AR Residence and a self service laundry utilise tranquil greens

Lavandaria Morinha

Lavandaria Morinha, a laundrette with a service area for modifications, repairs, dry cleaning, and ironing, is situated in the municipality of Amarante. The interior of this laundrette in northern Portugal, which boasts marble and green-tile surfaces, was created by design firm Stu.dere after researching traditional washing techniques.

The area has a modern, clean style and a calming, understated, yet exquisite setting that would convey the tension between history and modernity. The counter's interior shelves are lined with wood, while the surface top is made of white marble. The studio specifically chose this material to evoke the stone washhouse blocks that people would rub wet clothing on to remove dirt.

Glass doors separate sewing machine workstations, green tubular garment rails, and additional staff tables. In a nearby waiting area, marble reappears. A centre-high table made of stone is supported by four cylindrical metal legs. Additionally, a planter filled to the brim with vegetation has been hoisted from the ceiling.

Surfaces in the laundrette have been covered in green glazed tiles, in contrast to the service area, which is primarily painted white. Additionally, the floors have been covered with micro cement.

Green conveys a sense of cleanliness and freshness. Visitors can unwind while they wait for the laundry to be finished along a row of marble tables and wooden chairs. Another intentional reflection of the tile design across the wall is the gridded metal door that leads to the service area.

Explore similar materials to those used in Lavandaria Morinha

AR Residence

DeDraft, an architectural studio based in Hackney, East London, has transformed AR Residence in Walthamstow, East London, infusing colour into the design while connecting the interior to the garden through a green aluminium-clad kitchen extension. The extension boasts bespoke aluminium cladding with a matte-green finish, featuring prominent vertical seams that add rhythm to the facade.

Inside AR Residence, lacquered-pine window mullions align with the external seams, highlighting the structural depth, while Douglas fir roof joists provide a horizontal counterpoint.

A restrained and simplified material palette extends throughout the ground floor, where large concrete tiles and sand-blasted concrete blocks create a durable and neutral backdrop. Plywood cabinetry adds natural warmth and harmonises with the timber structure. Exposed joinery details on the kitchen island and drawers maintain a consistent aesthetic.

In the family bathroom, matte-green porcelain tiles are paired with a Corian washbasin and matte-black brass fixtures. The treatment of the attic mirrors the ground floor's aesthetic, with plywood utilised to craft a custom desk and shelving for the clients' book and figurine collection.

Check out alternative materials inspired by the AR Residence!

Visit Studio Stu.Dere's project "Lavandaria Morinha"

Visit DeDraft's project "AR Residence"