• K3 House by Bruce Stafford Architects

    This dramatic renovation centres around a spacious internal courtyard defined by natural rock face and lush vegetation. Large sliding glass doors in the main living area enable a seamless flow between inside and outside. The living areas also have the added benefit of glazing on the north façade which opens up the house to the view. The master suite pavilion, perched on the highest portion of the rock face, has been designed as a sanctuary for the parents, whilst maintaining a bird’s eye view over the living areas.

  • The Fourth Wall by François Bauchet, Eric Jourdan and N°111

    Initiated by N°111 with François Bauchet and Eric Jourdan, the Quatrième Mur was one of the off exhibitions which spearheaded the event during the St Etienne Design Biennial 2010. In a former cinema and with this mysterious title, three ex- Saint Etienne students invited two of their ex-lecturers for a collective exhibition in the shape of tribute-thanks-transmission with a result which lecturers and pupils alike can be proud of. The installation comprised everyday objects which, through their design and varying scales, gave rhythm and composition to the scenic space. The objective was to encourage the spectator to observe the objects from our domestic environment from a different angle and to reconsider the relationship between objects. “The fourth wall evokes an intellectual wall separating the actor on the stage and the spectator in the room. The installation of the objects on a stage puts distance between them and the spectator. The goal of the distance is to lead the spectator to consider what is taking place on the stage with an investigative and critical eye. To distance, is to transform the thing that it is to be understood, to which attention is to be drawn, from something banal, known and immediately fixed, into something distinctive, unusual and unexpected. ” N°111 .

  • The Enclave Interior by Jamie Herzlinger

    The clients are world travelers and after a brief period of time living in Milan, they understandably fell in love with the work of Carlos Scarpa! Interpreting his work in combination with the client’s lifestyle made this project very exciting and unique. The house had to be completely gutted, and it was only then that the soaring ceiling heights were discovered. Within the box of space that previously evaporated the entrance, dining room, hallways, and living room, we were able to make each of those public areas very dramatic by the controlled use of the bead blasted steel and poured terrazzo floors that had zinc screeds inlayed for a distinct separation. In the entry, the angled cabinet is a beautiful dining room buffet, fabricated in Makassar ebony and supported within two bead blasted steel columns. It is cantilevered in order to create a visual separation from the entrance, but at the same time contributing to the architectural details. The original master bathroom was combined with a walk in guest closet to create a larger space, as the programming required that the couple preferred to use the bath area together, thereby necessitating a larger space. Visual fluidity and an informal atmosphere were the driving and guiding principles in the complete renovation of this project. .

  • Streetwalk by Charlie Davidson

    A commission won through an open call for artists from Sunniside Partnership, the acting body in charge of revitalising the Sunniside area of Sunderland. Charlie Davidsons original proposal was for a series of benches that had the appearance of walking. This idea was a direct response to the brief which asked designers to draw pedestrians into the east side of town and the newly furbished Sunniside gardens from Sunderland city centre. The original designs were too big for the finalized street layout so the designs were developed into a stool module. The final design is cast in a polymer based cement with coloured quartz and marble aggregate.

Contemporist Architecture : Guu Izakaya Restaurant Design by Dialogue 38

Dialogue 38 designed the Guu Izakaya restaurant in Toronto, Canada.



HISTORY + BACKGROUND
GUU is the Vancouver inception of an authentic Japanese izakaya (aka: pub) and has generated a loyal following. This drinking establishment serves traditional and fusion food to rowdy crowds, from university students to office workers and the ‘in-the-know’ Vancouver expats. 

SITE + LOCATION
Sitting at the abrasive intersection of Church and Gerrard, GUU makes its much anticipated Toronto debut, nestling itself innoculously among the streetscape  though exuding its refined personality and style. The smooth platinum gray slate storefront with contrasting heavy weathered wooden door sits prominently, yet ever so modestly, to block out the overlooked strip mall in which it occupies. The windows are minimized to limit the exposure of the garish exterior surroundings.




INTERIOR DESIGN
The small and intimate space is intended as an informal eatery. Seating spaces are tight and informal, the bumping of elbows is not uncommon, nor are the conversations between strangers in this watering hole. Communal tables and benches stimulate interaction and bar seats offer front row action of the entertaining chefs in the bustling open kitchen. This unique exposed kitchen concept and layout works fluidly with the unusual GUU experience where the chef and staff joyously and exuberantly greet every single person entering and exiting the establishment constantly as the afternoon spills into the late nights, to maintain a perpetual energy infused atmosphere.



Maintaining the informality and dimly lit space are an assortment of exposed bulbs hanging at various heights. In addition, there are custom creations of refurnished materials and compliment the reclaimed barn board that is used throughout the space. The exhausting activity within the space is contrastly striking  to the overall interior as it has been formulated around the simple clean lines of traditional Japanese design. In addition, the juxtaposition of raw and new materials creates a modern twist on the zen interiors. The simple platinum slate tiles are organized in a grid like manor, with varying protrusions to create texture  and shadow. A continuous wall-to-ceiling structure of reclaimed wood wraps one end of the venue to designate a quaint area for those who seek a mild sense of privy. For smaller intimate tables, the establishment offers a platform niche along the only bank of windows of the space revealing a quiet residential treelinedstreet.

Since it’s opening, the reviews of the food and atmosphere have garnered accolades among the press and food fanatics alike. While the neighbourhood has been revived with the addition of this streetscape gem as lively and hungry individuals flock outside all evening, anxious to calm their cravings.


Visit the Dialogue 38 website – here.

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