Introduction to House in Fujiidera

With its House in Fujiidera, Osaka-based FujiwaraMuro Architects reimagines domestic living on a narrow, irregular lot. Originally part of a larger property, the plot was carved from a former building site — long and slender in shape, yet full of spatial potential. Instead of seeing limitations, the architects embraced the unusual footprint, designing a zig-zagging layout that cleverly generates depth, privacy, and quiet moments within the home. This distinctive form allows each family member to retreat or connect as needed, offering a subtle choreography of movement and space.

images © Katsuya Taira

Crafting Space from Constraints

The heart of FujiwaraMuro Architects’ House in Fujiidera is a corridor that runs like a quiet alleyway from front to back, anchoring the home. Around this passage, rooms are carefully distributed to support different modes of living. The first floor features an entrance, garage, study, workspace, kitchen, dining, and living area — each segment flanking the corridor like discrete pavilions. This organization lets the family move fluidly through their daily routines while maintaining a comfortable degree of separation.

The architects balance the home’s interior rhythm with subtle interactions with the outdoors. Openings between the zig-zagging walls and the site boundary let natural light, wind, and garden views flow into the home, breaking the potential monotony of the narrow lot. These in-between spaces act like tiny courtyards, lending the house a sense of calm and breathability despite its compact dimensions.

FujiwaraMuro Architects designs House in Fujiidera for a family of four on a narrow urban lot

A Corridor Connects and Divides the House in Fujiidera

On the upper level of House in Fujiidera, FujiwaraMuro Architects’ same corridor logic continues — rooms are placed on both sides of the passageway, echoing the structure of the ground floor. This consistent spatial rhythm enables both continuity and flexibility. Whether it’s a parent needing focus for work, children wanting to play or study, or the whole family coming together, the layout allows spontaneous interaction without sacrificing individual comfort.

The team has created more than just a house — they’ve designed a subtle social architecture. Here, family members can coexist with ease, toggling between connection and solitude. The home is both intricate and calm, intimate yet open, reflecting a deep understanding of how people live and move through space. It’s an approach that turns architectural constraint into an opportunity for meaningful design.

the home uses a zig-zag layout to create depth and separation within a compact footprint

a central corridor runs from front to back linking rooms while allowing privacy

living spaces are arranged around the corridor to support various family routines

Conclusion

In conclusion, FujiwaraMuro Architects’ House in Fujiidera is a masterful example of how architectural constraints can be turned into opportunities for meaningful design. By embracing the unusual footprint of the narrow, irregular lot, the architects have created a home that is both functional and beautiful. The zig-zagging layout, central corridor, and subtle interactions with the outdoors all contribute to a sense of calm and breathability, making this house a true haven for its inhabitants. As a testament to the power of thoughtful design, House in Fujiidera sets a new standard for domestic living in compact urban spaces.

Make your winter movie nights more memorable with the best possible setup. From homemade snacks to super-fast internet, here’s everything you need.

What makes the ultimate home movie night? Is it comfy seating, covered with lush blankets and mountains of throw pillows? Or is it a big screen and awesome sound? No matter your style, we have a few ideas to take your movie night to the next level.

1. Quality internet

When it comes to a movie night at home, you can go as big and bold as you like. Get a bartender, a popcorn machine and a screen so clear you’ll never want to leave home and battle the cinema complex crowds again. But all of it will be worthless if your internet can’t keep up. In the age of online streaming, the success of any movie night hangs on the quality of your connection.

Optus 5G Home Internet is Australia’s best 5G home broadband service. Thanks to its super-speediness, you can download movies fast, and stream without the dreaded buffering. The Optus 5G Internet Entertainer plan has a current typical busy period download speed of 225Mbps (7-11pm). Fetch mighty is included in the plan for easy streaming and entertainment options.

Enjoy smooth viewing with 5G Home Internet. Picture: Pexels

2. Excellent snacks

One of the many perks of watching a movie at home is that you can eat whatever you like. You don’t have to rely on heavily marked-up popcorn and choc-tops (not that these don’t have their place in the world). Get crafty with a home air fryer for crispy, crunchy snacks. Better yet, craft a themed, three-course meal to go with your movie. Enjoy some ratatouille with Ratatouille or take in Crazy Rich Asians while snacking on some hawker stall-worthy laksa.

3. Snuggle up

Some cuddly blankets will not only improve your winter movie night, they can also up your decor game. Aussie brand Seljak makes stylish and sustainable blankets out of recycled wool, while family-owned St Albans offers colourful and responsibly-sourced cotton and Alpaca throws. Finding it hard to leave the day’s troubles at the door? A weighted blanket can help alleviate anxiety.

Blankets are stylish accessories and practical additions to your living room. Picture: Pexels

4. A ‘home assistant’

Who needs to be fussing around with remotes and light switches when you can yell at a computer to do it for you? While you’re not likely to invest in a Google Home system just for your movie night, it can certainly make the process easier. A lot of living room tech, from our screens to our speakers, now come with the ability to be connected to a smart home device. Why not take advantage? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to adjust the volume or dim the lights without having to interrupt your comfy sitting position?

5. Mood lighting

Don’t have a dimmer switch? Wireless lighting systems like Phillips Hue offer smart, portable solutions for crafting mood lighting. Operated via an app, you can even save preset lighting modes for different scenarios, from parties to movie nights. Don’t have the budget for smart lighting? There’s always the old-fashioned options of candles, lamps or even a night light.

A movie night isn’t complete without cosy lighting. Picture: Pexels

6. Portable speakers

Your TV may have great speakers, but if you’re watching via a computer or laptop, you may want the added clarity of a separate speaker. Nowadays, bluetooth speakers come at a range of prices, although oftentimes price is indicative of quality. If you simply want to watch a film with better sound quality, a speaker of around $200-$300 should offer a quality sound experience without skimping on features like battery life or pairing distance.

7. Watching in bed?

Watching a movie on your laptop from the comfort of your bed? Don’t toil away hunched over your device or sit with the screen inches from your eyeballs. Invest in a laptop stand or tablet holder to support your device – and don’t forget something to support your spine too! An extra pillow or cushion could do the trick, but why stop there? There is a whole market of ‘sit-up pillows’ to give you a bit of added support in bed, on the floor or on the couch.

This article was originally published on 24 May 2021 at 9:08am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Conclusion

With these seven essential elements, you can create the ultimate home movie night experience. From fast internet and delicious snacks to cozy blankets and smart home devices, every detail matters. Whether you’re a fan of action movies, rom-coms, or documentaries, a well-planned movie night can bring people together and create lasting memories. So why not get creative, get cozy, and make your next movie night one to remember?

You don’t need a massive budget or full renovation to bring your home to life.

Going from drab to fab can be as simple as overhauling your aesthetics with a few simple touches. From curtains to decor, here’s where to turn your attention for maximum impact on a budget. By making a few strategic changes, you can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.

1. Change your curtains

We don’t always appreciate the role curtains play in our space until we take the plunge and switch them up. It’s not just about aesthetics either; it’s about feel and function, as well. Curtains can greatly impact the ambiance and temperature of a room, making them a great starting point for a makeover.

Blush or muted pink curtains add a new dimension to an otherwise neutral space. Picture: Spotlight

As we head towards winter, you may want to invest in some blockout curtains to help insulate your space. At Spotlight, blockout curtains are priced from $20, making them an affordable and practical solution. The range is available in a variety of colours from cool blues and majestic navys, to garden greens, neutrals, whites and greys.

Switching to blockout curtains will not only revolutionise your space, but it will also add that extra layer of protection from the cold and the light. This simple change can make a significant difference in the overall feel of your home, and it’s a great way to prepare for the upcoming winter months.

2. Add some colour

On the note of colour, there are other touches you can make to recalibrate your palette. While curtains are a start, you can complement your colour choice with a few decorative touches, such as new cushion covers or throw rugs. Find colours you love and consider an online colour palette generator to define your scheme.

Add colour or texture with new decor flourishes. Picture: Spotlight

If you want to keep the colour scheme simple, use these items to experiment with texture and pattern for added interest. Consider what colours and textures you can create. You may be after something luxe and lush, or you could opt for something earthy and bohemian. Cushion covers are easy to swap and can be an inexpensive way to refresh your home.

Why not try making your own? If you’ve been looking to make a foray into sewing, cushion covers are an excellent, easy starting point. There are a range of free projects available online, and you can choose from a variety of fabrics and patterns to match your unique style.

3. Declutter and rearrange

The best, and ultimately cheapest, way to change the look of your home is to give it a good, deep clean. Depending on your current stock of cleaning products, this could cost you nothing at all. Wipe down your walls, mop your floor, remove dust and fingerprints from all your furniture and windows — you’ll be amazed at the results.

Also, take the opportunity to declutter. Remove excess items and unnecessary decor to create more space in the room — and in your storage units. This will not only make your home look more tidy, but it will also help you focus on what’s truly important. Finally, remember being a kid and rearranging your bedroom? Did it make you feel like a new person? A simple re-jig of your layout will give you and your space a new energy boost.

4. Get planting

Plants aren’t only aesthetic up-lifters, they’re also proven to benefit your health. Adding a few indoor plants can help to reduce stress and improve the air you breathe. As a bonus, small plants aren’t too expensive. Head to your local plant nursery with a $50 budget, and they will be able to find you something to fit your space and plant-care capabilities.

Ask your local plant nursery to help you find the right plant for you. Picture: Pexels

If you don’t consider yourself a green thumb, you’re not completely out of luck. Depending on your home’s style, you could go for the humble succulent (do NOT overwater) or a pothos (devil’s ivy) for a more dramatic or luscious look. And if you still can’t keep them alive, there is now a considerable market of quality faux plants that can add a touch of greenery to your space without the maintenance.

Moving house is an exciting time, but there are some essentials you’ll need ASAP. Ensure you have the basics so your house looks, feels, and functions like a home. There are a few essential decor and furniture items that improve the comfort of your living space. Before you move into your new digs, ensure you have these items measured-up and ready to settle in with you.

Curtains may be the most functional feature of your living room. While many of us choose curtains based on aesthetics – and there are some beautiful designs to choose from – curtains provide multiple uses beyond style. The obvious function is light control. They give way to light when you draw them open and conceal it when you want shade. The next best function of curtains is insulation. While in summer you may want a lighter and airier fabric like linen, in winter you want to layer up those window coverings to prevent cool air seeping into your space. A good option is blockout curtains which feature fabrics with dense weaves and blockout coatings to help you control the light and minimise the cool air in your home during the cooler months. Remember, when looking at colors options, don’t forget the color of the backing/lining too. You’ll want them to look good from the outside of the house, as well as from the inside.

The best seating arrangement will be tailored to your space. Choosing the right sofa for your living room requires some thought. For a small living space, consider a two-seater and one or two armchairs. You might also want to go for slimline, less bulky designs to reduce clutter. If you have a larger living room, you’ll no doubt want to fill it with a large three-seater or modular sofa. Remember, the one vital question you should ask yourself when moving into a new home: ‘will this fit through my front door?’ Don’t forget to take measurements – including the total width, height, and depth – before buying a new lounge suite.

While cushions are largely considered decor, they do serve a few practical functions. Thus, they make the cut as a living room essential. Firstly, they provide added back support when lazing on your sofa. While you may think you have excellent, comfy and supportive seating, cushions allow for customisable and flexible support depending on how you feel. Secondly, the extra padding comes in handy in winter, especially if your sofa is a leather or vinyl fabric which might be quite cool to touch. When selecting the color of your cushions, you’ll first need to identify your color palette: are you going for neutrals or a pop of color? Then, play around with the size of the cushions as well as textures of the fabric. This all adds to the indisputable fact that these little accessories simply make your living room look better.

Once you’ve chosen your sofas and chairs, the space will most likely call for a coffee table and/or side tables. The size of your space and your desired aesthetic will inform decisions on table size, materials, and shape. Other factors will be influenced by lifestyle. For instance, a home with children may call for a round coffee table. Whereas a contemporary style sofa may insist on glass, marble or a kind of plastic. While coffee tables are a staple of the living room set, depending on the space available, you may be set with a couple of side tables instead. Going back to your chosen color palette, if you’ve opted for a neutral color selection, choose a complementary color to add harmony to the room. Alternatively, a bold, contrasting shade will make it a statement piece in the room. Regardless of what combination you choose, one thing is for certain: you’ll want somewhere to rest your cup of tea or glass of wine after a long day.

Curtains are one part of controlling light in your living room, the other part will be controlled electronically. Living rooms – as a place of relaxation – call for mood lighting. The key to nailing living room lighting is to layer the lights, which means you’ll rely on three types of artificial lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light mimics natural daylight and can be created with lamps for a relaxed atmosphere whereas task lighting is usually more focused, such as a reading lamp. Accent light – think downlights and spotlights – will highlight certain design features to create your illuminated needs. By playing with the three types of lighting, you’ll create the perfect relaxation zone.

In conclusion, moving into a new home can be a daunting task, but with the right essentials, you can turn your house into a home. Curtains, a fitting sofa, cushions, hard surfaces, and mood lighting are all crucial elements that will make your living room comfortable and functional. By considering your lifestyle, personal style, and the size of your space, you can choose the perfect combination of these essentials to create a living room that you’ll love spending time in. Remember to take measurements, choose complementary colors, and don’t forget to add some personality to your space with accessories. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a living room that is both beautiful and functional.

Introduction to the Avignon Library Renovation

In Avignon, Jakob+MacFarlane has transformed a dated 1980s library into a civic icon for the future, all without erasing its past. The newly reopened Madeleine Renaud and Jean-Louis Barrault Library, now dubbed The Canopy, is both a renovation and a reinvention, complete with a rooftop metaphor and a structural nod toward the digital age.

Originally designed in 1985 by architects Jacques Prunis and Béatrice Douine, the library sat squarely in the French city’s Saint-Chamand district — more neglected than nurtured in recent decades. Jakob+MacFarlane’s intervention, part of France’s Nouveau Programme National de Renouvellement Urbain (NPNRU), recasts the building as a symbol of community rebirth. Now linked more directly to the city center via a new tramway line, the library is positioned, physically and symbolically, as the gateway to a revitalized Avignon.

images © Roland Halbe

Architecture as a Treetop Canopy

With its overhaul of the Avignon library, the design concept by Jakob+MacFarlane centers on the powerful metaphor of a tree. In line with this concept, the structure offers shelter, light, energy, and growth. The soaring central staircase — its flanks lined with bookshelves — evokes a trunk rising skyward, while the expansive new roof functions as a literal canopy. Constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and embedded with solar panels, it provides both shade and sustainable energy, all while celebrating the prodigious sunlight of the South of France.

While the tree metaphor provides a conceptual anchor, its physical realization is more than just symbolic. The new CLT roof floats above the original concrete massing, dramatically lightening the building’s presence and announcing its new identity with bold architectural clarity. Compared to the low-slung weight of the original structure, the new canopy is taller, airier, and more responsive to its environment — both climatically and culturally. It’s a strong urban gesture that reinserts the library into the city.

The building is stripped of all non-structural elements, while the original concrete framework is retained, celebrated, and insulated from within. The result is a raw but refined shell that bridges old and new without resorting to mimicry. It’s an honest gesture that respects the building’s history while making it legible in contemporary terms.

Jakob+MacFarlane transforms a 1980s-built library in Avignon

Jakob+MacFarlane Plans for an Evolving Era

Today’s libraries are no longer just book depositories, and the Avignon library under Jakob+MacFarlane’s direction embraces that shift. Here, physical volumes coexist with digital interfaces, and spaces are designed to host as many podcasts and panels as paperbacks. This new hybrid character supports the evolving functions of public libraries — places for debate, cinema, coffee, and community. Jakob+MacFarlane’s design acknowledges that people don’t just read differently now, but they gather differently too.

Inside, the library’s new heart is a light well — cut fresh into the building’s volume to invite daylight and delineate reading zones. Around this central void, Jakob+MacFarlane has placed adaptable, sculptural furniture of their own design. These reading areas tempt visitors to stay, unplug, and leaf through a book, but they’re flexible enough to accommodate whatever comes next: a poetry slam, a Zoom conference, or a civic meeting. An adjoining auditorium, shared with the city, further reinforces the library’s role as an open house for cultural life in Avignon.

the renovated library is part of a wider urban renewal plan for the Saint-Chamand neighborhood

a central light well brings natural light into new reading areas designed by the architects

March 29, 2025

Introduction to the House of Dancing Cactus

House of Dancing Cactus by Chennai-based studio Art & Architecture stands out as a bold architectural statement in Pondicherry, India. Covering 112 square meters, this guest house puts a fresh spin on traditional brick construction with a flowing facade that mimics the movement of ocean waves. The exposed brickwork balances solid and open sections, creating shifting shadows that help keep the space cool while shaping a distinctive silhouette—one that resembles a cactus under the sun.

all images by Kaptured Studios

Design and Layout

Art & Architecture studio, led by Chamraj Suresh Babu and Spandana Bhagwat, builds this two-story home with locally sourced bricks. Inside, the residence features a mix of grey, pink, and cyan tones, with rattan furniture adding a laid-back, bohemian feel. Plenty of daylight, natural ventilation, and earthy textures create a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

The ground floor has an open layout, with a stepped living and dining area leading into a compact kitchen. A curved archway connects to a bedroom, creating a sense of movement throughout the space. An Oxford blue door stands out against the earthy brick tones, mirroring the color of the plunge pool nearby. The pool, accessible via a French door, is wrapped in a curved brick wall that offers privacy. Perforated brick screens allow natural light to filter in, casting intricate patterns that shift throughout the day.

Upper Level and Outdoor Spaces

A staircase in the double-height living area leads to the first floor, where a second bedroom and a north-facing terrace offer views of the surrounding greenery. The bathrooms feature open-to-sky spaces, bringing in fresh air and a semi-outdoor bathing experience. One of the most striking features of the House of Dancing Cactus is its curving garden wall, designed to support a variety of cacti while using materials efficiently. Its wavy form adds stability while also retaining heat, creating a suitable microclimate for the plants.

House of Dancing Cactus stands out as a bold architectural statement

Unique Features and Details

a distinctive silhouette—one that resembles a cactus under the sun

The flowing facade mimics the movement of ocean waves, and the exposed brickwork balances solid and open sections, creating shifting shadows that help keep the space cool. Inside, the residence features a mix of grey, pink, and cyan tones, with rattan furniture adding a laid-back, bohemian feel.

this guest house puts a fresh spin on traditional brick construction

Additional Design Elements

the flowing facade mimics the movement of ocean waves

March 29, 2025

Introduction to Maison Heler

Perched atop a contemporary monolithic structure, a traditional 19th-century house seems to float above the city of Metz, a surreal vision brought to life by Philippe Starck. Maison Heler, situated in the Amphithéâtre district, brings the designer’s poetic imagination to life through a hospitality concept shaped from steel and glass. The nine-story base supports a Lorrain-style residence, uprooted and elevated, crafting an enigmatic and dreamlike landmark.

The hotel houses 104 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and event spaces, all designed to echo the whimsical and inventive spirit of Manfred Heler, Starck’s fictional protagonist, an inventor whose home is mysteriously lifted into the sky. This dreamlike narrative serves as the conceptual backbone for the aesthetic of the hotel. ‘Maison Heler is a game on uprooted roots,’ explains Starck. ‘A symbolic construction of Lorraine whose historical identities create an inspiring intermediate state, where the houses and their fortress-like allure served as the central soil for this project and the surreal story of its owner Manfred Heler.’

all images courtesy of Philippe Starck

A Gravity-Defying Hotel Concept

Philippe Starck’s design for Maison Heler plays with the contrast between stability and movement. The hotel, located next to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, reflects contemporary art and design while incorporating elements of architectural surrealism. Its lower section is a modern, minimalist building, while the upper section is a traditional house placed on the roof, a combination that highlights the contrast between past and present. Guests experience two distinct environments: the structured, contemporary lower floors and the more familiar, home-like setting of the rooftop house.

Maison Heler also incorporates a narrative element. The French designer came up with the character of Manfred Heler, an eccentric inventor, as part of the hotel’s identity. This fictional story, published as The Meticulous Life of Manfred Heler, informs the design choices throughout the space.

a traditional 19th-century house seems to float above the city of Metz

Storytelling Through Design

As guests step inside, Maison Heler immerses them in its surreal universe. The reception area contrasts immaculate ceramics with dark furnishings. The restaurant, La Cuisine de Rose, is an all-day brasserie dedicated to Manfred’s imagined love, Rose. The space is adorned with pink accents and surrealist details, reinforcing the overarching theme of dreamlike invention. The architect envisions it as a romantic sanctuary bathed in white and soft pink hues, furnished with dark-toned seating and a ceiling adorned with a giant origami airplane. Each element, from the bespoke furniture to the curated displays, echoes Starck’s commitment to storytelling through design.

The dining room, named La Maison de Manfred, unfolds like a scene from a cherished memory, where time seems to stretch and soften in the glow of warm light. The interplay of textures—smooth leather, rough-hewn wood, and embossed green columns—creates an atmosphere of quiet intimacy, inviting guests to linger. Ara Starck’s stained glass windows infuse the restaurant with an ethereal presence, casting shifting hues across the space as daylight filters through. Each of the 19 panels tells a silent story, culminating in the monumental centerpiece that transforms the main hall into a canvas of luminous color.

Maison Heler houses 104 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and event spaces

Small Surprises Are Hidden in the Suites

True to Starck’s love of the surreal and poetic, Maison Heler also serves as a living gallery, featuring whimsical objects inspired by French painter and illustrator Jacques Carelman’s Catalogue d’Objets Introuvables (1969). ‘An absolute masterpiece,’ shares the designer. ‘A great and comic spirit of invention, but above all very poetic, which tells of the beauty of the human spirit to invent rightly or wrongly.’ Scattered throughout the hotel, guests encounter playful yet meticulously crafted artifacts: a crystal hammer, inverted rocking chairs, and plaster anvils—each a nod to Manfred’s fantastical world of invention.

The rooms and suites at Maison Heler are designed to feel like cozy spaces between two worlds. Each room is simple yet elegant, with careful attention to every detail. Marble panels add a timeless quality, while sliding mirrors reflect changing light throughout the day. The design creates a calm, comfortable atmosphere. Soft carpets and leather armchairs make the space inviting, and the neutral colors—whites and grays—give it a peaceful, quiet elegance.

‘An almost Spartan spirit,’ notes Philippe Starck, ‘stripped of any superficiality, where each material asserts its own color: the white of cotton, the gray of concrete on the ceiling and walls.’ The rooms also encourage curiosity. The designer hides small surprises, like old coins and quotes, all around, connecting guests to the story of Manfred Heler.

March 29, 2025

International Consortium Unveils Airport Proposal

A new chapter for Athens International Airport is unfolding with the design reveal by the Anemos consortium, a team led by Grimshaw, Haptic, and Athens-based K-Studio. Working alongside Arup, Leslie Jones, Triagonal, and Plan A, the architects are taking on an ambitious expansion that will increase the airport’s capacity from 26 to 40 million passengers by 2032. Delivered in phases and within the complexities of an active airport environment, the project aims to transform Athens International Airport into a travel hub that’s equal parts functional and expressive of the city’s layered identity.

The project, as reimagined by K-Studio and collaborators, acknowledges its own relatively recent history. Built by Hochtief and inaugurated in 2001 ahead of the 2004 Summer Olympics, the airport currently sits 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) outside the capital’s center. The design team’s proposal integrates both expansion and renovation — extending the main and satellite terminal buildings while upgrading landside and airside infrastructure, gate lounges, aircraft stands, and retail zones. The new design doesn’t seek to erase what’s already there but to amplify and enrich it.

Athens International Airport is set to expand to accommodate 40 million passengers by 2032 | images © Aesthetica

K-Studio Draws from the Spirit of Athens

As part of the proposal by K-Studio and its international partners, Athens International Airport becomes a vessel for the city’s history, material culture, and rhythm of life. A pragmatic layout ensures ease of use, but the soul of the project lies in its attention to experience. Using natural materials, landscape integration, and a generous infusion of daylight, the design reflects Athens as a city built over millennia, where time layers gently over form. The goal is to make the airport feel unmistakably local without compromising on global standards of efficiency.

Sustainability is another driving force behind the reimagined Athens International Airport. K-Studio and its collaborators are aligning the architecture with AIA’s net zero goals and LEED Gold targets. Passive design strategies are paired with low-carbon materials, modular construction techniques, and energy-efficient systems for water and waste. Rather than treating environmental performance as an afterthought, it is embedded into the architectural DNA from the start.

a new western facade features stone fins and sculptural portals to guide passenger flow

A Colonnade Facade and Oculus Interiors

A noteworthy addition to the main terminal building is its redefined western facade — a rhythmic, colonnade-like elevation articulated by stone fins and punctuated by six sculptural portals. This new landside identity for Athens International Airport, designed by K-Studio and team, offers a sense of arrival and orientation. Inside, the raised soffit floods the check-in and departures hall with diffused sunlight and reinforces intuitive navigation in what is typically the most stressful zone of any airport.

The airport’s redesign also introduces two immersive, civic-scale ‘oculus’ spaces — moments of architectural drama that double as meditative counterpoints to the busy terminal flow. The north oculus, conceived as a lush, circular Mediterranean garden, soars to 24.5 meters in height and acts as a grand gathering space. Passengers entering from airside encounter a green microcosm of the city’s public life. The south oculus, meanwhile, takes a more intimate tone with tiered terraces, dining areas, and sunlight cascading through a lifted ceiling.

two large oculus spaces bring light, gardens, and civic scale to the terminal experience

Design Inspiration and Future Vision

‘Athens is a spectacular city that has seen a huge increase in visitor numbers over the last decade, far beyond what its existing airport can comfortably support,’ says Andrew Thomas, Managing Partner, Grimshaw. ‘Responding to this challenge, we’ve been excited to work with Athens International Airport to create a bold new vision that retains and renews the existing terminal building while adding a series of major new extensions, to create a singular new architectural whole. Our design is inspired by the city: an airport that reflects the past, present and future of Athens, a celebration of its architecture, hospitality and culture.’

natural materials, daylight, and landscaping create a strong sense of place throughout the terminal

Conclusion

In conclusion, the redesign of Athens International Airport is a testament to the power of collaborative and visionary design. By drawing inspiration from the city’s rich history, culture, and architecture, K-Studio and its partners have created a unique and functional travel hub that reflects the essence of Athens. The airport’s expansion and renovation will not only increase its capacity but also provide a world-class travel experience, making it a gateway to the city and a celebration of its hospitality and culture. With its emphasis on sustainability, natural materials, and civic-scale spaces, the new Athens International Airport is set to become a model for airport design and a source of pride for the city and its people.

Introduction to the Dos Pátios House

In a lush corner of Itatiba, Brazil, Felipe Hess Arquitetos chooses to lean into the complex terrain rather than smooth it over, with its Dos Pátios House. The weekend residence in São Paulo’s countryside skips the mountain-top statement and opts instead for near invisibility. Here, the architecture is less a megaphone and more a whisper that responds to the terrain, tucking sensitively into the hillside.

The Dos Pátios House isn’t perched atop its site — it’s planted. The one-story home wraps around a central landscaped courtyard, with the main volume slipping between boulders like it was always meant to be there. Felipe Hess achieves a lightness by partially burying sections of the house into the sloped site, minimizing visual impact. The result is a residence that feels more like an extension of the landscape than a disruption of it, where vegetation flows fluidly from indoors to out, and the structure seems to exhale into the scenery.

images © Fran Parente

Gradual Unfolding of the Dos Pátios House

The spatial organization of the Dos Pátios House by Felipe Hess Arquitetos is as considered as its siting. Private spaces — bedrooms and quieter zones — are positioned by the architects at the back of the home, shielded by elegant wooden sunshades that allow filtered light inside while maintaining privacy from neighbors. These screens modulate sunlight and create a gentle dialogue with the rear courtyard, offering moments of pause. Meanwhile, social areas orbit the central garden patio, giving the home a dual character: introverted in some places, extroverted in others. The movement between these sunlit zones unfolds slowly and intentionally.

Felipe Hess Arquitetos designs the Dos Pátios House as a discreet weekend retreat in Itatiba, Brazil

Celebrating Lush Nature

The material palette which shapes the Dos Pátios House reinforces Felipe Hess Arquitetos’s ethos of architectural humility. There’s no gloss, no ornamentation — just honesty in form and finish. Textures and tones are kept quiet so that the surrounding geology can speak louder. The house adopts the posture of a guest on the land: restrained, respectful, and ready to listen. Even the volumes are soft-edged, with subtle geometries that nod to the natural contours of the site rather than override them.

At its core, the Dos Pátios House is an exercise in coexistence. By embracing rather than erasing the site’s original features, especially the giant stones that once posed a design challenge, the house turns its constraints into compositional elements. Circulation routes are intuitive, drawing light and air through every corner, while the courtyard becomes both heart and hinge. Rather than a house with a view, it is a house within the view. A place where contemporary living is not carved into nature but grown with it.

the home is partially buried to reduce its visual impact and connect it with the landscape

the Dos Pátios House is embedded into a sloped site dotted with large natural boulders

movement between the sunlit home unfolds slowly and intentionally

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dos Pátios House by Felipe Hess Arquitetos is a masterful example of how architecture can not only coexist with nature but also enhance it. By embracing the site’s unique features and incorporating them into the design, the house becomes an integral part of the landscape. The result is a residence that is both discreet and striking, providing a serene and contemplative atmosphere for its inhabitants. As a testament to the power of thoughtful design, the Dos Pátios House serves as a model for architects and designers seeking to create buildings that exist in harmony with their surroundings.

Technology is here to make life easier. Have you paused to ask yourself if you have the right products for your home?

Home tech has come a long way. Remember when you had to wait for your family to get off the phone so you could use the internet? Fortunately, that’s no longer the case! These days, everything is automated, personalised and – when used properly – here to make life quicker, easier and better.

And the best part? Home tech no longer has to cost an arm and a leg. Find out which tech is at your fingertips to help improve your home life.

1. The must-have kitchen tech

A smart tablet has many uses, from watching something on the go to reading in bed. But, we would argue, the area where it really has a chance to shine is in the kitchen.

Look-up and follow recipes with ease off a tablet screen. Prop it up on a cookbook stand and either cook along with an instruction video or keep it handy while working off a recipe. Bigger than your phone screen and less clunky than a laptop, tablets are the ultimate cooking assistant.

iPads and Galaxy tablets are well known, but there are far more affordable options with similar standard functionality, such as this one available online at Australia Post for $79. A tablet device is a kitchen tech must-have, as seen in the picture of a kitchen with a tablet device.

A tablet device is a kitchen tech must-have. Picture: Pexels

2. Improve your home security

A safe and secure home is fundamental. Thankfully, new home security tech is making it easy and cost-effective to protect your home. While you can hardwire cameras and security systems to your home, the easier route is to find a portable camera that is re-chargeable or battery operated.

The Cop Cam ($39.95) offers HD visuals and clear audio in a wireless, one-cubic-inch device. It has an SD card for proper recorded footage that you can review and upload to your device later. Keep an eye on your home with security devices, such as the one shown in the picture of a mansion home at dusk.

Keep an eye on your home with security devices. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

3. Get crystal clear visuals

Watch TV on a clear flat screen to make your evenings even more pleasurable. With so many blockbusters being released straight to streaming services nowadays, you need a big screen to get the full effect. The size of your living space will dictate the size of your screen. If you can handle the size, the Soniq 42″ screen is available to purchase for just $279.

Large flat screen TVs no longer have to break the bank. Picture: Australia Post

4. Something to treat yourself

What better way to relax at the end of a hard day than with a massage. For those of us who can’t have a professional masseuse on staff, the next best thing could be an electric massager. The Hy-Impact Muscle Massager ($109.95) is both cheaper and far more portable than a massage chair.

The handheld electric massager allows you to target muscles with precision. At the end of your day, just switch on that big screen TV, sit back in your comfy couch and relax with a DIY massage. Heaven!

5. Power outlets to make it happen

The problem with filling your home with great tech is that it all needs somewhere to plug in. Finding a powerpoint for everything can become a burden unless you have some quality power boards. The Spin Power ($59.95) power board allows you to charge up to 10 devices at once, with both traditional outlets and USB ports ready for charging.

Thanks to the vertical positioning of the powerpoints, its ability to rotate 360 degrees, plus built-in surge protection, makes it easier to plug in multiple products at once.

This article was originally published on 21 Jun 2021 at 3:26pm but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

In conclusion, with the right tech products, you can make your life easier, improve your home security, and enhance your entertainment experience. From smart tablets to electric massagers, and from security cameras to power boards, there are many affordable options available to suit your needs. By incorporating these products into your daily life, you can create a more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable living space. So why not start exploring the world of home tech today and discover the many benefits it has to offer?