Twisted Geometry: Modern Home Echoes Family’s Growth

dupli-casaSituated like a stack of offset geometric shapes, the Dupli Casa by J. Mayer H. provides a singularly unusual home for a vibrant family just outside of Luxembourg, Germany.

The home, much like the family within it, has grown organically over time. The original home was built in 1984 and underwent many modifications and additions throughout the years.

In August of 2008, the new home was completed. The 12,800 square foot residence blends interior and exterior almost seamlessly with ample access to breathtaking scenic views and huge, clear windows.

Public spaces on the first and third floors are more open to the outdoors via huge windows, while the private spaces on the middle floor are protected by the protruding elevations above and below.

AUDIOBULB | WIRELESS SPEAKER LIGHT BULB

audiobulb-wireless-speaker-light-bulbThere is no stopping technology and imagination, the latest mind-boggling product we found are these wireless speaker light bulbs. Appropriately named AudioBulb, the revolutionary device allows you to use up to eight light bulbs as speakers, connected wirelessly to your iPhone/iPod or any other auxiliary input. You can also dim the lights from your iPhone, all this avoiding holes in the wall for running wires through! source

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Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Home in the Forest

Wee Washrooms: Stylish Subcompact Apartment Bathrooms

toto-sprino-small-bathroom-2Small-space living often necessitates compromising on style, functionality, or both. The Subaco line of tiny bathrooms from Japanese company Spiritual Mode is rich in style but doesn’t skimp on function – and manages to cram it all into an impressively tiny footprint.

The sub-compact bathrooms can include tubs, toilets, sinks, and perhaps even laundry and/or kitchen facilities in an area no bigger than 2 square meters. Although definitely not large enough to be considered luxurious, the bathrooms offer just enough room to take care of necessary hygiene tasks.

The designers user vertical space in their designs as well. The bathrooms can be lofted to allow for a second level, giving a bit more space (and a fair dose of minimalist design cred) for those essential functions without taking up more precious floor real estate.

Paradigm shift for handicapped-accessible housing

game_changerCasey Nolan’s goal is to transform handicapped-accessible housing for wounded warriors and their families. He is the project director for Wounded Warrior houses, a public-private partnership between the Army and Clark Realty Capital to upgrade 40,000 family units on bases across the U.S. When Nolan toured Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, he recognized that the units needed more than a makeover.

Taking feedback from returning soldiers, their spouses, caregivers, and doctors, Nolan and his team set out to create both suitable and comfortable homes. Currently, Patriot Homes are constructed for qualified soldiers, but Nolan believes that the project brings a paradigm shift to housing. Rather than perceive the housing needs of the disabled and elderly as unique, Americans will see them as part and parcel of the mainstream market.

CASA OLIVI | BY WESPI DE MEURON ARCHITECTS

house-renovation-italy-wespi-de-meuronCasa Olivi is a beautiful renovation by Wespi de Meuron Architects, the 300 year old farm is located in Treia, in the heart of the Marches, the New Tuscany. The Farmhouse renovation took 4 years, the outside style was preserved, but the inside was entirely re-organized according to a luxurious, high comfortable and minimalist style. The 5 bedroom house is on a hill top and features a stunning infinity pool with a 360 degrees view of the beautiful, olive tree landscape. This stylish piece of Italy is available for rent, more details here.

CASA OLIVI | BY WESPI DE MEURON ARCHITECTS | Image

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Feast your eyes on the Dark Knight home theater

batman-theaterRecent events may leave you a bit hesitant about joining the crowds at the multiplex, and while some of us will just sit and wait for films to be available via Redbox or Netflix, others will be building their own Dark Knight theater.

This $2 million home theater is set to be completed by November of this year, so there won’t be any first runs of the final Dark Knight movie happening here, but every other new release enjoyed in this awe-inspiring home renovation project will definitely be an adventure.

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According to Nandini Maheshwari at BornRich:

The highlights include 180” film screen with Batsuits on each side, besides the backlit life-size Batsuit standing across the room. There are a total of six Batsuits placed throughout the room. The other details include winged gargoyles, private cylindrical stainless steel elevator with glowing bat symbol, mock secret tunnel exit, bat computers, and race-car inspired home theater chairs to be in tune with the luxurious Batmobile vehicles. The Exit gate is designed to look like a secret tunnel approximately 30 feet long.

Did the real Batcave even cost that much?

For that kind of dough, we’d want Robin thrown in with the theater to bring us popcorn refills during the good parts.

Full story at Elite Home Theater Seating via BornRich.

10 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Resale Value

remodelFigure out which renovations will pay off, and you’ll have more money in your pocket when that ‘Sold’ sign is hung

With real estate prices not what they once were, to put it mildly, it’s only natural for homeowners preparing to sell to be thinking of ways to up their home’s value. But it simply doesn’t make sense to throw money into a big remodeling project that won’t end up netting a higher sale price in the end. What’s a homeowner to do?

Learn what buyers want, then start early (so you can enjoy your hard work before you sell) and small (to avoid excessive spending) for the best possible results. These 10 home improvement projects make smart use of your time and resources.

What Would You Do With an Extra Room?

home_theaterLet’s pretend for a minute. Say you have an extra room in your house and you can do anything with it. Pretend you don’t need the space for that extra kid or that collection of merry-go-round horses. It’s just extra and you can do anything with it.

It could be your salsa dancing room or your indoor basketball court. Maybe it’s a meditation room, a home gym or a family room.

The truth is, we could all use an extra room. Once we’re all housed and the kitchen, bathrooms and common rooms are taken care of, there seems to always be a need for just a little extra space. A fantasy room.

I’m trying to chose between a cozy, comfy library and a playroom for the kids. Not that there’s any hurry for my decision.