Design Debate

    We are well in the flow of winter now and in Cornwall the weather is completely changeable. From the piecing cold wind to mild 'mizzle' (a Cornish term for mist and drizzle). Right now blue sky is winning through but I can see the rain on the horizon, ready to sweep in.   To really understand the depths of winter, Sweden is the place to go. German photographer Robert Rieger  spent many a happy summer in Sweden as a child but wanted to return in its most antisocial of seasons, to immerse himself in another side.  Rieger's photo essay is one of stillness, beauty and isolation. The eerie light and dense forests convey this season in a way no words could. The occasional joyous red house brings a reminder of people, community, life. Apart from that this is a landscape that allows you uninterrupted time and space to think. 

    Hello, welcome to my first post in 2020! Today I thought I would share with you this rather elegant container house in São Paulo, Brazil by Marilia Pellegrini Arquitetura.  The attraction with a house made from shipping containers is sustainability, being able to re-use materials that are otherwise wasted.  Reusing shipping containers, and turning them into buildings, can prevent the use of bricks and cement as the production of cement is a major source of CO2 . Marilia Pellegrini has managed to make something elegant, calming and minimal with her 'Casa Contêiner', Container House .  The house is 60 square metres, made from two 40 foot containers placed end to end. Using just white allows light and shade to provide the tone and style in this house. I love the ribbed facade with the choice of furniture, a lovely way to use a surplice material.