Langdon House represents a harmonious fusion of historical traces and contemporary design, offering versatile spaces to accommodate the evolving needs of its occupants. The project entails the conversion of a pediatrician’s office into a residential haven for a family comprising two adults, two daughters, a dog, and a cat.

Design Objectives

The primary objective was to create a spacious central living-dining-kitchen area seamlessly connected to a large outdoor terrace. Additionally, the clients sought a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a bedroom for the girls in close proximity, and an independent multipurpose room adaptable for various functions, such as a playroom, office, or guest bedroom.

Spatial Reconfiguration

To achieve the desired spaciousness, unnecessary partitions were removed, allowing for a fluid layout. Notably, the decision to retain marks of the former partitions on the ceiling adds character and preserves the space’s historical essence. By eliminating false ceilings, the design emphasizes height, while visible installations and custom-designed luminaires create a unique pattern intersecting with the remnants of old partitions.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces

The redesigned layout facilitates direct access to the terrace, promoting cross ventilation and natural light penetration. South-facing openings optimize solar gain in winter, enhancing thermal comfort throughout the year. The renovation prioritizes locally sourced materials, including Mallorcan tiles and sustainably sourced wood, while thermal insulation with sheep’s wool enhances energy efficiency.

Functional Zoning

Strategic adjustments in layout and wet area placement enable the creation of a secluded master suite with terrace access. Sun-protective blinds offer control over natural light levels, ensuring year-round comfort. Adjacent to the master suite, the girls’ bedroom provides proximity while maintaining privacy. Additionally, a versatile multipurpose room offers flexibility for diverse activities as per the occupants’ needs.

Harmonious Facade Gestures

The outdoor terrace facade embodies harmonious interplays of light and shadow, accentuated by carefully crafted volumes, apertures, and a distinctive corner window, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of the space.

Conclusion: A Testament to Adaptive Design

Langdon House exemplifies the transformative power of thoughtful design interventions, seamlessly blending historical elements with contemporary functionality. Through spatial reconfiguration, integration of outdoor spaces, and meticulous attention to detail, the project exemplifies a dynamic yet harmonious living environment catering to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.

LaCalor Studio, situated between the neighborhoods of Opañel and Comillas in Madrid’s Carabanchel district, emerges as an art and screen-printing haven spearheaded by artists Bruno del Giúdice and Candela Sotos. Boasting a spacious open workspace spanning 90 sqm and complemented by a sprawling 120 sqm back garden, the studio embodies creativity and innovation.

Enhancing Connectivity and Natural Lighting

The studio’s transformation involved three primary interventions: opening the rear façade to integrate the studio with the garden, constructing a lightweight structure to establish an upper floor space, and undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of the interior. Previously limited by a small opaque door, the studio now seamlessly connects with the garden through a large double door, facilitating a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor realms. This architectural intervention, coupled with strategic floor color selection, maximizes natural light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Structural Innovations and Spatial Optimization

A new steel and wood structure were introduced to articulate the workspace, creating a dedicated second-floor studio area. The conventional linear staircase was replaced with a slender spiral staircase, optimizing ground floor space utilization. The renovation also encompassed a complete overhaul of installations, leveraging existing lighting and wiring infrastructure for enhanced functionality.

Integration of Functional Elements

To streamline operations, storage facilities for frames, tools, and graphic work, alongside toilets and a kitchen, were seamlessly integrated into the intermediate workshop area. The screen-printing machinery takes center stage, fostering a conducive environment for artistic expression. With the capability to accommodate large-format production, mobile washing cabins, and drying racks ensure flexibility in space utilization.

Aesthetic Cohesion and Identity Formation

Every element, from structure to carpentry, was meticulously painted in metallic hues, seamlessly blending with machinery and equipment. This deliberate design choice allows the space to organically embody the identity and creative essence of its occupants, fostering an environment conducive to artistic exploration and expression.

Conclusion: A Nexus of Creativity and Innovation

LaCalor Studio stands as a testament to the transformative power of architectural intervention and thoughtful design. By seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, optimizing spatial functionality, and fostering a conducive environment for artistic endeavors, the studio emerges as a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes and artistic visions come to life.

Küster Brizola Arquitetos and Monofloor Microcimento collaborated to create a dynamic office space nestled within a modernist building in Curitiba’s downtown. Spanning 200 m², the office boasts an open-plan layout surrounded by expansive windows, flooding the space with natural light and offering panoramic city views.

Integrated Environment with Visual Continuity

The design concept revolves around an integrated environment, utilizing a single curved wall to delineate work, meeting, and living areas. This seamless approach maintains each area’s distinct function while preserving visual connectivity, fostering a sense of unity throughout the space.

Neutral Tones and Textured Surfaces

Neutral tones with diverse textures dominate the material palette, enhancing visual complexity and tactility. A monolithic sand-toned coating, applied to both floors and walls, establishes continuity and visually enlarges the space. Contrasting this texture is the raw, exposed concrete pillar, strategically positioned as a sculptural focal point within the room.

Collaborative Workstations and Unified Aesthetics

Large workstations are strategically placed to promote idea exchange among employees, while white furniture pieces complement the building’s existing elements, reinforcing visual cohesion. Symmetrical volumes in flocked painting define the kitchen and bathroom areas, seamlessly integrated with the ceiling treatment.

Innovative Lighting Solutions

Technical lighting is ingeniously resolved through linear channels, offering a blend of general and accent lighting that interacts with the diverse textures of floors, walls, and ceilings. Decorative lighting elements, alongside curated pieces by Dsgn Selo, add artistic flair, while signed design furniture pieces contribute to the space’s contemporary aesthetic.

Conclusion: Harmonious Fusion of Functionality and Aesthetics

The Küster Brizola Office epitomizes a harmonious fusion of modernist architecture and contemporary design sensibilities. With its integrated layout, tactile materiality, and innovative lighting solutions, the office not only serves as a functional workspace but also as a testament to architectural innovation and design excellence.

In early 2022, the search for a permanent workplace led Studioninedots to an anonymous warehouse building on Karperweg in Amsterdam South. Despite its outdated appearance, the building boasted raw, intriguing qualities, tucked away at the city’s edge. Recognizing its potential, Studioninedots embarked on a transformation journey, converting the space into Karper K Workplace.

A Hub of Creativity

Karper K. isn’t just a workplace; it’s a vibrant hub where creativity thrives. It serves as a collective home base for Studioninedots and eight other creative offices, fostering collaboration and innovation. The space is designed to encourage unexpected encounters and diverse interactions, offering makers a supportive environment to nurture their ideas.

Preserving Authenticity

Maintaining the building’s raw aesthetic was paramount for Studioninedots. The design aimed to preserve the site’s authenticity while infusing it with energy and creativity. Transparency and openness define the workspace, facilitating seamless collaboration among its diverse occupants.

Unleashing Potential: The Free Space

At the heart of Karper K. lies the Free Space—a versatile area open to various cultural events, exhibitions, and experiments. Its flexible nature encourages dynamic interactions and creative exploration. Currently, an interactive lighting installation by Synthetic State illuminates the space, inviting engagement and interaction.

Harmonizing Design and Functionality

Karper K. boasts a cohesive design palette, with walls, cabinets, and artifacts finished in a soft grey hue, promoting visual unity. The workspace features a central cabinet for physical samples and intimate meetings, enhancing functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Colorful furniture adds personality and character to the space.

Sustainability at Its Core

In line with contemporary sustainability practices, Karper K. prioritizes eco-friendly features. From PV panels on the roof to air heat pump systems and underfloor heating and cooling, the building integrates sustainable solutions for a greener footprint.

A Beacon of Creativity in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s evolving landscape demands innovative spaces for idea generation and community building. With Karper K. Workplace, Studioninedots introduces a new frontier for exchange and experimentation—a place where creativity knows no bounds and ideas flourish amidst the city’s dynamic backdrop.

JF Apartment, crafted by ZALC Arquitetura, serves as a testament to the appreciation of art and the modernist/brutalist aesthetic, prevalent in São Paulo’s Higienópolis neighborhood. Inspired by the couple’s passion for art, particularly the works of Burle Marx, the project integrates paintings seamlessly into its architectural narrative.

Redefining Space: Balancing Functionality and Design

Originally compartmentalized, the apartment underwent a strategic redesign to optimize space utilization. By removing a service bedroom, ZALC Arquitetura expanded the service area and kitchen, utilizing sliding doors to partition spaces efficiently.

Innovative Configurations: Curves and Glass

The project introduces inventive closing possibilities, including a striking curved wall crafted from metalwork and glass. These structural elements not only enhance visual appeal but also offer functional flexibility within the living space.

Embracing Imperfection: Preserving Originality

A key challenge was maintaining minimal finishes amidst the inherent irregularities of a brutalist modernist apartment. The team preserved the original wooden floor, meticulously treating it to reveal its natural beauty. The incorporation of curves, echoing the terrazzo flooring, pays homage to the apartment’s architectural heritage.

Artistic Flourishes: Inspired Details

Color plays a pivotal role, punctuating furniture, artworks, and architectural elements. Inspired by Mondrian, the entrance door to the master suite adds a vibrant touch, complemented by carefully curated furnishings and artworks against a backdrop of pristine white walls.

Harmonizing Art and Architecture

In JF Apartment, art isn’t merely decoration but an integral part of its spatial identity. ZALC Arquitetura skillfully weaves together artistry and architectural design, creating a harmonious sanctuary that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and modern living.