Category: Architecture

Perched atop the picturesque ski slopes of Le Massif de Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Chalet Bertha is a noble project designed by the renowned studio Perron. The private chalet-hotel embodies a seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and nature, offering an unparalleled retreat for a large, nature-loving family seeking relaxation and quality time together. The client envisioned a true turnkey experience, a rarity in such bespoke projects. Perron’s team embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, crafting a chalet that not only serves as a familial gathering spot but also rivals the amenities and atmosphere of a high-end boutique hotel, right down to the rolling luggage cart. Every detail, from custom European furniture to personalized bathroom products, was meticulously planned to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

The design of Chalet Bertha is heavily influenced by Nordic aesthetics, reflecting the surrounding mountains’ natural beauty. The interiors are minimalist yet warm, featuring an exposed fir wood frame and abundant natural light. The chalet’s spacious layout and large windows establish a constant connection with the outdoors, providing breathtaking views of the river and landscape.

The chalet is designed to cater to every family member’s needs. A terrace complete with a spa and fireplace offers a serene spot for relaxation, while children can enjoy a dedicated playroom featuring a climbing wall and custom-made red slide that runs adjacent to perforated metal stairs.

The ground floor’s centerpiece is a room with a suspended fireplace, ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. The space is practical too, with brick flooring that negates the need to remove wet boots, and there’s even a hidden boot warmer.

Perron’s design extends to the smallest details, ensuring a luxurious and functional experience. Unique furniture pieces from prestigious European manufacturers like Sancal, Dooor, Moooi, and Bonaldo are complemented by handcrafted items from local artisans in L’Isle-aux-Coudres. The combination of natural materials, soft colors, and clean lines are paired with eclectic touches – such as a bright yellow piano and vibrant dining area – which add to the interior’s playful energy. “We punctuated the ensemble, very neutral and minimalist, with textured, colorful, and unusual elements for Quebec,” Perron design team member Sarah Ève Hébert says. “We wanted to infuse it with a sense of Nordicity, pleasure, and eclecticism.”

The upper floor is designed for socializing and culinary experiences. A massive 500-square-foot lounge, inspired by the opulent lobbies of luxury hotels, provides ample space for reading, meetings, and contemplation. The state-of-the-art kitchen, discreetly hidden behind large panels, allows for professional chef services, ensuring gourmet dining experiences. A well-stocked bar and wine cellar further enhance the hospitality, making every gathering memorable.

Each of the five suites in Chalet Bertha carries a unique charm, with names inspired by the word ‘snow’ in various languages – Sno, Nev, Ho, Lumi, and Sne. These suites, while individually styled with different color palettes, share a common thread of luxury and comfort, each equipped with a full bathroom adorned with exclusive Bertha-labeled products.

Bertha is a chalet-hotel characterized by its holiday spirit, flavored by Nordic inspirations. Its design honors both European prestige and Quebec charm.

-Sarah Ève Hébert

If you want to experience Chalet Bertha firsthand (take us with you!), it’s available for rent here. To see more projects by Perron, head to perrondesign.ca.

Photography by Ulysse Lemerise, courtesy of v2com.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Amidst the urban clamor of Chengdu, China, Natural Villa offers a serene escape that seamlessly blends the tranquility of nature with modern living. The villa presented obstacles from the onset for GROWTO DESIGN, who were met with a three-story building with only one floor above ground. This resulted in two subterranean floors lacking natural light and ventilation, as well as lower height ceilings making it feel more claustrophobic.

The first step in transforming this space was reimagining the main living areas. By relocating the living room, dining room, kitchen, and study to the mezzanine level, the GROWTO DESIGN optimized the use of space. The inclusion of two strategically placed skylights floods the lower floors with much-needed natural light, creating an open, airy atmosphere that belies the structure’s underground nature. This clever design element not only enhances illumination but also fosters a stronger connection between the levels, promoting a sense of unity throughout the home.

The design ethos of Natural Villa is rooted in simplicity and elegance. Eschewing superfluous decoration, the space relies on the interplay of light, shadow, color, and texture to tell its story. This minimalist approach transforms the home into a tranquil haven, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to evoke calm and comfort. The fusion of rigid and soft lines throughout the villa orchestrates a unified rhythm, bringing a poetic quality to the living experience.

A neutral color palette and use of natural materials keeps the interior feeling cozy while also put together, with shades of gray and green offering soothing sights throughout.

An open wooden staircase and light well keep the main living room, dining room, and kitchen feeling like they’re above ground and not located on the mezzanine level.

On the top floor, a sitting room with an adjacent tea room, features expansive windows framing picturesque views of the outdoor scenery. The light-filled space offers a quiet space for contemplation and relaxation, embodying a luxurious simplicity.

The minimalist tea area appears as a desk or dining table but upon closer glance, it becomes clear that a cleverly placed sink is built right into the design. The handy addition allows for quick and convenient tea making, preventing multiple trips back and forth between the kitchen and the lounge.

The primary bedroom suite epitomizes refined living with smooth, unadorned details create a sanctuary of peace. The children’s room is a vibrant, playful space, outfitted with warm wood tones and cheerful lemon yellow accents. This area fosters a sense of wonder and exploration, providing a magical environment where they can thrive. The choice of materials and the minimalist design cultivate a natural, inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for imaginative play.

Photography by Shifang, courtesy of GROWTO DESIGN.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Teal waters lap white sand beaches just outside this 6,000-square-foot ocean-front estate situated on two acres of Fiji’s northern shore within the spectacular lowland peninsula of Vomo Island. Aptly named Reef House, the residence provides world class access to waves and an architectural viewport to frame breathtaking vistas. But to realize such a calm-inducing space required assembling a global team in an effort as grand as its scale.

The family for whom the home was built brought together talent from disparate ends of the earth including Canadian-based firm Architecture Building Culture, New Zealand-based landscape architects Wraight + Associates LTD, San Francisco-based Lindsay Gerber Interiors, and an Australian lighting designer – among others. Despite COVID delays and the physical distance between all parties involved, the collaboration proved to be synergistic as evidenced by the team’s creative solutions.

A pavilion system comprises the compound with the main structure devised by architect Mark Ritchie to serve as its heart and lungs. This versatile living and entertainment space expands and contracts as desired with the position of enormous sliding glass walls to take in salty, fresh air while delineating between a formal indoor living room and dining room off the kitchen. What’s more, these two areas are separated by an open breezeway furnished as a shaded outdoor living room. “When all of the glass walls are opened the effect is breathtaking” says interior designer Lindsay Gerber. “The rooms not only blend together seamlessly, but they seem to melt into the black bottom zero edge pool and ocean beyond.”

Additional programming kept close to the core includes a butler’s pantry, powder room, service rooms, changing area, sports gear room, the swimming pool placed parallel to the house, patios, hot tub, and extensive garden whose tendrils extend beyond the public spaces. Flanking each side of that central nucleus along the horizontal axis are three pavilions of a smaller scale – two on one side, which house four individual bedroom suites, and one on the other for a more secluded primary suite.

The project proposes a paradise forged from a productive dialogue between traditional Pacific forms or expressions and contemporary architectural language. Roughness and spontaneity are balanced by elegance and restraint, respectively. An off-white limestone grounds the material palette in simplicity and unity while showcasing organic texture as it patinas with maturity over time. This heterogeneity also helps better articulate the other finishes and furnishings selected: blond colored Victorian Ash wood, charcoal porcelain pool tile, and the off-white painted plastered walls, as well as dark windows and fixtures, and the lush greens on premises.

Linens and wool complement exterior grade fabrics for effortless movement from outdoors to indoors where guests may find comfort in a variety of handmade, artisan pieces. The monumental “Urchin” pendants suspended above the dining table come from Coup D’Etat in San Francisco, from where all the built-in leather headboards also hail. The bedroom pendants are blown glass from master glass designer Alison Berger. And the large wooden dining, coffee, and console tables, as well as bedroom benches, are custom designs by Lindsay Gerber Interiors, which were later manufactured by local artisans in Fiji. So too were the drapery and custom pillows.

“The shapes we designed for the wooden tables and casegoods throughout were simple in form, but we asked them to employ a subtle hand scraping technique that mimics the ripples on the ocean,” Gerber notes of nature’s influence echoed in the aesthetics. “It was a pleasure to work with them and we loved showcasing their talent and the beautiful wood.”

Photography by Sean Fennessy.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. Previously a regular contributor to titles under the SANDOW Design Group, including Luxe and Metropolis, Joseph now serves the Design Milk team as their Managing Editor. When not practicing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design. The New York-based writer has also contributed to exhibitions hosted by the AIA New York’s Center for Architecture and Architectural Digest, and recently published essays and collage illustrations with Proseterity, a literary publication.

Benni Allan, founding director of EBBA, takes an investigative approach to every aspect of his practice. Born and raised in Spain, the architect was surrounded by exceptional design, but it was a visit to fellow countryman Santiago Calatrava’s City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia when he was 12 years old that made a lasting impression. “The park is organized around large pools of water, with buildings interspersed around them that look like dystopian structures made of concrete, steel, and glass,” Allan says. “I was so taken aback, and I remember thinking that it was something I would end up doing.”

Based in London, Allan strives to reflect poetic material qualities, whether envisioning a retail store or crafting furniture. Every piece and structure is formed to have an emotional impact, much like the rhythms that serve as inspiration for him. “Producing is very architectural in the way tracks are composed,” he adds. “If I had the opportunity, I would dedicate time to developing ways to make and play live, which is essentially creating music in real time.”

Today, Benni Allan joins us for Friday Five!

Photo: Devon Turnbull, courtesy Lisson Gallery

As someone who enjoys music and has spent most of my life going to gigs, I am very aware of the importance of the quality of sound. There’s been a major shift in the world of listening experiences, and this really came to the fore in an exhibition by Devon Turnbull at Lisson Gallery. The listening room he created was decked out with his own crafted speakers and a setup that offered an almost meditative experience.

Photo: Joshua White, courtesy Carpenters Workshop Gallery

I am drawn to work that explores materiality, and especially ways in which a ubiquitous material can be transformed into something so beautiful. In the work of Vincenzo De Cotiis, which was shown at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in New York, I enjoyed the layering and texture of the material to create natural forms made entirely through an industrial process.

Photo: Courtesy of Marjan van Aubel Studio

The Sunne light by Marjan van Aubel is powered entirely by solar energy. Not only a functional piece, this elegant object makes us think about our impact on the world. The light was included in an exhibition at Vitra called “Transform!: Designing the Future of Energy,” which looked at renewable sources of energy and design responses to the climate issues of today.

Photo: Courtesy Silverlens Galleries

I was blown away when I first saw a painting of Nicole’s a couple of years back, as it reminded me of the shutters on the windows in Spain that block out the sun at the height of the day. Nicole takes common everyday objects and uses them to create intricate prints. In March she had her first solo show with Silverlens New York, titled “In Passing.”

Photo: John Marshall for JMEnternational

I was struck by Rachel Jones when I first experienced her work at a show dedicated to contemporary painters at the Hayward Gallery in London. It is no surprise that her beautifully textured forms have really seen her shine recently, including as the designer of this year’s BRIT Awards trophy.

Works by Benni Allan:

WatchHouse Drawing inspiration from the modernist architectural features of lobbies found in civic buildings, the project is rooted in an approach to craft an inviting, unique space whilst establishing a sense of connection to the broader building. Photo: Ståle Eriksen

“Low Collection” is a series of furniture designed by EBBA’s director, Benni Allan, as part of an investigation into what it means to sit and how every culture has a different relationship to the act of resting. Photo: Nina Lilli Holden

Belsize Lane EBBA have been appointed to work on the restoration of Belsize Lane, the house designed and lived-in by the unsung female architect Georgie Wolton. The works will involved a careful investigation into the existing structure and the overall fabric in order to bring the building back to life. The ambition is to make a building that is highly sustainable, benefiting from natural cooling and ventilation while making a home fit for the future. Photo: Riba Pix Archive & James Retief

Rotaro Working within the unique spaces of Liberty we have created a project focused around ideas of circularity, both in terms of materials and spatial ideas. The environmental response towards fashion is a key message that translates into the overall concept for the space. James Retief

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

Amidst the stately Georgian homes of Forest Hill in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, stands a square house that’s a work of art designed by architectural firm PARTISANS. Canvas House’s innovative design and sculptural facade set it apart, making it a noteworthy addition to Toronto’s architectural landscape. The 5,220-square-foot residence serves not only as a home for its owners, but for their contemporary art collection as well.

Canvas House is an example of how architecture can transcend traditional boundaries to become a form of art itself. The home’s facade, a monochromatic undulating brick enclosure, breaks from the conventional designs of its neighbors. The rhythmic surface extends outward to create an overhang above the entrance and recedes to allow natural light through a skylight on the second floor.

The wave-like movement of the brick ebbs and flows, showcasing both organic forms and natural patterns. When viewing from a distance, the exterior takes on the appearance of the rippling of a theater curtain, which gives nod to the homeowner’s history in theater production.

Canvas House is a testament to the possibilities of brick as a material, showcasing that the rigid material can be used to create soft, organic patterns. The facade features an unmodulated surface created from a repeating section of five bricks, inspired by the early works of artist Larry Poons. The use of single-colored bricks with “individually improvised corbel variations” enhances the visual impact, demonstrating how traditional materials can be used in contemporary and expressive ways. This approach not only captures the elegance of Georgian architecture but also reinterprets it through a modern lens, emphasizing the flexibility and aesthetic potential of brickwork.

Stepping inside Canvas House, one is immediately struck by the variations of light and shadow, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The organic curves of the exterior continue indoors, with gently curving walls that flow seamlessly into ceilings and fixtures. Architectural elements such as door handles and handrails are carved directly from the walls, enhancing the sense of fluidity and cohesion throughout the space.

Thoughtful consideration went into the light within the interior spaces highlighting the subtle textures and forms, adding depth and dimension. This calculated design creates an airy, tranquil environment that serves as the perfect backdrop for the owner’s contemporary art collection.

Concept drawing of Canvas, which was inspired by the homeowner’s love of collection art, with the facade acting as a canvas.

Photography by Younes Bounhar.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

With space being at a premium in most large cities these days, architects are having to think outside the box in order to maximize square footage within limited footprints. Prime example is Mini Tower One, a 3,500-square-foot rear addition and renovation of a multi-family residential building in Brooklyn that reimagines the concept of indoor/outdoor living. Designed by the award-winning interdisciplinary design studio MODU, this project not only expands living space by 30%, but also sets a new standard for flexible residential design.

Mini Tower One’s design philosophy centers around creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Each floor of the building is extended to include flexible areas that cater to a variety of activities, from living and entertaining to relaxing and enjoying the changing seasons. Key features such as the indoor terrace and all-season room can be enclosed or opened up, allowing residents to immerse themselves throughout the year, no matter the weather, all from the comfort of their home.

A unique example of incorporating biophilic elements indoors that goes beyond adding potted plants to the space is planting a tree right into the home, as seen above, where a tree is planted in the concrete floor. As it grows, the tree with continue sprouting up through the void created by the spiral staircase.

The project, which follows passive house principles, boasts a high-performance building envelope designed to minimize energy consumption, creating an airtight environment during peak heating and cooling seasons. When the weather is mild, large openings invite the outdoors in, fostering a connection to nature without sacrificing energy efficiency.

The building’s innovative threshold areas, such as the indoor terrace and all-weather room, passively cool incoming air, reducing the need for air conditioning during warmer times. This smart design not only enhances indoor comfort but also significantly cuts down on energy use. Features like the edible garden on the roof terrace and the towering 50-foot birch tree in the backyard further emphasize the project’s commitment to nature in the city.

Beyond its architectural ingenuity, Mini Tower One serves as a catalyst for urban planning research led by MODU. This research aims to identify additional sites in New York City where similar multi-family additions can be implemented without necessitating full demolition. The focus is on maximizing available Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in properties with zoning height limitations, insufficient existing structures, or unstable soil conditions. This strategy supports increased density in ‘middle housing’ areas, making such developments accessible to long-time property owners and addressing the challenges of gentrification.

Recently recognized with the 2024 AIANY Design Award, the project seamlessly integrates passive house features – like super-insulated facades and energy recovery ventilation – with cutting-edge solutions such as radiant outdoor heating, an air curtain that opens to the outdoors, and a planted indoor tree for natural air filtration. Remarkably, despite these enhancements, Mini Tower One requires just 12% more energy, which is more than compensated for by rooftop solar panels. This blend of efficiency and innovation positions Mini Tower One as a model for maximizing small urban footprints and creating sustainable, enjoyable living environments.

Rachely Rotem and Phu Hoang of MODU

Photography by Michael Moran.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, and Accredited Passivhaus Designer Cedric Burgers had some help being set up for success, thanks to parents who fostered a creative culture and hard work. “In retrospect, it had a monumental influence on the young lives of us siblings,” he shares. “Dinner table discussions, often with pens and paper, where guests and family were compelled to describe, concisely and with diagrams, an idea or story. The act of drawing in real time in front of people is liberating and without shame. Constantly training that skill makes it normal, and it is now an essential part of my creative process with clients.”

Burgers holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of British Columbia. His experience level grew by working with Daniel Libeskind and Müller, Knippschild, Wehberg Landscape Architects in Berlin, Germany, after graduating. This all led to the eventual founding of BURGERS ARCHITECTURE.

Burgers first felt the magnetic pull of architecture in 1976, when Arthur Erickson designed the Museum of Anthropology. He had the chance to visit shortly after its opening, and his worldview shifted. “There is a famous space in the museum underground where a carving by Haida artist Bill Reid sits on a plinth of concrete and grey sisal carpet. The sculpture depicts the birth of man from a clam shell, topped by a huge raven. The piece is lit from above, as though it were in a forest clearing,” Burgers describes. “The entire experience is riveting; the serenity of the space and the story of the raven say so much about where we are and how to live here. It ignited two things in me: a fascination with first-nation art and culture and a love of architecture. The dialogue between them in this space is so potent, particularly because it is also in the modern context – it feels alive, of today. Importantly, the materials in the museum – concrete, cedar, glass, and sculpture – are muted in tone and texture and align with our light and climate. This, too, is part of the sensory experience.”

Based on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada, BURGERS ARCHITECTURE is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm that’s earned itself a reputation for environmental stewardship by building legacy architecture that’s discerning and eco-conscious. To break it down further, BURGERS ARCHITECTURE focuses on forward thinking in the context of place via Critical Regionalism and High Performance Design. This takes into consideration any constraints that may be specific to a site or region so that it’s possible to create beautiful architecture while reducing the environmental footprint of the build. BURGER ARCHITECTURE is also accredited and known as an industry leader in Passive Housing.

Lately, Burgers says he finds himself writing more and more, approaching it from the same “try, repeat, be authentic” angle as design. “I am not fussed about a perfect piece; I’m interested in expressing an idea. Think-Do-Say is my mantra. We have been thinking and doing for decades now, and I have realized that there is a natural limit to this – to spread ideas, we need to speak and write,” he shares. “There are a lot of people now who are writing but haven’t done the thinking and doing part. I’ve been catching up on expressing myself and luckily have discovered the joy in writing and speaking.”

When asked about a favorite possession, Burgers managed to narrow it down to the ship’s oil lamp, designed by Erik Magnussen for Stelton. Void of any ornamentation, what the architect is most drawn to is that nothing can be added or taken away from the piece to improve its design. “The material, a softly polished stainless steel, has a velvet appearance, and the base is beautifully proportioned, containing enough oil for a summer’s worth of outdoor dinners,” Burgers says. “In architecture, this feeling of obvious simplicity is extraordinarily hard to achieve, given the complications of forces acting upon a building. Great design in objects like the ship’s lamp reminds me of what can and should be achieved.”

Today, we’re happy to have Cedric Burgers join us for Friday Five!

Photo: Courtesy of Galerie Max Hetzier

1. The Paintings + Art of Karel Appel

This was the first contemporary Dutch artist I was exposed to as a kid, and I thought, “I could do this.” I still love his vibrant colors and the bold, brutal moves on canvas that feel painfully comical. I liked the idea that you can paint freely and not take yourself or work too seriously, I think about this a lot – that the need to feel childlike and loose when being creative is probably the hardest thing to do.

Photo: Courtesy of Hestra

I have a pair for skiing and another for outdoor chores. Hands stay warm in the coldest conditions on the slopes (cross country skiing, ski touring, and hiking) and can handle all the outdoor work at home (firewood splitting, tree pruning, and wood hauling). There’s a reason this company has been around since 1936 and is in its fourth generation of leather glove making, the craftsmanship is outstanding.

Photo: Courtesy of Destination BC, Andrew Strain

Every summer our family gets on our sailboat, and we make our way up the BC shoreline towards the very best islands, small bays, and beautiful coves of our province. We’ll meet friends in Tenedos halfway into our trip and take turns jumping off of the boat to cool off before we throw down an anchor and stern tie to shore. Sailboats are compact, tight spaces, but somehow it’s the family holiday we enjoy the most together. If we start to feel a little cabin fever, we just move on to a new destination and find a new spot to cliff jump and play.

Photo: Courtesy of Vitra

Visually it’s just so beautiful to look at, but to sit in it is to really understand Jean Prouvé as an engineer first, then architect/designer. It is ergonomically the most well-proportioned chair and allows just the right angle to hold a book or glass of wine after work, when it seems to feel the most comfortable.

We have been cross-country skiing as a family since the kids were little babies and it was this chariot that enabled us to all participate as a family and keep us outdoors all winter to play. We have some of the most epic trails for Nordic skiing here in BC just an hour and a half away from our home. Whistler Olympic Park has world-class trails and a great lodge for an after-ski hot chocolate and bowl of chili.

Work by Cedric Burgers:

Buckhorn Photo: Ema Peter

Bellevue Photo: Martin Tessler

Ocean Park Photo: Michael Boland

Bonnie Bay Photo: Ema Peter

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.