Sunday, October 28, 2012

Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives

Photo of Indian Ocean and the beach as seen from the balcony of one of the houses in the Resort
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Beautiful resort and even more beautiful story behind it. Soneva Fushi was first resort founded by Eva and Sonu Shivdasani on the Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives back in 1995. Resort was really successful so Soneva soon became brand name for collection of world-class hotels, resorts and spas.


"Soneva Fushi is the original desert island hideaway. The resort that set the tone and the standards for every subsequent resort. A jewel of an island – large by Maldives standards – with perfect beaches, a vibrant reef encircling the island, a colony of nesting turtles and its very own world class observatory. There are few more beautiful locations on earth."
          -Soneva Group

What can you expect at Soneva Fushi resort? There's 65 sustainable accommodations with the view of Indian Ocean, romantic sunrise breakfast at your own private sandbank, yoga, diving, water sports like sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, cruising at sunset, watching movies in the cinema at the beach, visit Observatory and study astronomy and much more.

For more detailed info about the resort, visit their official website.

Photo of one of the residences in the resort made of wood with small lake infront of it
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of palm tree in the middle of swimming pool on the beach
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of women in green dress coming out of one of the residences above the palm trees
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of young couple enjoying in the backyard of resort residence
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of resort residences with palm trees all around
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of open bathroom in one of the resort residences
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of large resort residence at sunset with sand and swimming pool
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of the beach and swimming pool as seen from the wooden porch of one of the resort residences
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of large wooden couch on the covered terrace
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of wooden sofa inside of one of the resort residences
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of pillows on the couch as seen from the upper level inside of one of the residences
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of observatory above the vegetation at night
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of the young couple dining on the beach with candles
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of two people watching the sunset from the beach
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of resort residences on the beach as seen from the air
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of resort residences on the beach as seen from the sea
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Photo of coral reef and the fishes with two divers
Resorts: Luxury Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives
© courtesy of Soneva Group

Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria

Photo of new proposed entrance into the metro line 1
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

This interesting piece of modern architecture was competition entry for the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Like any other big city, Sofia has its own metro line. Architects from Peter Ruge Architekten saw the potential to do something beautiful. They designed new metro line 1 station called Station 20 for 120,000 daily passengers.


"The sites linear structure is inspired by the pattern and scale of the neighbouring high-density housing blocks of the Druzhba residential quarter. The angular direction of the landscape reflects the natural structure of the site boundary, generating a visual language that informs the division of public spaces and creates pathways, guiding pedestrian flow to and from the station.

Main entry to Station 20’s underground concourse level is accessed via a vast corner plaza, providing a public space for circulation between the station services and the existing bus service infrastructure. The sweeping canopy of the entrance hall emerges out of the landscape as a wave, simultaneously pulling the structure up as it pushes the plaza down into the ground to meet with the level of the concourse. Finely cast steel elements with a non-flammable canvas lining stretched underneath, create an elegant structure and a glowing interior, achieved through concealed and integrated lighting."
          -Peter Ruge Architekten

Photo of stairs down into the underground station as seen from the balcony inside
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

Visualization of passengers walking down the stairs into the station 20
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

Photo of new metro line 1 station 20 entrance as seen at night from the air
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

Site plan of new station 20 of Metro line 1
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

Floor plan of metro line 1 station 20
Modern Architecture: New Metro Line 1 Station by Peter Ruge Architekten, Sofia, Bulgaria
© Peter Ruge Architekten

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa

Photo of incredible modern home as seen at sunset from the lawn in the backyard
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Here it is! Another masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by famous SAOTA. This amazing home is called Glen 2961 House, located in Oranjezicht neighborhood of Cape Town, where most of SAOTA's incredible work is built. This project was built with little help from Three 14 Architects.


"The client appointed SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects to complete the design of a new home. The clients bravely followed their architect’s advice to see the bigger picture and re-start on a clean slate.

The new home was to respond to the site and garden closely, to allow enough space for the family’s diverse requirements – whilst create separate private spaces within the house, and respond to the fierce winds which seasonally hurtle down Table Mountain yet provide a relaxed, homely character in the spirit of Higgovale. The clients selected to proceed with the Design Development and project construction with Three14 Architects.

The principal objectives in the design approach was to screen the heart of the home from the South Easterly and create large semi-enclosed gardens which allow the 2 lower levels of the house to seamlessly connect to garden and terraces at all times."
          -SAOTA


Photo of modern Glen House as seen during the day from the backyard
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of modern facade of Glen House in Cape Town
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of backyard facade on the Glen House as seen from the small balcony
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of small wooden bridge leading to the living room from the backyard
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of modern living room interiors with white couch by the large glassy doors to the terrace
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of interiors of the Glen House showing modern kitchen along with the staircase to the fist floor and down to the basement
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of modern open kitchen by the stairs to the first floor
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of beautiful modern kitchen interiors as seen from the kitchen island
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of huge kitchen island with five wooden bar chairs
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of Glen House interiors showing lighten up interior space
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of Glen House modern interiors as seen from the large opening on the facade
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of Glen House living room interiors with the fireplace
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of large covered terrace with outdoor sofas and other garden furniture
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Photo of white painted walls in the hallway of Glen House with glassy walls
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© Adam Letch

Floor plan of the ground floor of Glen House
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© SAOTA

Floor plan of the first floor of Glen House
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© SAOTA

Floor plan of the second floor of Glen House
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© SAOTA

Section A-A of the Glen House
Amazing Home: Incredible Modern Glen 2961 House by SAOTA, Cape Town, South Africa
© SAOTA

Friday, October 26, 2012

Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas

Photo of an amazing modern home as seen from the pool area
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Here we have another amazing home from James D. LaRue Architects workshop. Beautiful Rayner Residence designed in their recognizable style. Facade made of stone and glass with luxury modern interiors. This amazing home is located in Spanish Oaks in Austin, Texas. 
"Attempting to capture a Hill Country view, this contemporary house surrounds a cluster of trees in a generous courtyard. Water elements, photovoltaics, lighting controls, and ‘smart home’ features are essential components of this high-tech, yet warm and inviting home."
          -James D. LaRue Architects

Photo of entrance into the house
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of beautiful small living room with huge windows and lots of light
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of small dining table in the modern kitchen
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of modern relaxing room with cozy chair and huge tv
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of modern bedroom interiors with large bed and large windows
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of covered outdoor terrace with the fireplace, tv and siting are with small pillows
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of big modern bathroom with glassy shower cabin
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of modern kitchen interiors with the furniture made of dark brown wood
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston

Photo of square dining table by the glass wall in the dining room
Amazing Home: Beautiful Rayner Residence by James D. LaRue Architects, Spanish Oaks, Austin, Texas
© Coles Hairston