Sustainable KNOW-HOW from Wales!

What an amazing discovery! 

The Centre for Alternative Technology CAT is a definitely a tremendous place! 
A absolute must-see for architects, builders, students and green architecture enthusiasts! BUT I honestly believe everybody has something to learn from this amazing place. 

Totally sustainable and innovative buildings along with explanations of the technicalities related to each of the material used. Information, data, experiments, all with the aim of showcasing sustainable and green solutions. Here you can not only see but totally understand how a sustainable building actually perform. 

A truly inspiring initiative! Since its inception, during the oil crisis, an almost derelict slate quarry has been turned into an almost sustainable community generating 80% of its own power from wind, water and sun.  

Nowadays CAT covers aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing.
Being an architect I am extremely fascinated by anything related to the built environment but when this is coupled with extraordinary yet straightforward green ideas and solutions, everything become more interesting and exciting!

“THERE IS ONLY ONE THING MORE PAINFUL THAN LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE AND THAT IS NOT LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE”

Ciao!
MCMM 

www.cat.org.uk

NEW MCMM Website COMING SOON

www.architetturamcmm.com

Venice Biennale of Architecture. Glorious experience!

2014, time for Biennale di Architettura in Venice, Italy!

Let's go!!

It's the opening day of the Biennale of Architecture and my architect friend Marianna and I are on a train to Venice. We don't want to miss the award ceremony and hopefully the chance to meet with Rem Koolhas, a Pritzker Price Architect!  

Mostra di Architettura di Venezia, the Architecture section of the Venice Biennale, was established in 1980, although architecture had been a part of the art biennale since 1968.

As well as addressing the academic side of architecture, the Biennale is an occasion where big-name architects and designers can showcase new projects, arranged in different pavilions, each with different themes. The Biennale is currently held in the Biennale Gardens.

Amazing atmosphere! We manage to gain a bit of front row experience and watch the award ceremony and snap some great photographs! We are surrounded by journalist and reporters! 

Then off to discover the exhibition and all the different pavilions and installations!

This year the theme chosen by its curator Rem Koolhas is FUNDAMENTALS. Interpretations on the theme blow you away! Architecture is mixed with art, philosophy, psychology and most definitely creativity! An extraordinary collection of research-based-installations which illustrate the complicity of our world and the built environment we live in! 

A glorious experience! Highly recommended! The exhibition is open until November!

+ the fact that it's located in Venice it's a massive bonus!!!

Ciao!

MCMMargherita

The 14th International Architecture Exhibition takes place from 7 June to 23 November 2014 at the Giardini and Arsenale venues and in various other venues in Venice

http://www.labiennale.org/en/architecture/

 

HEJ Coffee Academy is OPEN!

Not only Italian but also Scandinavian design!!!

From a scruffy depressing interiors we have created the very first HEJ Coffee Academy!
Located in a beautiful historic building in Bermondsey Square, London, this amazing new concept is bringing the best Swedish coffee for us all to taste!
HEJ is using Löfbergs Fairtrade coffee from Sweden and creates the most amazing cappuccino, latte and espresso!























The interiors have been designed by www.arcitetturamcmm.com located in Cambridgeshire. The overall idea was to recreate a Scandinavian log cabin feel by using timber not only on the floors but on the walls too. The feature wall displays wonderful light timber elements, a cozy fireplace and Eric, our quirky moose head coming all the way from America!

 




















The table tops have been made by artist Adam Fairweather using recycled coffee beans. Scandinavian chairs and stools, mostly in white, black and red have been selected from Skandium catalogue.
Artwork and canvases will soon appear on HEJ white walls! Upcoming talented artists will display their works here! Stay tuned!!

The serving area reflects the overall Scandinavian concept. Clean lines, wood, linear details. The floor behind the serving area is red! Fantastic contrast with the light timber floor of the seating area! 

The best and most intriguing space is actually in the basement. HEJ Coffee is not just an amazing coffee shop but it is most importantly an Academy. HEJ Baristas will be trained by their own coffee experts teaching all about coffee, methods and origins. 


Fancy a cuppa! HEJ is your best Scandinavian spot in town!!

www.hejcoffee.co.uk
www.mcmmarchitettura.com
www.skandium.com


 

Your dream bedroom!

Light, spacious, relaxing, cozy.. That's what you really want for your bedroom!
But what about style..?!? How to get that luxurious atmosphere..?!?

Currently working on an apartment refurbishment in Essex UK and I'm sketching away options and ideas for my clients' master bedroom. 

First of all a massive bed is what you really want and make sure you have at least four pillows if not more for extra comfort and luxury.
Choose light and clean pattern for your duvet and bedding. You want to be able to calm down and relax in your bedroom. White, ecru, light grey, cream and sandy tones..
Light is so important! Allow as much natural light in the room. Keep your curtains open and maybe add a voile for privacy.. 

A magnificent floor lamp next to a comfortable armchair by the window is the ideal spot for reading, pamper yourself or simply relaxing.
Cleverly positioned LED spotlights will give your bedroom a magical atmosphere. Choose a warm light and play with the dimmer to balance the perfect tone of light you want.

A simple floating shelf instead of the standard bedside table will add more room around your bed. Plus, bedside tables are generally full of clutter!
A sliding doors large wardrobe is the ideal solution. You can have a chest of drawers built in it, mirrors, hangers, hooks and baskets. You want to be able to move and store all your clothes and shoes quite easily just by pulling that sliding quite door..

Finally, make sure you use your bedroom not just for sleeping! Relax, have a tête-à-tête with your partner, play with your kids, do your nails, make-up.. Whatever gets you away from the daily stress! 

Enjoy your bedroom!!

 
Ciao!

MCMMargherita

All images from Corazzin Group ITALIA
If you wish to make an enquiry, do get in touch! info@mcmmarchitettura.com