Nk'Mip Desert Culture Centre in Osoyoos- Simple Stunning Architecture 14

Design by Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden architects + urbanistes, 'the spectacular Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre (pronounced in-ka-meep) is the Okanagan's newest family tourism destination.

The state-of-the-art interpretive centre is an architectural marvel sensitively constructed into a hillside. Extensive indoor and outdoor exhibit galleries create a fun, interactive learning environment with hands-on displays, education stations and two multi-media theatre experiences.'
- Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

Located in Osoyoos, British Columbia, The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is part of a larger 200-acre master plan and the first of a number of new aboriginal centres in British Columbia.

'The Centre explores architectural expression as a way to convey the rich past and the transforming future of aboriginal culture. Features include the largest rammed-earth wall in North America; the use of bluestain pine; sustainable design features and research space for the endangered rattlesnake.'

- Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden architects + urbanistes.The architect:
Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden architects + urbanistes was first established in Vancouver in 1973 by Norm Hotson. Since that time, the firm has grown to more than 40 professionals working under the leadership of principals Norm Hotson, Joost Bakker, Alan Boniface and Bruce Haden.

a+. Nk'Mip desert cultural centre
a+. hotson bakker boniface haden via earth architecture
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No.5 House- Simple Stunning Architecture 13

Even the name sounded so simple, No.5 House in Saltsjo-Boo, Sweden is a house for a young family with small children designed by an multi-dsiciplinary architect firm, Claesson Koivisto Rune founded in Stockholm in year 1995 by Marten Claesson, Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. The house was completed on year 2003 on a challenging plot with a steep slope and protruding bedrock.

No.5 House can be described as an elongated box based on standardized dimensions for building materials. Claesson Koivisto Rune divided the elongated space into 3 bedrooms with a large living-cum-dining area with kitchen and one bathroom.

'Each room then has one of its four sides completely glazed. Basically open towards one cardinal point each, leaving one opening in each facade. The surrounding landscape is always a part of the space.

The bathroom, which has no wall opening, has a roof window instead. There is a glazed doorway from the living area to a partially walled terrace, creating an outdoor room that is open to the sky at one end and open to the view at the other. Our mental image of the project was that of a Chinese puzzle-box.'

- Claesson Koivisto Rune.
a+. claesson koivisto rune via design year book
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"Clouds" by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Something fresh, Clouds designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec is an innovative, sophisticated and colorful new tile concept for the home which can be used as an installation or be hung from either wall or ceiling.

"Clouds coats architecture in a fluid yet chaotic way; bringing surprisingly colourful fabric windows to your place."
- Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

'Clouds evolves as you add elements to it, producing a unique 3-dimensional effect, coating architecture in a fluid yet chaotic way. Inspired by the inviting irregularity of the surface, you construct your own piece and turn your vision into reality.

The tiles are made of one element and are attached by special rubber bands. This simple design means you can easily arrange and re-arrange the tiles to reflect your ideas and bring self-expression into your home, time and time again.'
- Kvadrat.

a+. kvadrat clouds
a+. ronan and erwan bouroullec via form
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