t h r e s h o l d

the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced

Sense - common sense - might suggest that changes always represent a new threshold • changes will definitely take place in all our lives this first week of November. How we respond/react to change is in part what defines us as mature and responsible human beings. It will be interesting indeed to witness the reactions of the principal players in this event.

So - we wait!

ARANZAZU House / Besonias Almeida Arquitectos

Photographs:     Federico Kulekdjian

TORTUGUITAS, ARGENTINA

Why this house?
What makes it special?
It meets the standard — it meets the standard as to what moves me, as a designer, as a visitor --
it establishes a goal and the architects work relentlessly towards that goal - no compromises, no apologies.  Purity, is a key - purity of line, form, material choices and combinations.
Design is both a language and a conversation - in this conversation one is unerringly embraced and made to feel welcome, made to feel as a participant in this conversation.

Truly, a deft hand has worked this palette : : the richness of the oiled woods, the severe, yet warm elegance of the poured-in-place concrete • the house resonates grace, it speaks, in quiet insistent tones.

 Additional information is available here 

​The first floor is designed as a public space that has a kitchen and a dining room for hospitality when necessary. One of the main features of the first floor is allowing people to access with their shoes on. And it gives a possibility to this residential place to become a community platform for the neighborhood. Accordingly, the first floor cannot be defined as a strict private space and it neither can be a completely public space but it could be a common area that connects this house to the neighborhood and to the city.

​The second floor - study, the third floor - living room, and the attic - bedroom where people take off their shoes, have been arranged vertically to enhance the aspect of private space. We put the windows, the voids between floors, and the terrace by considering the location of the neighbors to minimize the closed feeling that the small house may have. 

Why this house?
​What makes it special?

: :  o p i n i o n : :
​this is  IMHO, pure and simple - others may agree or not - everyone is welcome to log in,
to offer their opinions.

A constant core of design belief is that simple is best - but simple is also, the very hardest to achieve, generally. To make something appear as pure, as simple - as free from supporting structure or devices, takes a greater depth of analysis and a greater determination, by the architect/designer, to find elusive solutions that will provide voice and enunciation of final form(s) in their simplest, form.

: : For more information : : 

Clever?    Clever. . . .  have we mentioned that we like (a lot) c l e v e r ?

​This innovative rolling pin takes the guesswork out of preparing dough and pastry with 4 sets of rolling pin rings that raise the rolling surface by different amounts, to create exactly the required pastry thickness.

4 sets of removable discs that raise the rolling surface by different amounts
Create exactly the required pastry thickness either 2mm, 4mm, 6mm or 10mm
Ensures that pastry or dough is rolled to an even thickness throughout and to the exact size required
Ideal for preparing biscuit dough, pizza bases, pie tops, lasagne sheets, filo pastry, and more

Modular ROLLING PIN

mucho  c o o l i o !

​The EP Light Corner Lamp is a beautifully designed, space-saving lamp that fits perfectly in corners for your living room, dining room, bedroom, guest room, or office. This minimalist lamp features soft-white, integrated LEDs that will provide hours of customized illumination. The easy to use remote control makes it simple to shuffle through 16+ million colors and 300+multi color effects to find your perfect lighting. Complete with quality metal finishes and a weighted rubber bottom to ensure safe placement, this high end design will make a big impact without dominating your space.

 Product Details

Colors : Black
Materials Aluminum, Acrylic
Measurements 55"L x 16"W x 16"H
OriginChina
Warranty: Manufacturer's 1 year 
Minimalist LED Lamp 
Choose From 16+ Million Colors & 300+ Multi-color Effects 
Convenient Remote Control 
Power Source: Wall Plug 
Cord Length: 6.5' 
Voltage: 12V 
Bulb Type: LED 
Bulb Included: Integrated 
Dimmable: Yes 
Wattage: 20W 
Lumens: 1512-1680LM 
Color Temperature: RGB 
Bulb Lifetime: 50,000 Hours 
Color Rendering Index: RGB Dimmable 
Assembly Required: Yes 
Instructions Included: Yes 
Suitable For Outdoor Use: No 
Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS 
Product Weight: 3.3 lb 
Remote powered by 2 x AAA batteries (NOT included)

Available from: Touch of Modern

Has a kinda 'steampunk' flavour to it, right? Funky, cool - but what is it, where is it?

Ahhhh!  That explains everything!

​The Solent Forts are within a short commute from London and can be reached by train, plane or car through various transport links. These include: Helicopter from Central London - 20 mins. Train from London Waterloo station to Portsmouth. - 90 mins. Various Motorways and road networks (M25, M3, A3 M27) – Planes into/out of Southampton International Airport.

​But, a fort? How can that be?

A truly unique boutique retreat with 150 year heritage
Easy conversion to Ultra-Private Residence, Casino, Spa, Corporate Offices, or Training Centre.

9 Luxurious guest suites plus staff accommodation.
Event spaces including Crow’s Nest Bar (60), Officers Mess Restaurant (60), Victory Bar (50) and Wine Cave (20).

33,000 sq. ft. over 3 floors, 15 ft. thick granite walls.
​
Extensively refurbished in 2012 with approximately £8m spent across Spitbank and No Man’s Forts.
Roof terrace, hot pool, sauna, re pit and sun deck. Licensed wedding facility.
Open central courtyard, plus roof top terrace including sauna, fire pit, hot pool and sun deck.

In the next issue