interconnected by floating playing grounds, vegetable-growing rafts, and fish-raising areas. In a country heavily impacted by climate change, this innovative housing model offers a promising alternative for vulnerable communities to adapt to rising sea levels and secure stable and safe accommodations.

In conclusion, the Floating Bamboo House exemplifies sustainable architecture that addresses the pressing challenges of climate change while meeting the needs of river-based communities in Vietnam. As the country braces for the impacts of climate change, this resilient housing solution emerges as a beacon of hope for millions of individuals seeking refuge from environmental uncertainty.

Introduction

The ArtFX Campus stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of digital arts and film professions, boasting international influence. Nestled within the Plaine-Images complex, a hub dedicated to creative industries in Lille’s Metropolis, this project by Valode & Pistre embodies a seamless integration of architecture with its urban surroundings.

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Harmonious Urban Integration

Designed to harmonize with its urban context, the campus respects the proportions and heights of neighboring structures, engaging in a dialogue with prominent landmarks like “Le Fresnoy,” “Imaginarium,” and “The Jacquard.” By aligning with the region’s industrial and residential fabric, ArtFX becomes an integral part of the evolving urban landscape.

Dynamic Public Spaces

The campus serves as a dynamic public space, forming the southern boundary of a vast landscaped area within Plaine-Image. A well-defined outdoor entrance area connects the campus with the adjacent park and street, fostering urban vitality. Anchored by amenities like cafes, foyers, and shops, the campus becomes a vibrant urban node, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.

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Blend of Creativity and Connectivity

At its core, ArtFX is a nexus of creativity, learning, and community life, striking a delicate balance between seclusion and openness. The west facade, predominantly glazed, establishes a symbiotic relationship with the neighboring National Studio of Contemporary Arts Le Fresnoy, fostering visual connectivity and artistic synergy. The incorporation of expansive glazed panels accentuates the project’s commitment to showcasing artistic prowess and fostering collaboration.

Integrated Living and Learning Spaces

The architectural design seamlessly integrates educational and residential components, creating a holistic environment for students. By co-locating school facilities and student housing, ArtFX fosters an optimal environment for learning and living. This integration not only enhances accessibility to school resources but also fosters a sense of community and cohesion among students.

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Conclusion

ArtFX represents more than just a school; it embodies a convergence of creativity, innovation, and urban vitality. By blending seamlessly with its surroundings and embracing a holistic approach to education and living, ArtFX sets a new standard for architectural excellence and educational innovation in the digital arts domain.

The Adora brand’s philosophy of “luxury-à-porter” has evolved into a mission to spread the luxury and prestige of Italian furnishing style worldwide while catering to the stylistic needs of a broader audience.

Introduction to Adora Collections

The Adora collections reinterpret the classic Italian style in a contemporary manner, adding an irresistible charm to any room in your home. Each element is meticulously crafted to ensure comfort, functionality, and style, aiming to create unique atmospheres in both living and sleeping areas.

Selection of Collections

The following collections epitomize the allure of contemporary style:

• Sipario
• Diamante
• Allure
• Atmosfera

These collections, characterized by sophistication and boldness, are meticulously designed to tastefully furnish your living room, creating a pleasant and inviting ambiance.

Sipario and Diamante: Elegance in Contemporary Style

The Diamante collection features armchairs and sofas with Capitonné upholstery adorned with gold buttons, adding a touch of sophistication. The slender silhouette, curved lines, and golden accents define the elegance of this collection.

On the other hand, the Sipario collection offers sofas and armchairs with a more pronounced shape and geometric design. Both collections epitomize comfort and elegance, providing versatile furnishing options for the living area.

Coffee Tables: A Focal Point of Elegance

The coffee tables from the Diamante and Sipario collections serve as functional yet elegant focal points in your living room. With bold design choices and refined finishes, these coffee tables enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space, adding sophistication to your décor.

TV Cabinets: Refined Compositions for Your Living Area

The TV furniture from the Sipario and Diamante collections combines functionality with contemporary elegance, creating refined compositions that elevate your living area’s visual appeal. The attention to detail and luxurious finishes characterize these exquisite pieces of furniture.

Mirrors: Enhancing the Furnishing Atmosphere

Mirrors from the Sipario and Diamante collections add a touch of sophistication to your living area while maintaining stylistic continuity. These mirrors, adorned with intricate details and elegant finishes, enrich the furnishing atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Chaise Longue: Combining Comfort and Style

An elegant chaise longue from the Diamante or Sipario collection is essential for creating a glamorous furnishing style in the living room. With its versatile design and luxurious upholstery, the chaise longue adds a touch of sophistication to any space, offering both comfort and style.

Allure and Atmosfera: Redefining Luxury-à-Porter

The Allure and Atmosfera collections redefine the concept of luxury-à-porter, offering sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables designed to create the perfect contemporary furnishing scenario. These collections combine functionality with contemporary charm, adding a timeless allure to your living room.

Conclusion

The Adora collections offer a harmonious blend of comfort, functionality, and contemporary elegance, allowing you to create a personalized and inviting living room space. Choose the collection that resonates with your taste and infuse your living room with style and charisma with Adora’s timeless furniture pieces.

The Car Park Katwolderplein in Zwolle stands out with its unique and eye-catching design. Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road journey through Central Asia, the architects envisioned the car park as a modern-day caravanserai, a haven for travellers and their caravans. This concept is reflected in both the form and function of the structure.

Eastern Influences in Design

The façade of the car park is adorned with Eastern hues and intricate patterns, reminiscent of the architectural motifs found along the Silk Road. The design gracefully curves around the building, creating a striking visual impact. Constructed using raised bricks, the masonry features five different patterns, which are illuminated by spotlights after sunset, casting a magical ambiance reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Sustainability at Its Core

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, sustainability is at the core of the Car Park Katwolderplein. The roof is equipped with 800 square meters of solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to power the facility. Smart routing minimizes exhaust emissions, while an energy-efficient LED lighting system ensures that lights only activate in areas with activity, reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the car park provides 28 charging points for electric vehicles, catering to sustainable transportation needs.

Embracing Nature

In addition to its eco-friendly features, the car park embraces nature. Green hanging plants adorn the rear façade, adding a touch of greenery to the urban environment. Moreover, the structure includes nesting and shelter spots for swallows and bats, fostering biodiversity within the city. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with Dutch BREEAM standards, ensuring that the car park operates sustainably.

Bridging Communities

Strategically located between the city center and the A28 motorway, the Car Park Katwolderplein serves as a vital link connecting different parts of Zwolle. Its warm and inviting appearance serves as a bridge between Katwolderplein, the Pathé cinema, and the bustling city center. As a modern-day oasis, the car park provides a welcoming retreat for both visitors and residents in the midst of a busy urban landscape.

In essence, the Car Park Katwolderplein exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, offering a glimpse into the future of urban infrastructure.

CLOU Architects was entrusted by Vanke to reimagine the fourth-floor atrium of the newly inaugurated Future City Mall in Qingdao. Nestled in the northern district of Qingdao, Vanke Future City stands as a novel hub for shopping and leisure, aspiring to infuse a fresh vitality into the historical precincts of Qingdao. The focal point of this endeavor was to craft an iconic social enclave, enticing patrons to explore the upper echelons of the mall while invigorating its retail and dining precincts. Thus, the concept of an immersive jungle garden was conceived.

The Concept: Wandering in the Fantastic Jungle

In response to the contemporary preference for comfort, intimacy, and a connection with nature in public spaces, CLOU Architects opted to merge nature and art into an immersive environment, drawing inspiration from the illustrious paintings of Henri Rousseau. The central space of the atrium was transformed into a vibrant jungle garden, anchored by a two-story red cube structure. Encircled by lush foliage and water features, this design evokes the primitive and enigmatic ambiance reminiscent of Rousseau’s oeuvre, infusing the space with an imaginative and dreamlike aura.

Vibrant Visuals: A Splash of Red

Bright red hues dominate the palette, creating a visually arresting spectacle akin to the flamboyant flora and fauna depicted in Rousseau’s mystical compositions. This bold color choice establishes a captivating contrast between the vibrant focal point and the intricate background, fostering a delightful sense of illusion.

Interactive Design: A Playground of Exploration

A circular bridge on the first floor links the central cube to its environs through a series of interconnected staircases. Tropical greenery, seating arrangements, water features, and staircases embellish the atrium, enhancing the pedestrian experience and enticing visitors to meander and discover. The interactive layout encourages socialization, exploration, and photography, providing visitors with an immersive oasis where their creativity can flourish.

Community Hub: Fostering Joyful Gatherings

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the atrium serves as a communal space for relaxation and recreation, as well as a venue for community events. With its diverse pathways and interactive features, the space fosters a sense of camaraderie and conviviality, creating cherished memories for patrons.

Conclusion: Activating Social and Artistic Potential

Through the creation of Qingdao Future City’s distinctive atrium experience, CLOU Architects endeavors to unlock the social and artistic potential of commercial spaces. By infusing the environment with elements of fun, intimacy, and pleasure, they aspire to craft a lasting legacy that resonates with visitors and enriches the cultural fabric of Qingdao.

In this edition of Found, we delve into the remarkable journey of Beatrice Dixon, the CEO and co-founder of The Honey Pot, a pioneering feminine care company celebrated for its commitment to natural ingredients. Joining Becca and Dom, Dixon shares insights into the genesis of her company, navigating the challenges of bootstrapping, and fostering a strong bond with The Honey Pot’s loyal customer base.

Exploring the Natural Ingredient Market

Dixon provides valuable perspectives on the current landscape of the natural ingredient market for feminine care products. With growing consumer awareness and demand for chemical-free alternatives, she sheds light on the evolving preferences driving this market segment forward.

Weathering Consumer Backlash

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in the company’s history, Dixon recounts how The Honey Pot faced its first major consumer backlash. Through transparency, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to its values, the company emerged stronger, solidifying its position as a trusted brand in the industry.

Penetrating Retail Channels

From humble beginnings to securing placements in major retailers, Dixon shares her early strategies for gaining traction and capturing the attention of buyers. The journey from bootstrapping to retail success underscores the perseverance and ingenuity required to thrive in a competitive market.

The Rise of Natural Care Companies

In the concluding segment, Dom and Becca examine the burgeoning market for care companies prioritizing natural ingredients. They explore the shifting preferences of younger consumers towards sustainable and eco-conscious brands and discuss The Honey Pot’s pivotal role in driving this movement forward.

As Beatrice Dixon’s inspiring story unfolds, it underscores the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the enduring appeal of brands that prioritize authenticity, innovation, and consumer well-being.

Architectural Mastery in Metal

Morin Corporation stands as a beacon of expertise in the realm of architectural metal solutions, particularly excelling in the roll forming of robust single-skin metal wall and metal roof systems. With an extensive catalog comprising over 100 profiles of architectural panels, Morin Corporation caters to projects of diverse magnitudes. Augmenting their offerings, the company provides an exhaustive array of metal cladding finishes, encompassing perforations, corners, coordinated louvers, fasteners, and bespoke extrusions.

Unveiling the Pulse Series: Angular Innovation

Within Morin’s distinguished metal wall panels selection, the Pulse Series takes center stage as an angular, integrated concealed fastener rain screen metal wall panel system. This avant-garde series offers architects and designers a palette of five distinct profile options, facilitating creative freedom and customization. When opting for Pulse metal wall panels, clients benefit from complementary extruded aluminum trims and meticulously crafted miter seam corners, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Diverse Material Options for Unparalleled Flexibility

Morin Corporation places a premium on material versatility, empowering architects with a range of options tailored to meet varied project requirements. The Pulse Series is available in an array of materials:

• Galvalume/Zincalume Painted Steel: Ranging from 18GA (1.19mm) to 24GA (.60 mm).
• Aluminum: Provided in .050 GA (1.27mm) and .040 GA (1mm).
• Stainless Steel: Crafted in 22 G (.76mm) and 24 GA (.60mm).
• Zinc: Available in 20 GA (1mm) and 22 GA (.91mm).
• Natural Copper: Crafted in 20 oz. and 16 oz.

This diverse material selection ensures that architects have the flexibility to align the metal wall systems with their aesthetic vision while meeting structural demands.

Comprehensive Support for Seamless Execution

Morin Corporation goes beyond the manufacturing realm, offering on-site installation guidance and access to a dedicated technical staff. This inclusive approach extends support in areas such as drawings, design, cost-saving strategies, and technical expertise, reaffirming Morin Corporation as a dependable partner in the realization of architectural visions.

Versatile Construction Applications

Tailored for foundations, stemwalls, facades, and exterior applications, Morin Corp.’s Pulse Series signifies a paradigm shift in architectural metal wall systems. The adaptability of these systems, available in slabs, plates, and panels, underscores their versatility in contributing to the waterproofing and aesthetic cohesion of diverse architectural projects.

Morin Corp.’s Pulse Series stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions in architectural metal systems. Through a rich selection of profiles, material options, and unwavering support, Morin Corporation empowers architects to transcend traditional boundaries and create structures that seamlessly blend form and function.