Compact Design or Bad Design? Where Do We Draw the Line? I recently encountered a staircase leading to an upper-floor apartment that really made me think. The total width was only 3 feet, with each flight just 18 inches wide, not counting the handrail. This design makes it impossible to carry large furniture or other bulky items upstairs. If you’re claustrophobic, just passing the entry with its full-height wall might be a challenge—I know it was for me. Yet, the residents who have lived there for the past 30 years have no complaints. They’ve adapted to their environment, and any change now would mean sacrificing part of their livable space, which nobody wants. So, they choose to keep things as they are. This raises the question: Is this staircase a marvel of compact design, maximizing space without a hint of waste, or is it a flawed piece of architecture that fails to meet practical needs? It could be seen as the most compact staircase I've ever come across or the most intimidating. In architecture, the line between compact and compromised often blurs. What's seen as a clever use of space to some may be a significant inconvenience to others. What are your thoughts? Where do you think we should draw the line between?
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This image shows a modern, futuristic architectural concept of a building with a unique geometric facade and layered design. The building has a distinct, multi-level structure where each floor appears to be slightly offset from the one below, creating a staggered look. The exterior is illuminated with horizontal lighting strips that enhance its shape, and the surface of each level has a textured, patterned material that reflects light, giving the building a sophisticated and eye-catching appearance. The design uses symmetry and clean lines, with the lower section of the building featuring large glass doors and windows, likely to emphasize accessibility and openness. The lighting plays a critical role here, accentuating the architectural layers and creating a strong contrast with the evening sky. The surroundings, with minimal trees and other buildings in the background, complement the modern aesthetic of this structure, highlighting it as the focal point in an urban setting. This concept could be ideal for corporate headquarters, cultural centers, or innovative research facilities, given its bold design and contemporary styling. The materials and lighting suggest a commitment to aesthetics as well as functionality, making it both a visual landmark and a practical space.
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🚪✨ A Hidden Masterpiece: Discover Our Case Study! ✨🚪 We’re excited to showcase a remarkable project that redefines modern design: a Hidden Garage Door seamlessly integrated with NewTechWood composite cladding! Located in a beautiful residential setting, this innovative design proves that functionality and aesthetics can go hand in hand. 🔑 What Makes This Project Unique? The garage door is completely hidden within the exterior wall, creating a sleek, uninterrupted facade. NewTechWood composite cladding not only enhances the home’s modern aesthetic but also offers unmatched durability and weather resistance. The project demonstrates how our versatile materials can be used in creative applications, delivering both practicality and style. 💡 Why It Matters: This case study highlights how NewTechWood enables designers and homeowners to push the boundaries of traditional construction, achieving exceptional results with sustainable, low-maintenance materials. 📖 Dive into the details of this inspiring project and discover how our products made it possible: Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/e49NzeVm Let us know in the comments—how would you use NewTechWood to bring your vision to life? 👇 #NewTechWood #SustainableDesign #CaseStudy #HiddenGarageDoor #ModernArchitecture #CompositeCladding #DesignInnovation #LowMaintenanceStyle
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Our Alentejo project is coming together beautifully—but this is far from an average project. Working with buildings constructed in the old traditional ways comes with its challenges. To give you some context: these buildings were designed with 1m-thick walls to act as a thermal barrier against the intense heat of dry summers and the biting cold of winter. This incredible heritage means we’ve had to get creative and innovative. By carving out wall space, introducing beams to counterbalance the structure, and insulating from the outside, we’re able to adapt while preserving the essence of these historic properties. Take this bedroom as an example—it’s the smallest room in the property, yet it doesn’t feel small. It feels right. Here’s why: By integrating the fitted headboard within the architecture, we maximised the available space, making room for a comfortable queen-size bed and fitted wardrobe/storage joinery. As a result this bedroom is cozy, functional, and beautifully balanced. Even as the smallest room in the property, I wouldn’t mind calling it my own! Creative design is powerful. It can overcome challenges, preserve history, and deliver spaces that feel just right. Have you worked on any projects with unique design challenges? I’d love to hear how you approached them!
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Our Alentejo project is coming together beautifully—but this is far from an average project. Working with buildings constructed in the old traditional ways comes with its challenges. To give you some context: these buildings were designed with 1m-thick walls to act as a thermal barrier against the intense heat of dry summers and the biting cold of winter. This incredible heritage means we’ve had to get creative and innovative. By carving out wall space, introducing beams to counterbalance the structure, and insulating from the outside, we’re able to adapt while preserving the essence of these historic properties. Take this bedroom as an example—it’s the smallest room in the property, yet it doesn’t feel small. It feels right. Here’s why: By integrating the fitted headboard within the architecture, we maximised the available space, making room for a comfortable queen-size bed and fitted wardrobe/storage joinery. As a result this bedroom is cozy, functional, and beautifully balanced. Even as the smallest room in the property, I wouldn’t mind calling it my own! Creative design is powerful. It can overcome challenges, preserve history, and deliver spaces that feel just right. Have you worked on any projects with unique design challenges? I’d love to hear how you approached them!
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From rustic chic to earthy modern, this Architectural Digest article offers ideas for wood accent walls that add style and visual interest to any space. #DCDesign #DMVDesignTrends
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3moWell said Divyalakshmi