Bellavita Tile 'Metal'
Contemplating what to put on the wall behind our kitchen counter I stumbled upon Metal, a new line of ceramic tile from Bellavita Tile. The tiles are available in stainless steel, bronze, and copper finishes. They are available in four sizes: 5/8 square; 5/8 by 2″; a combination of the previous two and 5/8 by 4″; and 1/2 diameter penny rounds. • bellavitatile.com
Bellavita Tile
Posted in Design, designers and online finds
Tagged Bellavita tiles, kitchen tiles, metal, mosaic
The Amsterdam shop slash gallery WonderWood commissioned several artists, designers, journalists and other creatives to do something with a wooden panel of the same size. Designer Woes (Woes van Haaften) created this piece. I think it is just superb! Not sure if he intended a deeper meaning, but it speaks of so much it’s hard not to accredit it a political statement.
Springplank by Woes van Haaften
A Belgian couple commissioned Flemish architecture firm 51N4E to drastically renovate their farm-house. It was to be a place that was open and closed, private and public, sophisticated and rugged.
Arteconomy Courtesy of 51N4E
The couple, middle aged, had long wished to found a meeting place for people interested in the link between art and economy. Their own love for modern art drew them to modernistic architecture. The lay-out of their home, which they loved, did not meet the requirements for such a space. It needed a special treatment to fit its purpose as meeting point for creative interaction. The Brussels based architecture firm went to work, and with success.
Arteconomy courtesy of 51N4E
Most notable feature is a thin steel wall framing the surrounding fields and nature. It wraps around parts of the old home, and parts of the new add-ons. It seeps sparse lights where privacy and a darker setting is needed, and abundantly lets light through where openness is key.
Arteconomy courtesy of 51N4E
The owners often invite writers, artists and architects to stay in the house for creative retreats.
I like the building, it’s great, but the name of the house (gosh, art and economy meet… how to call this… I know! Arteconomy…) and the unpronounceable name of the firm make the hairs on my neck stand up.
photographer Åke Eson Lindman
Recently I wrote about German company HufHaus and their luxurious prefab homes. An owner of a similar company in the USA sent me a note telling me about their modular homes. Founded in 2008, Stillwater Dwellings is a Seattle-based company that designs and builds high-quality, prefabricated, contemporary homes featuring quality materials, fine detailing, and eco-friendly features.
Stillwater Dwellings artists impression
Most homebuyers want input and choice but find the infinite combination of decisions overwhelming. To make it easier for customers the company introduced three base packages, each of which is modifiable. The Natural Package is simple, warm and refined, with abundant natural wood surfaces; the Modern Package is clean and minimalist; and the Fundamental Package is stylish, fun and durable.
Stillwater Dwellings
During the design phase clients receive a comprehensive stylebook with an image of every item that goes into the house. Clients go through the stylebook with a Stillwater Dwellings designer who will answer questions and describe the options, modifications and substitutions available to tailor the home design and make it their own. All 3 style packages include a high level of green and sustainable living features: low VOC paints, dual flush toilets, ultra-high efficiency heating and hot water systems, natural wool carpeting, sustainable wood flooring, eco-friendly Marmoleum, engineered quartz slab countertops, over-insulated walls/ceilings/floors, and high-efficiency windows with argon gas and low-e film.
Home voyeurs.... a peek into homes 