Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Rustic Farmhouse Renovated into Charming Guest House

Posted: 07 Aug 2013 10:00 AM PDT

alsace france farmhouse guest house renovation

A beautiful old farm building in Alsace, France was put into the capable hands of Loïc Picquet Architecte for a transformation into four guest rooms. The historic charm of the building was preserved while a new layer of modern sophistication was added.

modern windows alsace farmhouse

The exterior of the building was mostly left untouched, save for the new windows which protrude and add a decidedly modern flair. These contemporary portals are just a taste of the beautiful modernization that awaits inside.

living space alsace farmhouse renovation

The original timbers were left in place, giving the guest home a connection to its past. New components were also added: new wood structures were put in place which harmonize with the aged wood of the original structure. Stone floors are a modern but natural addition on the main floor.

alsace farmhouse bedroom

wall cutout alsace farmhouse bedroom

Other unexpected features like small nooks cut into the walls and half-doors adorn the bedrooms. Light-colored wood floors and natural light add a sense of space to the guest rooms.

bathroom and stairs alsace farmhouse

Every detail of the guest home is inviting and warm, from the aged wood exterior and exposed beams to the smooth and natural new wood constructs. The renovation managed to add a modern element to an historic building without detracting from the original rustic appeal of the French countryside farmhouse.

    

Bird Brick: Modular Birdhouse Nests in New & Existing Walls

Posted: 06 Aug 2013 04:00 PM PDT

brick wall modular birdhouse

Square peg, round hole – meet the Bird Brick, a unique idea to help bring back dwindling bird populations via half-hidden homes for our flying friends.

brick wall birdhouse cycle

Aaron Dunkerton points out that better insulation has resulted in less space for house sparrows and other species. Spacious compartments behind a small entry port allow sociable birds like these to find comfort as cracks in the urban fabric are otherwise filled in.

birdhouse built in wall

Each set consists of five handmade bricks and a removable plug for periodic cleaning (once every few years). Visually, the circular centerpiece stands out from its surroundings due to its shape, but blends into the brick wall via its materiality.

bird population decline chart

“The material properties of brick – low thermal and moisture movement and high durability – make the cavity ideal for nesting without affecting the building structurally, as well as being visually unobtrusive.”

brick ceramic component parts

As a prototype, the design is compelling – in practice, the need to regularly re-point the wall is problematic, and will hopefully be resolved in future iterations of this otherwise-creative idea.

    

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