Ren; The People’s Building

 To start off, all of you architects / know-it-alls [same thing, I know] out there need to suspend your criticism briefly to enjoy this project. Yes, it would be [somewhat] structurally complicated, and no, nobody seems to know how elevators and all that junk would work. But who cares? Point is, Ren, designed by the Danish firm PLOT [now split into BIG and JDS] is pretty sick looking.

The project is in the good ol’ People’s Republic of China, intended for the World Expo of 2010, which is set to take place in Shanghai. Here’s a description of the building from Eikongraphia, which I decided I wouldn’t bother rephrasing, since they were quoting it anyway:
‘The REN Building is a proposal for a hotel, sports and conference center for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The building is conceived as two buildings merging into one. The first building, emerging from the water, is devoted to the activities of the body, and houses the sports and water culture center. The second building emerging from land, is devoted to the spirit and enlightment, and houses the conference center and meeting facilities. The two buildings meet in a 1000 room hotel, a building for living. The building becomes the Chinese sign for ‘The People’, and a recognizable landmark for the World Expo in China.’

[ via : myninjaplease ]

Luxury Tree House by Architecture Firm RPA

This inspiring – and inspired! – House of wood and glass tree is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday. Located in Nichols Canyon, Los Angeles, CA, Banyan Treehouse is a compact house design combines art studios and recreation getaway overlooking downtown Los Angeles. Architectural firms
designed RPA luxury tree house in the clouds will you nine. In accordance with the natural theme, the studio was completed in luxury, organic oiled wooden palette siding, mahogany windows and roof Rheinzink. Wooden structure raised above 12 ft steel pillars, and is located to the base of a large pine tree.

[ via : besthomedesign ]

Water Pumping Station Converted Into Sophisticated Modern Home

Camouflaged in the north of England, UK, this exceptional two-story building is the result of a notable architecture conversion. The Pump House is the contemporary and sophisticated version of a former water pumping station in Ilkley and shelters three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two receptions. Its exterior stays
true to the origins of the building and displays an intriguing brick finish. Once inside, the overall perspective is bent, as a potential visitor is likely to be surprised by the highly modern interiors. A generously sized living and dining space acts as the focal point of the entire house. The attention to detail is obvious in every corner of the project, from the lighting elements in the living area to the specially commissioned bathroom with imported marble from Italy. State-of-the art technology is also a defying factor for this home, equipped with infrared high security cameras and intercom system with electric gates. The Pump House is currently available for sale here, listed at £725,000.

 [ via : freshome ]