All articles by Ana Lisa Alperovich

Ana Lisa is an independent writer and curator born in Buenos Aires and trained as an eco-designer at Goldsmiths University of London. In addition to writing for 6sqft she is a frequent collaborator at NYC’s Inhabitat, where she reports on global design week events and sustainable architecture. She also contributes to Australian BlackleMag, Argentina’s Casa Foa magazine and Inhabitots. She loves Japanese architecture and Dutch design, and is constantly in search of good ideas to share with the world. Currently she splits her time between Buenos Aires, NYC and The Netherlands.

La Cabine: A Hidden Bathroom Inside an Elegant Oak Wardrobe

January 23, 2015

La Cabine: A Hidden Bathroom Inside an Elegant Oak Wardrobe

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

It's hard to believe, but hidden at the heart of this elegant oak wardrobe is a fully functioning bathroom. Minimal, space saving, and very classy, this stand-alone design shelters everything an average bathroom has. Designed by French bathroom designers Line Art together with high-end product manufacturer La Fonction, "La Cabine" can bring the intimacy of a bathroom into any room.
Learn more about this innovative bathroom

Stuart Parr’s Ultra-Contemporary Clearhouse Brings the Outdoors In, Literally

January 21, 2015

Stuart Parr’s Ultra-Contemporary Clearhouse Brings the Outdoors In, Literally

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

The stunning Clearhouse offers a dramatic, modern addition to Shelter Island's landscape. Envisioned by Stuart Parr Design, the dwelling elevates itself on a central plinth, taking in privileged views of the surrounding woodland and Peconic Bay. Much like Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House, the Clearhouse boasts clean lines and glazed walls that blur the indoor/outdoor boundaries quite literally. Rising on stilts above the six-acre terrain, this ultra-contemporary home was also designed to cause minimal impact on the ground.
Learn more about this glass living box

Miito Reinvents the Way We Boil Water in a Minimal and Sustainable Way

January 20, 2015

Miito Reinvents the Way We Boil Water in a Minimal and Sustainable Way

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Meet Miito, one of those objects that makes you think, "Why didn't anyone think of this before?!" Innovative, minimal, sustainable, and most importantly, logical, it works by simply heating up liquids directly in one's mug as opposed to a kettle. Invented by Copenhagen-based Studio Chudy and Grase, Miito's clean, innovative design saves both money and time.
Learn more about this innovative boiler

Lovely Eco-Friendly Yurt in Newfield Offers a Unique Camping Spot in Nature

January 18, 2015

Lovely Eco-Friendly Yurt in Newfield Offers a Unique Camping Spot in Nature

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

If living simpler is on your 2015 to-do list, a few days away in this delightful yurt might show you the way. Located just 12 miles south of Ithaca in Newfield, New York in a luxury glamping spot surrounded by greenery, this yurt-for-rent comes with a garden full of goldfinches and sunflowers visible from every window. Perfect for getting away from the busy city life, this Mongolian-inspired retreat offers the perfect spot for unwinding upstate.
Learn more about this yurt

The Beaverbrook Cottage Is a Charming Quonset Hut Retreat in the Country

January 9, 2015

The Beaverbrook Cottage Is a Charming Quonset Hut Retreat in the Country

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

If you daydream about spending a few days in a wooden cottage surrounded by an old-growth forest, bush blueberries and native wildlife, don’t worry, paradise is just around the corner. We found this charming two-bedroom, curved-roof retreat in Catskills which looks like the perfect place to unwind without having to leave your beloved modern amenities behind. Sweet and spacious, the Beaverbrook Cottage features spacious bright interiors, a modest country-style decor, a wood-stove, a piano, and a romantic garden complete with a gazebo.
Learn more about this charming curved-roof cottage

Cozy Rustic Cabin Near the Finger Lakes Comes with a Sauna and Serene Surroundings

January 8, 2015

Cozy Rustic Cabin Near the Finger Lakes Comes with a Sauna and Serene Surroundings

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Sweet, wooden and eco-minded, this small guest-home offers a humble retreat in nature not too far from the city. Perched on a ravine in the forest, the cabin is perfect for both nature and wine lovers as it's just a short walk from the Finger Lakes Wine Trail and National Forest. The compact escape is well-equipped despite its diminutive size and features a lofted bed area, a composting toilet, a sauna, and the perfect porch for relaxing and taking in those soothing woodland aromas.
Learn more about this charming wooden cabin

Gorgeous Sagaponack Stone House Gets a Brise-Soleil Addition by Martin Architects

January 6, 2015

Gorgeous Sagaponack Stone House Gets a Brise-Soleil Addition by Martin Architects

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

This Daniels Lane residence consists of two contrasting parts—an existing stone beach house and a textured modern addition to its side. Settled atop a grassy site in the Southampton village of Sagaponack, this beautiful dwelling was re-designed by local studio Martin Architects, who not only created a striking second volume with a layer of wood screens, but cleverly lifted and rotated the old stone beach house to provide new views and more light.
Learn more about this modern contrasting home

The Twins: Otherworldly Upstate Vacation Homes Designed for Two Brothers

January 5, 2015

The Twins: Otherworldly Upstate Vacation Homes Designed for Two Brothers

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Architect William O'Brien Jr. was approached by twin brothers to create two vacation homes that neighbor each other. Designed to be built on the same plot of land upstate, the homes, like the twins, are fraternal but not identical. Both of the structures are based on the polygon, and the black, futuristic dwellings are separated yet joined by a seasonal food garden.
Learn more about these futuristic twin homes

The Olnick Spanu House Is a Minimal, Modern Glazed Home on the Hudson River

January 4, 2015

The Olnick Spanu House Is a Minimal, Modern Glazed Home on the Hudson River

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

The Olnick Spanu House is a modernist beauty on the banks of the Hudson River in Garrison, New York. Its simple design consists of a glazed box built on an extended platform and topped by a light cantilevered roof supported by an array of cylindrical pillars. The project is by Spanish architect and lecturer Alberto Campo Baeza, who sought to create a modest but modern home peacefully immersed in nature.
Learn more about this modern glazed home

Space Flavor’s Minimal ‘Cube’ Provides Privacy for Studying, Sleeping and Meditating

January 2, 2015

Space Flavor’s Minimal ‘Cube’ Provides Privacy for Studying, Sleeping and Meditating

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

"Cube" is a two-level minimal living space on wheels. A room within a room, it was originally custom-made for a Feng Shui teacher who wanted a separate, more private space at home for studying, sleeping and meditating. Designed by Californian studio Space Flavor, it follows the basic Feng Shui principles of yin (private and closed) and yang (public and open).
Learn more about this yin/yang space

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Coat Rack for Bonnie Effortlessly Holds the Items You Shouldn’t Forget When Going Out

December 28, 2014

Coat Rack for Bonnie Effortlessly Holds the Items You Shouldn’t Forget When Going Out

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Coat Rack for Bonnie is not just a regular hanger; it's an exploration of human habits through minimalist design. Created by Kiwi designer Annabelle Nichols, this handy piece of furniture will be a great addition to any home's entrance hall. It comes with specially-designed compartments for keeping what anyone would need–or mustn’t forget–when going out: keys, a book or magazine, a coat and, of course, shoes.
Learn more about this functional piece of furniture

Nikolo Kerimov’s Upon-Tea Beautifully Unveils the Visual Side of Brewing

December 26, 2014

Nikolo Kerimov’s Upon-Tea Beautifully Unveils the Visual Side of Brewing

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Upon-tea is not just a teapot but also an object for admiring the process of brewing of tea. Made from a sleek combination of glass, renewable cork and white ceramic, it offers a unique visual experience in a common daily act. Designed by Nikolo Kerimov, this minimal design enhances one of life's most simple pleasures.
Learn more about this transparent Finnish teapot

Kristina Kjær’s Wooden Desk is a Sweet Modern Design That Also Saves Space

December 22, 2014

Kristina Kjær’s Wooden Desk is a Sweet Modern Design That Also Saves Space

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

When you live in a dense city like New York, you know that every inch that you can get your hands on is a sacred one. While sacrifice usually comes into play when taking up space in an urban environment, thankfully there are smart designs out there that don't require us to give up the simple things in life–like a desk. Perfect for your computer–or for your unruly piles–this compact desk designed by Kristina Kjær is practical, comfortable, and pretty easy on the eyes.
Learn more about this small-scale wooden desk

North Haven’s Peconic Residence Is Made from an Assemblage of Volumes in Harmony with Nature

December 21, 2014

North Haven’s Peconic Residence Is Made from an Assemblage of Volumes in Harmony with Nature

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Nestled amongst mature cedar, sycamore and black pines, this beautiful residence is made from an assemblage of different volumes. Featuring a mix of brown shades on its exterior, the Peconic Residence by Martin Architects in New York's North Haven was created in harmony with nature. Designed using passive house standards and sustainable materials, this beautiful dwelling also has a waterfall edge reflecting pool and a Japanese stone garden.
Learn more about this sustainable woodland home

Bates Masi + Architects Renovated the Far Pond Residence with Hurricane-Proof Prefabricated Panels

December 11, 2014

Bates Masi + Architects Renovated the Far Pond Residence with Hurricane-Proof Prefabricated Panels

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

The stunning Far Pond Residence has a naturally weathered wood skin and large windows overlooking layers of wetlands, an estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Located on a half-acre site on the east end of Long Island in Southampton, this modern family dwelling is actually a renovated 1970s kit house. Its extension and tasteful modernization was designed by Bates Masi + Architects, who used prefabricated materials and new technologies that minimized waste and elevated the experience of inhabiting the space.
Learn more about the prefab home extension

In.Site-Architecture’s Southern Tier BARNagain Is Built from Old Barns

December 10, 2014

In.Site-Architecture’s Southern Tier BARNagain Is Built from Old Barns

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Instead of building a new home from scratch, a resourceful family decided to put all of the wood they salvaged from a few local barns to good use. They called up In.Site-Architecture to help them on their journey, and what they got was a reclaimed wood dwelling with a stunning modern meets rustic look.
Learn more about the recycled BARNagain

The Glowing Hudson Passive Project Is a Dreamy Upstate Eco-Retreat

December 7, 2014

The Glowing Hudson Passive Project Is a Dreamy Upstate Eco-Retreat

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

BarlisWedlick Architects LLC joined forces with Bill Stratton Building Company to create this sweet, high-performance and very quick-to-build home. The stunning glazed dwelling sits within the Hudson Valley just two hours north of the city. Dubbed the Hudson Passive Project, this cutting-edge dream home is not only beautiful, it's proudly New York State's first-ever certified passive house.
Learn more about the stunning Hudson Passive Project

Julie Lansom’s Retro-Futuristic Sputnik Lamps Are Inspired by the First Russian Satellite Sent into Space

November 29, 2014

Julie Lansom’s Retro-Futuristic Sputnik Lamps Are Inspired by the First Russian Satellite Sent into Space

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Julie Lansom is a versatile artist whose work happens between her camera and her Paris design studio. She focuses on the importance of colors and has a passion for authentic materials, as well as adding a hint of nostalgic charm for creating hand-made, functional crafts. We chose to feature her Sputnik Lamps because we love the intricate weaving process and mesmerizing shadow that amplifies her delicate work inspired by satellites.
Learn more about the retro-futuristic Sputnik Lamps

Long Island’s Green Dome is the Largest Geodesic Dome Home in the World

November 28, 2014

Long Island’s Green Dome is the Largest Geodesic Dome Home in the World

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Measuring 70 feet in diameter and 45 feet high, Kevin Shea's spectacular dwelling is proudly the world’s largest geodesic dome home. Dubbed Long Island Green Dome, this LEED-certified building sets an example for both family life and sustainable living. The power comes courtesy of the wind and sun, and the home has trees growing inside and a lovely outdoor terraced garden made from recycled tires.
Learn more about this large geodesic home

Westchester County’s First Certified Passive House is a Modern Renovation with Harbor Views

November 25, 2014

Westchester County’s First Certified Passive House is a Modern Renovation with Harbor Views

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Andreas M. Benzing, LEED-certified vice president of the New York Passive House, was the architect in charge of Westchester County's first-ever passive home. Located in a close-knit community in Mamaroneck Harbor, this ultra energy-efficient split-level is actually a re-do of a gutted 1960s home. A modern temple of natural wood and glass, the dwelling features bright modern interiors and takes passive energy from the sun.
Learn more about this stunning Passive Home

Float Is an Exquisite Coffee Table That Looks Like a Lotus Pond

November 24, 2014

Float Is an Exquisite Coffee Table That Looks Like a Lotus Pond

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Float is a unique coffee table designed as an exquisite optical illusion for the home. Created by London's Central Saint Martins graduate Olivia Lee, it appears as a levitating lotus pond supported by a trio of intertwining stems. In addition to providing tranquility for the eye, it creates some surprising visual effects when objects are placed on it.
Learn more about this charming lotus table

Bring a Bit of the ‘Burbs Into Your City Home with Suburbia Wall Storage

November 21, 2014

Bring a Bit of the ‘Burbs Into Your City Home with Suburbia Wall Storage

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Swedish Note Design Studio has re-designed the iconic Uten.Silo by Dorothee Becker for Vitra in a playful architectonic way. The hyper-functional wall storage was originally made from ABS plastic and featured plenty of pockets for pens, makeup, toys and tools. But the new, more sustainable wooden version called Suburbia features a small neighborhood in which small objects can find a home.
Learn more about this sustainable storage redesign

Frederik Roijé’s Smokestack Fireplace Is Inspired by Dutch Factories

November 19, 2014

Frederik Roijé’s Smokestack Fireplace Is Inspired by Dutch Factories

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

The design of outdoor fireplaces isn't a field much explored by designers, but if you have one in your garden, patio or deck you've probably enjoyed having friends and family gather together to take in the warming glow. One designer that's made fireplaces look especially cool is Frederik Roijé who recently unveiled a tall and lean fire pit with a gorgeous rusty skin. Inspired by the archetypal factory chimney, his 'Smokestack' has a stunning modern design for cozying up in style.
Learn more about this sculptural rusty fireplace

Viking-Inspired Barca Bench Fuses Furniture with Boat Building Techniques

November 18, 2014

Viking-Inspired Barca Bench Fuses Furniture with Boat Building Techniques

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Here is a design we'd like to get cozy with. Perfect for a lazy autumn afternoon, the sculptural Barca Bench fuses furniture with boat building techniques. The piece is the work of Danish designer Jacob Joergensen, who constructed the bench from bent pieces of wood that are meticulously joined together into a sculptural, organic shape. Designed for easy assembly and disassembly, this unique seat is a modern Viking-style seat for utter relaxation.
Learn more about this Danish bench

Mianne de Vries’s Photosensitive Vase Lets You Capture Your Own Image on Its Skin

November 14, 2014

Mianne de Vries’s Photosensitive Vase Lets You Capture Your Own Image on Its Skin

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

This year's winner of the Volvo Design Awards is a tangible object that lets you capture a special experience. Known as the Capture Vase, this unique customizable container comes with a photosensitive skin that lets you print your own photograph on it, completing the design. Envisioned by Dutch designer Mianne de Vries, this stunning vessel is both functional and magical.
Learn more about the Capture Vase

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