A Refurbished Apartment in Taipei by CHI-TORCH Designs

This 40-year old, vintage, 181 sqm. apartment in Taipei is a perfect mix of history and industrialism. The designers of CHI-TORCH took extra care to maintain the signs of age in this apartment, incorporating it as a part of the overall aesthetic instead of concealing it, as most would. The open brick is complemented by a minimalist antique feel, with antique furniture, herringbone flooring and a wooden wall. The small space is flooded with light through the large windows, allowing for a picturesque scene.

Source: ARCH DAILY/hypebeast

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoMarch 21, 2015DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMAN, THE GOOD LIFE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARYComment

$48.5 Million USD Triplex in the Heritage at Trump Place

A Saudi Prince recently put his luxurious 10,500 square-foot triplex up for sale at an astounding price of $48.5 million USD. The four-bedroom, four bathroom Upper West Side residence is in the Heritage at Trump Place, and was constructed by merging six smaller units on the fifth, sixth and seventh floors of the condo. Amenities include a fitness center, hair salon, a ventilated cigar room, a billiards room outfitted with a saltwater aquarium and three bullet-proof panic rooms, not to mention a spectacular view overlooking the Hudson River. Futhermore, the lavish interior features large slabs of Calacatta marble in addition to other stones utilized throughout the space. Have a look through the photo set above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source: WALL STREET JOURNAL

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoMarch 2, 2015DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARYComment

Adult Treehouses

Treehouses, normally reserved for children and their imaginations, have been reworked for the kid-at-heart. Many designers have attempted to recreate the wonder and fun that a treehouse entails, with ambitious projects suspended among the trees. Floating above ground, the intricate idea of a treehouse has manifested itself in a variety of beautiful architecture and spaces. Inspiring awe and perfectly fusing nature and stunning design, check out the gallery above. For more, make sure to click into ArchDaily.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoFebruary 10, 2015ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARYComment

Veranda House by Blouin Tardif Architects

Resting in the idyllic outskirts of the Quebec suburbs is the Veranda House, recently minted by Canadian firmBlouin Tardiff Architects. The single-family home is guarded by a row of trees, which only serves to underline the house’s focus on privacy and personal space. This is too underlined by the focus on materials, clay and cedar specifically, which add a protective, sturdy physical element to the design. From there, Blouin Tardiff also embraces the surrounding foliage with its transparency and large glass panels. Enjoy a tour through the house above.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoFebruary 7, 2015ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARY, PASQUALE KARATZETZOComment

360 House by Boora Architects

Naturally, a house composed chiefly of glass facades might be known as the “360 House,” but the nickname transcends to so much more. Boora Architects situated the private home on the elegant, ceaselessly beautiful Oregon coastline, incorporating copper, glass, steel and wood to create this playful edifice. The first and uppermost floor is accessible courtesy of a catwalk footbridge, and plays host to the living room, kitchen and dining room, while the below hosts more private desk space, bedrooms and common areas. Enjoy a look through the 360 House above and head here to view more work from Boora Architects.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoFebruary 7, 2015ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARY, PASQUALE KARATZETZOComment

Steirereck Restaurant Into Vienna Park by PPAG

For the revamp of the restaurant, ‘steirereck‘, in vienna, austria, PPAG architects renovated the existing interiors with a specialized table arrangement and adaptable partitions, while also extending new pavilion structures into the adjacent park, clad in reflective metal. The scheme follows the local practice’s WINNING competition entry, and offers the original dining area increased flexibility through a rotatable panel system. The added spaces feature large openings toward the outdoors, allowing the greenery and daylight of the surrounding park inside.

source/text:designboom/ photo © helmut pierer/ All images courtesy of PPAG architects — source/text:designboom/ photo © helmut pierer/ All images courtesy of PPAG architects

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoDecember 15, 2014ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARYComment

Sage Architecture Redefines Mountain Living

California-based sage architecture crafted a midcentury modern mountain home in the martis camp development of truckee, california, unlike any you are likely to find in this environment. Named the ‘flight house’ for its metaphorical escape from city life but also due to its layered airfoil roofs that hover over the living spaces beneath. on one end of the home, the great room is set firmly on the ground with an exposed concrete slab-on-grade floor that contains radiant heating and serves as thermal mass collecting natural heat from the sunlight. The shape of the roof is carefully designed so as to shade the interior during the summer but it’s curving form opens more surface area in the winter time for natural light and welcomed heat gain. As the topography slopes to a lower elevation, the structure gradually rises under a skyward-sloping canopy until ending in a suspended glass box providing more of a tree house experience amidst the surrounding foliage.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoDecember 8, 2014ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINE, GENTLEMANS DIARYComment

Silver Bay House by SAOTA Frames

Located on the western coastline of south africa on the shelley point residential community, the ‘silver bay’ house wraps a central courtyard while featuring wide views out to the beach and ocean. the holiday villa, designed by the duo of architecture office SAOTA and interiors practice antoni associates, serves an extended circle of friends and families. The upper level is organized as a continual space, with sliding glass doors linking the sheltered pool area directly with the kitchen, dining, and living room.

photo © SAOTA, adam letch & enda cavanagh/ source:designboom.com

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoDecember 2, 2014DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMAN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Napa Valley House

Located in one of the premier wine regions around the world, the Napa Valley House is a unique residence who’s layout is guided by the surrounding rocky topography. Designed by Eliot and Eun Lee, the house is a comprised of four buildings that sit in a row in between two hills. One of the buildings serves as a living and dining space, another one as a master bedroom and bath, the third one as a guest house and the fourth as a spa which includes a sauna. The buildings are connected with a series of intersecting paths and walls, which lead to other landscape elements including the pool, and maximize the integration of the surrounding lands with various parts of the home. Check out the picture of the Napa Valley House above.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoNovember 8, 2014DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Balmain Flagship Store in London

French fashion house Balmain announces its first flagship store opening in London. Situated on South Audley Street, the luxurious atelier features design work from architect Joseph Dirand, transforming the space into a contemporary Parisian townhouse. Marble etchings detail the floors as beige columns influenced by classic French architecture line the walls, accented by delicately placed mirrors to provide a sharp and modern aesthetic to the retail space. Look for the Balmain London flagship store to carry the full range of the brand’s clothing, accessories, and fragrance lines and head over to Balmain’s online site for more.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoNovember 8, 2014Comment

Redux House by StudioMK27

Brazil-based StudioMK27 presents one of its most spectacular residences to date, the Redux House. Located in the outskirts of Sao Paulo, the residence is constructed of two thin parallel concrete planes that stretch over the topography acting as the floor and roof, and float slightly above the ground. The rectangular structure provides a 360-degree experience throughout the home, while the indoor and outdoor elements are separated by a transparent operable glass membrane. In addition, the residence features a pool constructed in a large concrete mass that extends out into the site. There is a variety of structural materials that are present throughout the interior and exterior, including a closely-bound wooden slat which offers privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms. Check out the pictures of the Redux House by StudioMK27 above and peep the video below for a narrated tour.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoNovember 4, 2014DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Spiral Pod Staircase

In the apartment dubbed “Riverside”, English architects Foster Lomas have added a structural masterpiece to the living room which both increases light and flow in the general ambiance. The staircase decorates the space as a sculpture rather than a set of stairs and its smooth and shiny finish make it easy on the eye. Could this be the stairway to heaven?

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoNovember 2, 2014DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Stadium Arena in Borisov, Belarus by OFIS Architects

Slovenian architecture firm OFIS Arhitekti have designed a football stadium in Borisov, Belarus, which is sure to impress. Surrounded by natural forest growth, the area boasts a rounded dome, giving off the impression of a futuristic, singular object. Seven floors and 13,000 seats provide the luxury of hosting an enormous crowd, while at the same time providing smooth traffic regulation. World-class indoor acoustics and an unprecedented 85-meter by 105-meter playing field make OFIS’ latest project a must visit for football and architecture fans alike. Take a look at the intriguing pictures of the football stadium in the gallery provided.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoNovember 2, 2014ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Villa Moerkensheide

Coming directly from the office of Ghent-born, Dieter De Vos and his architecture practice, the tripartite Villa Moerkensheid is an impressive culmination of design and function. The house is located in De Pinte, Belgium and features well-considered curiosities, such as three complimenting gardens each intended for a specific time of the day; morning, afternoon and evening. The entire design is shaped to orientate itself with the sun. The spatial configuration is made up of three cubes centered on an equilateral triangle with large arched windows spanning most of the building’s ground floor. The large windows allow for a spacious and bright interior that help illuminate the Flemish bond brickwork and hardwood carpentry. Helping promote a warm and comfortable atmosphere. All of which has been dissected by a fascinating, self-supporting spiral staircase. A truly impressive feat that portrays architectural prowess with impeccable attention to environmental change and its given surroundings. Head on over to Dieter De Vos Architecten to view their complete portfolio.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoOctober 23, 2014ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Beach House in Lebanon bt BLANKPAGE

BLANKPAGE architects located in Nahr el Mott, Lebanon have taken a literal approach to forward-thinking structural design. This ocean-centric nirvana located in Amchit is a combinative play of a basic steel frame structure and layered wooden decking. Given that the house is suspended above the sea, it is approached by car on street level and an outdoor landing interconnects all three levels. Up top is the master bedroom, an elongated lap pool, and sun deck. Just beneath are two more bedrooms and a generous living room, and beneath that is the residence reception, infinity pool and stone steps to the foot of the shore. Not only do all rooms and living spaces provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, but the house itself is positioned due west so at sunset it invites the suns rays to bathe it in all its glory, giving all living quarters a glow of golden red. Marvel at the stunning images, then close your eyes and picture yourself a life at sea

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoOctober 23, 2014DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Frank Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton

Following six years of construction, the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton is set to open its doors up to the public for the very first time. The structure which is located in Paris’ famed Bois de Boulogne park, is composed of a cluster of white blocks clad in panels of fiber-reinforced concrete and twelve glazed ‘sails’ supported with wooden beams. The building seeks to bring a sense of nature inside with its expansive views across the parkland, while the sculptural stairways lead visitors to rooftop gardens. Make sure to check out the pictures of this truly unique structure above and head over to the Fondation Louis Vuitton website for more information here.

Fondation Louis Vuitton
8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi
Bois de Boulogne
75116 Paris
France

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoOctober 16, 2014LOUIS VUITTON, DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

New ISSEY MIYAKE Store in London

ISSEY MIYAKE opened a new flagship store at 10 Brook Street, London W1S 1BG. With over 5,000 sq feet and a frontage of 60 feet, the store occupies a prominent position between Bond Street and Hanover Square in the centre of Mayfair.

Formally a bank, Tokujin Yoshioka has taken the space back to its original structure and transformed it into a visually enticing exploration of the old combined with advanced new elements. The juxtaposition of these opposing finishes creates a fascinating open structure that both surprises and delights the eye. All furniture, fittings and seating has been designed by Tokujin Yoshioka.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoOctober 16, 2014ISSEY MIYAKE, FASHION, ARCHITECTURE, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

New Saint Laurent Store in Milan

Saint Laurent has recently opened a new store in Milan. The brand’s creative director Hedi Slimane designed this new space, featuring geometric shapes, marble surfaces and some reflective and transparent furnishings.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoOctober 16, 2014SAINT LAURENT, ARCHITECTURE, STORE, MILANComment

Karakoy Loft by Ofist Istanbul

Perfectly suited for a 45-year-old bachelor, here’s a look at the Karakoy Loft by Ofist in Istanbul, Turkey. The 180-square-meter living space was designed around the client’s outdoorsy personality, with the keywords natural, neutral, comfortable and practical all coming to mind. An abundance of natural light pours into the open living area through its front windows and enlarged skylights, keeping even the upstairs bed and bathrooms bright throughout the day. In keeping everything as simple as possible, storage can be found in a system of iron rods that run the entire length and height of the home, with additional details that include a natural stone-covered floor, floating stairs, a guest bedroom, a gorgeous fireplace, and so much more.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoSeptember 29, 2014ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment

Madame Sur Villa by Vasily Klyukin

Russian banking magnate Vasily Klyukin brings to us his series of architectural designs for a number of villas that are designed to inspire. The ‘Madame Sur’ villa depicted above exhibits out-of-this-world structural forms composed primarily of fractal polygons in a bold red color. Its prime position overlooking a cliff makes sure that such an attention-grabbing design can be appreciated for miles around. Behind the glass facade is nestled a quiet retreat for the inhabitants to relax or entertain guests among very unique surroundings. Each design in Klyukin’s series of concept villas sports a strong theme, being inspired by motifs as disparate as James Bond, scorpions, and palm leaves.

ARCHITECTUREPasquale KaratzetzoSeptember 26, 2014DESIGN, GENTLEMANS DIARY MAGAZINEComment