Nestled on a ridgeline in the Sierra Norte foothills overlooking Oaxaca de Juarez, Nube House offers panoramic views of the valley stretching eastward. The house spans a 1,000 square meter site and comprises three separate casitas of varying heights, each designed to maximize the surrounding landscape.

Thoughtful Organization

The volumes of Nube House cascade down the 10-meter slope of the site, forming a loose courtyard space facing the valley. An open concrete stair, capped with a screened glass canopy, connects the two and three-story casitas. The layout, inspired by traditional regional houses, allows for independent movement and resilience during seismic activity.

Functional Design

The central casita houses a kitchen and dining area on the ground floor, with a studio and library above. Adjacent to it is the single-story casita, featuring a double-height living space. At the northern side of the site stands the three-story bedroom casita. A black tiled pool defines the edge of the central terrace, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Sustainable Construction

Nube House employs a heavy steel frame anchored to concrete foundations tied to bedrock. Infill walls are made of locally produced adobe blocks or steel and glass assemblies. Large adobe expanses are internally reinforced with steel and concrete. Handcrafted steel windows, naturally finished nopo wood cabinetry, and custom doors contribute to the rustic charm of the interiors.

Climate-sensitive Features

Clay screens, stained black, provide shade, privacy, and a captivating view of the surroundings. The loose organization of the house facilitates cross ventilation, ensuring a comfortable interior temperature throughout the year without the need for heating or air conditioning. Rainwater harvested from the casita roofs is stored in a cistern beneath the living room for domestic use, with wastewater managed onsite through bio-digestors. Solar hot water heaters fulfill water heating requirements, enhancing the house’s sustainability.

A Sustainable Oasis

Nube House stands as a testament to sustainable architecture, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings while minimizing its ecological footprint. Through thoughtful design and innovative solutions, it offers residents a tranquil retreat amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Norte foothills.

Introduction

Healthcare architecture plays a crucial role in providing essential services to communities, ensuring comfort, and fostering a sense of belonging. In Cartagena, Spain, Estudio Huma has exemplified this ethos through its innovative design of small-scale healthcare facilities.

Serving Beyond Materialization

The essence of healthcare architecture lies in its ability to serve above all else. Estudio Huma’s creation of changing rooms with laundry facilities at the port of Cartagena exemplifies this dedication to service. These facilities cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering solace and comfort to those far from home.

Creating Solid Ground

Amidst the constant sway of the sea, individuals yearn for stability and familiarity. The changing rooms constructed by Estudio Huma serve as a metaphorical anchor, providing a sense of solidity and warmth. Through basic functions like personal hygiene, these spaces aim to recreate the familiarity of home, fostering a cozy and welcoming environment.

Recognition and Domestication

Daily routines within these spaces serve as a form of self-recognition and domestication of public space. Simple acts like brushing teeth or combing hair become rituals of comfort and familiarity, bridging the gap between the foreign and the familiar.

Beauty in Smallness

Despite its modest size, the dressing room building stands out amidst its surroundings, much like a boat amidst larger vessels. Its design speaks to the service it provides, offering intimacy and privacy to its users while remaining a symbol of beauty and functionality.

Dynamic Design Elements

Estudio Huma’s attention to detail is evident in the dynamic design elements incorporated into the changing rooms. The use of natural resin slats creates a facade that interacts with light, mimicking the movement of rigging in the wind and adding a sense of dynamism to the structure.

Embracing the Sea

The sea remains a constant presence within the changing rooms, symbolized by a large window oriented towards its expanse. This integration of nature into the built environment fosters a sense of connection and unity, transcending the isolation often associated with maritime life.

Balancing Act

The architecture of the changing rooms reflects a delicate balance between solidity and mobility. Despite its proximity to the sea, the structure remains firmly grounded, providing stability amidst the fluidity of its surroundings.

A Tribute to Maritime Heritage

Embedded within the walls of the changing rooms are stories of maritime life, paying homage to the architectures of the past that served humanity at sea. Through its design, Estudio Huma celebrates the legacy of structures like baths and dressing rooms, acknowledging their vital role in maritime history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Estudio Huma’s healthcare architecture in Cartagena, Spain, serves as a testament to the power of design in fostering comfort, stability, and connection. By blending functionality with innovation, these changing rooms offer a glimpse into the intersection of architecture and human experience, providing a beacon of solace amidst the vastness of the sea.

The Gustav Heinemann Comprehensive School in Essen features a carefully considered architectural design that integrates well with its surroundings. The building volume is divided into distinct sections, allowing for clearly defined outdoor spaces on the school campus. By offsetting the individual building sections, the school blends seamlessly into the urban context while creating a prominent entrance zone.

Interior Layout and Functionality

Continuing the clarity of its exterior structure, the interior of the school is thoughtfully organized to reflect its functional requirements. Theme-based rooms are grouped into building units, interconnected via a central circulation axis. The two-storey forum serves as a versatile and communicative space, functioning as the heart of the school. Surrounding the forum are communal areas such as the school hall and library, enhancing the southern part of the building dedicated to shared activities.

Clusters and Learning Spaces

The architectural dominance of the clusters, known as “year group or learning houses,” is evident along the school boulevard. These clusters house classrooms and informal learning areas, grouped around courtyards to ensure ample daylight and clear orientation. Group rooms at the center of each cluster facilitate various forms of learning, promoting collaborative activities and individual study.

Exterior Design and Sustainability

Externally, the school boasts a robust masonry facade made of light-colored, whitewashed facing bricks, providing a uniform and calming appearance. Large window elements in wood-aluminium construction adorn the upper-floor facades, enhancing natural light and ventilation. Internally, wood-based materials contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Sustainability and Certification

Built to passive house standards, the school surpasses the requirements of the 2016 German Energy Saving Ordinance by 20%. The certification process according to the Assessment System for Sustainable Building (BNB) aims to achieve a BNB Silver certification, considering factors such as energy efficiency, ecology, economic viability, and architectural quality. The result is an energy-efficient, sustainable building designed with careful consideration for all phases of development.

In any classic interior design project, each element plays a fundamental role in creating the right atmosphere. In the living room, for example, the seating set outlines the functional and aesthetic aspects of the room. This is why it is important to carefully select both the sofas and the armchairs to set up this relaxing and welcoming environment.

Arredoclassic Collections: The Unmistakable Beauty of Classic Italian Sofas

The sofa stands out as the undisputed star of the living room. To select seats of remarkable comfort and unquestionable aesthetics, consider the elegance of sofas and armchairs with a classic taste from the Arredoclassic Collections range. Some notable collections include Dolce Vita, Modigliani, Fantasia, Melodia, Leonardo, Donatello, and Liberty.

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita seats give shape and personality to a setting in perfect art-deco style. The curved silhouette of the sofas and armchairs is upholstered entirely in fine fabrics and embellished by a pleated design that frames the backrests. Ivory-colored wood inserts with concentric frames in a rose gold finish add to the collection’s charm.

Modigliani

The Modigliani living room communicates through an aesthetic language entirely based on classic Italian style. Seats in gold or walnut finish, characterized by elegant quilted backs, exude timeless elegance. Handmade gold decorations and recurring gold motifs adorn furniture elements, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.

Fantasia

The Fantasia living room is a true symbol of neoclassical taste. Square, decisive lines combined with friezes and precious decorative details define this collection. Sofas feature soft shapes and fan-shaped designs, enhancing the multifaceted traits of the neoclassical style.

Melodia

The Melodia living room achieves a subtle stylistic and formal balance with gilded accents. Gilded friezes and feet add charming effects to sofas, creating an inviting ambiance. The collection offers variations in upholstery, including simple or tufted inserts, allowing for customization.

Leonardo

The furnishings of the Leonardo lounge feature fine details, a light palette, and imposing volumes reminiscent of reception halls. Sofas from the Leonardo collection boast a mix of beauty, comfort, and stylistic refinement. Elegant fabrics and precious bases enhance the regal atmosphere.

Donatello

The Donatello Collection enriches the living room with gold leaf decorations and intense walnut finish hues, evoking Renaissance elegance. Seats feature damask velvet upholstery embellished with gold leaf inlays, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Liberty

Bright ivory and gold shades enliven the living room with the Liberty Collection. Neoclassical friezes, decorative patterns, and gold and silver effect details adorn sofas, exuding timeless sophistication. Soft, rounded lines add a touch of vanity to armchairs.

How to Decorate the Living Room Space to Emphasize Classic Italian Style

To complete the setting for your classic Italian sofa set, follow these style tips:

1. Set up a color scheme appropriate to the context: Opt for soft, muted shades of cream, ivory, gold, and silver to create a classical ambiance.
2. Opt for a wallpaper in line with the concept: Choose wallpapers with well-defined arabesques or neutral tones to enhance the design concept.
3. Favor elegant lighting solutions: Select lighting solutions with neoclassical aesthetics, such as jeweled chandeliers or elegant floor lamps, to add sophistication.
4. Decorate with furnishing accessories and sophisticated accent pillows: Place fine furniture accessories and accent pillows made from fine fabrics with precious details to enhance elegance.

Creating a furnishing scenario with classic charm means selecting furniture elements of great class and elegance. Make an exclusive style statement and give a new image to your living room with classic Italian sofa sets from Arredoclassic.

Introduction

R2K Architectes introduces Oiseau Lyre, a pioneering educational institution in Noisy-le-Grand, France, blending Nordic inspiration with innovative pedagogical principles. Situated on elevated terrain facing the Marne River, the school embraces a new educational paradigm, offering diverse shared spaces within a compact footprint.

Architectural Concept

Drawing from Finnish and Quebecois educational models, Oiseau Lyre embodies environmental and educational aspirations. Designed by architects Véronique Klimine and Olavi Koponen, the school prioritizes sustainability and active pedagogies, aiming to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Functional Design

The school complex spans four levels, integrating 24 classrooms for kindergarten and elementary students, along with recreational areas and communal spaces. These shared facilities, including a multipurpose room, art gallery, and library, foster collaboration between students and civic associations.

Integration with the Environment

Nestled amidst a vernacular district, the school harmonizes with its surroundings, respecting the scale and proportions of neighboring houses. Its strategic placement on a steep slope ensures safety for children, while maximizing natural light and views of private gardens to promote well-being.

Biophilic Design and Well-being

Natural light floods the interior spaces, creating a serene ambiance conducive to learning. The school’s ‘living wood’ architecture emphasizes organic materials and biophilic elements, enhancing acoustics and visual comfort. Innovative structural solutions, such as truss lattices and ribbed LVL floors, contribute to a sustainable built environment.

Positive Energy and Low Carbon Design

Oiseau Lyre embraces a holistic approach to energy efficiency, incorporating passive design strategies and renewable energy systems. Photovoltaic panels, geothermal probes, and natural ventilation mechanisms minimize thermal losses and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, ensuring a net-positive energy balance.

Conclusion

The Biosourced Positive Energy School Group exemplifies a fusion of architectural innovation and educational excellence. By integrating Nordic design principles with sustainable technologies, Oiseau Lyre sets a new standard for environmentally conscious and student-centered learning environments.

As the number of people working from home continues to rise, many are embracing the flexibility and work-life balance it offers. Studies indicate that telecommuters often experience increased productivity, shorter breaks, and fewer sick days compared to traditional office workers. However, working from home comes with its own set of challenges, including various distractions. Here are some helpful tips to optimize your home workspace:

Get in the Zone

While working from home allows for skipping the morning commute and staying in comfortable attire, establishing a routine akin to heading to an office helps set a productive tone. Start your day with a morning ritual that includes showering, dressing, and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. This routine prepares you mentally for the workday ahead. Designate a specific room or area in your home dedicated solely to work to cultivate a professional mindset.

Divide Your Workspace

If space permits, divide your work area into three zones:

• Zone One: This central hub houses your desk, computer, and other essential equipment.
• Zone Two: Designate this area for file storage and reference materials.
• Zone Three: Keep everyday supplies like paper and binders here for easy access.

Stay Organized

Invest in office furniture with ample storage options to keep your workspace clutter-free. Utilize filing cabinets with built-in drawers or multi-function cabinets to store supplies and documents neatly. Manage cable clutter by using ties and bundlers for a DIY solution or opt for wireless peripherals to eliminate cords altogether.

Stay Well-Connected

Minimize distractions by creating a conducive work environment. Play background music or use ambient noise websites to maintain focus. Limit social media use during work hours but stay connected with colleagues through regular conference calls or online collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

Give Yourself a Break

Taking regular breaks throughout the day is essential for maintaining productivity and mental well-being. Step outside periodically for fresh air or consider using a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing. Incorporating movement breaks into your routine can boost creativity and overall health.

By implementing these tips and creating an organized, conducive workspace, you can maximize productivity and create a professional home office environment. Share your additional tips for working from home in the comments below!

Casa NU, nestled in the serene environs of La Saladita beach, emerged as a testament to the profound bond between client and architect. Rooted in the ethos of camaraderie and creative exchange, Casa NU, derived from the French word “nous” meaning “we,” embodies the materialization of years-long friendship, offering a novel retreat for surf enthusiasts seeking solace along the Mexican Pacific coast.

Architectural Harmony

Situated on a corner lot, Casa NU’s architectural layout mirrors the fluidity of surfing, optimizing space utilization akin to navigating ocean waves. Preserving the verdant mango trees, the design imbues the surroundings with cool shade, fostering an ambiance of tranquility and neighborly camaraderie.

Innovative Design Elements

The architectural program of Casa NU defies convention, ingeniously integrating essential spaces into the external realm. From laundry facilities to storage rooms and private outdoor showers, these designated spaces form a protective perimeter, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics.

Elevated Living Spaces

Within the confines of Casa NU, a double-height scheme amplifies the sense of space, culminating in a loft adorned with a King Size bed and ample storage. The ground floor hosts a well-appointed kitchen, living area, and a bathroom, ensuring flexibility in spatial utilization to accommodate guests.

Honoring Materials and Finishes

Emphasizing authenticity and dignified aging, Casa NU employs a palette of materials that age gracefully. Exposed concrete walls, polished concrete floors with brass joints, and pinewood accents exude timeless elegance, while oxidized metallic elements add character to the abode.

Seamless Integration of Luxury and Comfort

Every aspect of Casa NU, meticulously curated to preserve design integrity, epitomizes luxury and comfort. From concealed service facilities to spacious interiors, the residence exudes an aura of simplicity and sophistication, offering a haven of tranquility amidst the vibrant surf culture.

Embracing Serenity

In essence, Casa NU encapsulates the essence of rest and tranquility, beckoning weary surfers to unwind and recharge amidst the rhythm of crashing waves. As a sanctuary for rejuvenation, Casa NU invites visitors to embrace the serenity of La Saladita beach, fostering moments of blissful reprieve after exhilarating surf sessions.

The renovation of a Torres Blancas apartment by STUDIO.NOJU involves a nuanced dialogue with the original vision of architect Francisco Javier Sainz de Oiza. Antonio Mora and Eduardo Tazón, the architects behind STUDIO.NOJU, seized the opportunity to transform a 400 square meter duplex, the largest unit in the building, which had undergone significant alterations over the past five decades.

Contemporary Interpretation

Departing from a nostalgic preservation approach, STUDIO.NOJU’s proposal is deeply rooted in Oiza’s original concepts, both for the interior unit and the building as a whole. While paying homage to the structure’s past through references to its original form, such as reinstating sinuous curves, the renovation also embraces contemporary needs and aesthetics.

Evolving Architectural Heritage

In recognizing the evolving socio-political context since the construction of Torres Blancas, the architects advocate for allowing protected architectures to adapt to modern times and inhabitants’ needs. They caution against over-protectionism, emphasizing the importance of evolution while honoring the original ideas rather than preserving outdated elements.

Contemporary Translation

STUDIO.NOJU prioritizes a contemporary translation of Oiza’s ideas, avoiding the preservation of elements in formaldehyde. For the architects, true preservation lies in paying homage to the underlying concepts rather than fixating on outdated materials.

Restoring Spatial Integrity

Beyond reinstating sinuous curves erased in previous renovations, the renovation aimed to reclaim the outdoor space integral to the original design. Referred to as “Villas in the sky,” the apartments initially boasted expansive terraces, now largely lost.

Revitalizing Outdoor Spaces

STUDIO.NOJU’s intervention reclaimed lost outdoor areas, reintroducing the essence of a patio-house with benches, planters, and a fountain. The design incorporates striking green glazed mosaic, infusing the space with vitality while maintaining a connection to the original project’s ethos.

Honoring Original Ideas

From material choices to structural morphology, the project decisions are grounded in the original design’s principles. However, STUDIO.NOJU’s approach prioritizes conveying the intended ideas rather than replicating outdated methods, ensuring a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary expression.

In the realm of construction, digital transformation has been slow to take hold, especially in regions like Latin America where the sector faces numerous challenges. However, startups like Nuqlea are pioneering innovative solutions to revolutionize the construction industry and address critical issues through the creation of robust ecosystems.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Latin America’s construction sector grapples with infrastructural deficiencies and outdated processes, hindering productivity and progress. Nuqlea, an Argentine startup, seeks to tackle these challenges by offering Nuqlea Studio, a B2B platform that functions as both a marketplace and procurement portal. By fostering collaboration among construction companies and streamlining procurement processes, Nuqlea aims to accelerate construction projects and drive industry-wide transformation.

Seizing the Opportunity

The potential impact of construction tech in Latin America is significant, given the region’s substantial population living in inadequate housing conditions. Despite the sector’s fragmentation and stagnant productivity growth, Nuqlea sees an opportunity to leverage its capital-light model to navigate the current investment landscape successfully. By eschewing inventory ownership and focusing on partnerships, Nuqlea aims to thrive amidst capital constraints and drive innovation in the construction tech space.

Strategic Funding and Expansion Plans

Nuqlea recently secured a $750,000 extension led by Foundamental, a venture capital firm specializing in construction tech investments. This funding will fuel Nuqlea’s expansion efforts in Argentina and pave the way for international growth, with plans to enter markets like Brazil and Mexico. By forging partnerships with key stakeholders, including builders, manufacturers, and financial institutions, Nuqlea aims to establish a robust ecosystem that fosters collaboration and drives industry-wide progress.

Leveraging Technology for Impact

While Nuqlea incorporates AI to enhance its platform’s capabilities, its focus remains on facilitating collaboration and connectivity within the construction ecosystem. By positioning itself as an articulator and catalyst for industry transformation, Nuqlea aims to drive social impact and contribute to the development of essential infrastructure across Latin America. Through its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Nuqlea seeks to generate both financial returns and societal benefits, ultimately shaping the future of construction tech in the region.

Aurubis: Crafting Excellence in Copper Surfaces

Aurubis stands at the forefront of delivering exceptional copper solutions for roofs and façades, providing a spectrum of factory-applied surface treatments to achieve diverse oxidation and patination stages. Among the offerings, the Nordic Copper range stands out with its distinctive surface finishes, showcasing varying intensities of brown oxidation and pre-patination in green or blue hues. Notably, Aurubis also provides prefabricated systems tailored to this remarkable material.

Unveiling Nordic Standard Brilliance

At the core of Aurubis’s offerings is the Nordic Standard – a traditional bright finish copper that retains its mill finish, devoid of additional surface treatments. This variant gracefully embraces oxidation over time in response to environmental factors, creating a timeless patina. While Nordic Standard embodies the classic allure of untreated copper, Aurubis extends its range to include finishes with green or blue pre-patination, brown pre-oxidization, brass, a golden alloy, and bespoke finishes, catering to diverse design preferences.

Technical Precision in Copper Crafting

Aurubis ensures meticulous precision in crafting its copper sheets, with thickness ranging from 0.3 to 4.0 mm and a maximum width of 1,100 mm. These sheets are available in versatile delivery forms, including sheets and coils. The production process involves a controlled pre-oxidization and pre-patination treatment, mimicking the natural development of brown oxidation and green or blue patination. This strategic process kickstarts the formation of a natural patina, further evolving over time based on environmental exposure.

Tailored Excellence: Custom Surface Finishes and Forms

Collaborating closely with designers, Aurubis ventures into the realm of custom-made copper surface finishes and forms. The possibilities are vast, ranging from imaging or text printing surfaces to profiled sheets and pressed surfaces. Perforated or expanded copper sheets showcase the brand’s commitment to offering tailored solutions, reflecting a commitment to design diversity and innovation.\

Planning and Installation Mastery

Aurubis’s expertise extends beyond material production, encompassing planning and installation support. The brand achieves distinct architectural effects through varying installation techniques and systems. From traditional standing seam sheet installation to innovative panels, cassettes, and other pre-fabricated systems, Aurubis ensures a seamless integration of its copper solutions into diverse construction projects.

Versatile Applications in Construction

The Nordic Standard Mill Finished Copper by Aurubis finds its application in a spectrum of construction domains, including facades, roofs, and exterior spaces. Its versatility in design, coupled with the enduring quality of copper, positions it as an ideal choice for architects and builders seeking both aesthetic appeal and longevity in their projects.

Aurubis: Redefining Copper Excellence

In the realm of architectural materials, Aurubis emerges as a stalwart, redefining copper’s role in contemporary design. The Nordic Standard Mill Finished Copper, with its timeless allure and custom possibilities, exemplifies Aurubis’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative design. As the architectural landscape evolves, Aurubis continues to be a driving force, shaping spaces with the enduring brilliance of copper.