We look back at the most popular and show-stopping architectural features that went out this year. Reflecting on a year of minimalism, clean lines, and serenity in home design — this particular selection showcases some dominant global trends in architecture and design this past year. Chic with a subtle hint of extravagance has been an underlying theme in most homes this year– whether in a period home in Mauna Kea, Hawaii or an expansive 2200-ft residence in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
1. In Menorca, Son Blanc Farmhouse Boutique Hotel Blends Heritage And Sustainability
In pursuit of experiential travel, discerning travellers seek a genuine connection to culture and place. A sign of the times, this approach to travel, has paved the way for the intersection of luxury travel and responsible tourism. In Menorca, the Son Blanc Farmhouse is the archetype of this shift in travel trends. Set over 130 hectares in an untouched nook of the pastoral Balearic island, the restored 19th-century farmhouse-turned-boutique hotel seamlessly integrates creature comforts and sustainability into a heritage setting. Born in Menorca but living in London, Benedicta, a hotel owner and developer, had long desired to reconnect to her roots; Pellegrini, who had visited the island several times, was drawn to its charm.
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2. A Japandi-Inspired Home In Pune Exudes Functional And Calming Aesthetics
In the much-vaunted residential area of Kharadi, an active business and IT hub in Pune sits a 3,000-sq-ft apartment centred on the idea of serenity. Its neutral palette and clutter-free ambience play to the senses, serving as conduits for moments of calm. “Our aim was not to overwhelm the senses, but to provide havens of retreat and tranquillity, shutting out the city’s hustle,” say design leads Salonee and Ayush Gangwal of the Pune– and Aurangabad-based architecture and interior design studio, Alkesh Gangwal & Associates. One is privy to wholesome nature and the potential of Japanese minimalism in the sparsely decorated lobby, clad in Oakwood panelling.
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3. In Ahmedabad, Two Families Stay Connected At This 22,000-sq-ft Home Designed For Multigenerational Living
When space isn’t a constraint, the multigenerational living typology translates to more room for everyone—sometimes, even under two separate roofs. For a recent project in the heart of Ahmedabad, the city-based architecture and interior design studio OpenIdeas dipped into the metaphor of a bridge as a means to connect the homes of two generations. Spread across 22,000 square feet, the design accommodates two homes in different blocks—one for the client and another for his son. The undulating bridge crafted from exterior-grade Luna wood, concrete, and MS fabrication is visually striking and symbolic of the bridge between generations, ideologies, and experiences.
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4. In Hawaii, A 1979-Build Balinese Pod House Is Restored As A Vestibule For Asian Artifacts
Purchasing a period home in dire need of renovation is most certainly not for the faint-hearted. It’s a decision best left to those who see potentiality in antiquity. This was exactly the case for a couple who had decided to leave all the comforts of the Bay area in San Francisco to build a new home in Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The home, a 1979 exotic build, was originally built by a German baron for his mistress who was a member of Thai royalty. It was a beautiful home in need of a major rehaul, for which the couple enlisted the services of Hawaii-based Philpotts Interiors, architect Paige Wilburn and landscape architect David Tamura for this project. The interior design features a hybrid approach with a combination of custom furniture as well as one-of-a-kind pieces that infuse the home with new life and an Asian aesthetic.
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5. How Five Helical Staircases Make An Architectural Impact In Urban Settings
The helical staircase has risen above its existence as a mere conduit between floors. With its beguiling contours and architectural finesse, each aspect of its curvature serves as a visual crescendo, drawing the eyes upward. Interestingly, these curvaceous wonders are no longer confined to grand mansions or luxury villas; they are making bold appearances in an array of interior spaces like flagship stores, urban homes, and serene farmhouses. Serving as centrifugal sweeps that command attention, these staircases are crafted with precision and employ avant-garde materials, which allow for more daring and innovative forms. They represent the artistic vision and engineering prowess of the creators.
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