Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sustainable Micro House; Contemporary Way Of Living

Photo of the sustainable micro house on top of the mountain
ttt transportable tourist tower - sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Architects across the globe are constantly searching and discovering new possibilities of how to make our lives easier or how to adjust architecture to our lives and the time we live in. Modern architecture in 21st century is getting more and more focused on cooperating with nature, which was an inspiration for this innovative project.


Triple t or ttt transportable tourist tower is an innovative and sustainable project which was presented for the very first time to the public in EXPO 2010 Shanghai China, at the utterly restricted and important area reserved for the best urban practices of the world (UBPA).

Designed by José Pequeno, it was imagined as a transportable sustainable micro house which could contribute new direction to the contemporary way of living. Built as a small house, it definitely goes into the category of world's smallest house.


"ttt transportable tourist tower, which integrates energetic modular technologies, is an architectonic response to the new challenges of the global market, in which mobility, industrialization and multi-functionality are associated with the opportunities in the construction sector. This tower has 3 stories with a total height of 9m and provides 30 m2 of useful area. It is an autonomous and self-sufficient space, geared towards both a new concept of nature tourism - beaches, forests, vineyards or the countryside – and urban flexibility.

Designed to be transportable and with a reduced construction impact, it is suitable in natural environments where there are no pre-existing infrastructures. This self-sufficient micro-home, using timber as main material and spreading it as a final product, is a new concept of sustainable construction – a habitable design piece which merges with nature.

The presented product reinterprets, reinvents and recreates new horizons in the application of sustainable solutions, fused with traditional inspirations. That is the spirit of its impact. Its cultural support based on the constructive approach to nature and its renewable resources."
          -José Pequeno

Photo of sustainable micro house on the EXPO in Shanghai
ttt transportable tourist tower - sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Interior of the sustainable micro house with two people walking around
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of tourists experiencing the sustainable micro house
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of the wooden staircase inside of the sustainable micro house
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of the narrow wooden staircase to the small bedroom level
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of small room with computer
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of small kitchen on the first level
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of tourists entering the sustainable micro house
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of narrow wooden interiors
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of the small living room in the sustainable micro house
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of the computer room ans the staircase
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of the sustainable micro house at night
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno

Photo of 8 micro houses in the nature
ttt transportable tourist tower interior- sustainable micro house
© courtesy of José Pequeno


Conception:

Architectural design and project coordination: José Pequeno
Research project: José Pequeno, Paulo Cruz
Stability project: Jorge Branco
Hydraulic installations: Ismael Batista, Liliana Marques - BO Associados, Lda.
Electrical installations: Francisco Peixoto – Flocad, Lda.
Photovoltaic systems: Francisco Faria – KW Energia
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC: Pedro Gordinho - GM Engenharia, Lda., BO Associados, Lda.
3D Simulation: Andreas Rocha

Construction:

General construction: dst, domingos da silva teixeira, s.a.
Works management: Óscar Sousa, José Pequeno
Wooden structure and fittings: dstmadeiras
Metal structure: Bysteel
Electrical installations and HVAC: dte
Photovoltaic solar glass: Parceria dst / Solarplus / Vitropor
Window frames and glazing: Raflu, lda. / Navarra / Vidraria S. Miguel


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

What Is Like To See Your City From Space?

Satellite photo of the North America's Atlantic coast along with its largest cities
Atlantic coast of the North America at night - Virginia/Maryland/Washington, D.C. area spanning almost to Rhode Island
© NASA

If you live in some smaller town, you probably know well every part of it. If you live in large mega city area, you probably know well some parts of it, you're aware of some and there are some you probably didn't heard of yet. No matter how well you know your city, there's one point of view you haven't experienced yet. Your city from space.


Here are some of the most known places and cities on our planet as seen from the International Space Station through the past few years. It is really impressive what kind of magic human mind can create. Before we proceed on the photos, let me just quote Daniel Libeskind who once said "Cities are the greatest creations of humanity." Do you agree?

Satellite photo of the Nile River Delta as seen from the space
Middle East at night - The Nile River Delta as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of the Moscow city as seen from space
Moscow at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of Dubai and its lights as seen from space
Dubai at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of western Italy and southern Europe as seen from space
Italy and southern Europe at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of the Istanbul area in Turkey as seen from space
Istanbul area at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of Las Vegas city lights as seen from space
Las Vegas lights at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of London as seen from space
London at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of the San Francisco and the Bay area as seen from space
San Francisco Bay area as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of the Shanghai area as seen from space
Large Shanghai city area as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of Tokyo as seen from space
Tokyo at night as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo od the southern Italy and Mediteranien sea
Southern Italy as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of Cape Town city lights as seen from space
Cape Town in South Africa as seen from space
© NASA

Satellite photo of Dallas as seen from space
Dallas at night as seen from space
© NASA

Architecture Quote #6 - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Picture of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe quote: "Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins."

"Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins."
          -Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Amazing Villa Design With Private Yacht Dock, Phuket

Picture of large square swimming pool at night
Swimming pool in an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

If you're one of those folks who always wanted to live by the water with their own yacht tied to the house, this could be real treat for you. This amazing modern villa located in Phuket is probably more you ever dreamed of.


Thailand is definitely one of those "must visit" places. Surrounded by the seas it offers incredible things to see and experience. To someone who doesn't have problem called money, this could be unique chance to move to heaven. This incredible waterfront villa worth $6 million is for sale.

Amazing modern villa design is inspired by the local Thai architecture with a small touch of luxury. Property includes modern house with 3 floors, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large backyard with 20 m swimming pool, waterfalls, outdoor bar and much more. There is also private yacht dock.

This villa is part of a 6 elite waterfront estates called The Royal Villas, the only villas in Phuket offering private yacht docks.


Picture of two modern villas with private yacht docks and yachts
Amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of large green backyard with large swimming pool
Backyard of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the private outdoor bar and bed above the pool in the backyard
Backyard of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of small waterfall on the pool in the backyard
Backyard of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the bar and bed in the backyard at night
Backyard of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of an amazing bedroom with glass walls floating on the water
Amazing bedroom in the villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the modern living room with white furniture
Living room in an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the round black dining table and modern white chairs
Dining room in an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the bedroom located in the glass cube floating on the water
Glassy bedroom in an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the modern bedroom looking out on the marina
Modern bedroom in an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the bathtub in the luxury bathroom
Luxury bathroom of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Picture of the modern luxury bathroom with the jacuzzi
Luxury bathroom of an amazing villa with private yacht dock, Phuket
© courtesy of Hunter/Sotheby's Internation Realty

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Compromising Modern Home In Mexico - Casa LC, Mexico City

Modern home walkway to the entrance
Modern home, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

You are planning to build your home. You like open, bright, modern and glassy style and your wife is yelling how she doesn't want to be exposed to the neighbors. What to do? I bet many couples went through this situation. But there is actually really good solution. Do it both ways.


This beautiful modern home is located in the capital of Mexico. What attracted our attention is this compromising combination of large glass windows and solid concrete walls. If you want your home to be modern, bright, well lit by the daylight, but also have your privacy, this is one of the ways how to do it. The house is designed by Mexico City-based architecture office ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea.

"One of the most attractive spaces is the living-dining area. In the living room the double height and grand windows direct the view straight to the back garden and the lake. In this space the harmony was achieved with the perfect selection of colors for the walls, as well as the shades of wood and drape materials that is complemented with a precise lighting design. The space is divided by a chimney that frames the entrance to the dining room. The furniture was selected according to the activities done in this area and to highlight the contemporary atmosphere of the whole project."
          -ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea


Modern home as seen from the backyard
Modern home, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern home as seen from the street
Modern home, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Living room with high ceilings in Mexican modern home
Modern home living room, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Living room with huge glass windows
Modern home living room, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern living room with the gallery
Modern home living room, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern bedroom with two single beds
Modern home bedroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Luxury modern living room with floor to ceiling windows at night
Modern home living room, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Luxury dining room with red chairs
Modern home dining room, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Large modern kitchen with central island
Modern home kitchen, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Marble hallway looking towards the living room
Modern home hallway, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Marble and wood hallway looking towards the entrance door
Modern home hallway, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Wooden hallway on the gallery above the living room
Modern home hallway, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern master bedroom
Modern home bedroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern bathroom with white marble walls and bath tub
Modern home bathroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern bathroom with black walls and wooden furniture
Modern home bathroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Picture of the modern home theater room with yellow sofa
Modern home theater, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Narrow modern bathroom
Modern home bathroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Bathroom with black and white wallpapers
Modern home bathroom, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern home glass facade as seen from the outside
Modern home, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Modern home entrance facade
Modern home, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

Ground floor plan of the modern home
Modern home floor plan, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea

First floor plan of the modern home
Modern home floor plan, Casa LC, Mexico City
© courtesy of ARCO Arquitectura Contemporanea