Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Historic Walls Contain a Delightful Modern Portuguese Home

Posted: 31 May 2012 10:00 AM PDT

[ Filed under Stairs & Cases & in the Interiors category ]

In the beautifully historic area of Massarelos in Porto, Portugal, EZZO Architects were brought in to create a 21st century home that would not clash with its 19th century surroundings.

Their solution: a sort of historic enclosure for an updated, modern home. The home is enveloped in a facade that visually and practically connects the interior and exterior. Bordered on buildings to the north and south, the architects left the historic outer walls intact on the east and west sides, then built a new concrete volume within these existing borders.

The home’s three levels are connected by central stairs that run the height of the building.

A second staircase connects the living areas to the green roof, allowing for a spectacular view out over the surrounding neighborhood.

The home is all about connections: one space flowing into another, exterior connecting with interior, historic meshing with modern. A visual connection between the home’s residents and their neighborhood is afforded by the glass facade.

Residing in an historic area with a great deal of character, this home brings its own sense of identity while allowing the history of the neighborhood to remain intact.

Keep Going - Check out this Great Related Dornob Article:

Historic Brick Lodge Saved Inside a Modern Glass Box Home

Preservation Puzzle: Historic Facade Hides Whole New Home

[ Filed under Stairs & Cases & in the Interiors category ]

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Small Space Furniture Piece is a Tiny Multipurpose Solution

Posted: 30 May 2012 04:00 PM PDT

[ Filed under Transforming & in the Furniture category ]

Space is at a premium these days, particularly if you live in an in-demand city where housing is outrageously expensive. The Sweet Talk and Dream is a tiny piece of furniture that will fit in just about any living space and does the work of several large pieces.

Designed by Matali Crasset for Italian furniture company Campeggi, it is a dinette set, with two soft cushion seats and a small table. It is a lounge area with a single seat (or backrest) and room to stretch out.

It can also be used to seat several people when fully unfolded. Remove the table from the middle of the piece and use it to support a radio or small TV for entertainment.

When all the guests are gone and your eyelids are getting heavy, simply move the table to the side and the Sweet Talk and Dreams becomes a bed. Perhaps not the most plush or comfortable bed in the world, but it’s a place to lie your head while you dream of saving up enough money for an apartment with bedrooms.