The Arc at Green School in Bali features an impressive undulating bamboo roof designed by local studio Ibuku.

Used to educate children up until the secondary phase, the school was founded by John and Cynthia Hardy in 2006 and has a strong focus on sustainability, from an educational and architectural stance. The Arc brings this value into the school’s design, created by local architecture studio Ibuku. Headed by Elora Hardy, the structure brings a fresh and creative element to the education centre while using smart and eco-friendly planning and materials.

The pioneering bamboo roof protects the school’s gym and wellness space. The light and dynamic materials (available in abundance) create a safe, sturdy and aesthetically pleasing structure that mirrors the visual of a boat’s billowing sails through a repetitive undulating pattern.

Ibuku explained the design as follows, “a series of intersecting 14m-tall bamboo arches spanning 19m, interconnected by anticlastic gridshells that derive their strength from curving in two opposite directions.” The project was executed in collaboration with German carpentry specialist Jörg Stamm and structural engineers Atelier One.

The result is a prime example of ecological and sustainable architecture working together with nature and geometry.

(h/t) wallpaper.com

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Rattan, cane, bamboo, wicker… We just can’t get enough of texture at home right now. VISI has selected 10 pieces for you to keep in mind.

Kotini Lamp Range

From R1816.50 | weylandts.co.za

Rattan Chair

R3599 | za.sofacompany.com

Sahara Bed

R13995 | aurainteriors.co.za

Glass Jug with Cane

R795 | pezulainteriors.co.za

Curved Rattan Bedside Table

R11250 | meuble.store

Christy Screen

R3495 | blockandchisel.co.za

Freestanding Rattan Cupboard

R44850 | meuble.store

Mappe Dining Chair

R3595 | weylandts.co.za

Rattan Couch

R4800 | esque.co.za

Carlo Bar Table in Natural

R5590 | pezulainteriors.co.za

Care Tips

Remember to also take note of these top care tips:

• Try to keep rattan, cane and wicker furniture out of direct sunlight.
• If they have to be in a sunny spot, rotate pieces regularly to ensure they are exposed to the sun equally on all sides.
• Clean these natural fibres every few weeks: wipe down with a damp (not soaking-wet) cloth to gently remove dust, then air-dry.
• You can also remove dust with a vacuum cleaner – use the brush nozzle, and be gentle. Or simply brush off debris and dirt with a dry paintbrush.
• Tackle mould or mildew as soon as it appears, using a diluted bleach solution applied with a damp cloth.
• Removable cushion covers should be cleaned annually.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

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From the mesmerising Morpheus Hotel in Macau to architecture-inspired poufs and a hot dog bus in New York, these are the top VISI team’s top picks of the week series – week 239.

1. Zaha Hadid’s Morpheus Hotel

“The facade of the striking Morpheus Hotel in Macau, designed by Zaha Hadid architects, pays homage to China’s traditional jade carving traditions,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “This dramatic building forms part of a resort called City of Dreams, made up of a shopping district, casino, two theatres, 20 restaurants and four hotels.”

Image credit: Ivan Dupont via designboom.com

2. Note Design Studio’s Architectural Poufs

“Swedish brand Note Design Studio has created a collection of architecture-inspired poufs,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Before deciding on arches, the studio explored a range of architectural forms, including domes and silos. I love the end result.” For more architectural finds, take a look at the World Architecture Festival 2022 Shortlist.

Image credit: Matevž Paternoster via dezeen.com

3. Vilela Florez’s Bamboo House

“Designed by architectural firm Vilela Florez, this 180-square-metre, one-storey holiday house in Brazil is made of bamboo slats that have been laid diagonally between dark vertical ribs,” says Art Director Lené Roux. “What a spot for a summer getaway!”

Image credit: Maira Acayaba via dezeen.com

4. Helle Mardahl’s Candy Collection Lamps

“Based in Denmark, artist and designer Helle Mardahl’s Candy Collection, a series of ornate glass lamps, are all inspired by sweets,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “I love that each lamp is handmade and entirely unique.”

Image credit: hellemardahl.com

5. Erwin Wurm Hot Dog Bus

“Austrian artist Erwin Wurm has, with the help of New York’s Public Art Fund, created a Hot Dog Bus that will deliver 50 000 free hot dogs in Brooklyn Bridge Park over the summer,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “The body of the bus (a Volkswagen T2b Microbus) was created using a combination of styrofoam, urethane, putty and paint.”

Image credit: Liz Ligon via artsy.net

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Adam Hoets, Founder and Creative Director of award-winning local lighting studio willowlamp, has created a new show-stopping design after watching a film about ninjas.

The inspiration for the WindChime chandelier came quickly, with this design being one of the fastest Adam has ever come up with.

“It took me less than three days,” he says. “Sometimes I sit on ideas for years, and sometimes they just appear in an instant. I’ve always liked these forms [tiered bamboo wind chimes] and thought it would be interesting to interpret wind chimes in a classic chandelier design.”

The snowflake-shaped WindChime is one of two new chandelier designs forming part of the 2018 collection.

“With this light, I also positioned lamps on the top of the main frame,” says Adam. “These cast dramatic overlapping shadows onto the ceiling above through the suspension chains and circular holes in the frame above it.”

Each “wind chime” is lit up using G4 LEDs, with six LEDs featuring on top of the main frame. The WindChime is available in red, black and white, as well as varying metallic shades.

For more information, visit willowlamp.com. 

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South African design brand minima, headed up by designer Jacques Cronje, has become well-known for its digitally-cut timber products, having created over 30 different lights since its inception in 2014.

“I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what I think timber can do,” says Jacques. “By manipulating arcs and angles I can produce interesting lighting effects, which naturally sets the tone in a space. In nature trees bend and twist in order to reach the light; I use simple geometry to reflect and filter light. With my first love being architecture, and more specifically designing timber homes and buildings, including lighting and furniture in my portfolio has been a natural progression for me.”

The brand’s latest releases, namely Echo, Cubic and Mosaic, see a new addition to minima’s woven bamboo lighting collection, inspired by Jacques’ love for the way in which timber is able to bend and curve.

From left: Echo, Cubic and Mosaic.

Made using flexible and pliable Bamboo, each light is coated with an eco-friendly low VOC water-based polyurethane sealer.

The lights are flat-packed and come with metal clips that allow you to connect each flat panel to form a double-curved shape.

For more information, visit minima.co.za.

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From a collaboration between Sebastian Herkner and The Rug Company to a new Louis Vuitton fragrance, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 223.

1. Eleena Jamil’s Colourful Bamboo Pavilion

“This colourful 4 m x 4 m pavilion in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, designed by architect and designer Eleena Jamil, was made using 7 000 bamboo rings,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “It really showcases the versatility and sustainability of bamboo.”

Image credit: Pixelaw, courtesy of Eleena Jamil via designboom.com

2. Pleekō Print Studio’s Canvas Buckets

“Cape Town-based digital printing and design studio Pleekō has launched a range of colourful canvas buckets, perfect for plants or storage,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “They measure 18 cm x 18 cm and cost R180 each. You can order them via hello@pleeko.co.za.”

Image credit: Pleekō

3. Le Creuset X Disney: Mickey Mouse Collection

“Le Creuset has teamed up with Disney to release a collector’s edition celebrating the iconic Mickey Mouse,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “The range includes a 24 cm Signature Round Casserole, mouse ear-shaped ramekins and a silicone cool tool with a Mickey Mouse imprint. It’s available locally online and at Le Creuset boutiques nationwide.”

Image credit: lecreuset.co.za

4. Louis Vuitton Le Jour Se Lève in Fragrance Leather Case

“The legendary luggage brand, which branched out into fragrances in 2016, has just launched its luxurious new fragrance in South Africa,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “Le Jour Se Lève is the luminous new scent created by the atelier of Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Louis Vuitton’s Master Perfumer. Louis Vuitton has also launched fragrance cases, made by artisans using traditional techniques.”

Image credit: Louis Vuitton Malletier

5. Sebastian Herkner for The Rug Company

“German designer Sebastian Herkner has collaborated with The Rug Company on a range of textured rugs,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “The collection includes the Mainland Light and Mainland Dark designs, made of a combination of Tibetan wool and hand-knotted silk. The designs feature four intersecting textures, giving the rugs a 3D effect.”

Image credit: therugcompany.com

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From a Bamboo village in China, to paper clip towel warmers, recycled chairs, wooden cacti and a colourful school in Spain, these are the VISI picks of the week series – week 201.

1. Cutting-Edge Bamboo Structures

“The first International Bamboo Architecture Biennale is putting up twelve permanent structures in the small mountain village of Baoxi in China,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “Twelve different architects from nine countries worked on the Biennale, creating everything from a youth hostel to a ceramic museum with this sturdy, eco-friendly material.”

Image credit: mymodernmet.com

2. Wooden Cactus Collection by Urbanmasquerade

“This fun collection of colourful wooden cacti by design studio Urbanmasquerade caught my eye this week,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “I love that each piece is hand-painted.”

Image credit: designboom.com

3. Graffe Electric Towel Warmer

“The Graffe was designed by architects Franca Lucarelli and Bruna Rapisarda,” says Social Media Manager Ashraf Booley. “The cool paper clip design in pops of colour makes it smart, trendy and alternative.”

Image credit: archiproducts.com

4. Colourful Bilbao School

“The exterior of the historic Angeles Custodios school in Bilbao, Spain, was rehabilitated by Foraster Arquitectos,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “This follows recent architectural interventions in kindergartens and schools in order to brighten the daily lives of those going to school.”

Image credit: designboom.com

5. Benjamin Hubert’s Eco-conscious AXYL Collection

“The AXYL’s design is not just neat and stylish, but it’s been created using waste products from the furniture industry,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “The environmentally friendly upcycled materials include recycled aluminium, wood fibre and nylon, and reclaimed timber.”

Image credit: designboom.com

More VISI Picks of the Week Series to check out.

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From structural shell apartments to hand-painted Dolce & Gabbana bags, a new Le Creuset soup pot and a bamboo sports hall, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 194.

1. Tudor Apartments  

“I love this apartment building in Mombasa, Kenya, designed by Urko Sanchez Architects,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “With natural ventilation and light, it is characterised by a striking moucharabiah structural shell.”

Image credit: Javier Callejas via archdaily.com

2. Zero-Carbon Bamboo Sports Hall

“Designed by bamboo and earth architecture specialists, Chiangmai Life Architects (CLA), this school sports hall in Thailand uses no steel reinforcements,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Instead, the 17-metre-high structure, which can accommodate 300 students, is made entirely from bamboo and boasts a zero carbon footprint.”

Image credit: designboom.com

3. New Le Creuset Signature Soup Pot

“The Signature Soup Pot from Le Creuset, launching in October, would make for a welcome addition to any kitchen,” says Group Content Head of Decor Tracy Greenwood. “It has 45% larger handles, a larger, heat-resistant ergonomic knob and an improved lid.” For more Le Creuset, check out their must-have colourway for modern kitchens.

Image credit: lecreuset.co.za

4. Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Bag

“When you buy a Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag, you have the option to get it personalised and make it your very own one-of-a-kind piece,” says Content Producer Mary Garner. “If you’re planning on treating yourself, diarise this: the Milanese artisan responsible for personalising the bags is coming to the Sandton store in September.”

Image credit: dolcegabbana.com

5. Nika Zupanc’s Daisy Lamp

“This pretty daisy lamp by product and interior designer Nika Zupanc comes in six glossy pastel colours,” says Features Writer Amelia Brown. “The adjustable petals let you direct the light according to your needs.”

Image credit: designboom.com

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FloorworX designs a wide range of locally produced vinyl flooring, including wood laminates, wooden floors, vinyl planks, decking and bamboo options. FloorworX’s collection falls under five major themes; Old Skool, Pop d’Afrique, Bos, Cape Cool and Futuresque. Browse the gallery above for a look at some of their top trends for 2015, from fun and bright designs to sleek and sophisticated picks.

1. Sarlon Trafic Vision 3d inPulsar Negatif (433949)

2. Floorflex in Martian Sky (MF2524)

3. Eternal Palette in Marine (40162)

4. Marmoleum Real in Sahara (3174)

5. Sarlon Sparkling in Medium Crimson (434276)

6. Sarlon Trafic Vision 3D in Line Positif (433930)

7. Marmoleum Real in Shell (3075)

8. Elite PUR in Lime Green (21030150)

9. Canvas PUR in Lake (FCV477)

10. Sarlon Trafic in Topography (433910)

11. Colorflor Standard in Cinnabon (CFS585)

12. Marmoleum Real in Kyoto (3126)

For more flooring options, visit floorworx.co.za.

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From creative coffee cups and sustainable bamboo homes to delicate ceramics and a concrete pencil, here are our top picks for this week.

1. Janet Ceramics Wolf Platter

“South African ceramic artist Janet Lightbody’s beautiful Wolf Platter (R1 900) from her Qhubeka collection immediately caught my eye this week. I love it!” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring.

Image credit: janetlightbody.com

2. Flaws Collection by Marie Liebhardt

“I really like how these vases highlight their irregularities as something beautiful,” says content producer Michaela Stehr.

Image credit: design-milk.com

3. Julian Lechner Kaffeeform Cups

Managing editor Lise Avis thinks using leftover coffee grounds to create mugs is a brilliant idea, especially with the level of coffee consumption worldwide.

Image credit: dezeen.com

4. Elora Hardy’s Bamboo Homes

“I wouldn’t mind staying in one of these revolutionary and sustainable bamboo homes,” says editor-at-large Malibongwe Tyilo.

Image credit: boredpanda.com

5.  Contour Sketch Pencil

Features editor Tracy Greenwood loves all things stationery – this concrete pencil would be a happy addition to her pencil case.

Image credit: designboom.com

For more like VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 16, click here.

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