• Painting

    Modernity Finds Shelter Within Tadao Ando’s The Shinmonzen

    Kyoto is not lacking for serene inns within the city’s historical neighborhoods, in sum emphasizing the city’s eminence as a crafts, arts, and design capital. Walking around Kyoto’s historic Shinmonzen Street in the Gion arts district, it’s easy to believe time passes with a more leisurely gait here along the area’s beautifully preserved buildings. The Shinmonzen distinguishes itself from the numerous traditionally designed machiya townhouses and ryokan inns lining the gentle flow of the Shirakawa River. Not openly so, as the hotel’s front facing architecture of dark latticed timber and kawara tile roofline presents a distinguished weathered simplicity. But inside…

  • Home Renovation

    Beyond Shelter: Exploring the Art and Science of Roofs

    Roofs, often overshadowed by the grandeur of architectural facades, play an indispensable role in protecting us from the elements. Yet, they are more than mere functional covers; they are canvases for creativity, embodiments of engineering prowess, and reflections of cultural heritage. Today, we dive into the world of roofs, unraveling their significance, diverse designs, and their impact on the built environment. The Roof’s Evolution Roofs have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple shelters made from branches and leaves. Over millennia, they’ve transformed into complex structures engineered to withstand varying climates, accommodate modern technologies, and even support…

  • Home Décor

    How to help upcycling project to furnish Hornsby women’s shelter

    Professional upcycler Jemma Wlasichuk of Shed Eleven is leading a community project to make Hornsby Kuringai Women’s Shelter more homely for its guests. A Keep Australia Beautiful initiative, it hopes to provide home comfort and dignity to women at the shelter. Some of the pieces which have already been upcycled for the shelter Furniture and homewares donated by the community are being upcycled for the five-bedroom house using trauma informed interior design principles. It is currently closed for structural renovations this month. Jemma noticed a growing frustration within her community that their unwanted items were not being accepted by charities.…