Villa: Namly House, Singapore – CHANG Architects
Redefining ‘tropical house,’ CHANG architects gave homeowners in Singapore who wanted modern concrete forms with lots of privacy a villa that still relates to and harmonizes with the environment. The minimalist house has few outer windows, so the outside world can’t see in, but features light-filled inner courtyards. It avoids the typical bamboo and wood seen in most tropical houses, but it’s filled with profuse greenery and offers plenty of beautiful views.
Hotel: CitizenM London Bankside, UK – Concrete
Offering luxury ambiance at a budget price, the CitizenM Bankside hotel in London cuts out unnecessary frills but still manages to feel high-end. It features a large central courtyard functioning as an ‘outdoor living room’ for guests, and it’s packed with fun, colorful, thoroughly British visuals.
Transport: Sydney Cruise Terminal, Australia – Johnson Pilton Walker Architects
A degraded industrial site has become a central hub for the many cruise-goers who pass through the Sydney harbor in Australia. A historically significant metal crane structure was preserved, and now stands as a framework draped in a modern roof canopy shaped to emulate the waves of the adjacent water. The design opens up panoramic views of the city.
Culture: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, New Zealand – Frances-Jones Morehen Thorp and Archimedia
Named the World Architecture Festival’s ‘World Building of the Year’, the Auckland Art Gallery is warm and welcoming with richly patterned wood canopies designed to mirror the trees of the nearby Albert Park. The space is an extension of the existing gallery and incorporates natural local materials. The work of great Maori artists can be seen embedded throughout the walls of the building.
