House at Spanish Oaks - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The home is located in a development dedicated to the restoration of land from overgrazed livestock pasture to a more native state of grassland prairie and trees.

House at Spanish Oaks - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The home’s design reflects an unpretentious, eclectic style that transitions into nature rather than confronting it.  Outdoor rooms layer around centrally air conditioned living spaces.  Textured stone work compliments the earth toned stucco and color palette and visually anchors the home to its site.

House at Spanish Oaks - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The Screened Porch, a sometimes underappreciated amenity, is strategically placed to catch southerly breezes in the warmer months while the chillier season is made comfortable with an outdoor fireplace.

House at Spanish Oaks - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

In the home’s interior main living area, a cupola floods the space with diffused natural light and its operable windows enhance natural ventilation.  Harvested rainwater provides all the family’s domestic and irrigation water needs.

House at Spanish Oaks - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

All of the image of could be see at Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Arkansas Lake House - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Arkansas Lake House - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Cliffside Inspiration - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Guest suites, a media room and an office are tucked below, allowing the design to sensitively step down with the land. The home employs premium non-degrading exterior materials with low/no maintenance characteristics.

Cliffside Inspiration - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are coordinated to enhance conservation principles and lower utility consumption. The screened auto structure is detached, protecting the indoor air quality and providing protection from north winds.

Cliffside Inspiration - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The canyon was created during construction. Stone retaining walls were built to hold back the caliche and control drainage. A large percent of land was left natural and existing vegetation was carefully pruned and shaped.

Cliffside Inspiration - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

A thoughtful mix of wood, fossilized stone and polished glass blends organic and refined elements for a naturally modern style. The subtle green-gray palette makes a restful backdrop for the magnificent vista.

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Blanco Retreat - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Blanco Retreat - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Blanco Retreat – Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Epsom - JesticoWhiles

Epsom - JesticoWhiles

Constructed in simple, economic portal frame, a raised parapet lends the structure greater elegance. Basic repetitive casements, bolted together on a purpose made support, create a strong identity and bright interior on a low budget.

For more information, please visit JesticoWhiles website.

Heights Retreat - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Heights Retreat - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Heights Retreat - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Private house - Michael Aukett Architects

The sensitive interior renovation of original detailing and use of classic furnishings recaptures the splendour of the past whilst providing an inspirational modern home.

Private house - Michael Aukett Architects

For more information, please visit Michael Aukett Architects website.

Freshwater Place Residential Tower, Southbank, Melbourne - batessmart

The 540 apartments provide variety and choice, including split-level units, two-storey townhouses and single-level apartments, which range in size from 50sqm studios to large penthouses.

Freshwater Place Residential Tower, Southbank, Melbourne - batessmart

The apartments deliberately vary in size, planning and finish, and are differentiated by three design options, known as Contemporary, Classic and Elegant, and three colour palettes, so that purchasers were able to personalise their apartment selection.

Colour palettes range from warm, neutral and lower-contrast schemes, to more dramatic, high-contrast interiors. All of the modern and spacious interiors share a timeless and elegant quality, which is enhanced by sweeping floor-to-ceiling views across Melbourne.

For more information, please visit Batessmart website.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

In spite of such goals it was a style that didn’t concern itself with site specificity, thus the name “international”. But, this was before insulation and high-performance building envelopes that today have evolved from a growing concern for comfort and indoor air-quality and a growing sense of stewardship responsibility for our planet.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The international style is somewhat the antithesis of the craftsman style commonly invoked and reworked by our firm for the local climate because of its wide appeal and it’s ability to stylistically respond to our climate. Our client came to us with what might appear to be conflicting goals: Make it “modern” and make it “Green”.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

Give it that international style flavor, but make it site specific and green? Yet from the start, beginning with site selection, these homes were well on their way to becoming prototypes for green and sustainable modern homes.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The homes would be built on what was originally one large lot – green light: “urban infill”. Furthermore, the plans would be laid out in a simple linear one-room deep fashion to allow for cross-ventilation. And, this would all be done in an international style tempered for the Austin, Texas climate.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The homes have finishes that require little to no maintenance. The lower level floors are predominantly diamond polished concrete, which doesn’t require a sealer, and with some hard woods mixed in. The exterior walls are a combination of metals that don’t require any routine maintenance and smooth stucco that is more impervious to water intrusion than traditional stucco.

The Modern Green Homes - Barley & Pfeiffer Architect

The roof is a chemically treated metal that acts as a barrier to radiant heat. The interiors are finished out with energy wise appliances and sustainable finishes, and no to low VOC paints. And, what makes this project even more unique is that these homes are being built as speculative residences. The houses show that you can have your modern and still be green.

For more information, please visit Barley & Pfeiffer Architect website.

Sofitel Melbourne, Hotel Suites, Melbourne - batessmart

Bates Smart has been involved in the refurbishment of the exclusive hotel suites on Level 50 (the top level of the hotel), the Executive Club Lounge on Level 35, and the masterplan for the hotel’s main lobby and Sofi’s Bar on Level 1.

Sofitel Melbourne, Hotel Suites, Melbourne - batessmart

Level 50 includes 13 guest suites, lift lobby and public corridor space, which overlooks the hotel’s Atrium. The 50th floor is the “executive” level of the hotel and the scheme creates a new identity for this floor. The suites are of various sizes, however the luxurious finishes are consistent throughout.

Sofitel Melbourne, Hotel Suites, Melbourne - batessmart

The look and feel is modern classic, warm, elegant and sophisticated. The 50th floor houses two of the largest suites in the hotel, the “best seats in the house”. These suites incorporate large living spaces, dining rooms and butler’s pantry.

Sofitel Melbourne, Hotel Suites, Melbourne - batessmart

The larger of the two is complete with a large spa room. The spa room has marble, timber and mirror lined walls and a spa and shower area surrounded by gold mosaic tiles. Every room offers stunning views of the Melbourne skyline.

Bates Smart in association with Mills Gorman Architects

For more information, please visit Batessmart website.