Frame of Space
At first sight, Casa 15, designed by Porto-based AM-Arqstudio, appears to be an unremarkable modern villa with sleek, minimalist lines and rectangular volumes. Closer inspection reveals a wealth of design details which elevate the senses.
The two-storey house is built on a sloping site, accessed by a steep ramp and a trail of concrete paving slabs and steps. The former are irregularly shaped whilst the latter are set into the lush hillside at jaunty angles, adding moments of levity to lighten the austere exterior. The front wall of the house is cladded in slatted timber, into which the garage door and main entrance are seamlessly incorporated - a slick design feature which is sure to confuse the postman.
Inside, the floors and ceilings are alternately clad in smooth grey concrete or warm wooden floorboards, with walls of built-in cabinets in the same finishes. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the staircase at the double-height living space: a cascade of floating steps magically supported by overlapping rectangular metal frames which double-up as balustrades. The frame motif can be found throughout the house, from the suspension lights over the stairwell to the pothole-like shelves which punctuate the cabinets separating the kitchen and dining room. This is apt, as great design, like great works of art, deserve to be framed too.
Links
Product Inspiration
Frames work well as a design motif: try the Frame Shift shelves from Moroso, the Ro bench from Laengsel and the In Heaven bed from Zeitraum.
For lighting inspired by frames try the Frame suspension light from Utu, the Cuad suspension light from LZF and the Sorry Giotto table light from Catellani & Smith.
For frame style accessories try the Frame floor mirror from Stellar Works, the Zenobio coat rack from Formae and the Framed Webbing wallpaper from NLXL.
