My New Favorite Outdoor Kitchen

I bookmarked this picture a while ago and I think today might be a good day to share it. The tree-house concept is reminiscent of childhood dreams and playtime, fairy stories of enchantment and imagination .

The Architectural component embodies a simple oval form wrapped ‘organically’ around the redwood tree trunk and structurally tied at top and bottom. The tree-house restaurant was designed by Pacific Environments Architects, a New Zealand firm focused on holistic environmentally sustainable design.

The ramp leading from the meadow up into the tree allows access for people in wheelchairs or who would otherwise not be able to climb a ladder. Even though this is a Yellowpages promotion, it’s a noteworthy project.

News Video Construction Video Diary

April 11, 2009

Linear Glass Mosaic Tiles

Interstyle Ceramic & Glass, one of North America’s leading glass tile manufacturers, has a new collection of linear mosaic tile with recycled content.

Icestix comes in 1/2″ x 2″ and 1/2″ x 4″ tiles in straight, running bond and random stagger sheets. The collection is available in 12 textured color blends.

Linear tile will be a hot trend in 2009. You can install it vertically as an accent at a range or cut up the sheets to mix it with large field tile.

March 29, 2009

Bassino from Kaldewei

For 2009 Kaldewi brings luxury and elegance to bathing suitable for any modern bathroom interior.

The new Bassino tub is pure in design with clean-cut interior lines that create generous proportions allowing you to lie back and relax in the water. Being able to stretch out and float in the tub brings relief to persistent and also chronic tension by reducing the strain on spine, muscles and joints. Another positive effect floating has on the body is the improvement in the powers of concentration, creativity and productivity.

The shallow depth of the bath makes it easy to climb in and out.

The level base of the Bassino means it can also be used as a spacious and luxurious shower.

The bath has been designed by the internationally renowned Phoenix Design. The firm embraces a philosophy that is as natural as it is intuitive: form follows emotion.

I don’t know who designed the house in the photograph above but I absolutely love it. It is the perfect bathing oasis.

March 20, 2009

Wolf Microwave Drawer

Wolf has joined the rest of the appliance manufacturers by offering a microwave drawer to their appliance selection.

The Wolf microwave drawer matches the trim style of the Wolf built-in E Series ovens. It’s sleek design is similar to the model offered by Viking – both do not have handles.

It is available in 24″ and 30″ widths. The 30″ model is offered in unframed and framed drawer styles while the 24″ model is available only in the unframed style.

Just like the Wolf Ovens, you will need extra depth for installing this microwave. This will probably require modifications to existing cabinetry or ordering your new cabinetry in a custom depth.

The Wolf microwave is manufactured by Sharp. It is unique from the other microwave drawers with it’s new warming feature that will allow food to stay warm for 30 minutes.

Available early 2009.