Bamboo

Once again two of my favorite things come together to make for one fabulous project. Here, Big Tree Farms build a chocolate factory in Bali made almost entirely out of bamboo. Surreal in its intricacy and stunning to look at. Not to mention that bamboo is a lot cheaper than steel-frame construction and way more sustainable.

Exterior view of the chocolate factory

Close up of construction elements

Ibuku Design who spearheaded the project also had a hand in building the Green School in Bali. A campus made largely from bamboo.

School under construction

Two classrooms at the Green School

A nearby village called Green Village was also taken on by architect Pete Celovsky. I read the living conditions are not quite reflective of the peaceful and graceful architecture, but that it is slowly getting better. Here is to hoping that all issues will be solved so that more and more projects can be inspired by this weaving technique of bamboo and save some of those much needed resources the earth has to offer. For more information and stunning photographs visit http://greenvillagebali.com/gallery/

Fauxidermy

My new recent obsession is wall art. More precisely animal wall sculptures. Personally I draw the line at taxidermy. I find it creepy and very, very sad. So imagine my delight when I found these great animal friendly versions I can go crazy with and not feel bad.

Noble Deer scuplture, hand carved in wood and available at www.nova68.com

Papier Mache sculptures available at West Elm - these were made by artists in Haiti as part of a collaboration between the retail store and Aid to Artisans nonprofit. One more reason we should all get one.

Ridged Antelope Horns - Cast in resin from Restoration Hardware

Smooth Antelope Horns - Cast in resin from Restoration Hardware

Steer Horns - Cast in resin from Restoration Hardware

Cardboard Kudu Sculpture by African artist Sharon Boonzaier

If you're thinking that you can't hang one of these sculptures unless you live in a chalet, you're wrong. Just because you live in a modern apartment, a loft or a quaint one bedroom it's no reason to limit your style. I am planning on hanging one of these (undecided on which one yet) above an old fashion bar in our very modern, open space living room. Scale is the key, don't let it overpower what is below or next to it.

Light Dreams

Still catching up on some light reading and this time I came across a new young designer who made the switch from fashion to product design. I don't know what Martha Freud was like as a fashion designer but I hope she sticks to products, lighting especially, because she makes the most exquisite lighting I have seen in a long time.  She probably won't remember, but I went to school with her, I also played tennis with her brother and started as a product designer. She's rubbing shoulders with celebrities and I am writing about her lighting. She obviously made the right call at some point.

Butterfly Light - so delicate and ethereal 

The Tea lights light (option to buy with the whole bookcase) - a simple, yet brilliant idea which is sure to make an impression in any space. 

All these lights and more, including some furniture are on her website. www.marthafreud.com

Around the world

I am slowly but surely starting to catch up on my magazine reading. What good timing too, as I pick up an old(ish) copy of the New York magazine to discover that it is mostly about design. I always read it cover to cover, but this particular issue was devoured in an hour. Below are some of what I deem to be the most brilliant, beautiful or just darn bizzarre (read interesting) designs featured.

8 House by Bjarke Ingels Group, Copenhagen

Normally I would get dizzy at the idea of being in such a complex, (I get vertigo only looking at cruise ships), but the green roof, water proximity and interior courtyard might just convince me to move in.

Harmonia 57 by Tryptyque, Sao Paulo, Brazil

This is probably one of my favorite designs to date. Not only is it eco friendly but also stunning to look at. The plants are watered using recycled and rain water carried through those very architectural yellow water pipes which contrast so beautifully with the vibrant green of the fauna.

House N by Sou Fujimoto, Oita Japan 

This open box, which incorporated both the interior and exterior garden is such a breath of fresh air it just exudes relaxation, and the patterns created by the shifting light make such unique and interesting patterns throughout the space.

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, Korea

Isn't it exciting to see how throughout the world architecture and landscape are getting closer together? This beautiful space was created by tearing down the elevated highway that was blocking the stream. Not unlike our very own Highline in NYC.

Keret House by Centrala, Warsaw, Poland

I had to add this because to me it summarizes the great thing about architecture, as with beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. An art installation for now (I rest my case) it will eventually be a writer's hideaway. Although I'm not sure how many creative juices one can get going in such tight quarters.

Ring Around a Tree by Tezuka Architects, Tokyo Japan

The Fuji Kindergarten classroom makes me want to go back to school. Resembling a tree house it has evolved immensely from what I remember as a classroom, no wonder the kids can't wait to go to school.

Kids' Play

I don't know about you but I was never into dolls or doll houses. I am seriously rethinking their appeal since I found these. All available at FAO Schwarz, they are absolutely astounding examples of great architecture, at a fraction of their size (and price). Who says you need to be a kid to play make believe?

Dylan House

Emerson House

Lily Dollhouse

Pierce Dollhouse

Cartoon Art

I stumbled upon the cartoon artist Robert Marble while watching a TV show (which will remain undisclosed) and loved his lighthearted animals and drawings. Perfect for a kid's room, bathroom, office or wherever you want really. 

This is a small sample, his "Office" print, which I found appropriate for this particular blog. But check out the rest on his website http://www.robertmarblehumorousartwork.com/. I find the penguins particularly endearing.

Creature Feature

Anyone out there need ideas for gifts? To me in particular? Then this is it. Andrew Zuckerman's amazing animal photographs in one swanky hardcover book.

The images in this book are out of this world. We have all seen the picture of an elephant right? Think again. Zuckerman will blow your mind.