Lifestyle

Modernity, openness and nature: the enduring appeal of Eichler homes

The Eichler name is attached to one of the best-known and best-loved architectural trends in 20th-century American architecture. Here, we examine the defining aspects of the design, with a view to understanding how Eichler's homes are inspiring the homes of today.

Why floating homes are the next big thing in architecture

Dubai, Amsterdam, Seattle – all glamorous cities in which to drop anchor and make a home.

What is Micro Living and why is it called the urban living concept of the future?

A look at the current market trends reveals that the large conurbations are still immensely popular as places to live. After all, their extensive offer of jobs, entertainment and general infrastructure fits perfectly with the modern 24-hour lifestyle.

The most famous opera architecture from around the world

Opera houses are a city’s statement building: they tell the world that the city has reached a new level of cultural refinement. Almost all of the best-loved and most-visited cities around the world are home to an opera house, and you could spend a lifetime studying them, as no two are the same. Here are just a few of the grandest.

What is a zero carbon building?

Energy consumption and energy efficient buildings have been a hot topic for some time now. Climate change is increasingly a concern in almost all sectors of life, but especially the construction sector; the focus on a sustainable future has never been more intense. As such, it’s likely that we’ve all read something around the subject of green buildings and sustainable buildings, but have you heard of zero carbon buildings? What precisely is a net zero carbon building and who is developing such projects?

The philosophy behind iconic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture

Deemed the ‘greatest American architect of all time’ in a 1991 survey by the American Institute of Architects, Frank Lloyd Wright was a true visionary. He believed in the power of connecting architecture with its inhabitants, stating once that ‘the mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilisation’.

Le Corbusier’s style and design philosophy

Le Corbusier ranks among the most influential figures in modern architecture and is perhaps one of the most divisive. He has been both lauded for the sculptural quality of his free-form living spaces and reviled for setting the stage for concrete social housing blocks thrown up in the post-war years. But how did a self-taught architect from a small Swiss town make such an impact, and why is he still relevant?

Cutting down trees on your own property

A tree in the garden creates a pleasant atmosphere, provides shade and, for many garden owners, is an essential part of the garden. But if it gets too big or if there are plans to change the garden design, you may want to remove it. There are perfectly understandable reasons for cutting down a tree on your property. Nevertheless, you should be mindful of the legal situation, because this is not always permitted. Depending on the country and region, there are varying legal regulations regarding the removal of trees, even if they are located on your own land.

Tips to help you face retirement with confidence

Future mall: preparing for the shopping centres of tomorrow

The rise in online shopping has changed not just where but how we shop. While the upheaval caused by these trends might worry retail investors and workers, it actually represents a fantastic opportunity to map out a future mall that serves the needs of buyers and sellers alike – here’s how.

The best places to retire

You may already have a firm plans for your retirement, whether that's enjoying a luxurious lifestyle by the sea or taking a second home in a historic city.

What's it really like to own and live in a castle?

For most people, having their very own castle is the stuff of fairytales – however, for a few proud investors and history lovers, the dream of owning and living in a castle can become reality.