‘The New Modern House: Redefining Functionalism’ published by Laurence King Publishing

Architonic book draw: Thanks to our friends at Laurence King Publishing, Architonic is giving away 5 FREE COPIES of ‘The New Modern House: Redefining Functionalism’ to our and Laurence King Publishing’s Facebook fans. The draw will take place on 16 November and if you’d like to get your hands on this inspiring book, follow this link and comment on our photo album. Make sure to ‘Like’ both Architonic and Laurence King Publishing‘s Facebook pages too! Good luck! >>

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Noorderparkbar by bureau SLA and Overtreders W; photo by Jeroen Musch

Constructed entirely out of second-hand materials, this wood-clad coffee shack has been realised by two Amsterdam-based practices Bureau SLA and Overtreders W. Also located in the Dutch capital, Noorderparkbar was developed in a design-as-you-go fashion considering the source of the structure’s components and the pavilion was completed earlier in spring 2012. (more…)

House G12 by (se)arch; photo by Zooey Braun

Stuttgart-based architectural practice (se)arch realized this streamlined, minimalist house overlooking Lake Constance. Located in the German city of Überlingen, House G12 has two storeys and boasts spectacular, panoramic views of the lake and the Swiss Alps thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows which are shielded from the outside by a delicate, semi-transparent façade. (more…)

The structure’s outer concrete shell protects the interior’s wooden core, while solar cells built into the large, south-facing window provide all the energy the facility needs; photo L J B AS, E Marchesi, Statens Vegvesen

We’d like to talk to you about a delicate matter. The toilet. The WC. The lavatory. However you choose to refer to it, we all require regular access to this most prosaic of environments. Which is why it’s refreshing to see a number of recent public conveniences receive a greater degree of design consideration than has historically been the case. So, sit down, relax and don’t forget to flush…

(by Simon Keane-Cowell)

read this article in full on Architonic

A three-way collaboration between leading lighting brand Zumtobel, lighting designers LichtKunstLicht, and architects schneider+schumacher resulted in a highly creative lighting solution for the new subterranean extension to Frankfurt’s Städel Museum

Lighting always has to work harder when it’s deployed in underground spaces. But when the space in question is a museum one, where the considered illumination of its exhibits is key – not to mention their protection against the potentially damaging effects of lighting – you’ve got a real challenge on your hands. Here’s how leading lighting manufacturer Zumtobel responded to such a brief…

read Simon Keane-Cowell’s article in full on Architonic

The official partner of ‘Salon Suisse’, initiated and organised by Pro Helvetia, is the Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen; photo by Laufen

Salon Suisse, the early evening event programme accompanying Miroslav Šik’s Swiss Pavilion exhibition at the 13th International Architecture Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia - returns tomorrow (16 October) with the second event block under the heading ‘Talking architecture practice,…and a touch of the Swiss.’ Curated by the London-based editor Robert Guy Wilson and held at the Palazzo degli Ulivi Trevisan, the series of readings, presentations, performances, panel discussions and workshops will ‘devote itself to architectural practice’ and ‘highlight the peculiarities of Swiss architecture’ while ‘drawing comparisons with the situation in the UK.’

For detailed programme and to register visit www.salonsuisse.laufen.com

Social workplace Combiwerk by i29 interior architects; photo by i29 interior architects

Dutch interior architectural practice i29 have recently completed interiors of this bold, brightly-coloured workspace for Combiwerk Delft. Comprising of a 4000-square-meters office spaces, a restaurant and a ‘career square’, the generously-sized metal-clad building itself was designed by the Amsterdam-based VMX Architects. (more…)

Art Warehouse in Boeotia by A31 Architecture; photo by Yiannis Hadjiaslanis

Athens-based architectural practice A31 Architecture have realised this sombre, monolithic Art Warehouse located in a Greek village of Dilesi in Boeotia region. Developed as a workshop for an artist, the detached structure is made of reinforced concrete which was completed in three separate phases. (more…)