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hot off our press

CAPTIVATING TREEHOUSES

10/28/2014

1 Comment

 

Who doesnt love a treehouse? no matter how old you are there is something magical about sitting in a structure in a tree.  They fascinate the littlest of people to the biggest and oldest of people.

We are planning a treehouse in our yard and Im not sure if its for us or our boys!Watch this space for updates and" how to's" on this fun project. 


For now though we wanted to share a few of the most intriguing treehouses on the planet. These have made it onto our list not just because of their character and uniqueness but mostly in how they interact with their environments and people.


Click on the images to find their original sources.
REDWOODS TREEHOUSE, AUCKLAND, NZ

Redwoods Treehouse was build as a Social Media Marketing Campaign for the Yellow Pages. This stunning treehouse recieved the attention of the world and pooled in local businesses and talent to see what could be done with a single resource.

In truth its a monument to teamwork. A modern day Tower of Babel but with a happy ending.It is now a restaurant so it continues to bring people together.We love it and If we are ever in the Auckland neighborhood- this is one must see!

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FINCA BELLAVISTA, COSTA RICA

In the Jungles of Costa Rica, is THIS treehouse community. We chose this as one of our favourites because not only do visitors get to sleep in luxury in a jungle canopy but they get to zipline from tree to tree! If you are not afraid of heights this “playground” is dream come true. We love that its the realisation of a dream of building a self sufficient community in the jungle. Click on the images to see more of this special community.

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THE TREE HOUSE HOTEL, SWEDEN

A Scandinavian hotel - each “room” is a unique treehouse. Each with jaw dropping surreal designs- we almost didnt belive the pictures were real. This secluded hotel is set amongst a serene forest where guests are sure to be rejuvinated and connected with their forest surrounds.
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GREENWICH VILLAGE TREEHOUSE, NEW YORK, NY

Just because we love an underdog story! 

This treehouse in New York City recieved landmark status after a neighbour complained about the “suspicious structure”. We think it was awarded landmark status just because it shouts a childlike optimism. Even in a a sophisticated concrete jungle we are still fascinated by  this burst of quirky-ness, this invitation to relive our childhood.

Its a reminder to never grow up and loose our sense of fun. To never stop dreaming. Its a reminder that there is still magic in this world long after we adults have stopped believing in such things.   


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Resources:
PHOTO CREDITS ON ORIGINAL SOURCES BELOW
Tree Hotel, Sweden : www.treehotel.se OR click on the images
Finca Bellavista: Photo credits on Website : Fincabellavista.com OR click on the images
Redwoods Treehouse : website : redwoodstreehouse.co.nz  OR click on the images
http://gawker.com/5674411/a-treehouse-survives-in-manhattan


1 Comment

leaving a legacy

10/13/2014

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The details are not the details, they make the design.

So simple but the truest things are usually the simplest things. This famous quote is by a master of simplicity, Charles Eames. ( 1907- 1978).

Eames and his wife, Ray Eames ( 1912- 1988),  have left a legacy of design that is still so much in demand today. Some 50 - 70 years later their minimalist sleek designs would be perfectly in place on the cover of any modern lifestyle magazine and touted as “contemporary”. Just have a look at the below







  


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La Chaise " organic and sculptural" deigned in 1948 for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
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Ground breaking Moulded Plywood Chairs known as LCW ( Lounge Chair Wood) designed in the mid 1940's.
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The Iconic Lounge Chair Model number 670 and Ottoman Model No.671 designed for Herman Miller in 1956.
So the above quote rings true even in nature where the most intricate detail makes the design. Imagine the intricacy of the inner workings of the ear or an eyeball- these not only  “ make” the design they “are” the design.In the case of the Eames’ , where everything is so stripped down every component is purposeful and adds not only to the overall use  but to the intended feel of the piece. Every part plays its role; every detail makes up the whole. Any single missing "detail" and it just wouldn't be the same.

Upon researching for this blog post and reading through a few articles and websites dedicated to them; one thing is clear that they had a desire to positively affect and impact the lives of people and their environments- the fact that their designs are still so much in demand AND replicated speaks that they were easily able to accomplish this. 

And not only were they able to accomplish this in furniture design; they easily crossed over into many creative fields; starting into architecture moving to furniture design and venturing into film as well.

Have a look at Eames House; completed in 1949 ( !) its use of the elements and materials make for its openness and sleek minimalism.Again, this home would be perfectly in place in any contemporary lifestyle magazine.    

One last note; they were into toy design too. We love the idea that they gave back and inspired design in children.That they were (and still are) able to open up and unlock a gift and passion for creativity. Who knows whom this may inspire to venture into design and even bigger projects. The snowball effect of their vision is clear on the video below. Have a look at the “House of Cards”, which inspired this project.


Eames House of Cards at ArtPrize presented by Scott Christopher Homes and VIA Design from Chad Dupin on Vimeo.

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Eames House of Cards 1950's

What more can be said  about these design heroes? Their awards? Their accomplishments? Their pedigree? All of these are numerous, and can be listed. But we think the most important accomplishment is not just the awards and recognition but that their designs still inspire millions almost 70 years on. No fad but a true legacy. 

A Legacy should keep giving back; and what they have left does just that. It inspires innovation and creativity  and it adds beauty to our homes even today.

How would this legacy translate to our company? The answer would be to strive to add value in detail; that these details make the difference in the product. To give our customers beauty and simplicity to enhance their homes and lifestyles.  
RESOURCES:
eamesoffice.com
hermanmiller. com
"Vintage Furniture" by Fay Sweet ISBN 9781844426294

Click on the images for their source.

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things we love: the outdoor shower

10/2/2014

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 So you come back from the beach; if you haven't walked home you've driven home. It is hot. There is sand caked everywhere especially on the slathered- on-now- slimy- sunscreen. You are salty sticky all at once. Been there? Not cool.
 
Perhaps, you just want to be refreshed and what better way than in a zen outdoor space under the sun or stars listening to the sounds of the outdoors.

Whether indulgent or practical, we love The Outdoor Shower.


We have installed a few for our clients over the years, and each of them very different; some with a view of the sea or a valley below, some as a quirky statement on a timber deck; some have been practical with a built in surfboard rack.Such as this one here

This particular Zimbali home featured on Top Billing, incorporates the shower with a  downstairs balau deck and pergola- the whole space has such character while at the same time is a very practical zone. The family can be easily organised when coming back from the surf. Sunscreen and sticky sand grains banished. Surfboards can be cleaned and packed back on their rack. 


While researching this article we gathered some inspiration from the web, they are intimate closed spaces or open statement pieces. Some of the more luxurious ones are extensions of the bathroom as in the first image below. Find more of our favourites are on our Pinterest board here.


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This concept would probably be my ultimate in bathroom luxury. This door opens out to the outdoor shower. Note that it is also has access from the garden. Its fresh and functional.

See this on House Beautiful. com. or click on the image for the exact page.

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We love the timber cladding and functional shelf in this out door shower. Unfortunately the source is no longer online, none the less we love it.

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This space combines different textures; the slate, the pebbles , the planting and timber decking all  contrast with bold colour. It is both a refreshing and contemporary take on the outdoor shower.

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Timber, timber and more timber- we couldn't resist adding this one!

Check out our Pinterest board for more inspiration as well as the sources for these pictures.  
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    hi there

    This is our space to share our love for design, building and creating homes , all things timber and sometimes life in general.

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