Category Archives: Architecture

JJRR/Arquitectura Casa Vertientes

A few days ago I watched a fascinating documentary entitled ‘Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America’. This 125-minute feature starring and produced by The Rolling Stones chronicles their 2016 tour around Latin America. What makes this film so special is the bond between these veteran rockers, who still at the top of their game. Much of the footage gives the viewer an intimate glimpse of the real Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay etc. They also visit Mexico, which borders closely with the United States. Certainly, many people have preconceived ideas about Mexico’s capital city. However, as I discovered it does have some amazing contemporary architecture. A great example can be found in Casa Vertientes by JJRR/Arquitectura. » Read more

Architects Ink Sugar Gum House

In the next few months, my book about Australian architecture will be released worldwide. The project was commissioned by Schiffer Books, who are based in Pennsylvania, United States. This is the fourth book I have completed for this progressive publisher. The original idea was developed with my editor Cheryl, who has a particular interest in architecture. Her vision for this edition was to showcase a broad variety of residential homes in Australia. This continent has several different climates and diverse terrain, which dictates the materials used. » Read more

The Plaza, 1 Central Park South, Midtown East

A few years ago a close friend of mine visited New York accompanied by her mother. She described the vacation as captivating and told me an anecdote (which she has subsequently dined out on for years) about an experience she had over there. Whilst sitting in a delicatessen she noticed a young unshaven gentleman sitting on his own enjoying a supersized sandwich. You might think this is common occurrence but the man in question was Leonardo Dicaprio. » Read more

W3 Architects Glentree Road

Virtually 7-years ago (to the day) I emigrated to Australia with my family in pursuit of a better life. Certainly, this amazing country has massively exceeded my expectations and I now consider it home. However, I have got ties with the United Kingdom in particular rental properties. One of my apartments is located in a historical building and resembles a Manhattan-style loft. I meticulously renovated the property by adding a freestanding solid beech kitchen, designer column radiators and Victorian panelled wooden doors. Recently I have considered selling it so I can raise finances to build a house in Adelaide. If this does actuate I would be tempted to design something like Glentree Road. This amazing home was completed in 2013 by award-winning practice, W3 Architects. » Read more

Abraham John Architects Villa in the Palms

Later this year my 6th book about Australian Architecture will be released worldwide. As I have mentioned before the project was commissioned by a Pennsylvania (United States) rather than a domestic one. Essentially my editor Cheryl (who’s also a renowned author) is fascinated with this region and the diverse landscape. Therefore, she wanted me to choose residences that adapt to their environment. The majority of my final selections are not multi-million dollar mansions but humble dwellings with an abundance of character. The same can be said about Abraham John Architects Villa in the Palms. » Read more

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter Micro Cluster Cabins

A couple of months ago I had a very interesting meeting with a designer called Chris Clarke. Interestingly Chris has no formal training (in architecture) but has created several amazing homes. He originally began his career commercial building and worked on large corporate multi-million dollar projects. Ultimately this had an adverse effect on his health and had to take several years off. This gave him time to reflect and was the catalyst for establishing his new company Swale Modular Homes. This flexible way of living allows buyers to make additions over the years or have several different units. With land at a premium and this could a sustainable for families in the future. » Read more

L’Epée 1839 Space Module

From a young age, I have always been fascinated with space and the solar system. It is incomprehensible to think about how small earth really is in relation to the universe. To think a gigantic star called MACS J1149+2223 (nicknamed Icarus) was sighted on the Hubble Space Telescope. This star is much larger than our sun and hundreds of times brighter. Incredibly it took a mind-boggling nine billion years for its shining light to reach Earth. In the scheme of things, this star is relatively young because scientists believe the ‘Big Bang’ occurred 13.8 billion years ago. » Read more

Waterstudio. NL Villa New Water, Westland

A few weeks ago I met a very talented building designer and entrepreneur called Chris Clarke. As we both love industrial architecture I suggested catching up for a coffee and chat at a trendy cafe called Folklore in Port Adelaide. This venue used to be the sales office for recent waterfront developments and has been cleverly repurposed by the current owners. Interesting the building, which is supported by stilts is similar to the type of modular homes Chris is creating for his company Swale Developments. Essentially, only three materials (glass, timber, steel) are used in construction. » Read more