Vancouver and Chicago Interior Designers - Kalu Interiors Blog - All About Interior Design » Japan

The Beauty of a SEASHELL…

aleem — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:54:14 +0000

image from www.artechnic.jp

When it comes to architecture both exterior and interior, we can sometimes be inspired by the most natural of forms and designs found in nature- designed by mother nature herself! By utilizing nature as a stepping stone for the development of a design and concept, it can almost always result in a space that feels natural, at ease, and just flows… On a residential scale, I don’t think i’ve ever come across a better example of this theory. Take a look at this ‘seashell’ inspired home which cacoons itself around a central point, and not only takes inspiration from nature but also works so seamlessly with it on its site location. Designed by architecture firm Artechnic and located in the forest of Karuizawa, Japan, this design is so unique in its double-elliptical shapes and curves. Constructed of concrete and wood, floor-to-ceiling windows, and circular skylights all work together to truly offer-up a natural experience!

image from www.artechnic.jp

Escape into the Woods!

aleem — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:51:09 +0000

image from www.toyo-ito.co.jp

Who ever said that cottages had to be quaint? Or that you couldn’t have a modern-life in the ‘elements?’ This cottage breaks all of our pressumptions, and shows that you can get back in touch with nature….in-style! Designed by Toyo Ito & Associates, in Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi in Japan, this 2-story Aluminum Cottage definitely doesn’t look like it was destined for the woods, but is truly a nature walk-stopper! A completely open plan, vaulted ceilings, and full-height glazing truly captures and emphasizes the size and light of the interior- wich in reality is not that large (only 800 sq.ft.)

image from www.toyo-ito.co.jp

Simplicity Speaks Millions.

aleem — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:09:07 +0000

It is in the most simple of interiors where the true beauty of form, function, and design can truly prevail. When size does matter, innovation is you’re best friend! So who do we turn to when these factors come into play? Ofcourse…the Japanese! With space limited and at a premium, a large metropolitan city like Hiroshima offers-up the opportunity for unique spaces such as the one featured here to provide a new wave of design.

image from www.apartmenttherapy.com

The Atago House is only 1,195 sq.ft. and just when you thought you wouldn’t be able to pack it all in, the Atago throws all the theories out of the window. Through the utilization of dynamic windows that create a fun interaction between interior & exterior, crisp whites and consistent finishes in millwork, built-in storage everywhere, and verticality; all come into play to truly push the interior to its optimal limits! Peering into this unique space through a Western cultural lens, the minimalist aspect of this interior may be a little exaggerated for most of our taste, but it’s definitely something to appreciate and admire.

image from www.apartmenttherapy.com