Green Belt Center in Austria Unites Old and New Construction

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Green Belt Center in Austria Unites Old and New Construction Posted: 10 Jan 2016 06:00 AM PST The second half of the 20th century saw Europe divided by the Iron Curtain. Closed to civilians, the zones on either side of the border remained relatively untouched, even as surrounding areas rapidly urbanized. By the fall of the Berlin Wall, the territory flanking either side of the no-go zone was verdant and green, covered in old-growth forest. Now, the winding Green Belt is a protected nature reserve, where visitors can enjoy ancient woods and learn about the region’s rich history. Designed by Two in a Box Architects to unite the site’s historic past and green future, the Green Belt Center in Windhaag, Upper Austria — near the Czech Republic border — stands as a monument to the area’s exceptional story. Opened in May 2015, the center conjoins modern construction and a historic building native to the site. The addition’s bright, rough-sawn silver fir façade is a stark visual contrast to the old cabin’s original dark siding. Visitors enter the building where old and new construction meet. The center’s three-story central tower houses a media center and is topped by an observation deck. Varnished plywood interiors and polished concrete floors are offset by green accents and wildlife installations that evoke the outdoors. Minimal decor, clean finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the building allow the site’s exterior to shine. The layered floor plan symbolically joins the old and new, while making use of an energy-efficient layout to remain ecologically friendly. [Photography by Kurt Hoerbst] The post Green Belt Center in Austria Unites Old and New Construction appeared first on Freshome.com.

Wood and Glass Home in Australia Displays ‘Coastal Modernity’ Posted: 09 Jan 2016 12:00 PM PST This modern wood and glass home, designed by InForm, is located on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, Australia. Dubbed Blairgowrie 2, the house has four bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, a lounge, dining space and a two-car garage. The design of the project follows the lines of “coastal modernity”; according to the architects, the intention was to build a large pavilion-like retreat that blends with the surroundings. “The characteristic long lineal roof plane caps the entire building, protecting the loggia and deck that extend the length of the northern exterior,” the architects said. “A full-height vertical timber screen protects the loggia from the west and creates a dynamic front façade.” The interiors merge contemporary and rustic vibes, thanks to an array of carefully chosen textures: brick walls, oiled oak floors, stainless steel and marble countertops, and white mosaic tile for the kitchen backsplash. “Full-height black aluminum doors connect the living areas and master bedroom to the deck and sweeping lawn beyond,” the architects said. “The black aluminum provides a striking contrast with the smoky gray oiled timber cladding and crisp white fascias.” [Information provided by InForm Design; photography by Hilary Bradford] The post Wood and Glass Home in Australia Displays ‘Coastal Modernity’ appeared first on Freshome.com.

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