After demolishing several walls, the main living space already feels brighter and more open to the kitchen, as well as the dining area. The panoramic images below show the progress over the past few weeks, from demo to framing and drywall, preparing the kitchen for our redesigned layout that maximizes light, storage and visual access.

With the installation of new rift oak cabinetry extending along the length of the rear wall and into the pantry, the new floor plan is starting to take shape. By relocating the range and hood along the same wall, the angle at the opposite interior corner is resolved, allowing for a generous linear island also built of rift oak.

A built-in screen and desk, along with a beautiful custom walnut beam table designed by Stoller Works, add warmth and visual interest to the contemporary aesthetic, making for a truly unique space.

We're looking forward to sharing more photos soon; with work on schedule and moving along quickly, it shouldn't be too long- many thanks for stopping by! 

This post and accompanying photos are focused on the magical colors of Istanbul, one of the world's most beautiful cities, with a post on the surreal forms of Cappadocia to follow soon...

One of the first stops made was to one of my favorite buildings, Hagia Sophia, and the images below were taken the evening we arrived.

In spite of the extensive reconstruction currently underway at the site, it is still a magnificent place to experience and always a thrill to visit.

Just a few minutes walk from Hagia Sophia is the famed Grand Bazaar, a lively feast for the senses, not to mention a fantastic site for photography. (and, of course, shopping)

The places and spaces between these and other famous landmarks are intriguing as well, with wandering cobblestone paths lined with a diversity of building types and styles, many featuring the Old City's characteristic brilliant colors and rich textures. 

The culture and history of this international city is beautifully reflected in the built environment through the vivid hues, intricate detailing and distinctive forms of the architecture, public squares and streets found throughout Istanbul.

It's an impressive city in a beautiful country, rivaled only by the otherworldly landforms of Central Turkey's Cappadocia, photos of which will be shared soon...

Until then, thanks for reading!  Lauren

From an architectural perspective, understanding and planning for spatial adjacencies, functional relationships and furniture layouts within an open context is a critical component of the design process. One solution is to incorporate a screening element to provide visual interest and establish different use zones without solid walls that obstruct and divide.

At our Villa Park project, schematic renderings depict a built-in wood slat wall to provide a sense of enclosure without losing the drama and volume of the open living room.

As seen in the photo below (looking from the same angle as the rendering above), several walls, along with a substantial brick fireplace flanked by decorative casework and shelving divided the space completely. See an earlier post for more demolition photos.

With the ceiling and walls removed and the majority of reconstruction work complete, the solid maple screen spanning between two existing structural posts was recently built at the site. 

Located directly opposite the new indoor-outdoor fireplace, the screen provides a vertical surface against which furniture can be placed without sacrificing the open aesthetic. The wood matches the flooring at the foyer and hall and marks the transition from wood to concrete at the kitchen, living room and rear patio.

The screen design not only defines the main gathering space at the great room, but incorporates a material and application used throughout the project, tying the existing to the new, and the interior to the exterior. The maple has a clear coat finish that complements the maple cabinetry at the kitchen, while the slats are a repeated element throughout, occurring at the custom kitchen island, as well as at the exterior siding and fencing.

For more on the design and construction process for this project, take a look at a few of our previous blog posts or visit the project's design page.

Last weekend, we stopped by the recently completed Newport Beach Civic Center by architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Located blocks from Pacific Coast Highway, the project encompasses a new city hall, parking structure and public park, as well as an addition to the existing Central Library.

At a construction cost of $130 million, the new center is a significant project for Orange County, not only in terms of size and scope, but also with regard to aesthetics and sustainability. The contemporary steel and glass design has a very distinct appearance, reflecting a sense of movement through the repeated use of curved structural members that create a sense of rhythm and scale.

Louvers at the ceiling and wall planes reguate daylight and add visual continuity throughout the entire project, linking the new city hall to the renovated library and creating a public gathering area for the community.

Set to achieve LEED gold certification, the design features clerestory windows that maximize daylighting while deep overhangs allow for passive cooling. Operable windows allow occupants to take advantage of the mild coastal climate while enjoying views to the park outside, which adds 12 acres of trails, wetlands and recreation space to the city's parklands.

Learn more about the project and process at the City of Newport's website, or visit Bohlin Cywinski Jackson online for further information. 

Tiling should be wrapping up next week and we'll have finish photos to share next month; in the meanwhile, here are a few images of recent work at this Mission Viejo design/build project.

The bath features Porcelanosa wall tile, with river rock stones at the shower floor and quartz tub deck; the master bedroom fireplace is clad with a Japanese glazed porcelain mosaic tile, as seen in the images below.

For more information, view design renderings or take a look at our previous construction update.

'Starlings are known for these wonderful swirling aerial displays, done at dusk as they get ready to roost for the winter...' via vimeo

Learn more about this beautiful natural phenomenon here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

While the majority of the work focuses on the reconfigured and updated kitchen, the scope of the project also includes a new guest bath, redesigned stair and open, light-filled living and dining spaces.

The design provides a sense of continuity from last year's Phase I of the project, the upstairs remodel- view photos of the finished loft and master suite at the design page or see construction updates at a previous blog post.

The wide plank oak flooring installed at the stairs will continue into the living room, transitioning to large-format porcelain tiles at the kitchen and dining areas. A custom wood screen further defines these functional spaces while maintaining visual continuity, providing ideal spaces for cooking, gathering and entertaining.

View more renderings of the kitchen at a recent preliminary design post or stop by the project design page for more drawings and information.

While there are many more photos to come, I thought I'd share an image of the Grand Bazaar that begins to capture the beautiful architecture of this magical place...

Cheers from abroad!  Lauren

Several months ago, MYD studio moved into a new office, and things have evolved quite a bit since we posted initial images of the empty space back in January. So, we thought we'd share a few more recent photos of MYD's new base of operations, at 57 Vantis in Aliso Viejo.

The storefront is located at Citywalk, a contemporary live/work development- it's a perfect studio with ample natural light, more than enough space to accommodate our work stations, layspace for oversized drawings, and an ever-growing library...

We love the location, the space and being a part of a diverse group of small businesses in this unique and forward-thinking mixed-use project. 

To view our preliminary photos of the interior, visit this previous post...

And make sure to stop by if you're in the area! L+J

To us, sustainability represents a design process that accounts for the environment on both the micro and macro scales, serves the needs of the program with as minimal an impact on the planet as possible, and positively contributes to the community, not only aesthetically, but in social, economic and cultural realms, as well.

Of course, in an architectural context, these concepts are illustrated visually. So, to celebrate Earth Week, here are a few of our favorite green buildings:

• Dominus Winery: Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, this unique structure incorporates green building processes, local materials, and passive design strategies in the context of minimalist, modern massing. The structure moderates the temperature through the use of thermal mass at its distinctive gabion walls- a modular system consisting of basalt stones encased in a series of wire enclosures. Located in Yountville, California, the linear form and natural materials pay homage to the stunning landscape within which it resides. View more images from our visit at a previous post.

• Nix Nature Center: This small, site-specific building in Laguna Beach exemplifies innovation and environmental stewardship. Designed by Roesling Nakamura Architects, the James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center is located in the heart of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. In addition to serving as an educational resource, it offers views of the natural Southern California landscape through expansive glass walls and from outdoor gathering areas; it also serves as the 'gateway' to South Coast Regional Wilderness Park- 20,000 acres of parklands and hiking trails. See more of our images here and find more information on the project at the Laguna Canyon Foundation's website.

• Stryker Sonoma: A beautiful winery set in a picturesque, 32 acre site, Stryker Sonoma Winery is thoughtfully integrated into the Northern California landscape. A favorite destination when we're in the area, the contemporary design is informed by the natural landscape and surrounding vineyards. With an environmentally-sensitive approach that highlights both form and function, Nielsen-Schuh Architects have created a timeless architecture that embodies sustainability and passive design principles. More details at our blog post, or visit Stryker Sonoma online for more information. 

Wishing you a very HAPPY EARTH DAY from MYD studio! 

All fixtures, finishes and cabinetry have been removed, creating a clean slate for the re-imagined space; view three-dimensional renderings of the design at a previous post on the project here.

Several of the changes that will affect the overall feel of the space are already taking shape as work moves forward with framing. In particular, removing the soffits and niches contributes to a more contemporary, streamlined aesthetic at the bedroom, placing the visual focus on the new fireplace. At the Master Bath, the flat ceiling plane, shown below at left, gives the room a more intimate feel and a vertical scale more appropriate to the floor area.

Plumbing, electrical and drywall work this week will further shape the transformation, and with progress moving along on schedule, we plan to have new images to share very soon.

Many thanks for stopping by!  L+J

In case you haven't seen this fantastic 'time-slice' image of the moon rise over downtown LA, shared by photographer Dan Marker-Moore last week, make sure to take a look at the short time lapse animation of the same project; view below or at Vimeo.

Moon Rise LA from Dan Marker-Moore on Vimeo.

The entire series of images were taken over a half-hour period; learn more about the process and view the animated GIF of the Moon Rise at PetaPixel, and make sure to stop by Marker-Moore's tumblr to view more of his work.

enjoy!

Next week, construction begins at one of our design/build projects at nearby Canyon Estates. The work at this single family home in South Orange County will incorporate a clean and inviting design aesthetic, as seen in the rendering of the new master bath below.

With a color and material palette featuring soft tones, modern Porcelanosa tiles, and Duravit and Hansgrohe fixtures, the space has an updated and contemporary feel in the context of a spa-like atmosphere.

Silestone quartz surfaces in will serve as the surround for the undermount tub, as well as the countertop for the new custom vanity with dual sinks.

A new fireplace, as well as built-in cabinetry and new finishes at the bedroom add to the master suite transformation, which is slated for completion in early summer.

We'll be sharing construction progress updates in the meanwhile... starting with demolition next week!

Cheers, Lauren + Jason

We opted to use the Alina pendant over the island at this Laguna Beach kitchen; the glass has a lovely, subtle gradient that reflects the movement and tones of the marble feature wall beyond.

In this application, the hand-blown pendants also serve as an important focal point, highlighting the central kitchen gathering space within the context of the dramatic sloping ceiling extending beyond into the dining and living spaces at either side.

For more images and information, view the catalog online or stop by Tech Lighting's website, which is a useful and well-designed resource for lighting and product information, images and design ideas.

PDF versions of all catalogs, including the full product line and consumer guide, can be downloaded at the website as well. (and keep an eye out for our Three Arch Kitchen project on pages 64-65!)

Cheers, Lauren + Jason