Best on BEC in 2023
As the year comes to an end, we like to take a moment to reflect on the projects that made us stop and stare in 2023. It has been a remarkable year for architecture and interior design, as we have broadcast a staggering 661 projects from 576 different towns and cities around the world.
From the serene and minimalist designs in the heart of Tokyo, to the bold and vibrant structures in bustling cities like New York and Dubai, each day has brought us a new source of inspiration.
Our Editor Ainsley has selected her top projects from the year.
Mountain House – Cape Town, South Africa
We were struck by the contrast between heavy structure and delicate glazing is a delight for the senses. Architect Chris Van Niekerk describes the hovering concrete canopy as a protective element that encloses and acts as a retreat from the sun. Inside, the refined material palette allows the interior to disappear, bringing in the surrounding Steenberg Mountains.
Boatyard Hotel – Suzhou, China
The Boatyard Hotel's conical roof structure left the BEC Team in awe, with its stunning and unparalleled design that is unlike anything we had ever seen before. The intricate forms and shapes of the ceiling were truly extraordinary, and the material detailing is simply impeccable.
NZ10 apartment – Palma, Spain
Affordable rental accommodation and quality design are not often found together. That's why this 1950's adaptive reuse apartment stood out. Located in one of the most densely populated areas of Mallorca, NZ10 apartment was initially renovated to function as a bakery in the 1980s, but was left unused and abandoned in the early 2000s. Recently, it has been transformed into a bright and welcoming living space in the heart of the city.
Santo Shop – Fukuyama, Japan
Santo Shop takes retail design and customer experience to the next level. We love the way UID Architects have reimagined what a factory can be, creating this indoor/ outdoor experience centre for customers to use the hand-forged cookware on-site.
Olive Passive House – Olivebridge, United States
This all-electric passivhaus certified home in Upstate New York, by DEMO Architects was a firm favourite in the BEC Office. The design uses glazing to optimise natural lighting and frame views without compromising on thermal performance.
SOM LAND Hotel – Shanghai, China
How do you use sustainable building practices to transform an old building into a luxury accommodation?
The SOM LAND Hotel by RooMoo incorporates a mix of recycled timber, bricks and native bamboo in new ways that excited the BEC Team.
