The Tamina Thermal Baths is part of the the Grand Resort in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. It consists of a remarkable building that houses a bathing hall, large sauna area, shops and a restaurant. The open-air baths are surrounded by the natural landscape which envelopes the magnificent Swiss design and architecture. Speaking of outdoor landscape – it’s magnificent! I just can’t get over the jaw-dropping presence, colossal windows, towering heights and all that heavenly white! The project was conceived by Smolenicky & Partner architecture in Zurich.
From Joseph Smolenicky -
“The Tamina thermal baths is explicitly conceived as a part of the grand-hotel culture. The cultural and aesthetic identity of the project seeks an affinity to both Swiss tradition and the grand hotels of the Baltic coast, such as Heiligendamm.
For this reason the building volume has a monumental character, in order to stand out as an institution equal to the other buildings in the resort. Simultaneously the thermal baths are intended to relativize the almost “urban” stonework character of the spa spring hall. This explains the snow-white woodwork of the thermal baths, lending it the pavilion-like character of the architecture of a historical holiday resort.
This strategy of using an explicit resort architecture is underscored in the building’s formally fanciful oval windows. Seen from the inside, the windows have the effect of over-dimensional picture frames. Oval picture frames were widespread in the Victorian era for landscape scenes, whereby the intention in the current project is to give specific expression to the view over the relatively neutral landscape by means of the gesture of the frame.”
“Metaphorically the creation of the interior spaces of the project has an analogy in cutting clearings in the pattern of a forest by felling individual trees. This is the reverse of the common design process. The exterior spaces are similarly created by “felling” supports on the periphery of the building volume. Structurally the building can be more or less seen as a forest, created out of columns instead of trees – a total of 115 supports using the timber of 2,200 fir-trees (this amount of wood is regenerated in Switzerland in two-and-a-half hours).”
Smolenicky & Partner architecture – More photos & info via Contemporist.
This beautiful white home belongs to a retired Los Angeles record executive turned successful restaurateur – Leah Simon. The interior design of this mid-century ranch house is filled with flavor to savor and then some. Carefully chosen contemporary furniture mixed with whimsical and playful inspirations are just some of the key ingredients. Leah worked with designer Susanna Kost and architect Jim Sullivan to complete her vision. The spaces are bold and interesting maintaining a special flow without compromising excitement!
When Leah contacted us, we almost couldn’t believe the home was sitting on a street named Whitehaven in Baton Rouge. Yes – Whitehaven! The exterior façade which was originally pink was painted white which makes the home look brilliant and sets the stage for all the goodness inside. White is everywhere, celebrated but not overused – absolutely love it!
As you enter the home, you’re greeted by these very regal repurposed 1970s chairs that were discovered discarded on the curb outside a furniture store. I’m really feeling the Starck Ghost Chairs and Frank Gehry lighting which really enhance the dining space. The kitchen is spacious and stunningly white. I’m also feeling the exquisite upholstered pieces and artwork throughout the home. The unique choices and thoughtful touches scream creativity and exceptionally good taste!
Images via Metropolitan Home.
Maison 51 is located in France’s popular wine country – Bordeaux. The modern home offers a simple boxy white construction all around. The black metal balconies alongside the front black framed windows add some contrasting charm. The modern white house is designed in the shape of a ‘U’ surrounding a petit middle courtyard with large fenestrations providing ample natural light and ventilation to all adjacent rooms. A quaint 1400 sq.ft. minimal home with great design and functionality.
Other great projects from Architects FABRE/deMARIEN.
by Vish on February 25, 2010
This apartment was originally built in the late 1800s and much of its original character still shines along the modern upgrades and touches.
The windows are large and the ceilings very high – almost 11ft to be exact! The original crown molding is very impressive and quite magical.
White is definitely in effect, giving the interior of this apartment a clean and fresh feel. There’s plenty of beautiful color everywhere you turn. Going dark with the kitchen is a great way to make it stand out.
Aside from the obvious white and little white touches – the white guitar in the bedroom and white picture frames bring the celebrated images to life. The use of wallpaper also adds character in all the right places. Very fun and cozy space!
See more of this charming apartment.
