Design Video: Special Window and Door Features in Modern Japanese House

Irwin Weiner ASID - It doesn't take me long to begin my New Year's Resolution to present more smart ideas for home architecture while 2012 is still with us! I came across this great Japanese house, designed by Shigeru BAN Architects, backing onto Hanegi Park in Tokyo, and admired its sliding windows, expanses of glasses for adding plenty of natural light, and large doors that open into the park and natural views. It's not a stretch to say that U.S. homes should try to use more innovation with custom window and door products. This video will give you some great inspiration - and visit the Japan Architecture + Urbanism website for more videos.

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Bolt and Build - Modern Quick-Assembly (and Green) Prefab Housing

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Loblolly House by Kieran Timberlake is an amazing structure in Maryland that uses an aluminum beam frame with "smart" and "dumb" components bolted to it. (Smart components contain "stuff" like wiring, pipes, etc.; dumb components are filled with insulation and nothing further.)

Components are created off-site and assembled on the building site, and environmentally it's superior construction because everything can be unbolted, taken apart, and moved - or components that age can be switched out easily. Watch today's featured video to get a complete picture of the design and construction process of this vibrant future housing option.

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Active Lifestyles: Skateboard-Inspired Furniture and Architecture

The God Father Lounge Chair

Irwin Weiner ASID - Why shouldn't extreme sports like skateboarding influence the style of furniture and the way architecture informs how a home should be designed? Skate Study House is a unique collection of mid-century modern furniture, bowing to a love of California and everything to do with skateboarding.

The Comet Coffee Table

Designer Gil Le Bon Delapointe and architect Francois Perrin collaborated with others on a prototype home and community for skateboarders where everything from furniture to appliances stay out of the way of one's free access to skate up and down the walls and perform tricks on countertops and other surfaces.

Astro Clock, made from skateboard wheels and bearings

Today's featured video showcases the PAS House prototype in Malibu, CA, and Delapointe discusses the lifestyle features that are integrated into the furniture and architecture. As you know, Design2Share loves to showcase design that pushes the envelope; we think designing a home and furnishings around residents' personal needs, hobbies, and sports is a wonderful new direction.

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San Francisco Couple Transforms Old Victorian Row House

Irwin Weiner ASID - Scott Kalmbach, designer and property developer (now realtor), and his artist wife Tjasa Owen faced a real fixer-upper situation with their crumbling row house in San Francisco. The house they originally purchased as newlyweds was in bad shape, with chopped-up floors housing duplex rentals and tacked-on shed additions in the backyard. But I admire their desire to transform old housing stock and turn it into something new and beautiful and open. You'll see in this HGTV video how House & House Architects in San Francisco helped the couple makeover their home into something truly special. Click here to see more beautiful interior photos of the Kalmbach/Owen house.
  

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