Bring fun and function to your outdoor space this spring with three collections from Vondom, by Eero Aarnio. Modern shapes and unique fun concepts are combined to make up the Roulette, Rosinante, and Peacock collections.
Eero Aarnio, the mastermind behind these designs is described as a “plastic pioneer master and a living legend of modern design,” according to the Vondom website. Aarino has been a freelance designer since 1962, and his iconic designs continue to inspire today.
Rosinante Collection
The Rosinante collection was inspired by the fascinating world of carousels and Ferris wheels. The whimsical nature of the rocking horses makes them perfect for families. With sleek lines and modern colors, the designs are equally as fun as they are sophisticated.
Traditionally a rocking horse only rocks back and forth, but this horse has a base which also enables users to spin. Because the horse was made in Spain, it was naturally named after Don Quixote’s world famous horse, Rosinante.
Another lighthearted collection by Aarino is The Roulette Collection. These undeniably bold chairs are perfect for a relaxed gathering or an afternoon outside. The designer had a concept of the chair’s leg being part of the body in his mind. Aarino ended up with a design that rocks in all directions and also spins because of its contact with the ground at one point.
The high armrests give a sense of security when spinning the chair around and also provides support while sitting. Wanting to find an international name for the chair, which also would immediately give the association for the spinning motion, Aarino ended up with the name ”Roulette.”
The Peacock collection fits in perfectly among Aarino’s other designs or stands alone to make a adventurous statement. The planter is in the shape of a peacock but the image isn’t complete without the addition of a plant to serves as the tail. The collection was inspired by the designer’s own childhood memories of the animals, which fascinated and scared him.
Photos courtesy of VONDOM
A fantastic location demands visionary architecture. Few properties illustrate this concept better than the residence featured on our Unique Homes Global 2017 cover.
By Camilla McLaughlin
After searching for an ideal mountain setting in prime resort locations in western states, the owner settled on a mountaintop in Promontory, which offers some of the best views in Park City, Utah. An added incentive came from Promontory’s extensive amenities and services, including two 18-hole golf courses as well as the privacy afforded by the setting. To ensure that this level of privacy would not be disturbed, an additional 35 acres of ranchland near the site were added to the property. “You never need to put the shades down except to block the sun,” shares Alan Long, president of Rising Star Realtors in Park City, who is listing this estate.
Such a singular site also calls for equally significant architecture, and designer Walter Cunningham, who is noted for a cutting-edge aesthetic, was brought onboard. The end result is a dramatic geometric composition that unfolds organically along the mountaintop setting. The intricate design has 30 to 35 different elevations that interrelate, something Cunningham has deftly executed. But what transforms this residence from architectural masterpiece into a work of art are the materials. Serpentine Verde Stone from a quarry in Italy was used extensively throughout, appearing in three different finishes — rough on the walls, brushed on the floors and polished for the countertops. Long says the stone was prized by the Romans, who believed it had healing powers. The use of the same material throughout also creates a subtle continuity.
Expanses of glass under the roof create an interior panorama of sunlight and moonlight. “Every time I walk through the house, I notice something different and that doesn’t happen with other houses. It is more a piece of art than it is a structure,” says Long. Another important facet is proportion, which makes this home eminently livable. The home is listed for $19.5 million.
