A-frame in Ouddorp: Catshuis

I proudly present the result of 4 months hard work in Ouddorp, my husband did most of the structural work with a lot of help from our friends and family. I'm very satisfied to see that the interior I imagined while we were making the plans has been completely realized. On our blog www.ourgreenempire.blogspot.nl more technical details and before-after photos are available.

electric car

Also at Zuidpark offices: over 40 charging stations for electric cars, still saving for an electric car...a mini?

Urban Farming

Today I came across this recently opened, urban farming roof in Amsterdam (Zuidpark). Its on top of  the converted office buildings (left behind by V&D) and offers a great place for lunch or drinks. http://www.zuidpark.nl/tag/urban-farming

Villa Augustus

 Villa Augustus in Dordrecht is a stunning example of a perfect renovation of a former pumptower/station. The area is reused as hotel, restaurant and shop. The surrounding areas have lush garden were the food that they sell and serve grows and full with the nice fermob lounge chairs. http://www.villa-augustus.nl/new/index-flash.html

A frame

We bought a little hide away near the sea in Ouddorp. The house is a typical example of a socalled A frame, an often seen architecture for recreational homes. We are doing a complete make over of the house currently. For more inspiration on my A frame see my pinterest board http://pinterest.com/urbanempire/a-frame-empire/

addicted to Pinterest

It is true, I’m totally addicted to Pinterest. With Pinterest it becomes so easy to collect and have an overview of inspiration for future projects. I have several thematic boards about volkswagens, interior design, urban design etc etc. The layout of the website is genius and I'm in awe at my own and others pinboards.  

Wall

We had an excursion at the Mauer memorial site, this part of the former "death strip" opened in August this year. The park has a nice design and explains a lot about the construction of this wall, preventing people to move to West Berlin.

cloud cities

Just before heading home we visited "Cloud Cities"  made by Tomas Saraceno in the Hamburger Bahnhof. Floating in one of the clouds is fun!

place to be

We stayed in an apartment at the trendy Oderberger strasse (Brilliant Apartments). This street is known for its cafes, restaurants, shops and nearby Mauerpark. 

fleamarket style

The funky RAW temple hosts 1 of the many fleamarkets in Berlin on sunday. The market has particularly goods at 1 of the most interesting spots of Berlin; Friedrichshain. 

Berliner Kaffee

In Berlin it is always time for a cup of coffee, there are just so many nice places to choose from in Prenzlauerberg!

modern istanbul

 

We stayed in the Galata neighborhood, on the top floor of a beautifully redeveloped townhouse including a great view over the Bosphurus. Check Manzara Istanbul they have many nice apartments for rent.

Bazar

A bazarre paradise for shopping

street art

 Around the Galata tower a lot of street art can be found

religious tour

The Hagia Sophia is one of the buildings I really wanted to see, especially the gigantic dome. Originally built as the Byzantine cathedral of Constantinople and for years the tallest cathedral in the world turned into a mosque in 1453. Being an inspiration for many modern mosques. Ataturk changed the use into a museum in 1934.