M3 - KG by Mount Fuji Architects Studio

Spotted this morning on KITKA, we were impressed by the personality of this Tokyo residence by Mount Fuji Architects Studio. Thematic of the project's dynamism, the buildings facade is in constant flux; appearing opaque and daunting in daylight while glowing and translucent at night. Inside, the intersection of the wood frame and the mirrored glass envelope creates an abrupt bridge between classical Japanese building and modern industrial architecture. And despite the towering concrete backdrop, the shelving integrated into the framing suggests the subtle feel of a cabin. Through a varied materials pallet -- glass, steel, wood, concrete, and stone -- the home embodies a surprising combination of austerity and warmth. See more at Mount Fuji Architects Studio.

A New Space in Copan

From architects Felipe Hess and Renata Pedrosa comes a newly renovated apartment in Sao Paulo. Working within the concrete envelope of Oscar Niemeyer's 1953 Copan building, the designers succeed in balancing industrial textures with bursts of color. And while there is no shortage of furnishings, high ceilings, strategic built-ins, and an avoidance of bulky pieces contribute to a discernible sense of roominess. See more at arch daily. Via NOTCOT.

House ROLY

Belgium's AABE Erpicum & Partners set out to convert this small outbuilding into a bed and breakfast. In response to the structure's traditional brick construction, the designers bowed to the modern neutrality of glass and steel. The common durability of the materials, old and new, gives the project an unexpected sense of cohesion and surprising warmth. Visit AABE for more. Via NOTCOT.

Oakland Inspiration: Christi Azevedo Design

Spotted on Remodelista, architect Christi Azevedo recently took on the renovation of this 1908 carriage house in Oakland, California. With a background both in architecture and furniture fabrication, the project is a testament to her attention to detail and craft. In keeping with her design aesthetic, she has layered traditional and modern elements; beadboard-clad walls and original fir flooring abut IKEA kitchen cabinets and translucent glass partitions. Azevedo's commitment to detail is evident even in the toilet-paper holder (custom made, seen here in surprising harmony with the rough-hewn wall). For more, visit Azevedo Design and Defauw Design and Fabrication.

An Alpine Block

Zurich gallery owner Eva Presenhuber granted architects Andreas Fuhrmann and Gabrielle Hachler creative license in designing her second home in the Lower Engadine region of Switzerland. "I told them: 'Do what you want. If you want a house with an architect's signature, that's what you have to do;' " an allowance the architects took to heart. While the use of cast concrete was a distinct departure from the area's architectural vernacular, the megalithic, almost glacial, presence seems perfectly at home in the mountain landscape. The largely neutral interior, almost exclusively concrete and plywood, provided Presenhuber an ideal venue to showcase her private collection of artwork. (Included in the collection is work from American Karen Kilimnic, her work shown above applied directly to the wall.) The restrained details of the structure do well in avoiding the feel of a bunker, establishing a comfortably spare interior space with a bold but appropriate facade. Via the NYTimes.