Rosemary Riad: A Boutique Oasis in Marrakech Blending Tradition and Contemporary Design
Rosemary, the inaugural hospitality venture by LRNCE, redefines luxury through its sustainable and culturally authentic design. This boutique hotel in Marrakech's medina showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of over 20 local artisans, integrating custom-made elements from plasterwork to woodcarving. With five unique guest rooms, a serene hammam, and a vibrant courtyard pool, Rosemary offers a deeply immersive experience that celebrates Moroccan heritage while providing a tranquil retreat.
L Architects Transforms Singapore Apartment into a Plant-Filled Sanctuary
L Architects has reimagined a Singapore apartment, named 'In a Park', drawing inspiration from the city's traditional parks and incorporating double-bullnose bricks. The renovation, designed for plant-loving homeowners, prioritizes natural light and ventilation, transforming a multi-bedroom flat into a spacious one-bedroom living area that seamlessly integrates an extensive plant collection with functional and aesthetic design elements.
Minimal Studio Transforms Mallorca Supermarket into an Industrial Art Space
Minimal Studio has reimagined a supermarket in Mallorca, Spain, as 'Plastic Box,' a minimalist retail environment featuring raw concrete and an innovative ceiling made from 1,200 recycled plastic crates. This design transforms the shopping experience into an artistic journey, blending industrial aesthetics with functional elements like integrated lighting and ventilation.
Embracing Nature's Warmth: A Timber Transformation in Urban Living
The Architect's Vision: Unveiling the Potential of Douglas Fir in a London Loft
Benni Allan, the visionary behind EBBA Architects, embarked on a personal project to revitalize his London apartment, situated in a heritage tea factory. His design philosophy centered around a deep appreciation for Douglas fir, which he describes as adaptable, warm, and tactile. This renovation was more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it was an ambitious 'essay' on how to seamlessly integrate wood into every facet of daily living, pushing the boundaries of a single material's application.
Redefining Space: An Open-Plan Layout with Integrated Joinery
The initial layout of the loft apartment, first converted into residences in the 1980s, underwent a significant transformation. Allan reconfigured the space to establish an expansive open-plan living area and kitchen. A key design element was the installation of floor-to-ceiling Douglas fir joinery, extending along one wall. This elegant cabinetry ingeniously conceals all kitchen appliances behind sleek, flush doors, creating a clean and uncluttered aesthetic while also resolving the irregular geometry of the existing wall.
Crafting Comfort: Bespoke Furnishings and Custom Audio Solutions
The living space is characterized by thoughtfully designed, chunky timber furniture pieces, including a low-slung armchair and a stacked coffee table, both conceptualized by EBBA. A unique highlight is a pair of custom-made Douglas fir speakers, a collaboration with audio innovator Friendly Pressure and fabricator Our Department. One speaker is gracefully suspended from the ceiling, while the other rests on a minimalist metal stand designed by Olivia Bossy, adding an artistic touch to the sound experience.
Thoughtful Details: Reclaimed Flooring and Optimized Verticality
Adding a layer of history and sustainability, the apartment features mahogany parquet flooring, meticulously salvaged from a previous EBBA project. Allan also enhanced the sense of volume by raising all door frames to their full height. The bedroom, accessed via a discreet pocket door, echoes the serene, sandy tones of the main living area. A striking tall timber chair within the bedroom evokes the presence of a sculptural monolith, further emphasizing the material's aesthetic versatility.
Beyond the Living Spaces: A Dedicated Study and a Contemporary Bathroom
A separate study was created to accommodate Allan's ongoing architectural endeavors, adorned with various wooden offcuts and design ephemera spread across a streamlined timber desk. The bathroom, in contrast to the predominantly wooden interiors, offers a subtle contemporary departure with its micro-cement flooring and a distinct stainless-steel toilet, showcasing a balanced interplay of materials.
The Enduring Appeal of Timber: A Philosophy of Living
Allan articulates a profound connection to timber, viewing it as a medium that fosters a more deliberate and grounded way of life. He emphasizes that the material's appeal extends beyond its visual charm to its inherent ability to infuse spaces with warmth and balance. He also cherishes its timeless quality, how it gracefully ages and evolves, and its tactile nature, which draws people to its alive and imperfect character. This project serves as a testament to timber's capacity to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply resonant with human experience.