National Tourist Route, Havoysund by Reiulf Ramstad Architects

I know myself how appealing the landscape of Norway is. Towards the extreme north of Norway, near the Arctic Ocean, it's barren, inhospitable but wildly beautiful. This is where Oslo-based practice Reiulf Ramstad Architects has designed a winding concrete walkway to enhance the experience of walking from the roadside down to the seaside. Although a little tedious, you could just simply walk from A to B, the new addition re-focuses awareness of the visitor on the landscape and opens up the shoreline to all ages, with the addition of ramps, built-in benches and tables. 

Images: Reiulf Ramstad Architects 

A Case History by John King in Liverpool

Recently I wrote a post about some concrete bollards disguised as Berlin tower blocks by graffiti artist EVOL (see it here). Whilst in Liverpool last weekend I stumbled across this unusual concrete installation on Hope Street by artist John King. Titled 'A Case History', the public artwork features concrete casts of suitcases, trunks and guitar cases of famous residents of Liverpool. 

Images my own

Glass House by Naf Architect & Design

Japanese practice Naf Architect & Design, based in Tokyo, have recently completed this seaside house in Etajima, Hiroshima. The structure is formed partly from chunky 1x1x1.5 concrete blocks, echoing the adjacent retaining sea walls that protect the coastline from storm waves. They were manufactured at a  low cost from surplus cement and unused concrete from a nearby factory, and will be reinforced with metal bars during seismic events. The result when stacked together, is a private inlet away from the seaside walkway, that protects against the wind and direct sunlight. 

Images

J. Mayer H. Architects in Georgia

Berlin architect Jurgen Mayer H. has recently made a name for himself with the completion of two 'rest stops' for the new highway in Gori, Georgia; a gateway that will connect neighbouring countries Azerbaijan and Turkey. J. Mayer H. Architects have already completed over five buildings in Georgia, with more planned for the future, including three more similar 'rest stops'. The commission from the head of the Roads Department of Georgia came in 2009, with the wish to create social and economic activators on selected scenic viewpoints along the route, including supermarkets, a farmers market and a cultural space for local arts and crafts. The Socar and Wissol rest stops featured here are formed by a statement concrete skeleton, protecting passersby from the elements with it's strong form, contributing to the rapid expansion and modernisation of cities in Georgia as well as the transport routes through the Caucasus Mountains. 

Images

Kin Restaurant, a collaboration between Office Sian and Kai Design

Office Sian Architecture & Design and Kian Design have collaborated for the first time on this Chinese restaurant in Clerkenwell. The project involved the sensitive remodelling, redesign and refurbishment of an existing restaurant. Whilst maintaining the character of the original building with exposed brick walls and vintage flooring, new additions include a concrete bar and serving area, as well as bespoke furniture. 

Images by James pfaff 

Pitagora Museum by OBR

I was really drawn to the texture and materiality of the concrete on this Pythagoras Museum and Gardens in Crotone, Italy. A international design competition held by Crotone council with funding from the European Community was won by Italian practice OBR. The brief was to create a science park dedicated to the great Greek mathematician Pythagoras who founded the Pythagoric School in the Kroton of the VI century B.C.

Images: Arch Daily