CUBES is a long-term photographic series, developed between 2018 and 2025 by Seb Agnew, composed of 27 hand-built miniature interior architectural environments. Structured across three interconnected chapters: CUBES I, CUBES II, and CUBES III, the project examines how spatial design reflects human presence, historical continuity, and technological systems.

Each image originates from a physically constructed model room built from scratch. Traditional model-making methods are combined with contemporary fabrication tools, including laser cutting and 3D printing. After construction, the miniature sets are carefully lit and photographed, then digitally assembled into final compositions. Although presented as photographic works, the images are grounded in tangible architectural fabrication.

Modern Cube (2021, from CUBES II) | all images by Seb Agnew

cubes Reinterprets interior elements contained in a cubic frame

The first chapter focuses on enclosed domestic interiors, investigating themes of privacy, confinement, and individual isolation through tightly framed cubic spaces. The second chapter reinterprets architectural motifs drawn from different historical periods. Visible cracks are introduced into the structures, operating as spatial indicators of fragility and temporal disruption. The third chapter relocates the cubic rooms into a fictional rotating space station, situating the architectural language within a speculative technological environment defined by artificial systems and controlled conditions.

Across all three chapters, each scene maintains the same cubic framework, establishing a consistent spatial logic throughout the series by designer Seb Agnew. While the individual works function independently, the repeated geometry connects them into a unified architectural system that evolves from domestic interior to historical reconstruction and speculative infrastructure.

Yellow Cube (2019, from CUBES I)

Cyan Cube (2019, from CUBES I)

Magenta Cube (2020, from CUBES I)

White Cube (2020, from CUBES I)

Gothic Cube (2021, from CUBES II)

Victorian Cube (2022, from CUBES II)

Baroque Cube (2021, from CUBES II)

Earth Cube (2024, from CUBES III)

Mercury Cube (2024, from CUBES III)

Jupiter Cube (2024, from CUBES III)

Neptune Cube (2025, from CUBES III)

project info:

name: CUBES
designer: Seb Agnew | @seb.agnew

The post CUBES photo series explores spatial design through 27 hand-built miniature interior models appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Znamy Się design studio takes over the interior design of AUGA, an optical salon and specialist clinic in Wrocław, Poland. The concept is structured around the biological process of vision, translating the anatomy of the eye into spatial organization, material selection, and lighting design.

The project takes the human eye as its primary reference. The overall layout reflects the path of light as it travels through the eye, from cornea and lens to retina and neural transmission. This sequence is interpreted architecturally as a progression from the entrance area through the retail space and into the consulting rooms. The interior is organized as a spatial narrative, where circulation mirrors the transformation of light into visual perception. Form, color, and material decisions are informed by anatomical structures, establishing a cohesive relationship between biological function and built environment.

all images by Migdal Studio

light, material, and spatial sequencing outline AUGA’s layout

The design team at Znamy Się introduces a glass installation with a ridged, biconvex profile that references the form of the eye’s lens. Positioned to interact with natural daylight, the element refracts and distorts incoming sunlight, echoing the optical function of focusing light onto the retina. Through this intervention, light operates not only as illumination but as a shaping device within the space. At the core of the salon stands a circular counter made of burl wood, illuminated by a suspended LED chandelier. This central element functions as a spatial analogy to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central and color vision. Its position and concentrated lighting establish it as the primary focal point within the interior.

Horizontal shelving lines the walls, creating a sense of lateral continuity and subtle motion. A blue gradient transitions from the entrance toward the consulting areas, reinforcing directional flow. These elements reference rods, the photoreceptors associated with peripheral vision, motion detection, and low-light perception. The deep navy tones evoke the Purkinje effect, in which blue wavelengths remain perceptible as overall light levels decrease. Linear LED light guides suspended from the ceiling extend throughout the salon and into the consulting rooms. These illuminated lines suggest neural pathways, referencing the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain. Functionally, they provide wayfinding, directing visitors through the space while reinforcing the conceptual framework.

AUGA optical salon in Wrocław designed by Znamy Się

the interior concept is structured around the biological process of vision

horizontal shelving emphasizes peripheral movement along the walls

tpatial organization translates the anatomy of the human eye into architecture

linear LED light guides extend across the ceiling plane

wall elements subtly reference rods and peripheral vision

light becomes an active spatial component rather than passive illumination

deep navy tones recall the Purkinje effect in low-light conditions

the optical salon’s interior operates as a spatial narrative of visual perception

project info:

name: AUGA Clinic

architect: Znamy Się | @znamysie_architects

design team: Wojtek Nowak, Bogna Kawa-Nowak, Monika Jokiel, Ula Dachnij-Seredyńska, Anna Petryszyn
location: Wrocław, Poland

photographer: Migdal Studio | @migdal.studio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post ocular anatomy informs optical salon’s interior in poland appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in Stuart, Florida, this compact office by Interior Seasons Studio reinterprets the traditional European library within a contemporary residential setting. The interior design project transforms a standard room into a focused reading space defined by saturated color, layered materials, and integrated millwork.

The spatial composition centers on custom wooden shelving that frames the primary doorway. Shelves, door, and moldings are finished in a deep crimson tone that extends across the ceiling, creating a continuous envelope. A glossy surface treatment enhances light reflection and amplifies the perception of depth within the compact footprint.

all images courtesy of Interior Seasons Studio

Interior Seasons Studio uses Layered materials to create depth

Wall surfaces are clad in Little Greene’s ‘Great Ormond St.’ wallpaper, derived from an 18th-century pattern discovered in a London townhouse near Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. The motif of parrots and branching foliage introduces visual movement across the walls, contrasting with the uniformity of the painted millwork and integrating ornament within the architectural framework.

Interior Seasons Studio incorporates lighting as a compositional element. Two striped wall sconces emphasize the doorway and reinforce vertical symmetry, while a contemporary floor lamp with spherical white bulbs introduces a secondary rhythm within the room. The combination of traditional references and modern fixtures establishes a layered visual language.

Furniture selection continues this balance of contrast and cohesion. A velvet bench in deep burgundy aligns chromatically with the built-in shelving, while a black dresser with chrome hardware introduces reflectivity and tonal variation. Each piece functions both as storage and as a visual component within the overall composition.

saturated color defines the reading-focused interior

layered materials create depth in the compact space

custom wooden shelving frames the central doorway

ornamented wallpaper contrasts with the monochromatic millwork

a contemporary floor lamp with spherical bulbs adds rhythm

project info:

name: The Thoughtful Room
designer: Interior Seasons Studio – Andrei Subochev | @interior.seasons

location: Stuart, Florida

The post traditional european library transforms compact office into a layered reading space appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

A contemporary residence in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has undergone an interior renovation led by Sandra Britt Interiors, with an emphasis on architectural planning, material consistency, and sustainable specification. The project focuses on key public areas of the home, using spatial organization and built-in elements to establish a cohesive interior framework rather than relying on decorative intervention.

Completed in 2025, the renovation includes the foyer and staircase, living and dining spaces, integrated millwork, and a dedicated wine and liquor display. The design approach prioritizes circulation, proportion, and clarity of form, allowing architectural elements to structure the interior experience. By concentrating on these core spaces, the project establishes continuity across the home while limiting the scope of intervention.

The architectural planning of the renovation was developed through close collaboration between Senior Interior Designer Sabina Kunitsyna and Principal Brittnie Giles of Sandra Britt Interiors. A background in architectural training informed the spatial strategy, with attention given to how materials, built-ins, and transitions between spaces contribute to an overall sense of cohesion. Rather than treating each room independently, the renovation was developed as a connected interior system.

built-in bench beneath a custom wall light installation, integrated into the stair | all images courtesy of Sandra Britt Interiors

Material Restraint and Architectural clarity define the interiors

Material selection plays a central role in both visual consistency and environmental consideration. Engineered wood flooring by Egger was specified throughout the interior to provide durability and uniformity while offering a more resource-efficient alternative to traditional hardwood. In select areas, large-format sustainable porcelain slabs replace natural stone, reducing material extraction while maintaining surface continuity and visual depth.

Custom millwork elements are integrated throughout the project. A concealed liquor display, hidden behind a fluted wood sliding panel, operates as a flexible architectural feature. When opened, illuminated shelving and metal detailing are revealed; when closed, the element aligns with the surrounding wall plane. Curved ceiling surfaces with integrated lighting introduce variation within the rectilinear layout, supporting visual continuity while softening spatial transitions. Furniture and lighting selections were made to reinforce the architectural framework. Seating pieces, including the Flock chair by Noom, complement the spatial geometry without dominating the interiors. Lighting elements such as the Moni Triple pendant by Articolo contribute ambient illumination while maintaining a restrained visual presence.

Overall, the renovation by Sandra Britt Interiors Studio demonstrates an approach to contemporary residential interiors grounded in architectural planning, controlled material palettes, and long-term usability. Through careful coordination of spatial structure, built-in elements, and material choices, the project presents a cohesive interior environment shaped by clarity and continuity rather than excess.

foyer view highlighting vertical wood paneling and layered materials

sculptural staircase with a minimalist bronze metal handrail anchoring the entry sequence

Kaws sculpture sitting on a floating travertine base and integrated into the bronze metal niche

living room and dining area nook with curved ceiling planes and concealed lighting defining the spatial flow

entry console framed by fluted wood panels and a mirror, establishing material continuity

built-in media wall with fluted wood paneling and hidden storage cabinets

shelving niche with curved wood details and thin metal shelves

custom built-in media wall with hidden storage cabinets behind wood and limewash paneled doors

dining nook anchored by a monolithic table and Moni Triple pendant by Articolo

custom wine and liquor display combining backlit shelving and sustainable porcelain slabs

liquor display storage cabinet with the fluted wood sliding door that hides the other side

project info:

name: Fort Lauderdale Residence Renovation
designer: Sandra Britt Interiors | @sandrabrittinteriors

senior interior designer: Sabina Kunitsyna

principal: Brittnie Giles

location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post wood and porcelain interplay across curved interiors in florida renovation appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Dreamer Stone House is a spatial project by PENG & PARTNERS that examines marble as an architectural medium rather than a surface finish or display material. Conceived as an immersive environment in Shenzhen, the project repositions stone as an active element shaping spatial rhythm, atmosphere, and sequence. Instead of presenting marble as a static object, the design integrates it into a continuous architectural narrative that unfolds through movement and perception.

The project departs from the conventional showroom typology by prioritizing spatial experience over product display. The design is structured as a gallery-like environment in which architectural composition, material transitions, and sensory engagement guide the visitor. Marble operates as the primary material framework, informing proportion, texture, and visual continuity throughout the interior.

The spatial organization combines a rational, axial layout with a restrained atmospheric approach. Influences drawn from Milanese modernism inform the clarity of circulation and symmetry, while Eastern spatial principles introduce subtle transitions and layered separation. This dual strategy allows the space to balance formal order with perceptual depth, positioning marble as both structure and surface.

all images by Jack Qin, Zuxi Huang, Si Yu

Dreamer Stone House is a gallery-like sequence of spaces

The spatial journey begins at a controlled entrance threshold and unfolds through a sequence of aligned corridors and interconnected rooms. Symmetry, axial alignment, and repetition establish orientation and rhythm, while variations in scale, transparency, and light create moments of pause and transition. Deep openings, translucent partitions, and layered sightlines support continuity without full visual exposure.

The design team at PENG & PARTNERS calibrates material selection and detailing to moderate the visual weight of stone. Wood veneers, copper elements, glass, and controlled lighting are introduced to soften contrasts and articulate joints. Natural light plays a key role in revealing surface textures and enhancing the spatial depth of the stone applications.

Stone is treated as a curated architectural element rather than an exhaustive display. Materials with restrained veining and balanced coloration were selected to align with the spatial composition and to maintain coherence across different programmatic areas. Craftsmanship is emphasized through variations in finish, scale, and assembly.

marble is treated as an architectural medium rather than a surface finish

retail showroom positions stone as a narrative material

In circulation zones, green marble is used across wall surfaces and fragmented floor inlays to establish continuity with subtle variation. Meeting rooms employ gray stone in both split-face and polished finishes, highlighting contrasts between texture and refinement. In the kitchen area, a Brazilian meteor stone island with a natural split-face surface functions as both a tactile focal point and a working element. Technical detailing, surface treatment, and lighting were carefully resolved to ensure durability, usability, and material stability.

The project situates natural stone within a broader contemporary material context, acknowledging the increasing presence of engineered alternatives while emphasizing the distinct qualities of geological material. Rather than competing on replication or efficiency, natural marble is positioned as a medium defined by material specificity, temporal depth, and visual uniqueness.

Through controlled composition, reduced visual mass, and precise detailing, stone is presented as a flexible architectural element capable of conveying lightness, continuity, and spatial clarity. Minimalist strategies and calibrated lighting allow the material’s inherent variation to emerge without excess emphasis. Dreamer Stone House operates as a spatial study in material-driven design. By aligning architectural order, sensory experience, and material expression, the project explores how stone can function as an active agent in contemporary interior architecture, supporting narrative, atmosphere, and spatial cohesion through design rather than display.

the project reframes stone as an active element shaping spatial rhythm and sequence.

an immersive interior replaces conventional showroom display strategies

marble defines proportion, texture, and visual continuity throughout the project

the interior is conceived as a gallery-like sequence of spaces

axial planning establishes clarity, symmetry, and spatial order

aligned corridors create rhythm through repetition and symmetry

variations in scale and light generate moments of pause and transition

natural light reveals surface textures and material depth

stone selection favors restrained veining and balanced coloration

craftsmanship is expressed through variations in finish and assembly

marble and stone unify walls and fragmented floor inlays in circulation zones

split-face and polished stone surfaces contrast texture and refinement

a natural stone partition functions as both tactile object and bookcase

the project positions stone as a narrative material within contemporary interiors

project info:

name: Dreamer Stone House
architect: PENG & PARTNERS

location: Zone B, Design Commune, Vanke Cloud City, Shenzhen

area: 245 sqm

chief designer: Wang Peng

project director: Li Yuan

art director: Lv Qing

furnishings consulting: P Projects

construction: Maili Digital Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd.

suppliers: MOORGEN, SAVOIA, COSY SPACE COIN, NÍNG, MENGLV, SHANGMEI, V-ZUG, SEGGI, KBH, CETTIGA, SINGCHAN, TABU, ALPI

photographers: Jack Qin, Zuxi Huang, Si Yu

video: Chen Qiuquan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post green marble clads gallery showroom’s immersive interiors in shenzhen appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

YEARLY PLAN showroom, designed by SHISUO Design Office, is located on Yongyuan Road in Shanghai and occupies an irregular existing interior. The project is structured around a single continuous hanging rail that extends for nearly 100 meters, serving as both the primary display system and the organizing element of the space.

In response to the constraints of the site, the design reconsiders the hanging rail as a spatial device rather than a fixed retail fixture. The rail adapts to existing walls, columns, and building services, bending, rising, and shifting in section as needed to navigate obstacles. This continuous line traces the perimeter and interior conditions of the space, transforming site irregularities into an active spatial sequence. Suspended above the floor, the rail maximizes display capacity while defining circulation and visual continuity throughout the showroom.

The rail functions as a linear framework that establishes relationships between architecture, garments, and movement. Rather than operating as an isolated object, it responds directly to its surroundings, framing the interaction between displayed clothing and the existing building fabric. Through this strategy, the showroom emphasizes spatial continuity and adaptability over conventional zoning or compartmentalization.

all images courtesy of SHISUO Design Office

YEARLY PLAN merges fashion, architecture and material expression

Complementing the suspended rail system, the design team at SHISUO Design Office distributes a series of sculptural concrete display stands throughout the space. These elements are composed of cast-in-place concrete modules assembled into interlocking configurations. The stands reference the work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida through their mass, material presence, and emphasis on gravity and balance. Their rough textures and inherent imperfections are intentionally preserved, allowing them to function as spatial anchors within the showroom.

The contrast between the heavy concrete forms and the lightweight, suspended rail establishes a clear material and structural tension. This relationship is further reinforced by the surrounding surfaces, where hand-dyed white timber slats form a subdued backdrop. These vertical elements recede visually, allowing the displayed garments and primary spatial components to remain prominent while maintaining a neutral and consistent interior field.

As garments are introduced into the space, material contrasts become more pronounced. The softness and movement of textiles are set against the rigidity of concrete and steel, creating a layered reading of weight, texture, and motion. This interplay reinforces the showroom’s emphasis on spatial relationships rather than isolated product presentation.

YEARLY PLAN showroom occupies an irregular interior on Yongyuan Road, Shanghai

Custom design elements replace standard retail display systems

Stainless steel full-length mirrors are integrated throughout the interior as reflective elements. Rather than presenting a continuous reflective surface, each mirror is segmented into staggered geometric facets. These fragmented planes distort reflections and suggest movement, introducing temporal variation into the otherwise controlled spatial composition. The mirrors contribute to the perception of motion and bodily presence within the showroom without functioning as purely utilitarian fixtures.

The project avoids standard retail display systems in favor of custom-designed architectural and furniture elements developed specifically for the brand. These components are conceived as durable, long-term installations rather than seasonal commercial fixtures. Through the integration of architecture, display systems, and material articulation, the showroom establishes a spatial identity that aligns fashion presentation with architectural structure and contemporary art practices.

a single continuous hanging rail organizes the entire showroom layout

the rail adapts to walls, columns, and existing building services

bending and rising, the rail traces the interior conditions of the site

the hanging system functions as both display and spatial framework

circulation and visual continuity are defined by the suspended rail

sculptural concrete stands are positioned throughout the showroom

the display stands are formed from interlocking cast-in-place concrete modules

hand-dyed white timber slats form a neutral backdrop for the space

material contrasts emerge between concrete and soft textiles

the showroom integrates fashion, architecture, and material expression into a unified spatial sequence

stainless steel mirrors are segmented into geometric reflective facets

mirrors function as spatial elements rather than utilitarian fixtures

project info:

name: YEARLY PLAN Shanghai Showroom

architect: SHISUO Design Office | @shisuodesign
design team: Sanif, Changshan, Zhang Yichi, Lin Zihan

location: Shanghai, China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post continuous steel rail traces shanghai showroom’s sculptural interior, like a freehand drawing appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Poet’s House by NextOffice is the restoration and adaptive reuse of a 1970s residential building in downtown Tehran, formerly the home of Iranian poet and dissident Ahmad Shamlou. The project converts the house into a cultural center while retaining key architectural features of the original structure, including its brick facade, rounded corners, and expressive lintels characteristic of the period.

The intervention centers on a second-floor interior wall inscribed with a handwritten poem by Shamlou addressed to his wife and muse, Aida. Rather than treating the inscription as a preserved artifact, the design extends this wall into a spatial and semi-structural element that organizes circulation throughout the building. Known as the ‘Aida Wall,’ the new steel structure rises from the courtyard to the rooftop, forming a three-dimensional promenade that connects interior programs and visually opens the house toward the surrounding city.

the Poet’s House is the adaptive reuse of a 1970s residential building in Tehran | image by Parham Taghioff

Steel Intervention Reinforces the Poet’s Brick House by NextOffice

The original building’s brick load-bearing structure required reinforcement to accommodate the new public program, which includes exhibition spaces, a library, bookstore, café, and restaurant. The structural intervention was made explicit rather than concealed, with the steel wall functioning as both reinforcement and architectural framework. This strategy establishes a clear dialogue between the existing masonry structure and the inserted contemporary system.

Through this reconfiguration, the formerly private courtyard is repositioned as a public open space, supporting the building’s transformation from a domestic setting into a cultural venue. The steel intervention is deliberately reversible, allowing for its removal without permanent alteration to the original structure. Material selection by design studio NextOffice emphasizes contrast and adaptability, with steel chosen for its capacity to weather over time and respond formally through cutting, bending, and articulation.

The Poet’s House demonstrates an approach to adaptive reuse that balances preservation with transformation. By integrating structural necessity, spatial organization, and cultural reference into a single architectural element, the project reframes a private residence as a public institution while maintaining the legibility of its original form and history.

the former home of poet Ahmad Shamlou transforms into a public cultural center | image by Ehsan Hajirasouliha

original architectural features, like the brick facade and rounded corners, are retained | image by Parham Taghioff

structural reinforcement is expressed rather than concealed within the design | image by Parham Taghioff

the steel element functions as both architectural framework and structural support | image by Mahdi Kamboozia

a clear dialogue is established between the original masonry and new steel insertions | image by Parham Taghioff

the intervention is designed to be reversible without permanent alteration to the building | image by Parham Taghioff

named the Aida Wall, the steel intervention organizes circulation across the building | image by Parham Taghioff

the project balances preservation with architectural transformation | image by Ehsan Hajirasouliha

the project introduces exhibition spaces, a library, bookstore, café, and restaurant | image by Ehsan Hajirasouliha

steel is selected for its adaptability and capacity to age over time | image by Ehsan Hajirasouliha

the Poet’s House by NextOffice repositions a private residence as a public cultural space | image by Parham Taghioff

project info:

name: The Poet’s House
architects: NextOffice

lead architect: Alireza Taghaboni 

design team: Elnaz Kharaghani, Hoodad Zoroufchiyan, Meysam Ebrahimi Moaghaddam, Roza Bemani, Ali Ghods, Farzad Farasat, Hadi Irani, Gelare Geranseresht, Negar Mansouri, Mohammad Motamedi, Elahe Babaei, Homa Asadi, Asal Karami, Shadi Bitaraf, Marziyeh Norouzi, Mohammad Amin Abedin, Soroush Attarzadeh, Ehsan Ahani, Saba Salehi, Mohammad Mardi, Ali Jahani
location: Tehran, Iran

photographers: Ehsan Hajirasouliha, Parham Taghioff, Mahdi Kamboozia

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post sculptural steel staircase and wall breathes new life into iranian poet’s 1970s home appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Stone House is situated on a rocky oceanfront slope in Portugal, where its design is integrated into the topography to preserve the natural terrain and maintain unobstructed views of the Atlantic. The residential project organizes interior and exterior spaces to support a quiet, uninterrupted relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The architecture reflects SHOVK Studio’s restrained and minimalist approach. The material palette incorporates local stone, concrete, warm wood, and large glass openings that reduce the visual divide between the interior and the outdoor environment. Inside, the spatial composition balances natural textures with a controlled, neutral finish. Grey marble surfaces, glossy white elements, soft textiles, and integrated greenery contribute to a bright yet subdued atmosphere.

all images courtesy of SHOVK

Spatial Clarity and Light Guide Interior Organization by SHOVK

Double-height volumes and carefully positioned light portals increase openness and reinforce the project’s emphasis on spatial clarity. Ambient lighting further supports comfort and visual continuity throughout the home. The program,  developed by SHOVK Studio, includes four rooms, a spacious common area, a library, and an open terrace oriented toward the mountains and the ocean. Across both structure and interior, the design responds to the site’s physical characteristics and visual identity, establishing a residence grounded in its coastal setting.

architecture and landscape are connected through minimal intervention

SHOVK Studio applies a restrained, minimalist design approach

local stone and concrete form the core material palette

interior spaces emphasize natural textures and neutral tones

integrated greenery brings a natural layer into the living spaces

double-height volumes enhance openness and spatial flow

warm wood elements soften the building’s structural clarity

glossy white finishes add brightness to the interior

light portals direct daylight deep into the home

ambient lighting supports visual comfort throughout the interior

grey marble surfaces introduce a subtle material contrast

design furniture selection enlivens Stone House’s common areas

project info:

name: Stone House
architect: SHOVK | @shovk.studio

lead architects: Ruslan Lytvynenko | @ruslanlytvynenko, Anton Verhun | @anton_verhun

area: 500 sqm
location: Portugal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post clad in timber, stone house by SHOVK perches over rocky oceanfront slope in portugal appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Architectural practice XXXI.studio introduces Lupita’s latest Lisbon location, a pizza restaurant situated in Alvalade, Portugal. The new location introduces an architectural approach centered on production, visibility, and operational clarity. The project expands on the brand’s earlier Cais do Sodré space by positioning pizza-making as the primary spatial and visual driver. The restaurant’s fully open facade exposes the interior directly to the street, treating the preparation process as a continuous, public-facing activity.

XXXI.studio’s strategy prioritizes preservation and adaptability. Existing features are maintained whenever possible, and when absent, new interventions are introduced to simulate the presence of prior layers. This approach supports long-term ecological goals by allowing the space to accommodate future tenants without major structural changes; identity is instead defined through movable elements and equipment.

all images by Francisco Nogueira

Workflow-Driven Interior Shapes Lupita’s Open Production Space

The design brief centered on accommodating high-volume production. The acquisition of an adjacent unit allowed for the creation of a dedicated pre-production and storage facility, enabling the main space to serve exclusively as a customer-oriented environment. Inside, the layout is intentionally minimal. Stainless steel counters organize the workflow, defining the circulation and production sequence. Seating is limited, with stainless steel tables and stools positioned along the exterior edge to maintain a direct visual and spatial connection between staff and visitors.

The full-height opening on the street front reinforces the studio’s principle of maximizing openness. By removing conventional signage and dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior, the space stands out among its commercial neighbors and presents the culinary process as the central element of the experience. The result, developed by XXXI.studio, functions as a case study in how architectural decisions can support intensive operations while shaping a clear and transparent brand identity.

Lupita’s new Alvalade location designed by XXXI.studio

the restaurant’s architecture centers on production and visibility

a fully open facade connects the interior directly to the street

exterior tables and stools maintain interaction between staff and visitors

pizza-making becomes the primary spatial and visual focus

movable elements define the restaurant’s identity within the space

the main interior space is reserved for customer-facing activity

stainless steel counters organize workflow and circulation

the interior layout highlights operational clarity and efficiency

floating polished stainless steel ducts contrast the raw concrete ceiling

minimal seating emphasizes the production-focused layout

project info:

name: Lupita, Alvalade
architect: XXXI.studio | @x.x.x.i_studio

design team: Carlos Aragão, Teresa Cayatte, Manuel Amigo

constuction team: Hugo Maia, Teresa Cayatte, Elena Rossi, Rafaela Marques
location: Lisbon, Portugal

area: 72 sqm

photographer: Francisco Nogueira | @francisconogueira

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post reflective steel interiors and open facade bring lisbon’s street activity into pizza restaurant appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Magnetic Field (KALU 2) is conceived by HASHT Architects as an abstract spatial experiment that communicates the identity and ambitions of the brand through form and atmosphere. Defined as a continuous, pavilion-like environment in Tehran without fixed boundaries, the project introduces a spatial field that draws visitors into its interior much like a magnetic pull.

The project began with the client’s acquisition of two adjacent commercial units, each connected to different mall corridors. The initial design move was the removal of the dividing wall, merging the units into a single, larger space. Referencing the fluid geometries and circulation patterns of traditional bazaars, the design introduces a new internal passage that links the two main corridors of the mall. This creates an additional pedestrian route and positions the project as an intermediary element within the commercial layout.

all images by Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh

Curved Prefabricated Forms Shape the New Internal Mall Route

Rather than functioning as a conventional enclosed store, the space is designed by architectural studio HASHT as a permeable, pavilion-like connector integrated into the mall’s circulation flow. Magnetic Field (KALU 2) project engages directly with pedestrian movement, using variations in openness, height, light, and sectional shifts to generate spatial polarity and visual orientation. These transitions establish a dynamic sequence along the new internal passage, supporting moments of movement, hesitation, and product engagement.

The existing high ceiling and adaptable interior volume allowed for a two-level configuration: the ground floor accommodates retail and display functions, while a mezzanine level provides storage and support areas. Digital fabrication techniques were employed for construction, using prefabricated GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) components. This approach ensured accuracy in the curved forms and detailing, while also reducing on-site construction time and minimizing disturbance to neighboring units. The spatial system was developed as a three-dimensional assembly, produced off-site and installed as a coordinated structure within the existing shell.

a pavilion-like interior forms a continuous spatial field without fixed boundaries.

the design draws visitors inward through a magnetic, fluid spatial flow

two separate commercial units are merged into one unified retail space.

the layout references the fluid circulation patterns of traditional bazaars

the project acts as an intermediary link within the mall’s urban-commercial fabric

a new internal passage connects the mall’s main corridors

light and sectional transitions create a dynamic sense of spatial polarity

shifts in openness and height guide pedestrian movement through the interior

the project reinterprets the retail store as a connective architectural passage

project info:

name: Magnetic Field
architects: HASHT Architects | @hashtco

location: Tehran, Iran

lead architects: Shahab Ahmadi, Iman Hedayati

manager: Shahab Ahmadi

design team: Shahab Ahmadi, Iman Hedayati, Ali Ahmadi, Ali Bazzazan, Niloofar Mohammadzadeh, Maedeh Massah, Mahsa Dorchei, Farnaz Agahi, Mona Assadi

detail design & construction detailing: Ali Ahmadi

structural design: Alireza Miri

technical & construction management: Shahab Ahmadi, Iman Hedayati

workshop supervisors: Ali Sharifian, Heydar Reza Mirzaei

production supervisor: Mohsen Torabi

fabrication & production team: Meysam Kiani, Mohammad Mirzapour, Rahim Faali, Hadi Goodarzi

lighting & equipment consultants: Modular Pro Lighting, Megaplus Lighting

audio equipment: Rasam System

electrical installations: Mohammad Hassan Mirzaee

mechanical installations: Morteza Heidari

graphics & presentation: Ali Ahmadi, Mahsa Dorchei, Farnaz Agahi, Niloofar Mohammadzadeh, Mohammad Masoumi

photographer: Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh

videographer: Mojtaba Yazdizadeh (Dayereh Studio)

The post fluid black and white interiors connect curved mall corridors in tehran appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.