All rooms are oriented to the sea with sea view. The use of natural building materials such as wood and Green roofs brings the house close to nature. A natural pool reduces the impact on nature. ​ The plot has 5230,00m2 with a implanting area of 300m2, the existing edification is inserted in a rural space with view to the sea where olive, almond and orange trees predominate the landscape. Since the trees are centenaries the desire of keeping the them by the architect allowed the development of the house around the vegetation and facing the sea. The shape resulted from the bioclimatic study and the topographic survey, respecting the existing vegetation essencial to the good behavior of the built due to the solar and wind exposition imposes a compact construction on the north side, opening to the south. The villa layout was design so it respects the principles of Passive Haus such as insulation, ventilation and orientation of the building, so it enhances the passive solar gains as well. The dimension of the openings and the porches were thoroughly calculated to be exact to allow solar gain during winter and provide ideal shadow during summer. The use of green ecological extended roof give continuity to the vegetation that surrounds the house besides giving thermal balance to the interior, opening the space to natural light and allowing the gain through direct sun light. Controlled ventilation is a important strategy to passive cooling of the internal environment of the building, that helps keeping a healthy and comfortable environment for the occupants, without energetic costs. this strategy consists in the change between internal and external air. The electricity is provided by the installation of PhotoVoltaic panels and the domestic water and swimming pool will be made through thermal solar system. The construction is made with sustainable ecological materials providing a total integration of the building in the landscape.

All rooms are oriented to the sea with sea view. The use of natural building materials such as wood and Green roofs brings the house close to nature. A natural pool reduces the impact on nature. ​ The plot has 5230,00m2 with a implanting area of 300m2, the existing edification is inserted in a rural space with view to the sea where olive, almond and orange trees predominate the landscape. Since the trees are centenaries the desire of keeping the them by the architect allowed the development of the house around the vegetation and facing the sea. The shape resulted from the bioclimatic study and the topographic survey, respecting the existing vegetation essencial to the good behavior of the built due to the solar and wind exposition imposes a compact construction on the north side, opening to the south. The villa layout was design so it respects the principles of Passive Haus such as insulation, ventilation and orientation of the building, so it enhances the passive solar gains as well. The dimension of the openings and the porches were thoroughly calculated to be exact to allow solar gain during winter and provide ideal shadow during summer. The use of green ecological extended roof give continuity to the vegetation that surrounds the house besides giving thermal balance to the interior, opening the space to natural light and allowing the gain through direct sun light. Controlled ventilation is a important strategy to passive cooling of the internal environment of the building, that helps keeping a healthy and comfortable environment for the occupants, without energetic costs. this strategy consists in the change between internal and external air. The electricity is provided by the installation of PhotoVoltaic panels and the domestic water and swimming pool will be made through thermal solar system. The construction is made with sustainable ecological materials providing a total integration of the building in the landscape.

The knock down & rebuild revolution is here to stay. This new modern family home replaces a tired old house that was not designed to capitalise on its location, whereas this new contemporary modern building has been designed to capitalise on the natural environment – natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views, to create a very liveable coastal family home. This new residence with its contemporary coastal styling utilises the natural finishes of modern materials to ground this family home’s context into this locations evolving executive seaside neighbourhood. This buildings design is a balance of form & function with a deliberate consideration of passive solar liveable design techniques, designed to capture the natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views that this property offers. This new residence has been designed with a variety of indoor & outdoor living areas to capitalise on the natural environment & climate of this property’s location. This house incorporates design elements to allow the house to be comfortable all year round, providing a variety of areas for occupants to utilise, whether it be capturing natural sunlight & warmth in winter, creating cooling cross ventilation from sea breezes in summer & then there is the direct access to a beautifully natural landscaped garden, this new house will provide the occupants with a low maintenance, healthy living environment for years to come.

The knock down & rebuild revolution is here to stay. This new modern family home replaces a tired old house that was not designed to capitalise on its location, whereas this new contemporary modern building has been designed to capitalise on the natural environment – natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views, to create a very liveable coastal family home. This new residence with its contemporary coastal styling utilises the natural finishes of modern materials to ground this family home’s context into this locations evolving executive seaside neighbourhood. This buildings design is a balance of form & function with a deliberate consideration of passive solar liveable design techniques, designed to capture the natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views that this property offers. This new residence has been designed with a variety of indoor & outdoor living areas to capitalise on the natural environment & climate of this property’s location. This house incorporates design elements to allow the house to be comfortable all year round, providing a variety of areas for occupants to utilise, whether it be capturing natural sunlight & warmth in winter, creating cooling cross ventilation from sea breezes in summer & then there is the direct access to a beautifully natural landscaped garden, this new house will provide the occupants with a low maintenance, healthy living environment for years to come.

CLIENT ISSUES/PROBLEMS o English style garden requiring scaling back of plants and hedges o relocation of plants to maintain equality of colour throughout garden and throughout the seasons MOMENTOUS APPROACH o 3 years of maintenance to-date, gardens are constantly growing, so require on-going work o seasonal planters and annual planting every year o weekly maintenance for general gardening, large tree and hedge pruning, relocation of plants, addition of soil to keep beds healthy and provide nutrients RESULTS o Year round seasonal colour throughout the garden o Complimentary-English-style garden with abundance of perennials o Balance in size of shrubs and bushes to create clean, well-maintained look

Photo: Private ville When wood takes on the warm colour of chocolate, we get Wengè-effect Oak, a new parquet from the Cadorin Group. Elegant and essential, this plank reflects the exclusive style of the Elite Collection, perfect for those with an eye to detail and wanting to play with different colour combinations. The planks are made from three layers of solid wood, where the top layer is Select European Oak (one the most popular timbers for its fine flamed and streaked texture), with a brushed surface and finished with a varnish in a new colour: Wengè - the African black wood. The planks are produced as both large planks and smaller blocks suitable for herringbone laying. The intense and expressive black hue gives the parquet particularly warm nuances, making it perfect for both idiosyncratic ethnic interior décor and for more contemporary minimalist environments. Wengè Oak is a beautiful “healthy” plank. Respect for the environment has always been a top priority for Cadorin, a Venetian company: the Select European Oak used is a select wood that Cadorin favours with its MORE WOOD - FEWER KM logo. This means that the timber is sourced within a relatively short distance from the Cadorin production site (300-700 km), thus helping to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by limiting the emission of CO2 from its means of transport. THREE TOP-LAYER PLANKS Cadorin planks are 100% made in Italy (the entire production cycle takes place in Cadorin’s production site in Possagno) and are Three Top-Layer planks (three layers of solid wood): the top layer is a single strip of solid wood some 5 mm thick; the core is formed using solid strips of Fir, laid crossways; the bottom layer is made from the same noble timber as that used for the top, visible layer. This crossed three-layer structure guarantees perfect plank balance even when produced in large dimensions (16 - 21mm thick, 14 - 33cm wide and up to 3m long as standard; also available in lengths of up 4 - 5 metres), as well as in the smaller format (10.5-12cm x 60-80cm) normally used for herringbone pattern parquet floors.

We installed this project to capture rainwater, filter it before it’s recirculated. The Aquascape Inc. systems we used collect sufficient amounts in order to supply a complete attractive water features. We also carefully chose the ideal plants, fish, rocks and gravel that create an overall healthy and balanced system for long-term sustainability. www.deckandpatio.com

Backyard makeover to invite nature, including birds, butterflys, and all of nature's gentle creatures. A place for family to hang out and become present and healthy

A bento box is more than just a lunch container—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture, mindful eating, and balanced nutrition. Traditionally used in Japan, bento boxes have gained global popularity due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal, and ability to promote healthy eating habits. What Is a Bento Box? A bento box is a single-portion packed meal, neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. The word “bento” originates from the Chinese term meaning convenient, which perfectly describes its purpose. A typical bento includes rice or noodles, protein like fish, meat, or tofu, and a variety of vegetables or side dishes, all placed in separate sections to maintain flavor and presentation. Cultural Significance of Bento Boxes In Japan, bento boxes represent care, effort, and balance. Parents often prepare bento meals for their children as a symbol of love, while office workers rely on them for nutritious meals during busy days. Special versions like ekiben (railway station bento) and character bento (decorated meals shaped like animals or cartoons) highlight the creativity and cultural importance of bento-making. Health Benefits of Using a Bento Box One of the biggest advantages of a bento box is its role in portion control and balanced nutrition. Since the box has fixed compartments, it encourages variety without overeating. A well-prepared bento typically follows the principle of: 40–50% carbohydrates 30–40% vegetables 20–30% protein This balance helps maintain energy levels, supports digestion, and reduces the reliance on unhealthy fast food. Modern Bento Boxes and Their Uses Today’s bento boxes are designed to suit modern lifestyles. They are available in microwave-safe, leak-proof, and eco-friendly materials such as stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and bamboo fiber. Many come with insulated layers, sauce containers, and cutlery, making them ideal for: Office lunches School meals Travel and picnics Fitness and meal-prep routines With the rise of sustainable living, reusable bento boxes also help reduce single-use plastic waste. Bento Boxes in Everyday Life Bento boxes are no longer limited to Japanese cuisine. People worldwide use them to pack Indian, Western, vegan, or keto meals. From chapati and sabzi to pasta and salads, bento boxes adapt easily to different food preferences while keeping meals fresh and organized. Why Bento Boxes Are So Popular Today The popularity of bento boxes is driven by busy schedules, health awareness, and social media trends. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcase beautifully arranged bento meals, inspiring people to eat better and enjoy the process of food preparation. They combine functionality, aesthetics, and mindfulness, making meals more enjoyable. Conclusion A bento box is a smart and stylish way to enjoy homemade meals while staying healthy and organized. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, save money, or reduce environmental impact, a bento box offers a simple yet effective solution. With its deep cultural roots and modern versatility, the bento box continues to be a timeless companion for everyday meals.

Backyard makeover to invite nature, including birds, butterflys, and all of nature's gentle creatures. A place for family to hang out and become present and healthy

Backyard makeover to invite nature, including birds, butterflys, and all of nature's gentle creatures. A place for family to hang out and become present and healthy

Example of a classic home design design in Boston

The knock down & rebuild revolution is here to stay. This new modern family home replaces a tired old house that was not designed to capitalise on its location, whereas this new contemporary modern building has been designed to capitalise on the natural environment – natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views, to create a very liveable coastal family home. This new residence with its contemporary coastal styling utilises the natural finishes of modern materials to ground this family home’s context into this locations evolving executive seaside neighbourhood. This buildings design is a balance of form & function with a deliberate consideration of passive solar liveable design techniques, designed to capture the natural sunlight, sea breezes & sea views that this property offers. This new residence has been designed with a variety of indoor & outdoor living areas to capitalise on the natural environment & climate of this property’s location. This house incorporates design elements to allow the house to be comfortable all year round, providing a variety of areas for occupants to utilise, whether it be capturing natural sunlight & warmth in winter, creating cooling cross ventilation from sea breezes in summer & then there is the direct access to a beautifully natural landscaped garden, this new house will provide the occupants with a low maintenance, healthy living environment for years to come.

Our inspiration for this home was an updated and refined approach to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie-style”; one that responds well to the harsh Central Texas heat. By DESIGN we achieved soft balanced and glare-free daylighting, comfortable temperatures via passive solar control measures, energy efficiency without reliance on maintenance-intensive Green “gizmos” and lower exterior maintenance. The client’s desire for a healthy, comfortable and fun home to raise a young family and to accommodate extended visitor stays, while being environmentally responsible through “high performance” building attributes, was met. Harmonious response to the site’s micro-climate, excellent Indoor Air Quality, enhanced natural ventilation strategies, and an elegant bug-free semi-outdoor “living room” that connects one to the outdoors are a few examples of the architect’s approach to Green by Design that results in a home that exceeds the expectations of its owners. Photo by Mark Adams Media

Example of a hallway design in Singapore

Kimberley Bryan
Photo of an eclectic shade backyard vegetable garden landscape.

This backyard was completely reimagined into a modern, fully automated outdoor living space designed for relaxation, entertaining, and year-round enjoyment. At the center of the design is a fully automated 11’ x 9’ inground spa, equipped with a dedicated pump for powerful swimming jets and a sleek sheer descent water feature. The spa is finished with pour-in-place coping, stack stone on the spa facing, and low-voltage LED lighting to enhance both functionality and nighttime ambiance. Adjacent to the spa is a custom rectangular fire pit, featuring pour-in-place coping, stack stone veneer, and integrated low-voltage lighting, creating a warm and inviting focal point for evening gatherings. For entertaining, we built a custom BBQ island topped with a concrete countertop, and fully equipped with an ice chest, refrigerator, trash pull-out, and ample storage space, offering both durability and a clean, modern aesthetic. The hardscape includes 24” x 12” decking pavers installed throughout the yard and continued along the side of the house, all designed with proper drainage for long-term performance and durability. A raised planter system adds structure and greenery to the space, finished with pour-in-place coping, smooth stucco planter faces, and low-voltage lighting both on and within the planters. An irrigation drip system was integrated into all planters to ensure efficient watering and healthy plant growth with minimal maintenance. To soften the design, artificial grass with stepping stones was installed, creating a low-maintenance, lush look while improving flow through the yard. For evening atmosphere, three metal posts were installed for string lighting, complemented by low-voltage lighting throughout all flat and raised planters to deliver layered, resort-style ambiance after dark. Finally, white vinyl gates and fencing were added to enclose and conceal the spa and pool equipment, topped with a privacy extension to keep the space visually clean and private. The result is a cohesive, modern outdoor retreat that balances design, comfort, and functionality. Perfect for both entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

Modern Townhouse Furnishing: Sustainable Style for Indoor & Outdoor Living For this modern new-build townhouse, we curated and placed furniture to enhance both style and functionality. Indoors, each piece was thoughtfully selected to complement the home’s contemporary design while prioritizing healthy, sustainable materials. The outdoor spaces, including the porch and rooftop patio, were outfitted with durable, long-lasting furnishings designed to withstand Arizona’s unique climate. Every choice balanced aesthetics, comfort, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that both interior and exterior spaces are beautiful, functional, and sustainable for years to come.

Perched in a serene and sun-drenched south-facing location, this extraordinary A-frame home is a rare architectural gem, offering uninterrupted mountain and forest views from every window. The design effortlessly blends mid-century charm with modern sensibility, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both stylish and functional and deeply grounded in the Japanese history of the A-frame architectural style. The open floor plan is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into a bright and airy kitchen. Both spaces are enhanced by custom cabinetry and natural stone countertops, offering a perfect balance of luxury and comfort. Connecting these areas is a stunning living atrium, a lush green space that infuses the home with healthy, humidified air and natural beauty. The master suite, occupying the entire second level, is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. With soaring 25-foot ceilings, this expansive retreat offers breathtaking views, a walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom equipped with a rejuvenating steam shower. The versatile space is ample enough to accommodate a home office, making it a true retreat within the home. Step outside, and you’ll discover lush outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment. Multiple areas, including expansive redwood decks, a flagstone patio, a fire pit, and hot tub that provide endless opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. The outdoor wood sauna adds a touch of luxury, offering a serene escape after a day of mountain activities. This A-frame home is more than just a residence; it is a tribute to the design and craftsmanship that is rooted in the Japanese style where the A-frame can trace its origin.