Touchey Design

Casa Fez house, beautiful architecture

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:37:56 +0300

We have all seen more than enough of the stacked-boxes genre of architecture. Boring, cold, uninviting, uninhabitable and so last decade.

Yet, once in a while, a set of images crosses our desks of a project that could potentially fall into the has-been category but doesn’t, and instead makes us look again and ponder the beauty of great architecture.

This is the case with Casa Fez, a new house in Porto, Portugal, designed by architect Álvaro Leite Siza Vieira. The architect calls it “the work of my life” as it is a residence he created for himself. “This project and everything behind it was a huge challenge,” he told TCH. “I needed a lot of willpower and courage — even more than when I decided to become an architect. I try sew up objectives, interests and goals. I followed an ideal and I finally achieved my dream.”

From some angles, we see glimpses of Tomorrowland, but we are willing to overlook that because from so many other viewpoints, the statuesque poise of the structure and the stark clarity of lines brings back memories of Alvar Aalto. One can almost imagine this house in the birch forests of Finland.

With this residence, Álvaro Leite Siza Vieira aimed to “achieve a new kind of romanticism” and he continued this artistic thought throughout.

The architect started planning his dream house in 2004 and the construction was finally finished earlier this year. He did absolutely everything himself – not just planning, coordinating and supervising the construction but also creating the interiors and the tiniest of details, including the doors and doorknobs, hand rails, furnishings, lighting, furniture and even some paintings. Mixed with the new pieces are historical and timeless pieces inherited from the family and perfect for this environment.

Architect Álvaro Leite Siza Vieira, who was born in 1962 in Porto, graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in Escola do Porto in 1994. He has an impressive pedigree that includes touches of Finland, which perhaps explains the Aalto-like feel of this house.

He is the son of one of the best-known Portuguese architects, Álvaro Siza Vieira, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Prize and the 1988 Alvar Aalto Medal, among many other accolades.

Father and son collaborated in the creation of their competition entry for the Museum of Contemporary Art,KIASMA, in Helsinki in 1992 (won by American architect Steven Holl.)

The son Álvaro Leite Siza Vieira is best known for his Casa Tolo in northern Portugal, a residence that cascades down a steep hill like a clunky staircase fit for a giant.

For this latest residence, his own dream-come-true, he has conjured up a tranquil sense of sculptural beauty.

The white structure, sitting on a non-descript site, draws you inside where magnificent, bold ceiling details assist in creating a sense of wonder and interest.

Natural light, wooden floors, unadorned windows all add up to a simplicity that resembles a gallery, museum or concert hall.Casa Fez does not pretend to be a cozy home, but is instead a statement residence that fits the owner’s’ lifestyle – and is perfect for him. - Tuija Seipell. Photos © Fernando Guerra

Cool poster designs by Benjamin Garner

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 22:37:53 +0300

Benjamin Garner lives in Austin and has for the past 7 years. “My design style is a mix of simple, clean and modern elements with hints of retro chic. Illustrations and Logo design have become my forte with concert poster design being my biggest love (and most of my favorite work).”

Fashion photography by David Leslie Anthony

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:36:00 +0300

David Leslie Anthony shoots for numerous magazines and clients worldwide. David is currently based in San Francisco, and works in the New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and European markets.

Amazing graphite creations by Paul Lung

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:35:51 +0300

These amazing graphite creations are by Paul Lung, he draws portraits and most of all cats, the detail in every piece is incredible and looks like a photograph.

Claude Bernard Primary School Architecture

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 01:37:35 +0300

Children respond very well to design – colors, shapes, and imaginative spaces all get their sweet little minds ticking. In the case of the new L’École Polyvalente Claude Bernard Primary School, the architects at Brenac and Gonzalez knew exactly how to design for this kind of clientele. The U-shaped building is currently located on the site of the old Claude Bernard Hospital, along the banks of the Canal Saint Denis in Paris. The exterior of the structure is covered with etched glass with a repeating pattern of small circles. This pattern flutters through the entire establishment because of the circular shadows it casts on its interiors.

Inside, the space is flooded with vibrant colors. Greens, Oranges, Pinks, and Yellows are meticulously painted on the walls to identify areas and direct the children through the school. The atrium, where the children meet for eating and social activities, has a unique enclosed staircase that is green on the inside and white on the outside. Rectangular pieces of different sizes and proportions are connected together to create the enclosure. The pieces are then staggered around the staircase and separated just enough to allow a little bit of green to peak through.

Throughout the school where there is light, there is color. This means, that at each window and light fixture, the architects painted that area of light, with a bright color. Stefan Tuchila, the project manager at Brenac and Gonzalaz, used this technique with the purpose of amplifying depths, colors, lights for the children.

(Photography: Sergio Grazia and Stefan Tuchila)

7 creative identity designs

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:19:59 +0300

Jacu Coffee by Tom Emil Olsen

Common Man - Restaurant by Josip Kelava

Integrity Spirits by Jared Milam

Come Closer Club by Are we designer (another cross logo, I should do a pinterest page about this ;)

Better half by Daniel Green

Pensjonistforbundet by Heydays

Zsófi Dobos by Eszter Laki

Facebook phone concept

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 02:19:54 +0300

A beautiful concept design for a facebook phone!

Designer: Michal Bonikowski

The very sexy BMW i8 Spyder

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:11:22 +0300

Designer Sonny Lim can’t say for sure whether or not this is what we can expect the BMW i8 Spyder (set to be unveiled in 2014) to look like, but we’re going to trust that the former Senior Designer at BMW Designworks has a unique perspective. Wink Wink. It’s a bit more “foldy” than you’d expect from the brand, but nonetheless… one very sexy ride.

Designer: Sonny Lim

via yankodesign.com

Dulux paints new beautiful packaging

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:59:43 +0300

“This work is something which we recently produced for Icon Magazine’s Rethink project. We were tasked with rethinking something we felt was in need of an overhaul. We focussed our attention up paint tins, and specifically the Dulux brand. Below is an excerpt from the interview for Icon Magazine:

Having recently braved the turmoil that is home decorating, the pain of standing in front of rows of souless tins of paint with no personality was fresh in the mind like a newly glossed skirting board. Therefore, when Icon’s ReThink brief landed, that feeling of being a frustrated paint consumer became the focus of our attention. When everyone thinks of paint (certainly in the UK) I’m sure they think of Dulux.”

“We focused the majority of our attentions on packaging as this is the area we felt the greatest improvements could be suggested in a short space of time. The first thing you will notice is that our paint tins don’t look like paint tins. We’re sure there are many good reasons for keeping paint can’s circular (but we didn’t want that to spoil our fun) as there are some very good reasons to argue for changing paint tins to Cubes; reducing storage space and transport, and as a result reducing their environmental impact.”

“We wanted our design approach to offer a much stonger continuity between products and the different ranges on offer. The colour forms the majority of each package’s surface, making selection for the consumer much easier.The paint finish is also reflected in the packaging. Matt paint has a matt finish, Gloss has a gloss finish (you get the picture)… special paints would be represented by material textures, Metal, Wood, etc.

Using different crops of the logo, each paint or sub brand has it’s own individual look but are all quite clearly part of a bigger family. This helps achieve a greater on-shelf impact and brand awareness.”

Smart Dot. Iphone stylus and laser pointer

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:58:18 +0300

Tangram’s Smart Dot, set to be released this month, is a genius little device that acts as both a stylus and a laser pointer. Simply plug the small pointer component into the 3.5mm audio jack on your iPhone and download the free app to start using the laser pointer! The “appcessory” will also sync wirelessly with your computer and let you use your iPhone as a trackpad to effortlessly navigate through presentations. Pure genius!

Designer: Tangram Design Lab

Fieldview House by Blaze Makoid Architecture

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:58:17 +0300

Check out this great house in East Hampton, New York. Located on a flat, one acre flag lot with neighbors close to the front and side yards, this 4,000 square foot house is configured of three primary volumes arranged in an ‘C’ that frame the expansive, southern view of an adjacent, agricultural reserve. This view serves as a backdrop to an interwoven composition of interior and exterior spaces.

Entry, through a glass void in the northern side of the house, is approached by a raised, stone walk, under an exaggerated uplighted canopy. The entry foyer, at the terminus of the outdoor pool, separates public space to the left and the private, two story bedroom wing to the right. An open floor plan contains living room, dining room and kitchen stretches along the length of the central outdoor patio. Large expanses of south facing glass help to dissolve interior/exterior relationships while a more selective glazing strategy locates individual windows in the predominately solid north, east and west walls that create privacy while modulating temperature.

Photography by Marc Bryan-Brown

Stunning beauty photography by Sasha Larina

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:58:11 +0300

Sasha Larina is a young and talented photographer from Moscow, Russia. Sasha is an expert in beauty and portrait photography.

Cioccolato pastry shop design

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:38:00 +0300

Savvy Studios has whipped up the sweetest little candy shop, set to fulfill all your sugar filled desires! Cioccolato is a pastry boutique specializing in custom deserts. The team at Savvy was called in because the once little pastry company is evolving into a full scale bakery – therefore, the branding, identity, and interiors, needed to get on the same page. Savvy created a minimalistic version of Candy Land in the space by dressing the walls in high gloss white above a reflective sea foam green floor. Vibrantly colored photographs fill up their white frames and are strategically scattered onto the walls, while one large central table reveals the freshest of treats. As a cool design feature, Savvy added a dripping effect to a few elements, such as the dripping “chocolate” on the retail counter and picture frames which have a similar effect. Are we making you hungry yet?

(Photography: Savvy Studios)

Linfa electronic faucet design

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:53:11 +0300

Linfa is a range of electronic faucets that includes several models for washbasin, bath and shower. The main body is from chromed brass featuring an organically shaped component made in corian. The fusion of the two creates an essentially elegant design that celebrates the natural flow of water. Inspired by waterfalls and leaves, the faucet is perfect as luxury fitting. The tech advantage of an electronic mixing device and remote controls makes it all the more alluring!

Designer: Andrea de Dominicis

Beautiful vector illustrations by Hatefuel

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:45:16 +0300

Hatefuel™ (Edo Septiyan) is a fusion between rad-scientist and graphic designer. After years of work, research and continuous exploration on both form and aesthetic, his brainchild continuing to develop and defining his vibrant style while he still experimenting out new stuffs to work with.

First Aid 2.0 design

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:22:23 +0300

First Aid 2.0 features a LED Red Cross panel that displays step-by-step instructions on how to administer first aid, relevant to the injury. It even has a GPS tracking system and can inform you about the nearest hospital or clinic. In the stressful situation of an emergency, this kit helps refines the process, which is the crucial first step in saving lives.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery and AC power, the kit consumes little energy when it is on standby mode. It is capable of operating for a full 24-hours (without recharging), or 6 months when on standby. Frequent injuries and their course of treatment are bookmarked on the screen’s home page for easy access. I love the way it doubles up as a subtle night lamp, so that it is easily reachable, even in darkness!

First Aid 2.0 is a 2011 red dot design concept winner.

Designer: Pow Ying Hern

Inspiring fashion photography by Emily Soto

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:53:09 +0300

Emily Soto is a Fashion Photographer, her images are well composed and beautifully lit. I could spend hours looking through her work! Some of Emily’s clients include; Glamoholic Magazine, Fashion 5.0 Magazine, YOU Magazine and more.

Chongqing Mountain and City Sales Office Design

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:47:00 +0300

Taking inspiration from the surrounding mountain range in Nanshan, the newly designed Chongqing Mountain & City Sales Office has come to life. The interior architecture of the office, designed by One Plus Partnership, has its valleys and its peaks. The space is fitted with an abstract version of a mountain, by connecting triangular grey marble faces to one another. The “mountain range” is central in the office, and custom built angular bronze desks are randomly scattered around architectural element. A field of tube lighting drapes down from the ceilings creating an aesthetic of a rain shower pounding down on the rocks.

(Photographs: Ajax Law Ling Kit and Virginia Lung)

Creative identities by Paval Emelynov

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:52:00 +0200

Paval Emelynov works for Russian design company Eskimo. They have created some excellent identities.

For more Check out his behánce profile, and the company website.

P.S. a super fresh restaurant interior design

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:22:22 +0200

A Restaurant with modern and super fresh interiors in Beijing, China.

G.I.D. created a very linear and geometric design with shades of green, but then juxtaposed it with curvilinear design features such as a swirly lighting fixture on the ceiling of the second floor, and a captivating spiral staircase that reaches from the basement to the top of the restaurant. On the first floor, White hallways with mercury looking hanging lights break up the continuous green rectangular strips that dress the walls and the ceiling. The architects decided to move the green into glass panels which separate the booths, also making its way to the facade glazing, creating a minty glow ambiance within the space. The second floor has a fresh loungy vibe as the seating changes from booths to individual pod chairs, perfect for socializing and sipping cocktails! And if you do make your way down to the basement, you’ll find stark white sexy restrooms which are so stylish, they might as well double as lounge space for the restaurant’s overflow on busy nights!

Photography by Sun Xiangyu
via knstrct