Early this month, Patrick Sisson wrote that Curbed and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are teaming up on a social campaign that highlights the most cherished spots in America. Dubbed as #ThisPlaceMatters, the drive blends as well with Curbed's motto: "love where you live." It is also in line with the mission of the National Trust to feature everyday structures and areas together with the ones that have been officially tagged for historic preservation. Readers were then invited to submit photos of their favorite places, preserved or not, via Instagram and Twitter.
Last Saturday, another writer, Jenny Xie, posted on Curbed the 10 homes around the world which reflect the great mixture of historic remnants and those of modern day style.
1. 1880s warehouse-turned-live/work-space in Philadelphia, USA
This place remained true to its industrial roots while achieving a net-zero energy retrofit. The original brick facade and ceiling beams now blends beautifully with the new super-insulated walls and rooftop solar panels.
2. 18th-century home in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Combined by interior designer Jacqueline Morabito, the historic origins and modern luxuries feature white-washed space flaunts and the original ceiling beams, while keeping state-of-the-art amenities, such as underfloor heating which is more concealed.
3. Historic stone building on the Swiss and Italian border
Abandoned for two decades, this spot has been turned into a modern lakehouse. Majority of the stone masonry was preserved with new glass walls installed to let in natural light and lake views.
4. 1754 stone mansion in Spain
This lovely home has been rescued from ruins with the exteriors and structural frame preserved, but the interior modernized with bright and open spaces.
5. Traditional Alpine barn turned modern loft home
In here, the original floor plan, structural frame, and porch were maintained as it sports a new local spruce in most other places, creating a minimalist but polished feel.
6. An early 20th-century dairy in Barcelona, Spain
This was recently converted into a loft-style residence after a thorough renovation mixed original ceiling beams and a central brick pillar with new glass walls and a suspended walkway.
7. A 200-year-old barn in Hobart, Australia
Two young architects made the old and new meet - original sandstone exterior vs. sleek new windows, original timber posts and joists vs. new timber flooring, rough brick walls vs. streamlined Danish furniture, and so on.
8. 1880s chapel in the English countryside
A recent renovation converted this into a dreamy holiday home with contemporary furnishings incorporated into a backdrop of original fixtures like gothic windows and timber trusses.
9. 15th-century fortress tower in Croatia
The Design power couple Steven Harris and Lucien Rees Roberts renovated the original unfinished stone walls that provide a dramatic backdrop for their covetable collection of midcentury furniture.
10. An early 20th-century former office building
This and a brand new extension were combined to form this rad Mexican residence. The two sections are visibly joined on the second floor by a concrete staircase and library.
