Architecture News

Polysmiths, an architecture firm based in London, has reinvented a terraced residence in Peckham, London, named Pine House. The transformation focused on overcoming common architectural challenges prevalent in Victorian-era homes, such as constrained spaces and limited natural light. By integrating a significant double-height void and utilizing a carefully curated palette of materials like lime-plastered brick, timber, and cork, the renovation dramatically altered the home's internal dynamics, creating an environment where light and shadow interplay to define its character.

A core element of the redesign was establishing an unobstructed line of sight across the ground floor, linking the front reception area with a spacious bay window to an angled, glazed garden room at the back, adorned with timber slats. At the heart of this layout is the kitchen and dining space, situated beneath the newly formed double-height void. This central area is bathed in natural light from south-facing windows and is complemented by a mezzanine library. The design philosophy emphasizes light as a primary architectural element, with textures and shadows playing crucial roles in shaping the home's ambiance. Upstairs, four bedrooms and two bathrooms feature lime-washed brick walls, timber flooring, and tiled bathrooms, maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

The exterior of Pine House, facing the street, largely retains its original look, subtly enhanced by a slatted timber fence and a planted storage area. This project by Polysmiths demonstrates a thoughtful approach to modernizing traditional London homes, prioritizing natural light and an open, fluid layout while respecting the historical context. The studio's work consistently aims to reinterpret living spaces, as evidenced by previous projects that drew inspiration from Mediterranean villas or created a 'cabin in the woods' feel in urban settings.

This innovative renovation of Pine House exemplifies how architectural ingenuity can breathe new life into historical structures, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By prioritizing natural light and intelligent material use, the project not only solves practical problems but also creates a dwelling that feels expansive, inviting, and deeply connected to its environment, proving that thoughtful design can elevate everyday living into an art form.

In the vibrant coastal town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, a distinctive architectural endeavor, Amplitude Coliving, has taken shape. Conceived by the Mexican firm Estudio Zero, this apartment complex is a striking display of design, characterized by its pink-hued concrete and undulating arched motifs. These forms are not merely aesthetic; they draw inspiration from the organic flow of sound waves, embodying a dynamic interpretation of energy and communal living. The project reimagines shared residential spaces, blending private living with integrated common areas designed to cultivate spontaneous social interaction among its inhabitants.

Completed in 2025, Amplitude Coliving spans 390 square meters on a 315.5-square-meter plot within La Punta, an area renowned for its modest, independently built structures. Estudio Zero, headquartered in Querétaro, collaborated closely with the client to bring to life the concept of "amplitude." This vision extends beyond a mere physical dimension, encompassing the abstract notions of sound wave propagation and the escalation of energy intensity. The architects translated these fluid concepts into tangible architectural elements, evident in the building's facade where arches and columns elegantly ascend and taper, mirroring a waveform.

The design ethos extends to nurturing a sense of community, serving as a mutual language between the architects and their client. It transcends a simple form, representing a philosophy on how vitality and collective spirit permeate the structure. The complex is intelligently organized through a succession of courtyards, open corridors, and interconnected communal zones, meticulously crafted to facilitate various degrees of social engagement. A central courtyard acts as the social heart, featuring a swimming pool, a communal kitchen, and a dining area. This co-living arrangement allows residents to rent individual rooms while sharing these vibrant common spaces, fostering organic interactions rather than rigidly programmed encounters.

The architectural details reinforce the dynamic concept. Open balconies, adorned with scalloped railings, encircle the courtyard, leading to diverse apartment layouts. These include studios, larger units with private gardens, and impressive double-height loft units on the main facade's upper level, distinguished by unique roof vaults. The material palette resonates with the Oaxacan coastal environment, employing terracotta-pink, hand-applied stucco, board-formed concrete, and tropical hardwood for doors, window frames, and bespoke millwork. These warm, natural textures beautifully contrast with the diffused light filtered through glass blocks in the bedrooms and the delicate spiral steel staircases and cable railings, which lend a subtle nautical flair to the overall massing. The tapered, hourglass-shaped concrete columns, flaring to meet the balcony slabs, visually echo a waveform, integrating the structural language directly with the 'amplitude' concept. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the building is perceived as a living entity in motion, rather than a static fixture.

Sustainability and climatic responsiveness are integral to Amplitude Coliving's design. Strategic openings, shaded open-air passageways, deep overhangs, and spatial porosity are engineered to maximize air circulation throughout the building. The substantial thermal mass provided by the concrete and stucco construction plays a crucial role in moderating internal temperature fluctuations, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Furthermore, the installation of solar panels coupled with battery storage guarantees operational continuity during the region's tropical weather events. This innovative project stands as a testament to thoughtful design, creating a harmonious balance between architectural expression, community building, and environmental responsibility, enriching the architectural landscape of Puerto Escondido.