NBBJ and CCDI Break Ground on Hangzhou Sports Park

February 17, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Construction
NBBJ and CCDI Break Ground on Hangzhou Sports Park

Like many cities in China, Hangzhou is undergoing rapid urban change. While the city center had historically developed around the West Lake area, opportunities for industry and commerce have shifted the city’s expansion towards the Qian Tang riverfront. New construction has tripled the city’s size in the past 10 years leaving behind a modern architectural fabric that is powerful in scale, yet still in need of public place making. NBBJ, in collaboration... 

Retiring to Cyprus and a Five-Star Welcome at Aphrodite Hills

February 11, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Real Estate
Retiring to Cyprus and a Five-Star Welcome at Aphrodite Hills

Generous tax concessions and the five-star facilities at luxury golf spa Aphrodite Hills are making retiring to Cyprus an increasingly popular choice for overseas property buyers, report prestige property experts Savills Select Resorts. Pensions tax is just 5.0 per cent in Cyprus which has one of the most generous tax environments in Europe – an added bonus to go with its 340 days of annual sunshine and warm Mediterranean welcome. The benevolent... 

Sonoran Oasis Desert Home Office

January 26, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Real Estate
Sonoran Oasis Desert Home Office

Ideal home office scenario. Separate your work environment from your home with a commute of just 50 feet! Rush hour traffic is quail, rabbits, and road runners. The 101 is 15 minutes away and the airport is only 40 minutes. This desert home rests among natural boulder out-cropping’s at the base of Black Mountain surrounded by indigenous plants and commanding views that change throughout the day as the Sun passes over. You are greeted with the... 

A New Kind of Country House – a Sculptural Masterpiece in a Spectacular, Rural Setting

January 20, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Real Estate
A New Kind of Country House - a Sculptural Masterpiece in a Spectacular, Rural Setting

When thinking of country houses, the image that springs to mind is probably a quaint, traditional cottage. However, a growing number of house hunters are looking for the exact opposite; the contemporary country house and this Algarve villa is the perfect example. Amid rural scenery and surrounded by majestic nature, Algarve’s most spectacular contemporary country home boasts 258,750m² of open space with the sea in the distant horizon. The 474m²... 

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters by Henn Architekten

January 15, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Construction
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters by Henn Architekten

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) is to construct a 42-storey building for its headquarters in Addis Ababa. The building will be the tallest building ever in Ethiopia. The design is expected to represent CBE’s status as world class bank and portray its strength. Solidity meets transparency. One of the fundamental values in banking is trust. Solidity and integrity are as much a part of trust as transparency and proximity to the customer. This... 

Campus Presikhaaf, Arnhem by Broekbakema

January 15, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Construction
Campus Presikhaaf, Arnhem by Broekbakema

Situated on the valuable and fragile south-west corner of Park Presikhaaf, the new campus complex for Arentheem College forms a unity with the green landscape. Three schools are connected by a second surface level whilst retaining their unique feel and identity. This is all achieved in a single building, although student flows do not meet. Urban development principles and the limited space available gave rise to the second surface level. Above this... 

Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin Offers “Spacey” Luxury Loft For Rent in LA

January 11, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Real Estate
Go-Go's Jane Wiedlin Offers "Spacey" Luxury Loft For Rent in LA

Looking for an extraordinary place to live? Consider the convenience of downtown loft living, then imagine a residential loft clad in science-fiction and celebrity. A famous rock musician is offering to rent her very unique living space where she has spent the last few years creating a fantasy dream home. Actress and rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin, of the all-girl 80’s punk rock band The Go-Go’s, has been setting trends for decades in... 

Classic Wayne Gillespie Town Residence

January 10, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture, Real Estate
Classic Wayne Gillespie Town Residence

Noted architect Wayne Gillespie has created this stunning town residence offering a blend of easy living with uncompromised quality, security and luxury. With a great sense of space and charm this impressive home comprises 3 bedrooms, formal living room with OFP, informal open plan living opening to a beautiful north facing landscaped courtyard with pool. Situated close to Kooyong Village, public transport and cafes. Features: Sensational marble kitchen... 

Stonemakers Turns Concrete Into a Warm and Inviting Landscape

January 9, 2010 Filed Under: Construction, Home Improvement
Stonemakers Turns Concrete Into a Warm and Inviting Landscape

Homes should be sanctuaries, and there is a unique kind of peace that is created when the surroundings perfectly complement the home. Hardscape can calm, inspire and. welcome. A beautifully planned landscape with charming hardscape features increases the value of a home and adds warmth, color and structure. Creating a warm and inviting landscape is all part of the master plan, and customers appreciate the transformation. StoneMakers Artisans’... 

Ordos Protestant Church by Beijing Sunlay Architectural Design

January 4, 2010 Filed Under: Architecture
Ordos Protestant Church by Beijing Sunlay Architectural Design

Located on top of a hill of Ordos, planned as a green open space for the city, the project takes its inspiration from the topography of the land. The surrounding landscape offers a strong contrast of colors and depth, creating a rich changing background from day time to night time for the church’s settlement. It sets framed views of the church in a characterized landscape of excavated rocks proper to a city like Ordos, in Inner Mongolia. The...