Xeros Residence by blank studio architecture; photo by Bill Timmerman

Located within a late 1950’s era neglected Phoenix neighbourhood, this detached, weathering steel-clad building was completed by the American architectural practice blank studio architecture in 2006. Encompassing a two-storey design studio and a single storey residence located on the topmost floor of the development, the 153-square-meters Xeros residence (Greek for ‘dry’) has been named ’as a reminder that all design solutions should be in a direct response to the environment in which the project exists.’ (more…)

Swissbau 2012, as seen by Architonic

Join us on our photographic journey through the exhibition halls of this year’s edition of Swissbau which took place in Basel, Switzerland on 21 – 25. January. In the following five parts of Architonic’s ever-insightful photo tour, we have published no less than 500 images featuring some of the best manufacturers and the novelties they presented at this year’s edition of Swissbau.

to Architonic’s tour of Swissbau 2012, Part 1

including Alape, Alegna, Antoliniluigi, AOS, Apavisa, Arbonia, Argolite, Arwa, Astec, Atlas Holz, Attika, Axor Hansgrohe, Bauwerk, Berger Metallbau, Casa dolce casa, Cinier, Columbus Treppen, Cosentino, Creaton, Dauphin, Delta Tueren, Eclisse, Eternit, Gaulhofer, Hagemeister

to Architonic’s tour of Swissbau 2012, Part 2

including Bruag, Bulthaup, Dinesen, Buzzispace, Caimi Brevetti, Dornbracht, Duka, Duravit, Embru, Emco, Feller, Forbo, Forster, FSB, Galvolux, Geberit, Gessi, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Hewi, Inda, Kaldewei, Keuco, Laufen, Schaerholzbau, Schmidlin, Talsee, Tece

(more…)

'Montana Shelving system' by Peter J. Lassen for Montana Møbler

Danish manufacturer Montana Møbler has launched a new, minimalist ‘handle-less’ model of its famous customisable storage system designed by company’s founder Peter J. Lassen. Presented at the Design Post exhibition during last week’s imm cologne fair, the recently developed version encompasses ‘drawers and doors without handles [which] can be opened and shut with a light pressure on the front. The selected drawer and door models are available in all Montana’s 42 lacquer colours.’ (more…)

detail of the 'Sorry Giotto' floor lamp by Catellani & Smith

The Italian lighting brand Catellani & Smith has launched this series of beautifully minimalist, circular LED lamps called ‘Sorry Giotto’. Comprising a floor and a wall version, the design’s name refers to the legendary, perfect freehand circle drawn by the Italian late Middle Ages painter Giotto di Bondone. Made of hand-painted copper, the delicate, highly-sculptural floor model of the light has recently won the ‘Best Floor Light’ award at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2012. (more…)

'Plywood: Material, Process, Form' - exhibition view; photo courtesy of MoMA

Cheap and widely accesible, plywood gained its popularity thanks to a number of renowned early-20th century as well as mid-century modernist designers who favoured what was once described by the American magazine Popular Science as ‘a layer cake of lumber and glue’. Now, to celebrate this versatile material, New York’s MoMA has gathered a number of examples from its collection of modern designs which have been developed in plywood. Titled ‘Plywood: Material, Process, Form’, the installation features a number of instantly-recognisable exhibits such as Alvar Aalto’s iconic Armchair 41 Paimio, pieces from Charles and Ray Eames’ Plywood Group, Sori Yanagi’s beautifully simple Butterfly Stool as well as designs by Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, Tapio Wirkkala, an architectural model for a prefabricated house devised by Marcel Breuer in 1943 and ‘experimental designs for plywood in the aeronautics industry.’ (more…)

Photo tour of imm cologne 2012, Design Post

Join us on our photographic journey through the exhibition halls of this year’s edition of imm cologne and Design Post. In the next five parts of Architonic’s popular photo tours, we focus not only on the products, but also on their setting and context.

to Architonic’s tour of imm cologne 2012, Part 2

including: B&B Italia, Böwer, Bordbar, Classicon, Hey-Sign, Holzmanufaktur, Interlübke, Kartell, Kettal, Kettnaker, KFF, Ligne Roset, Limited Edition, Living Divani, Livingzone, LND Design, Loehr, Mafi, MDF Italia, Miinu, Möller Design, MOX, Naver, Nielaus, Oligo, Paschen

to Architonic’s tour of imm cologne 2012, Part 3

including: Poliform, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Cappellini, Nemo Italia, Accademia, Potocco, Accente, Accupunto, Arketipo, Artek, Artmodul, Bocci, Bodema, Brühl, Cane-line, Chat-Board, Christine Kröncke, Draenert, Driade, Durlet, Erba Italia, ex.t, Fjordfiesta, Flötotto, Flux, Frag, FSM, Geberit, Intertime, Jori, Leolux, Pure Position, Raumplus, Reflex

(more…)

'Jo' stool by Eric and Johnny Design Studio at imm cologne 2012, photo: © Architonic

While we caught ourselves glancing at this plywood stool for an above-average period of time before we finally unravelled its intertwining form, the structure of ‘Jo’ is, in fact, surprisingly simple. Developed by two Taiwan-born Berlin-based design students Eric Chang and Johnny Hu of Eric and Johnny Design Studio, ‘Jo’ is made up of three, j-shaped legs which all connect in six points. Member of ‘J Family’ collection of moulded wooden furniture, the stool was presented at the [D³] Contest during last week’s edition of imm cologne. (more…)

The award-winning 'Apollo' modular lamp shades by International

Two young British designers and former fellow students Marc Bell and Robin Grasby of the International design studio have created this multiway modular light system which was awarded the Interior Innovation Award at the [D³] Contest during last week’s edition of imm cologne. Made of laser-cut, anodised spun aluminium, the simple-yet-striking ‘Apollo’ series comprises a number of opaque as well as perforated shades which can be layered and customised according to the desired visual appearance and intensity of the emanated light. (more…)